Would this be a good candidate to convert to manual?

[OhSnap]

2002 Volkswagen Beetle Yellow 83k 2 owner

I'm still searching for the bug of my dreams! What do you guys think? Yes, it's autotragic (well it apparently hasn't crapped out yet) but should I consider buying this one? Other than the auto, everything else is what I wanted.

[Smileybug]

Make sure the timing belt has been done already at that mileage.

[marvins_dad]

Hey - it does have Hello Kitty Stickers

Looks like you have a dent in the middle of the passenger's side rocker. Both of the door cards will need to be reupholstered (sagging).

Definitely ask about the timing belt.

I have a 2002 TDI Autotragic and at 103k still have a transmission. My suggestion is to save up for a manual, but don't pull the trigger until you have to...why spend $2500-3500 right off the bat, use some cash to do some cosmetic repairs and possibly the timing belt first.

[OhSnap]

The problem is now that gas prices have risen, it's so hard to find a manual TDI bug! I've been saving for a TDI bug since last year, and kept having setbacks. I have 8000 to spend, but what I want is scarce. My dream bug:

TDI
manual
sunroof
light-colored leather (I live in FL, black is hell on bare skin)
yellow, orange or bright blue in color (yes color matters and no I don't want to repaint)

[DZLBUG]

Originally Posted by marvins_dad

Hey - it does have Hello Kitty Stickers

Looks like you have a dent in the middle of the passenger's side rocker. Both of the door cards will need to be reupholstered (sagging).

Definitely REPLACE the timing belt RIGHT AWAY.

I have a 2002 TDI Autotragic and at 103k still have a transmission. My suggestion is to save up for a manual, but don't pull the trigger until you have to...why spend $2500-3500 right off the bat, use some cash to DO THE TIMING BELT FIRST.

FTFY

No matter what car you buy, save yourself some time and lots of money by doing a full TB job right away. Do not trust anything a seller tells you. Budget for the TB replacement right away.


Sent from my DROID2

[hevster1]

When doing this swap, unless you are doing it yourself and have a donor car available, it will run you in the neighborhood of 4k. A rebuilt 01m is generally 2500 + installation.
If you have your heart set on doing this swap keep looking at CL etc. for donor cars.
Get the full t-belt kit with w-pump, rollers etc.
I recommend Bora Parts, ID parts or Dieselgeek.

[Riley]

I personally think the 5 speed swap can be done for less than $2k. I found my 5 speed on Car-part.com. When I went to buy it, I told them what I was doing and they sold me everything needed at a package price. You'll probably do extras like upgrade clutch, solid flywheel instead of DM, new axles instead of used, new rear main seal, etc. Then again, I did all the labor myself. All and all, the wiring was the most challenging but not bad.