TheSamba.com :: View topic

Tue Sep 19, 2023 4:57 am

I'm considering getting a late model "1978 maybe" VW bug or VW bus. I love them both but I'm buying only one.

Which has fewer issues in general? knowing that I'm not someone who will fix anything myself, I'll go to mechanics, electrician...etc. It will not be my daily rider, just for weekend

Thanks

Tue Sep 19, 2023 6:20 am

imho
a bus is more versatile and handy
a bug is way more fun

... for me, bus all the way

Tue Sep 19, 2023 8:35 am

I have a 66. Bus, 71 Bug- things to consider: they are as different or similar as a cat and a dog.
A Bug with only good tires ,shocks, properly tuned can be driven almost "rally" style around town and the countryside for a lot of fun just driving about.
A Bus, without many mods, must be driven with more concern for wind, hills, stopping,sharp curves and how "modern vehicle" drivers operate.
Maybe you can drive each one under common conditions before deciding. But if you are hauling or camping, definitely must be a Bus. Economics wise, better be a Bug.
In either case, if you are not prepared or interested in doing your own work on it, you might be surprised (shocked, astounded, pissed, unaffordable, unimaginable) at the costs you will incur.

Tue Sep 19, 2023 9:34 am

A Beetle, in general, should be easier to find parts for.

Tue Sep 19, 2023 11:13 am

The later models are much more complex than the early (say, 1960s) models; true both for Buses and Bugs. More parts, more plastic to break and become hard to find. So counter-intuitive as it sounds, the older models may be much easier to keep running!

But maybe you don't have many to choose from there?

Tue Sep 19, 2023 12:42 pm

Man, it's all up to you and your style. What's more your style? Are you a mini van guy, or a compact car guy? You can fix them both up to your style, whatever that is, most likely. For me, the choice was obvious. Do I have 30k to drop on a split bus, or do I have 10k to drop on a 60's Beetle. Both have nice style imo for different reasons.

Tue Sep 19, 2023 4:39 pm

The OPs location is Egypt. Is this true random_guy? A 78 model year might not be the the same as a 78 model year in North America. We need specifics on the year model commonly found in Egypt. Like engine type, fuel injection, carburetors, and etc.