go get one from mexico, they still made the original design there until recently.
1millie,
Dec 9, 10:47pm
really!AWESOME!
hatchback,
Dec 9, 10:48pm
I like the yellow one, throw another $600 at it for a bit of a tidy up (paint etc) and all good, the red one is only 1200cc, would drive you nuts
thejazzpianoma,
Dec 9, 10:49pm
Hi 1millie, I think as long as you are accepting of the performance/safety/comfort associated with an older vehicle like this its not necessarily a bad thing.
The good thing about the VW is its very simple in design, parts are plentiful and cheap and really any mechanic can work on it for you. If you do wind up spending a bit more in maintenance (which is not necessarily the case) you are going to get some credit back against the expense by way of zero or even negative depreciation (assuming you look after it).
That said, I think the experience you have will have a LOT to do with how carefully you choose your beetle. Getting one that is restored and/or exceptionally well maintained will pay dividends. Likewise keeping up with the maintenance and getting on to any little things that crop up smartly will be key to enjoying trouble free motoring.
You should find an air cooled VW club in your area and contacting them now for advice may be well worth while. You may find a local member who is more than happy to help you choose a good example and can steer you in the right direction for local parts etc. If you have no luck with the club consider getting a local VW specialist to look over any vehicle you are seriously considering. Don't waste your money with AA or VTNZ pre-purchase checks, you need the assistance of someone who knows old VW's.
Best of luck with it all!
1millie,
Dec 9, 10:49pm
Thanks, see what I mean!I had not even noticed that haha
thejazzpianoma,
Dec 9, 10:54pm
Not necessarily poking holes at the yellow one here but do be wary of examples that are "tarted up" as in having new shiny paint but where other aspects of the car have been neglected. Its easy to take a car like that at face value and miss serious rust, damage or mechanical issues. Be suspicious!
1millie,
Dec 9, 10:54pm
Thanks heaps thejazzpianoma for taking the time to advise. I will try and find a VW club in the area and get some one-on-one help/advice.
As a driver I am not really intrerested in speed, never listen to the radio and rarely travel long distances.If I do I am usually the one who pulls over to let the speedy people passed lol
1millie,
Dec 9, 10:56pm
I am not going to buy either of the cars on my wishlist, just dreamig and planning for a car purchase in the next couple of months.Another old car I would love is a Morris Minor!
thejazzpianoma,
Dec 9, 10:57pm
Thats all good. Have you driven one yet! What I am getting at is that often people who have only ever driven "moderns" get quite a shock at the driving experience. Things like how heavy the steering is, how much effort it takes to do an emergency stop (even at slow speed) etc. I am not meaning to put you off here just saying that it is a VERY different experience driving one of these to a modern car so do get some time in a drivers seat before buying one. Good on you for thinking outside the square!
trogedon,
Dec 9, 10:58pm
There is a guy in Nelson (so nearish to you) who's a VW guru apparently. I have a '67 1300 Beetle an I'd happily use it as an everyday car - especially where you are with less traffic. Once Beetle mechanics are in good condition they tend to stay that way without much bother.
thejazzpianoma,
Dec 9, 10:59pm
The Morrie is a very similar proposition. Very simple to maintain and look after, parts are cheap. BUT like the VW they are very old and you do need to make sure you are not buying one with lots of hidden rust, damage etc.
Again, there should be a Morrie club around to help you. Lots of retired old blokes around in those sorts of clubs with knowledge and time who will often bend over backwards to help you for free.
1millie,
Dec 9, 10:59pm
The car I learned to drive in was a 1961 Datsun Bluebird.Great wee car! And I do remember the difference not having power steering etc. Also had an old fiat at one stage. And you are right, it has been a long time since I have driven an old car so really need to be careful and not get carried away emotionally about a car (until it's mine!)
1millie,
Dec 9, 11:02pm
Thanks.Any idea how I would get in touch with this guy!
trogedon,
Dec 9, 11:06pm
The red one has overspray from the paint job on the engine and under the bootlid which may mean they've skimped on other areas too.
The yellow one looks to be in good condition (apart from the plate under the pedals) and looks cool too.
Remember though - to some extent you need to learn how to drive a Beetle with their swing axle etc.
saxman99,
Dec 9, 11:07pm
My brother had one a few years ago. It was great fun and we had a ball blasting around the place in it, but basically it was a total POS. Most weekends were spent fixing it so it would run for a few days in between. We did however learn lots about fixing engines, so that's a plus!In the end we did have a good reliable engine in a car that rusted away to nothing around it.
However, if the style is what you like then as above, do your homework, choose wisely and go for it!
trogedon,
Dec 9, 11:07pm
He sometimes sells parts here or phone/email a VW club (there is an active club in Christchurch.
thejazzpianoma,
Dec 9, 11:08pm
From memory the Datsun would have been quite civilized as were the water cooled Fiats of the 60's and 70's. The likes of the Morrie can be quite underpowered even by those standards and the likes of the suspension much more vintage, I know some people get a bit feaked just driving them over speed bumps at an angle! That said though you seem to be quite rational about it all and nothing beats an extended test drive. Just remember that the earlier Morris minors use engines from the 1930's which is great for simplicity and reliability but they really do struggle just to keep pace with traffic on the open road.
Speaking of Fiats. a nicely restored Bambina or 600 may be worth some thought (Cute but primitive like the VW and Morrie).
If I was going for a practical every day classic I would be seriously considering a Fiat 124 Spider, not quite the image you had in mind but they have excellent brakes, are low maintenance and handle etc very well.
Might be a good option if you do decide the VW/Morrie is a bit too vintage.
richard198,
Dec 9, 11:11pm
I've owned a few beetles, buses and a KG; and what I've found is you'll be underwhelmed with the 1200cc engine! Sure, they're fine for cruising around. But when you're out there dicing with motorway traffic etc. I'd prefer to be in the 1600cc!
trogedon,
Dec 9, 11:14pm
Sure, or a 2200, or add a turbo. I've found my 1300 (bored to 1640) fine and it'll sit on 100kph all day (bit slower on hills of course).
LOL, its called a car bra, its a vinyl cover that goes over the front to prevent stone chips, usually you put it on when driving on gravel or open road. Yes its a convertible. The difference with the 124 is that it was quite ahead of its time so you get brakes, handling, comfort, performance and economy thats not too far removed from a modern car.
Just an idea, but it would go a long way to giving you the best of both worlds. Especially as parts are easily available and inexpensive.
Those are an EXCELLENT car. They are a properly good vehicle in their own right, in fact better than most cars that cost the same new.
Well worth some thought, that particular one seems well priced, not that I watch the prices on them much. Might be a good option if you can afford it and find the others a bit primitive after driving.
1millie,
Dec 9, 11:37pm
That looks quite cool! Oh, and thanks for being so patient (and helpful)
thejazzpianoma,
Dec 9, 11:41pm
You are more than welcome. If you get a chance take one for a drive, my wife has the Alfa Romeo equivalent (very similar car) and she loves it. The Fiat version requires a bit less maintenance and is a little easier for parts etc. They are also very well priced for what they are.
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