Hi, new to VW checking out a 98 beetle...

[maddiesdoghouse]

Hi All!

We're new to VW and looking at a 98 beetle to to replace our gas hog of a ford expedition.
It's a 2.0 liter, manual with 155k on it.

It is going into the dealer for fuel filter/possible fuel pump issue and tune-up and all problems will be fixed.

All that aside, what other things should we check before we buy?

They're asking $3000 for it. The only cosmetic issues are a cracked winshield and dirty front seats.

THANKS!
JEN

[kcfoxie]

I'd ask to see if anyone can prove the timing belt was changed; or take it to a mechanic and have him look at the belt. I'm sure they's replaced the belt, but that's the only outstanding issue I'd have is the timing belt and water pump. at $3000 thats a good deal. No Check Engine or Airbag lights?

[iScott]

Considering I, too, have a 98 that has 125k miles and it's still running perfect, I'd say that's a good deal if you can get everything that you need fixed for a reasonable price.

Welcome to the Org!!

[Oyveychris]

Timing belt and water pump for sure. It should be on it's second timing belt by now, as the conservative estimate (at least my opinion) is 60-70K miles per belt, but I like to play it safe.

[maddiesdoghouse]

You guys are awesome!

We will definately have those two things checked out.
I was off on the mileage. It's only got 110k - don't know if that makes much difference.

The airbag and ck engine lights are on.
The owner said he had the dealer check it and they wanted to replace the airbag at $500 and weren't sure if that would fix the issue. I read somewhere about a faulty connection under the drivers seat that might cause the airbag light to come on - any truth to this? Hubby said he thought he saw a loose wire under there.

As for the check engine light - that's what it's going in to the dealer for this time. It hesitates on acceleration, so they're going to check fuel pump and filter. The owner is taking care of charges for these repairs before we buy.

Another question I had is, I forgot to check for a cd changer.
Is this a standard feature? The "radio" has a cd setting but said "no changer". If there isn't a changer, does it matter which brand we get to put in it?

THANKS!
JEN

[Deserion]

You can usually pick up CD changers off of eBay for a reasonable price.

If the timing belt hasn't been changed yet, I would make sure that gets changed immediately, along with the water pump.

-Des

[tom20682]

If you end up buying this car, I have a CD changer. My daughter put a new head unit in the 98 Beetle we own, and the CD Changer is now disconnected.

Our 98 is Auto, 100K and I unfortunately DON'T know whether my timing belt and pump have been replaced!