2003 VW Beetle 1.8t Automatic

[iddqd]

I am selling a 2003 VW Beetle GLS Turbo 1.8t Automatic

Details:
Second Owner, Clear Title, Non-smoker
93,200 Miles
Tires have over 80% tread left
Some dings and scratches

Features:
1.8L Turbo (150hp)
4 Wheel ABS Disc Brakes
ESP Stability Control
Power Windows and Locks
Cruise Control
Monsoon 6CD Audio System
Fully adjustable seats (up/down/front/back)

This has been driven back and forth to work (less than 8 miles one-way) for the past 3 years. This car has been garaged or covered since we bought it (and the previous owners say they garaged it too). We usually take my car for trips, so this truly is a commuter car for us. We need to upgrade to something with 4 doors, so it's time to sell. If you'd like to see it, please contact me through email. The price is $5,000 obo.

Notes:
The previous owner's sister damaged the area underneath the passenger door. It's not too noticeable, but it's there. There are some random door dings and scratches (also previous owner) but I've detailed the car a number of times and removed how obvious they are. The interior and paint are in excellent condition minus two things: the glove box handle came off in my hand the other day, and the center console lid hinge snapped. I have the pieces, just haven't fixed it.

There is some work that needs to be done; the engine needs a new gasket soon, the suspension needs new tie rod ends, and an alignment. Boardwalk VW quoted me something around $2200 to do all the work (mostly labor, obviously).

This would make an *excellent* first car for any young driver. It's been a great car, but it's time to move on.

Pictures here

*EDIT* URL changed for pics, also uploaded on my profile!

[dnyed]

Your pics do not show. What color is is? Leather seats? What color? Are they heated? You can upload pics from your computer using the "manage attachments" button when posting. This would help you a lot.

Good luck with your sale!

[Smileybug]

I assume the timing belt and water pump have been changed? I assume a new gasket means new head gasket? What makes the dealer say it needs one?

[iddqd]

dnyed: The car is gray. It has gray leather (I think?) heated seats. I've fixed my original URL and the pics are in my profile as well. More can be taken, just let me know.

Smileybug: Timing belt was changed around 60,000 miles. The water pump was replaced about a year ago (maybe 10k miles, max). My g/f didn't ask why it needed a new gasket, but I would assume they think it's age. I have the paperwork for most of the maintenance (oil changes, tires, this recent trip to VW) as well, to document it.

[Smileybug]

If its a head gasket they think it needs, age is not the only factor. Just because the car has x number of miles doesn't mean it needs a new head gasket. Thats a pretty big and pricey job to pull the head and do the gasket. They better have a good reason as to why it needs it other than the car's age. Although, it wouldn't surprise me thats what they truly believe. My car is 11 years old, almost 12 and has 97.5k on it. Definitely no need for a head gasket.

[dnyed]

That Platinum Gray Metallic New Beetle is gorgeous! I wish I had waited now, until I saw it. (Just bought my 02, with higher miles, and $500 more..... ) I would have flown there to drive it home. Dang!

[iddqd]

Thanks, we've tried to take better care of it than the first owner.

As for the head gasket (pretty sure that's what he said, too) the tech simply said "And the head gasket is going to need to be replaced, because if it doesn't it can cause a lot of damage if it goes" or something like that. The timing belt will probably have to be changed too.

On the plus side of things, it had the recall for the coil packs done, as well as the spark plugs and a new battery.

[Smileybug]

I'd say that there needs to be a better reason for a head gasket. Its not something that is usually changed preventatively. Has the car had any overheating problems? Like before the water pump was replaced?

(Sorry if I'm picking on this issue. I'm trying to really help you out...better to know for sure what needs to be done on the car. Just because the dealer says it "needs" something doesn't mean that it really does. They don't always know what they are talking about. A head gasket isn't a regular maintenance item like the timing belt.)

[D2Beetle]

OK, you have peaked my interest... the head gasket would not be a biggie for me, been there, done that and doing it again, but for other reasons. I would like to know what symptoms led the mechanic to say such a thing. Oh! How about some interior pics, front and back.