Beetle value increasing?

[Black_beetle_Martha]

I got my beetle almost a year ago. It is a 98 and had 128k miles on it and the dealer was only asking 3000$ for it. I had a Jeep and traded it straight up, but was that a really good deal? or is the value increasing?

My sister is wanting to get one..but we cant find one for less than 4000$

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Used car prices are up, across the board. Combination of many factors, including gasoline prices as relates to the value of compact, mpg friendly vehicles. However, there are so many factors that come into play, comparing yours to the one she is looking at is like comparing apples to oranges. NB is just the starting genre.

M.

[jbremount]

Originally Posted by Black_beetle_Martha

I got my beetle almost a year ago. It is a 98 and had 128k miles on it and the dealer was only asking 3000$ for it. I had a Jeep and traded it straight up, but was that a really good deal? or is the value increasing?

My sister is wanting to get one..but we cant find one for less than 4000$

I also think the value of the New Beetles are increasing. Just take a look at the Craigslist for new beetles for sale. The new 2011models will not have the old time beetle look, that may have something to do with it. If it does not look like a beetle, whats the point?

[pdoel]

Originally Posted by jbremount

I also think the value of the New Beetles are increasing. Just take a look at the Craigslist for new beetles for sale. The new 2011models will not have the old time beetle look, that may have something to do with it. If it does not look like a beetle, whats the point?

I don't understand. The 2012 actually looks MORE like the original Beetle than the New Beetle ever did. And considering how many threads all throughout the .org, and all the people responding, and the fact that most of the first editions are already sold, I'd say the 2012 Beetle is going to be a huge success. Sales of the New Beetle really died out the last few years.

The 2012 is definitely not causing the value of the used New Beetles to go up.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by pdoel

I don't understand. The 2012 actually looks MORE like the original Beetle than the New Beetle ever did. And considering how many threads all throughout the .org, and all the people responding, and the fact that most of the first editions are already sold, I'd say the 2012 Beetle is going to be a huge success. Sales of the New Beetle really died out the last few years.

The 2012 is definitely not causing the value of the used New Beetles to go up.

Of course it is! The car has changed drastically, the NB is no longer available, and the price of the 2012, combined with tight credit, forces the prices up on the NBs. Would be buyers, who either don't like the style of the new, or can't afford it, but want the brand, are opting for used. Supply and demand. But these are only the factors created by the end of production of the old and the restyle of the new, there are others. Maybe that is harder to understand if you haven't been, or aren't, in the game.

M.

[Pushing Fifty]

Here's my take: Once the 2012+ becomes mainstream, the prices of used NB's will drop.....but only for a while. People think I'm nuts, but I believe the 98-10 NBs will eventually become collector cars, just as the old air-cooled models are now.

Here's where some people REALLY think I'm on crack, but it's just possible that the NB's may even become MORE collectable than air-cooleds one day. Far fewer were made.

Please note that I'm not claiming a 98 NB will fetch $50,000 at Barret-Jackson in 2030, but that it WILL be a sought-after collector car at VW shows.

[pdoel]

Originally Posted by MyOtherRidesAVette

Of course it is! The car has changed drastically, the NB is no longer available, and the price of the 2012, combined with tight credit, forces the prices up on the NBs. Would be buyers, who either don't like the style of the new, or can't afford it, but want the brand, are opting for used. Supply and demand. But these are only the factors created by the end of production of the old and the restyle of the new, there are others. Maybe that is harder to understand if you haven't been, or aren't, in the game.

M.

You are using two different things, and contributing them the same way, the your theory on the raise in value of the New Beetle.

First, the intro of the 2012 is not the same as the discontinuation of the 2010 New Beetle. I could see the discontunation raising the value of a used New Beetle, only because you can no longer buy a new one. Supply and demand.

However, the intro of the 2012, would then have the opposite affect. Most manufacturers stay tight lipped about the new models (especially pictures / features) mainly because they don't want people to hold off buying their product, waiting for a new model. Thus leaving dealerhips stuck with old, unmovable inventory.

And while the 2012 is changing drastically, that does not mean it no longer looks like a Beetle, which is what the poster I quoted, was stating. If someone can't see a Beetle in the 2012, then it's probably time for an eye exam. And if someone can't see that the 2012 is obviously more reminescent of the original, than again, time to call the eye doctor.

And while your theory about the 2012 being more expensive, so far, that theory isn't holding any ground. The new Jetta, while able to be purchased at an incredibly reasonable price, isn't selling at that price. The average price of the new Jettas moving off lots, is about $2,000 more than last year, and sales are up I quite a bit from last year. So, while the economy isn't great, people are paying more for cars, and they're moving more inventory, than they were this time last year.

[jbremount]

Originally Posted by Pushing Fifty

Here's my take: Once the 2012+ becomes mainstream, the prices of used NB's will drop.....but only for a while. People think I'm nuts, but I believe the 98-10 NBs will eventually become collector cars, just as the old air-cooled models are now.

Here's where some people REALLY think I'm on crack, but it's just possible that the NB's may even become MORE collectable than air-cooleds one day. Far fewer were made.

Please note that I'm not claiming a 98 NB will fetch $50,000 at Barret-Jackson in 2030, but that it WILL be a sought-after collector car at VW shows.

I think you are correct with the above analysis,.......just look at the current Craigslist prices for 98-2010 New Beetles. If you have a 98-2010 New Beetle, you are on the inside looking out. If you don't have one, you are on the outside looking in. You have limited and shrinking choices as the design model is discontinued and some owners are keeping their cars as collectables. I don't think all small cars with high mileage are increasing in prices. The Ford Focus with 80,0000 to 100,000 miles are not climbing in prices and they had a body change. They are not collectables.

[Pushing Fifty]

The interesting thing about Ford is that they really blew it by discontinuing the Escort and replacing it with the Focus. Back when the Escort first came out, it had the potential to become an 1980s version of the 60s Beetle. Just like the former, the Escort was cheap, easy to maintain, economical, and very reliable. I had a couple myself back in the day. In fact, it was the best selling car in the world for a little while. The models evolved with improved body styles throughout the 1990s and by 1997, they were really good-looking cars.

If Ford had marketed the Escort as VW did with the original air-cooled Beetle, that car would have been an icon. Instead, they replaced it in 2000 with the butt-ugly Focus. Granted, the Focus looks much better now, but it is likley destined to become just another disposable model line that will be forgotten in a decade or so, just like the Chevy Cavalier or Dodge Neon.

The Beetle, on the other hand, is a legendary name regardless of whether you're talking about the early air-cooled versions, the New Beetles of 1998-2010, or the up-and-coming 21st Century models of 2012 and beyond. Thankfully, Volkswagen now realizes this and will probably never consider discontinuing it in the United States again. Somebody will always buy a Beetle. Perhaps not in numbers like a Toyota Camry or a Honda Accord, but thanks to Ferdinand Porsche, there will always be a Bug lover somewhere to cater to.

[Pushing Fifty]

The interesting thing about Ford is that they really blew it by discontinuing the Escort and replacing it with the Focus. Back when the Escort first came out, it had the potential to become an 1980s version of the 60s Beetle. Just like the former, the Escort was cheap, easy to maintain, economical, and very reliable. I had a couple myself back in the day. In fact, it was the best selling car in the world for a little while. The models evolved with improved body styles throughout the 1990s and by 1997, they were really good-looking cars.

If Ford had marketed the Escort as VW did with the original air-cooled Beetle, that car would have been an icon. Instead, they replaced it in 2000 with the butt-ugly Focus. Granted, the Focus looks much beter now, but it is likley destined to become just another disposable model line that will be forgotten in a decade or so, just like the Chevy Cavalier or Dodge Neon.

The Beetle, on the other hand, is a legendary name regardless of whether you're talking about the early air-cooled versions, the New Beetles of 1998-2010, or the up-and-coming 21st Century models of 2012 and beyond. Thankfully, Volkswagen now realizes this and will probably never consider discontinuing it in the United States again.

[Rubee2006Tdi]

I think fuel is helping keep prices up on NB's especially the Tdi models! As long as fuel remains high, small fuel efficient cars will do well.

That said, NB's have always done better in resale than most makes. I am on my 4th NB and always at trade-in time I have been pleasantly surprised. Consumer Reports may bitch about reliability but it does not seem to effect the NB much. So I am VERY happy with the cars value.

Two years ago a VW dealer in AZ offered me more for my 2006 Tdi than it cost me NEW!!! Obviously I turned him down but incredible anyhow!!!

I used to drive Chrysler products and for the most part was happy with the cars. UNTIL trade-in time then it seemed nobody wanted them EVEN Chrysler... Sad.

[Blugg]

Originally Posted by jbremount

If it does not look like a beetle, whats the point?

I disagree





How does that not look like a Beetle

[squeebug]

Originally Posted by jbremount

I think you are correct with the above analysis,.......just look at the current Craigslist prices for 98-2010 New Beetles. If you have a 98-2010 New Beetle, you are on the inside looking out. If you don't have one, you are on the outside looking in. You have limited and shrinking choices as the design model is discontinued and some owners are keeping their cars as collectables. I don't think all small cars with high mileage are increasing in prices. The Ford Focus with 80,0000 to 100,000 miles are not climbing in prices and they had a body change. They are not collectables.

You can't really go of asking prices to determine a vehicles value. You have to go off of what people are actually paying for them.

[Blugg]

For me, when i blew my engine in my 2001 Bug i wanted another Bug. No one was going to change my mind on that !!

But i was looking for a Pre Body Shape Change Bug. I don't like the newer shape with the wings chopped. The more square looking fenders. Of course that is just my opinion.

However, to find a Bug that was a 1.9TDi with low mileage and in the colour i wanted Alaskan Green or Baby Blue. I was limited to choice and distance. The distance didn't bother me, if i found it 400 miles away i'd of driven to see/buy it

This is where the price comes into focus, the first Bug, the first style. Are getting rarer now. Maybe not so rare you can't find them. But since they don't make them anymore and people are adding miles to theirs', then i'm guessing this is why the first shape is holding it's ground on price

I've seen the chopped wings Bug's going for less over here in the UK than the Pre Facelift models