Help buying a used beetle

[jbthompson]

Hey everyone! I have leased two new beetles in the past but now I am looking to buy one and keep it forever. My budget is tight so I can't buy new, but I was thinking about an 01 GLX or sport or an 02 GLX or sport. I really would like the turbo. What should I be looking out for and what should I be aware of with these cars/model years/engines? I am really wanting to make a good decision here, so any help would be great! Thanks! I'm in DFW area, so if anyone sees something let me know!

[Breezz]

I just bought a used GLS 2001 (I would have gotten a GLX if they had one) and Ive had for a little over two months, it got its 60,000 tune up today with an excellent bill of health.

One issue that the service guy mentioned was the brake sensor, which I have had happen once already... the epc light goes steady and you can't put the car into gear (there is a trick, but it doesnt always work) hence I had to have the car towed and have the sensor replaced.

The servidce guy says thats all he sees, except for the peeling inner door handles.

He stated that it was a pretty sturdy little car.

Hope that helps a little, youv'e driven them before so you should know if it feels "right" when you are driving it.

[jbthompson]

Thanks. I found an 01 Silver sport with 56k for 8995. It sounds too good to be true. It's around what I want to pay, I just don't want to get screwed. What should I look for if I go look at it?

[LilBit]

I just purchased an '01 sport a week ago. The biggest issue I had before I found mine was the interior was in horrible shape and they were priced really high. My biggest recomendation is if you can, wait until you find the perfect one and buy from a private seller. i am in the Tulsa, OK area so I'll keep my eyes out for one. I haven't had any issues yet, of course it's only been a week. He'll go in for his 70,000 mile check up in the next couple of weeks and I'll let ya know if there are any issues at this mileage. Other then that good luck on the hunt for one to keep.

[Oyveychris]

Originally Posted by jbthompson

Thanks. I found an 01 Silver sport with 56k for 8995. It sounds too good to be true. It's around what I want to pay, I just don't want to get screwed. What should I look for if I go look at it?

I would check to see if the timing belt had been changed prior to service since 60k seems to be the average lifespan. If the belt and waterpump have been changed, do a carfax and jump on it!

[XCman]

1. If you can wait a while, be VERY picky! (since I wanted a Turbo with low miles it was very difficult for me, to search locally)
2. Go with the milage rule of 10,000mi every year it is old, so you don't get a over driven car. (this happens ALOT with NB's because ppl love them, Drive the hell out of them, then trade them back in t o get new ones. Or use them for Company Billboards because of it's unique shape that demands attention! So there are alot of over driven used NB's out there!)
3. Get a subscription to http://www.carfax.com/cfm/general_ch...CMP=KNC-Google and check the VIN of the car in question
4. Try to find a Auto broker service. I went with myAutomatch.com (mainly because I have a free use of agreement with the Directbuy membership I have)
here is another place. Bob Peraltas Auto Brokers
I purchased a '02 NB 1.8T couple of years ago and don't regret the decision one bit. But there are a few things you want to look out for when buying used.
Find out your their fees and their deposit. (mine was $1000 to secure transaction but that money goes towards the purchase of the car) Deposit is just for security so you don't run off on them while they search. They will do search at auctions all over the US. When they find one matching your specifications. They will call you before purchase. They do a background check, their own maintenance check, clean it up, look for damage. Then send it your way. (you pay for shipping of the car if it's the car you want! ~$500) You have 3 days to try out the car to decide if you like it. If not they will make arrangements to pick it up and take it back. And they'll start the search again.

Best part was no haggling salesman! And your in total control. Albeit you have to be patient. Process took for me almost 2 months! But look at my avatar I am very please with the results! Got me a Baltic Blue 2002 1.8T cream cloth interior NB! Had to sacrifice interior color vs. Black leather just to get the car sooner. But hey can't complain.

I have tried repeatedly to contact these ppl to get their service prices. and only found out recently that the guy that I was calling/e-mailing no longer works there. So I've sent out a new e-mail to find out pricing. Why I don't know is because it was free for me because of membership.

but it hands down beats any Dealership experience!

PS:: I will warn you that your liscensing will be a little confusing for your liscense office. Mine couldn't get over the fact that the Car was from Pennsylvania, Point of Sale in Colorado, and was liscensed in Missouri! lol took a whole hour to liscense the dumb thing because we are all hicks in missouri LOL

[dvious]

Eh, I wouldn't necissarily say that high miles means it has been over driven. I have a truck as my daily and still have 78k clocked in. It get driven every weekend (maybe) and to car shows. Now I do go to alot of shows but they are all highway miles.

If you want to check out some local dubbers (since your in DFW) check out the DFW New Beetle club or Wagen Gruppe (my sig). We have meets and what not so you might want to come check out some rides before you buy.

[XCman]

well, I was a VERY picky buyer. and at the time I purchased my car it was my first car purchase and I was going for my Dream Car! LOL

So, I was VERY VERY picky and cautious. This was the general rule of thumb I picked up. Plus I have noticed that 2002 and after have less problems with electrical and oil burning.

Just a trend I noticed, I know it doesn't apply to ALL NB's. and the Negatives about these cars when you hear about them stand out far worse than the positives. Which is just human nature to complain instead of praise :P

So I'm sorry if I offended some ppl by this statement. But I find it a safe one

[dvious]

Yeah, people talking about the bad things about these cars is far more easy than talking about the good. I have actually never had any problems (with the black beetle). No window regulator, no coil pack, no oil pan, etc... It's kinda wierd. Maybe thats what makes it so special.

[jbthompson]

I'll definitely check those sites out. I found an 03 turbo s with 79k miles this week. I liked the car, it drove great. The bumper had a lot of rock chips and it has the altezza lights (yuck). they're asking 11400 for it. Good price? It seemed high to me.

[from Margaritaville...]

Go check on: www.edmunds.com

You should be able to access a used car evaluator program...

[jbthompson]

I need some help! I think I found the perfect car for me at the right price. It's a 2000 GLS five speed with 79k miles. It's a little more miles than I wanted but the car is owned by an audi/vw mechanic and he has done all the maintenace and just installed a new timing belt. My question is this--what should I look out for on a car like this? The car (from pics) looks beautiful and the price is right 6k I really want to get a bug and drive until for as long as possible--how many miles will the 2.0 last???? What do you guys think?

[beetlejuice]

If I were you I would hold out for a 1.8t car; one with an AWV motor - they came out mid-year 2001. That engine has some significant upgrades and responds better to chipping, if that's in your future.
b

[XCman]

Meh... I don't think he/she is really looking for power. Like I was

But more for a cute(woman)/friendly(man) car to drive around in with a few creature comforts you can grab along the way.
Plus he/she wants a reliable car. and when it comes ot Used cars you just have to do a VIN number check to see what has been done with it. Then if you can talk to the seller talk to them about what has been done to the car. Granted keeping in mind they are looking for money so take what they say with a grain of salt unless they really sound sincere.

Leather is nice, and so is a CD player (that didn't happen till 2004-05) unless it was added on after being bought. will warn you beige cloth stains bad. It can be cleaned up but will get dirty shortly after.