Whether it’s because of its unique design, air cooled engine or the ease of auto repair, classic VW Beetles still have strong appeal to drivers of all ages, races, socioeconomic statuses, and genders.
Classic VW Beetles, sometimes referred to as vintage models or Type 1 Beetles, are still widely available for purchase even though they haven’t been produced since 1996. Though the compact car’s popularity started to wane during the 1980s, early air-cooled models from the 1960s-1970s are in big demand today.
If you are in the market to buy one of these classic Bugs, here are some car buying tips to purchasing a quality vehicle that will keep you in the driver’s seat – and out of the VW auto repair shop — for years to come.
Minimize Future Repairs With an Inspection
When purchasing any early model or vintage type of vehicle, one of the first things you’ll want to consider is overall vehicle condition in order to minimize auto repair. Unless it has intentionally been kept as a show vehicle, any car with decades of wear on it will most likely require some form of auto repair.
What you want to pay attention to is whether or not the problems with the car are fixable or whether they are auto repairs that really can’t be corrected. The latter of these will cause your head to ache — and drain your wallet — while you perform one VW auto repair after another in an attempt to fix something that is fundamentally broken. Sometimes, successful auto repair just can’t be performed on some older model vehicles including VW Beetles.
Before purchasing, give the Beetle a close visual examination, ask for a history of automotive repair and maintenance, and insist on a test drive. Any hesitation or excuses for not being able to do any of these common steps to buying an older model car should be viewed as suspicious.
Taking the VW Beetle into an independent auto repair shop for an inspection is a smart idea. Consider an auto repair shop that specializes in German made vehicles and one that is familiar with vintage makes and models. An experienced VW mechanic’s comprehensive inspection of the Beetle can be a good way to determine whether or not the car is reparable.
They should be able to tell you what repairs may be required and ballpark what those costs would be. Too many owners, too cheap a price tag, and a poor record of automotive repair and maintenance may suggest that you steer clear of this vehicle. Before you even go to a VW service center for a formal inspection, there are some ordinary things you should look out for.
Rust: A Classic VW Bug’s Worst Enemy
Though we are blessed to live in sunny Southern California with mild weather conditions free from snow, rain, sleet and other rust-forming agents, there are plenty of cars here with rust. Don’t assume that because the VW is in California that it is rust free. A rusted-out chassis or frame is unsalvageable and should be considered an automatic non-buy.
Cars come here to be sold from other parts of the country because car buyers here aren’t expecting rust. Rust can hide in all kinds of places and isn’t always perceptible from the outside. As such, it is strongly advisable to check the car from every angle for formations of rust including under the floor panels, under the hood, and underneath the entire vehicle.
Exhaust All Of Your Options
Taking into consideration the fact that you are looking for a car that could be 50 years old you won’t want to go with the first one that you see in most cases. Classic beetles on the market are often highly customized or have had a large amount of work done to them. This is especially true in our location of San Diego. Take your time and utilize all of your resources to find a gem by setting up filters and alerts from craigslist, talking to car clubs and referring to forums in your area.
Using filters on craigslist allows you to search for beetles from a specific range of years, area and more. Set an email alert for a filter like this: Classic Beetles in San Diego. That will let you know anytime there is a new option for you.
Visit a VW car club meet like San Diego Air Cooled and ask around about any other opportunities to find a restored bug or fixer upper.
