From Massachuettes...Hi

[kazzepink]

Hi all.
I haven't bought my beetle yet but probably will. I was debating between a Jeep Wrangle and a Beetle, two completely different vehicles I know.
I am also up in the air about buying a convertible. I have loved verts forever but they are so much more and honestly , I probably can only use it - with the top down - four mouths more or less out of the year.
The reason I wanted the Jeep was because it is everything all in one: A convertible in the summer/four wheel drive in the snow and beach/style stays the same and has good resale value.

The reason I want the beetle: I love beetles and own a 69. It is great on gas and has good milage.
The sales man said that it is good in snow and as it is a front wheel drive it handles bad weather better. I realize front wheel drive is good but are we talking awesome? Or just normal?
So share you stories with me! Thanks!

By the way - the incentive for the new beetle is 0% for 3 years and 750 back (note I wrote 'and') and extra's taken off. This dealer has about four 07's in stock. So I guess I better chose quick.

Thanks again. K

[dnyed]

I think you already know what you want.....

Welcome to the Org, and Good luck with your purchase!

[LadybugEwa]

Let me just tell you: the worst snowstorm we had last year, I had to come in to work in the morning. I was late because of traffic, but got there just fine. My shift partner drives a Jeep Wrangler, and he didn't make it in. Neither did half the employees. Ladybug took good care of me! And we were passing SUVs crawling along. I do run snow tires on her, but I have no ABS or any other bells and whistles that come standard on later models.

[ghostRder1]

Welcome!
Before I purchase my NBC, I test drove a Jeep Wrangler, Mustang vert and a PT Cruiser. Knew i wanted the beetle from the very start.
Best of luck on your decision!

[kazzepink]

That Ladybug is exactly what I was looking for. Red not only stands out but for me - every car I owned that lasted and lasted was red in color. So here is the dilema for me now: The deal is Vw is offering 0% on the 07 models. That 0 is for three years. The only color they have in the 07 models at the closest vw dealer is blue and navy blue. I don't want those colors because they are too dark.
If I were to buy the red one on the lot - that is an 08 with no incentives.
I emailed the other vw dealers outside in the cities to see if they have red. I know in my heart I wouldn't be happy with blue. I find blue a sad color - that is just me. Besides , I owned a blue mustang years ago and it was one of those cars that just didn't have kick in it.
I don't want to spend nearly 20 grand on a car that I am not completely happy with the color. So if the other dealer does not have what I am looking for - I might have to wait till next year.

[dnyed]

You are on the right track. Don't settle!

[Lmhansen]

I don't know where in Massachusetts you are, but 4WD is only necessary if you live up in the mountains, or in some rural area where they don't do any snow removal. In or around the big cities, a FWD car like the Beetle should not have any issue with snow, sleet, freezing rain or whatever else nature can throw at us.

Only once have I been stuck, and that was not because my car couldn't handle it, it was because everyone else drives a V8 4WD and think their car is God and can do anything, even on pure ice or compacted snow. To their dismay, many found themselves stuck, in the ditch or sideways on the highway. During bad winter weather, it's not about how much power you have, it is how you use it. And you use it carefully.

Good luck with your choice of car. I hope you find a Beetle in the color are looking for. And no, my red one is not for sale

[LadybugEwa]

Originally Posted by Lmhansen

because everyone else drives a V8 4WD and think their car is God and can do anything, even on pure ice or compacted snow

Amen!

[Toad]

the only trouble i had in snow with my car was after it snowed like 5-6 inches and i came home and my driveway want shoveled yet. I tried to brave it, but it compacted under my dieselgeek plate and literally lifted the tires off the ground. hehe. not too fun when you work second shift, and that 20 minute drove home is like 45 because of snow, so getting home at 2am, then getting stuck shoveling just to get my car out of hte street wasnt the best thing. but it was funny seeing a cop roll by just looking at me shoveling in the middle of the night.

Yeah, I'm a real stinkler for parking my car in the backyard at all times. My beetle was easily one of the most babied on the org.

[LadybugEwa]

Originally Posted by kazzepink

That Ladybug is exactly what I was looking for. Red not only stands out but for me - every car I owned that lasted and lasted was red in color...

Thank you for that compliment
But a lady her age can scarcely be compared to a creampuff like an 07. Yours would have ABS, traction control and other toys to help it handle even better in rough weather.
The only downside is you'll feel crosswinds, but it's not anything startling, you'll just feel them. I'm saying it because other than that the car handles like something much heavier and expensive
I love red, but I also think it's pretty safe to drive (like the yellow) for its high visibility. Somthing red and round's pretty easy to find in crowded parkinglots too
It took me 3 months to find Ladybug, because I didn't settle (except for knowing my budget, but that's just practicality).
Then it took me 10 times as long to get ther to where she is today with mods. (Look at the early pics on my photo thread).
So don't settle, like Debbie said. This is the kind of car that you'll want to love a little, and there's no point in starting that relationship off with differences