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Wed May 26, 2004 1:09 pm

I have been bitten by the VW bug. I saw this posting on a local board and am going to check it out today. I know absolutely nothing about VW's, but I am very mechanically inclined. I have built many cars engine up (all chevy's).

I have no idea what to look for or what to ask the owner. Also, I am kind of considering modifying into a baja bug (please don't flame me)

http://www.craigslist.org/sby/car/31523710.html

What do you guys think?

Don

Wed May 26, 2004 1:17 pm

Check this site for advice on what to look for when buying a bug:

http://www.thebugshop.org/gotech.htm

They're asking kind of a lot for it but it looks nice and if it really is the original owner that is a good thing, if he has not made a lot of modifications AND if you are interested in keeping it original. You want to look at the underside and also at the floors inside for rust, as well as in the fender wells, along the heater channels and under the battery. You want to see how the engine runs, how the brakes and steering feel, how well the doors close (sagging doors are BAD), and the condition of the paint. Even with all that I think $4K is kind of a lot unless it's in near-mint condition.

But on the other hand, you're looking to Baja it so the originality won't be valuable to you, and rust won't bother you as much. In which case I personally think $4K is way, way too much for you to consider spending.

Wed May 26, 2004 1:29 pm

It is the orignial owner, I just talked to the person selling it. It is the realator. The owner has lived here in Silicon Valley the entire time and is now moving into a retirement home.

I guess that makes it worth the trip to see it.

Don

Wed May 26, 2004 1:33 pm

Yah but not if you're going to baja it. It's worth more to someone who wants to keep it mostly stock or mild custom.

NADA says average retail is $4K. If it's in really good shape it's going to be worth more. Here's the report:

http://www2.nadaguides.com/Values/ValueCategoryRep...2&ColorId=

And here's one you can have for free: just supply an engine:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=78030

Wed May 26, 2004 2:23 pm

Good Point, Exactly why I posted on this website. I will save my time and effort. Maybe look for a regular beetle somewhere, I read the article you referred to, great info!

Don

Wed May 26, 2004 2:27 pm

A Super Beetle is the absolute worst choice for a Baja. The suspension won't handle even mild off roading, plus it's a little more difficult to find a Super Baja kit. All the plastic, added weight, etc.

It doesn't look a bad car, but $4000 seems a bit steep, plus $4000 buys you a LOT of Baja, if that's what you're after.

Just last week I just sold a nice rust free 69 Baja, with a bus tranny, rebuilt 1641cc, Thing front end, redone top to bottom, new tires, 6-point shock integrated cage, nerf bars, IPF lights, for $3350.

Thu May 27, 2004 9:23 am

I decided to pass on the car. The person selling for the owner did not know much about it, and he wasn't going to budge on price.

On the other hand, I found an original '69, but I will post that in the appropriate forum.

Thanks,
Don