VW beetle

Tigerprint

I drove a 2003 VW Beetle for a while, I actually really liked it. It was a bid odd at first adjusting to the huge dash area & the size but I thought it was a firm solid comfy ride & it certainly stands out from all the 'norm' on the roads.

On an 05 (& depending on the miles you do) I imagine the 1.9 TDI works out really good value in terms of running costs. You would probably find the 1.4 most economical of the petrols in that era but I imagine it is pretty basic. Maybe a 1.4 Luna? It's a shame that it's only the much later Beetle that has the 1.6 TDi as that would be an economical car.

Watch out for the uneconomical 2.0, in which case you may as well have the 2.5 V5.

Just make sure all the service history & books are with the car as there seem to be many that have 'lost' their history.

skivenov

The 1.4 16v Lupos are known for having weak bottom ends, which all fairness, normally puts them beyond economic repair, even if you do your own spannering. Which is a shame because in a lot of ways they're great little cars.

skiptalker wrote: »

the old beetle with the air cooled engines were amazing, these new ones are not the real beetles.

I'd disagree, the original Beetles are terrible cars, slow, rattley, bad on fuel, cold, rubbish brakes, perpetual rust fears....

That aside, if you've got the appropriate mentality (generally involves being a bit nuts... like me), they're so much fun :cool:

skiptalker

skivenov wrote: »

...

That aside, if you've got the appropriate mentality (generally involves being a bit nuts... like me), they're so much fun :cool:

looks like you and i are in the same mindset

skivenov

You can get drugs for it.

Either to promote it or cure it, just different suppliers

lowdownbug

We recently bought my wife a 1.6l New Beetle Cabriolet on an 05 plate, 36,000 miles and it's immaculate, she's really pleased with it and I have to admit I really enjoy driving it on sunny days with the roof down, although it's definitely a chick-mobile!

My only gripe is that it's a bit of a slug, acceleration is nowhere near as good as my diesel Volvo, I'm really glad I talked her out of getting a 1.4l as they are much worse. I like to have a bit of power to get out of trouble, even if you don't normally drive very fast it's good to have something in reserve, and the 1.4l just doesn't have anything at all.

We also have a 1969 VW Karmann Ghia with a 1.5l aircooled engine and semi-auto transmission, one of the least powerful setups imaginable as it loses so much through the transmission, and the engine only has about 55bhp to start with, but even that can easily outrun a 1.4l New Beetle!

Oh and BTW, we got a really good deal on insurance through Aviva, so cheap that it's made me question what I pay on the Volvo which I previously thought was quite good!

atrixblue.-MFR-.

lowdownbug wrote: »

We recently bought my wife a 1.6l New Beetle Cabriolet on an 05 plate, 36,000 miles and it's immaculate, she's really pleased with it and I have to admit I really enjoy driving it on sunny days with the roof down, although it's definitely a chick-mobile!

My only gripe is that it's a bit of a slug, acceleration is nowhere near as good as my diesel Volvo, I'm really glad I talked her out of getting a 1.4l as they are much worse. I like to have a bit of power to get out of trouble, even if you don't normally drive very fast it's good to have something in reserve, and the 1.4l just doesn't have anything at all.

We also have a 1969 VW Karmann Ghia with a 1.5l aircooled engine and semi-auto transmission, one of the least powerful setups imaginable as it loses so much through the transmission, and the engine only has about 55bhp to start with, but even that can easily outrun a 1.4l New Beetle!

Oh and BTW, we got a really good deal on insurance through Aviva, so cheap that it's made me question what I pay on the Volvo which I previously thought was quite good!

1.6 vag engine has never been a goer, you cant compare it to your diesel that would unfair comparison due to your diesel having much more in the way of torque and turbo assistance.

i like kharman ghia's, but so much hard work in the upkeep to stop rot. especially with water ingress through the front vent sitting down the bottom of the wing rotting the sill and pillars.

JonathanA

My wife had a 2006 Beetle Cabriolet with a 1.6 engine. After running turbo diesels, it did feel sluggish, but if you treat it as a cruising car, not a performance car, you soon get used to it. We test drove a 1.4 but it did feel very underpowered after the 2.0TDCi we'd had before.

I think the Beetle was without doubt my wife's favourite car, and I know that if we could afford it, she would have another tomorrow. It is a definite buy with your heart rather than your head car, but we did enjoy the few days each year when the roof came down. We only sold it when we got a dog, as 4 people plus dog didn't really fit, do we regret selling it - yes!

If that's the car you want, get one. You only live once, you'll regret not having it and yes, it will be more expensive to run, but if you believe you can afford the additional tax, ins, fuel etc then why not?

lowdownbug

atrixblue.-MFR-. wrote: »

1.6 vag engine has never been a goer, you cant compare it to your diesel that would unfair comparison due to your diesel having much more in the way of torque and turbo assistance.

i like kharman ghia's, but so much hard work in the upkeep to stop rot. especially with water ingress through the front vent sitting down the bottom of the wing rotting the sill and pillars.

Yes I agree it's not a fair comparison, but when you're used to something with a bit of power it's very noticeable when you suddenly have a lot less! I expected a bit more from a 1.6 in a smaller and lighter car though. I understand the MkII Beetles are a lot better, even the smaller engine ones, and we'll trade up to one of those in a couple of years when the price comes down a bit on used ones.

Yes the Karmann is hard work, hence the Beetle purchase so the Karmann could be retired as a daily driver. We imported it from California and it was a one owner car in mint condition, but it didn't take long for the tin worm to get to work on it once it was in our climate!

red_eye

sheilavw wrote: »

Unfortunately, our vw lupo 1.4 which we have owned since 1999 is looking like it will have to go. Running rough, just had part of exhaust and CAT replaced. Garage put on machine, nothing picked up, thought valve. Engineer looked at all ok, can't find why not running right. Suggested could be piston but would be a lot to strip engine down and this not be the problem. My Hubby therefore wants to get rid, take my 02 Yaris which I have owned since 04 and has been superb and me get something new. I have always wanted a VW beetle. quite happy with 1.4 but he is putting me off. Insurance for Yaris 139 fully comp (15% disc as Unison member) . says will be a lot more to tax/insure/run and wants me to get something sensible. I really want a Beetle? Who owns one? Do you recommend?
Thanks

buy a can of carb/ brake clutch cleaner and clean the throttle body

sheilavw

Just an update, got the Beetle last saturday, 1 60 plate black, 1 owner almost 38k. Loving it, decided to call her Bunty:)