New here and need help buying a Beetle!

[Spencer89]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Spencer and I am from Toronto, Ontario Canada.

I am currently looking to buy a VW Beetle.

Right now I am looking at a 1999 2.0 L bug. It only has 93k on it. Its an automatic, cloth interior, heated seats, cd player, overall good condition. Its red exterior.

Just got back from meeting the seller, I took it for a spin and heres the things I noticed.

Seller had it certified and e tested in January. He has put a lot of work into it recently (spent roughly 3 grand in the past few months-has all the receipts to prove).

When I do a slow break, there is a little bit of squeaking. The glovebox handle is broken off and needs to be pryed to open it. It has power windows, on the drivers side to operate the passenger window, the switch is hanging on by a thread (its falling off). The paint isn't perfect, theres a few scufff marks and chips. One of the fog lights is pushed in and the lower fascia grill needs to be adjusted.

The seller was orignally asking seven grand, but she bumped it down to six. I'm thinking of making an offer on it for 5500.

I will be getting it inspected tomorrow I hope at a garage.

I need advice! What should I do? How much will I have to put into it if I purchase it? How long will it last me?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated. I'm looking forward to getting to know you all!

Oh and theres a screw stuck in one of the tires. The seller put on all seasons last year and are in great shape.

-Spencer

[from Margaritaville...]

Hey Spencer,

I own a '99 2.0 (80K miles) that I've owned since new.

My questions to you would be:

a) what did they spend $3K on to repair?

b) apparently they couldn't bother repairing the glovebox handle nor the fog lamp and housing. What level of overall care and maintenance do you think that this car got over the past twelve years?

c) with those factors in mind, do you believe you will get several more years of service with a modicum of service and care during that interval?

d) is the price for this vehicle commensurate with the price of similar Beetles in your area in similar condition and miles?

Alan (Sacramento, CA)

Root for the Saints - Bet on the Colts

[2004NBTURBOS]

That kinda mileage and a automatic trans is gonna give ya problems in the near future. And the price seems way high to me. I guess I am going on the U.S. dollar. Here in the states that car would be lucky to bring $2500 U.S dollars. If you can drive a stick, or if you can't, then learn. The auto trans on these cars seem to go bad around 100,000 miles and are quite costly to repair or replace. Look for a stick. Also make sure the timing belt- water pump have been replaced, as this is a also costly service. This car can be a ticking time bomb without a new belt and pump. They are great cars as long as they are taken care of. You came to the right place to ask your questions. Always ask the people who drive them, as they seem to know more then the people who work on them.

[Spencer89]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Just to clarify 93 000 km equals around 50 000 miles.

The work the owner has done on it in the past month is:

replaced timing belt and water pump

2.0 light

new tires

small interior fix-its

Thinking of putting an offer on it tomorrow. Got it inspected today, will need to replace rear breaks asap, small oil leak will need to be fixed.

Any final advice?

[CoriBug]

How expensive is that 'small oil leak' to repair? So the asking price is comparable to similiar cars?

[kcfoxie]

You're buying the wrong engine.

You should get a TDI and not a 2.0L, preffibly a manual. The old automatics don't last to 200k miles, most don't make it to 160k miles before losing a gear.

I also worry because an oil leak may mean a new oil pan (I did this in 2006 at the cost of US $500 Doing it myself)

I am rather certain you can find a better 2.0L gasoline or a TDI (turbo diesel) for 7000. don't buy the very first one you fall for, take your time.

tho i will say i gave 2500 for my 98 tdi new beetle, US Southern car (No rust) with 230k and it was missing a side mirror and a fog light (Both in the trunk) but the rocker panels were immaculate and the headliner was recently replaced and the PO put a CD player in it (a VW CD Player from a 2006 Beetle that plays MP3 CDs).

[Spencer89]

The small oil leak is going to cost me $150 as quoted by the mechanic.

The owner lowered the price to 6000. Thinking of making an offer around the 5 grand mark.

Thanks for your help.

Yes there all around the same price in my area.

Any final advice?

[2004NBTURBOS]

If your dead set on a automatic, go for it. I would still hold out for a stick shift. But to each his own, as long as it's a Beetle.