Need help - Found a 2000 Beetle GLS Turbo for sister (how does this sound?)

[godwhomismike]

I went shopping all day, went to several places, and my sister fell for the Jetta and the Beetle. This evening, I remember recently seeing the old guy on the next block trying to sell his newer model red Beetle. So I walked up there with my sister and he recongized me and gave me the keys and told me to drive it around and let him know what I think.

Specs:
2000 VW Beetle GLS Turbo
Automatic
AM/FM Cass with 6 CD changer
Full Leather interior
4 stage seat warmers
sunroof
power windows/locks/alarm
cherry red exterior with black leather interior

Price:
He knew me by name and told me he was looking for 5K, but since he knows me - he'd do $4000.

Problems:
The car has a couple of body defects all of which he pointed out. The front bumper is scuffed up from someone backing into him. He has a scuff on the driver's door which buffed out but has a small crease barely visible, and I notice absolutely no issues with the door - opened and closed without any problem. He said the rear shocks/struts will need to be changed soon and the in a small knock coming from the front end from time to time. He said he got a quote for the body work, and they said $1,000 to fix everything.

Driving Impressions:
I drove the car for a few blocks and it was very smooth and I didn't notice any problems. I didn't notice ride issues from bad shocks/struts. I pulled it over and check out everything in the interior. Everything was fine and in excellent condition - inclucing the leather which looks showroom new. The only problem, which I adressed to him was it the turn signal was missing. He said that the replacement part is in the trunk and will be replaced this week.

He is an older man (60ish) and afaik he's the only owner. The car has 75000 miles and is a 2000 model. The paint looks great and the interior looks flawless - with the exception of the turn signal. He also has all the books and documentation for all the work done to it.

He is asking for $4,000, would you take it? Oh, btw... I will have it taken to a mechanic before it is purchased to just make sure everything is in good condition.

Opinions?

[jazzcat]

jump on it

[dnyed]

$4,000?




Take it!


Of course, CarFax first. That is a very good price. I';ve never seen one cheaper, unless it was wrecked.

Good luck, I know it will be great! Time for a timing belt, if not already done, 'tho. The color is called "Uni Red", by the way. Just so you know.

If the New Beetle has been taken care of, such as regular oil changes, it is a very good deal. Go get it, stat!

[godwhomismike]

He says he has the service book with each service stampled, and all records of maintenance.

I am waiting until Saturday, owner agreed to wait - my father wants to look at it first and have it looked over by the mechanic.

I am going to ask him if he has had the timing belt changed, if he had any electrical issues - like the CEL, and if he had the 72K maintenance done.

The body has a few imperfections - like a missing fog light which that piece has to be replaced and the bumper has a nasty black scuff and the driver's door has a small crease.


The interior is in mint condition - leather seems almost brand new and the dash and door trim is perfect.


What has me nervous is if it's a nightmarish money pit - it's cute and my sister's in love with it and it'll be her first car.

I've already told my folks and sister that they might need to do the timing belt service right off the bat, which could cost like $650 - does that sound right?

[dnyed]

The car sounds like a nice, loaded model. Even if you did have to do the timing belt, and only pay $4k for the car, you are still ahead. Way ahead......

[godwhomismike]

The owner said he was quoted for $1000 to have all the body imperfections repaired and told me the name of the place.

So I guess Around $1600 it'd be good as new.

[godwhomismike]

What kind of problems could come up with this car in the future? I've heard mixed things about 2000 Beetle 1.8T's

[LadybugEwa]

I wish that guy were my neighbor.. (sigh) Then I'd have 2 red NB's to love

[GINA]

Originally Posted by godwhomismike

What kind of problems could come up with this car in the future? I've heard mixed things about 2000 Beetle 1.8T's

I own a 2000 1.8T, I had a couple problems when I first bought the car, but it's been smooth sailing ever since (for the most part). Only thing I've had to replace are both O2 sensors and a couple hoses. Had a problem with the CEL at the beginning (a common problem it seems), but honestly none other than that! Keep up the maintenance and it'll be your sister's best friend

[larryziegler]

Originally Posted by godwhomismike

What kind of problems could come up with this car in the future? I've heard mixed things about 2000 Beetle 1.8T's

$4000 cars with under 100,000 miles on them are like finding needles in the haystacks. Take it for what it is, a car with some exterior blemishes at an extremely reasonable cost and that you have to judge whether your sister can afford the upkeep on. I'd do think the smart thing to have a mechanic look at the car to determine its mechanical condition. If it checks out and you don't take it, somebody else will, QUICKLY. You won't find any used VW's at that age or mileage anywhere near that price in most places. Good luck on the potential purchase.

[Porkchop]

Unless the mileage is really high (I didn't see mileage anywhere... did I miss it?) or the damage is more serious than estimated, $4000 is close to half what the car is worth.

I would ask to look at the title - I would guess it'll be a salvage title. Which is not a bad thing - I've been driving a salvage titled Jeep for 45K miles with no issues. But might make it harder to sell down the line...

Any car *could* be a money pit... if there really is proof of good maintenance, then I wouldn't worry.

[dnyed]

Tha car has 75K miles.

It sounds like a bargain, and if I lived closer, I'd fight ya for it!

[kickson]

Just like dnyed said, maybe due for a timing belt change. Check the water pump also. But for that price, I'd be all over it! I guess if you really want to fix it up, then $1600 for all the blemishes, and figure in anywhere from $500 to $1000 for the timing belt and water pump. Worst case scenario still sounds like under $7000 total you'd be spending. Still a steal!

[Kestas]

At 75K, make sure your sister budgets some money for the inevitable repairs that'll be needed in the future. Some sisters think cars run forever.

[yelojkt]

On a lot in Wichita KS that car would sell for $8,999