Is an (old type) VW Beatle in any way a good car to own?

Question

Other than for sentimental and style reasons?

Answer 1

it could be if you are the right type of owner, the pluses first:
they are pretty easy to work on
many parts are available
they go along way on a tank of gas
the engine can be removed in as little as a half hour
now the not so good:
they are old now and unless fully restored will break often
a lot of the parts out there are of QUESTIONABLE
quality
even though an economical car on fuel the cost of maintaining an old car plus the down time waiting for parts or repairs must be factored in
they rode hard and wrecked poorly[ rust is a constant battle] great heat in summer[that wont shut off] none in winter
if you have the means and ability, go for it they are cool looking and fun to drive. they can be extensively modified if you so choose

Answer 2

Before VW set up units to produce cars outside Germany under licence, their quality and durability was, if anything, legendary. They were highly reliable cars capable of withstanding a lot of use and abuse and could be run in the city and on long routes with the least of worries. The models prior to 1966 were known to be tail happy with a tendency for the tail to move out, but VW reworked the rear suspension and ironed out these problems. They were simple cars to maintain and I recall that on long routes, driving at a steady cruise speed the average consumption was way above 40-45 mpg.

I would suggest that if you find a good old Beatle with a known service background, go for it. Have it checked out by the local VW franchise and if they clear it, I am sure you will get many years of happy motoring.

You are thinking on the right lines and I wish you all the best of luck.

Answer 3

If you can afford a good one ( £2000+ ), or have the skills to rescue a scrapper, then yes, go for it! Well maintained, an old Bug is as reliable as any new car, and much easier to fix yourself when something does go wrong. They're tough, practical cars which you can use every day, all through the year. A good one will always turn heads, and will also be immune to the biggest cost of motoring, i.e. depreciation. You'll always get your money back when you sell on a good VW.

Answer 4

American Survival Guide picked this car as the best survival vehicle, in the late nineties. I used to read all about survival and preparedness, and was surprised at their choice. Apparently the car has great off road capabilities, is easily modifiable, has common parts and is described as a "little tank". It's also fuel efficient. There is something about the shape that is safe for roll over, and also the electrical system can be waterproofed easily. I was surprised to see pictures of the little buggy crossing a river about two feet of water. They put it through all kinds of tests, including carrying weight and pulling wieght. Something about good torque and suspension. Another point is that is looks friendly, and not as obviously hearty as a Hummer or a jeep, another key point of survival during an invasion, or tolatarian military regime.

Something to consider, not to mention it's good looks.

Answer 5

i bought a 65 beetle around 68 or 69 and it was a pretty cool car to own in those days
when you met another beetle on the road we would always wave a cheery greeting to one another, i doubt if they do that nowadays.
despite lots of faults its an endearing car that you cant help loving.
rust is the main problem, fixing it costs lots and its only ever a temporary fix it'll just keep coming back.
whatever you do, dont buy one with a 6 volt electric system, cold starting was a big problem and with the useless lights driving at night was downright dangerous. the later 12 volt models would have been better.
add to that a useless heater, scary cornering and the irritating ritual of having to open the drivers window before you could shut the door properly makes me wonder why i loved it so much.

Answer 6

If you can keep up on them and you buy a very good one they are reliable and can start in all conditions. But for the most part they are too old to buy for reliable transportation, and the heat in them is not so good. So pretty much they are just cool for sentimental and style.

Answer 7

Collectors item? I don't see any on the road anymore. They have dissappeared since the announcement that they are no longer being made. Have not showed up in the wreckers so they are being hoarded.
It is reliable transportation. If you need to get from point A to point B without getting wet.
Or good for getting TO your snowplow"if that is your type of work".

Answer 8

Drove beetles over 40 years, allways enjoyed them. AL, the 68 was first cv joint beetle but in the semi-automatic only. 69 all were cv axles.
I rolled a 69 beetle @55 miles per hour once an walked away from it.
JIm

Answer 9

I owned a 69' beetle. Fact is they are not reliable. They are time consuming. Mine was very nice. I restored it myself. Those aluminum engines are cheap and they expand and contract so much. I have rarely seen a daily drive bug not leak oil.

Answer 10

Great cars. Take good care of them and they will never leave you stranded. You can fix them with just about anything, and they are fun.