Janice wrote:
>
> Hi -- I've always wanted a Beetle, and since my 10-year-old Nissan
> was totalled by a drunk driver a month ago (while it was quietly
> parked on the street) now's my chance to buy one. As a Beetle
> newbie, I have 3 questions:
>
> 1. Prices seems to vary widely for similar cars; any general
> guidelines on how prices run? Recommended resources?
>
> 2. What's the difference between a Beetle and a Super Beetle?
>
> 3. What would you say are the three most important things to check
> when buying a Beetle?
>
> Replies to my e-mail are appreciated. Thanks very much. -- Janice
> (janice@bu.edu).
>
1. Pricing is always the tough thing to answer. Depends on several
factors. General overall condition, year, accident history, original
engine and various parts and pieces, solid floor pan, rust, mileage,
re-build history. Not an easy question to answer. You can spend from
$500 to $5000 for a driveable bug. Better hook up with someone
familiar with these cars before you go buying one. These are not a
Honda Civic where the price depends on year, mileage, paint
condition.
2. Super Beetles have a McPherson strut front end. Starting in 1973
they had a curved front windshield. Easiest way to tell Super from
standard is to look below the front panel in the front valance
panel. Supers had a row of verticlee "slots" cut into that panel.
Super Beetles do not thave the same desireability as standards.
First built in 1971. Las bugs sold in this country were 77'
Superbeetle convertibles.
3. 1.) Is the floor pan solid, not rusted, no holes? Make sure the
front end is tight and solidly bolted to pan frame head (if
standard) or that the strut towers are solid, no rust if McPherson
strut Superbeetle.
2.) Engine start, run reasonably well, no clattering, smoking. Good
oil pressure? Does it idle? Leak oil? Clutch slip? Transmission
shift smoothly, no grinding between shifts (worn synchros?)Original
engine?
3.)Is the body a bondo/rebuild/spray-can-paint job special? Check to
make certain the electrical system is complete and functioning...All
lights work...Generator lite out while running. Make sure it is not
some home done, jury rigged, patch together, twisted wiring
connection electrical nitemare.
More info??...let me know. Les Alderman