Tsia Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 Hi guys, My mother's 50th is rapidly approaching and I've been thinking about getting her a classic Beetle, something she's always wanted but never been in a position to buy. However; I am not rich! I've seen some go for £3k and some that look only marginally better go for £7-8k... what's the difference? I don't want a 100% perfect one, I'm happy to put a bit of effort in (I've got a few months) to get it up to scratch, but how much do I need to budget for a decent example that'll actually drive and won't be rusting to pieces? If £5k+ is required for even an 'acceptable' example, it'll be a no go Any advice? Ideally looking for a black, dark purple or 'lime' green one if possible! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_jza80 Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 Go for the cheapest running one you can find with no rust Mechanically these things are cheap and simple, and parts are generally very easy to come by. Don't expect any sort of reliability though, they're pigs for general use, but also hate being left stood for any period of time. Become familiar with carburetors if you aren't already. many modern 'mechanics' have no idea about them. As for prices, they're very difficult to pin down. A lot of people ask top money for rotters, but equally bargains can be had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsia Posted January 28, 2016 Author Share Posted January 28, 2016 Cheers, there was one recently that looked like it was in amazing nick for the money, but the owner said it had a bit of crank wobble (which according to Google is a spun bearing) so that was a no-go. It wouldn't be used often, probably once or twice at the weekends. I can't really be doing with another car going in for an engine rebuild besides the Supra! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_jza80 Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 Rebuilds on vw aircooled engines are cheap vw heritage do off the shelf refurbished engines on an exchange basis. I would take an immaculate one with a dead engine over a rusty one thats running. Like any car, once the rot has set in, its a constant expensive battle to keep on top of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_jza80 Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 http://m.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C702804 Might be worth enquiring about if you can knock them down Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_jza80 Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 Not your ideal colour, but within budget and sounds pretty soild http://m.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C699848 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsia Posted January 28, 2016 Author Share Posted January 28, 2016 http://m.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C702804 Might be worth enquiring about if you can knock them down That's one of the ones I'm looking at already - I'd definitely have to knock them down at that price though! Not your ideal colour, but within budget and sounds pretty soild http://m.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C699848 Nice one, I hadn't actually checked this site yet, so I'll have a nosey once I'm home from work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Karmann-Ghia-1973-1641cc-fully-restored-late-Californian-Import-tax-exempt-/222007092702?hash=item33b0a765de:g:mf8AAOSwXshWp9jE RH door looks an iffy fit, but a sure investment so long as she doesn't wrap it up. LHD an issue for her? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsia Posted January 28, 2016 Author Share Posted January 28, 2016 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Karmann-Ghia-1973-1641cc-fully-restored-late-Californian-Import-tax-exempt-/222007092702?hash=item33b0a765de:g:mf8AAOSwXshWp9jE RH door looks an iffy fit, but a sure investment so long as she doesn't wrap it up. LHD an issue for her? Probably not, but it's not really the shape I'm after Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Bullitt Posted January 28, 2016 Share Posted January 28, 2016 If you are looking to buy it as an investment, it needs to be RHD and in as original condition as possible. With any potential purchase you need to get the car in the air and check for rot, as already mentioned bargains can be had but are rare. It would be worth your while looking in the back of Volksworld magasine at the classifieds. E2A http://www.volksworld.com/classifieds/beetle-for-sale (Click on the Orange Beetle) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Konrad Posted January 29, 2016 Share Posted January 29, 2016 I used to have 2 of them, place to look for decent examples is here: http://www.volkszone.com/VZi/index.php Few advices: WV 1302 and 1303 are not that popular between old VW fans because they are a bit too "modern". You can very decent 1302/3 for low money and they are (in my personal opinion and I owned both types!) way better drive because of proper suspensions and few other things like disc brakes etc. Look for one after refurb or maybe project with bodywork done (mainly heater channels, floors, front quarters). Engine modifications are cheap and if it there is slight crank movemment it doesn't mean it will fall to pieces straight away (altough try to find one without). I had 1600cc and 1200cc and difference is not massive - 1200cc are sold for peanuts ans everyone looking for more "power" I've done electronic ignition, refurbed carburetor, changed oil sump cover, valve covers and few more bits and bobs - all in decent prices http://www.veewee.co.uk Make sure your mum will like driving them - thry might be quite difficult in a morning or on hot start, also there is no power steering and demister is kinda dependant to speed your drive it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsia Posted January 29, 2016 Author Share Posted January 29, 2016 I used to have 2 of them, place to look for decent examples is here: http://www.volkszone.com/VZi/index.php Few advices: WV 1302 and 1303 are not that popular between old VW fans because they are a bit too "modern". You can very decent 1302/3 for low money and they are (in my personal opinion and I owned both types!) way better drive because of proper suspensions and few other things like disc brakes etc. Look for one after refurb or maybe project with bodywork done (mainly heater channels, floors, front quarters). Engine modifications are cheap and if it there is slight crank movemment it doesn't mean it will fall to pieces straight away (altough try to find one without). I had 1600cc and 1200cc and difference is not massive - 1200cc are sold for peanuts ans everyone looking for more "power" I've done electronic ignition, refurbed carburetor, changed oil sump cover, valve covers and few more bits and bobs - all in decent prices http://www.veewee.co.uk Make sure your mum will like driving them - thry might be quite difficult in a morning or on hot start, also there is no power steering and demister is kinda dependant to speed your drive it She'll be fine driving it. She had a Supra before me and is the one that got me in to cars in the first place Thanks for the advice! I'll take a look there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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