Oh, also... Personally I'd go with a 2002 up to a 2005. The newer ones had a center console design that was pretty uncomfortable if you have big legs.
that, and if you ever plan on getting body kits or any nice "add ons", the 2005+ didn't have hardly any goodies to ad on.
Not to mention, the 2002-2005 range, you can still get a like-new Beetle with 30-50K miles on it for around 8-9K, fully loaded.
Give me your zip code.. I'll do some online shopping and see what I can find in your area *woot*.