Advise on Beetle Buying

[AimeeB]

Hello,

I am brand new to this forum and to the VW Beetle world (other than the VW beetle I learned to drive in +_14 years ago)!
I am in Cape Town and looking to buy myself a Beetle. Am not mechanically inclined, however am willing to get work done and would actually be keen to do a few of the minor things myself and learn not to be such a useless blonde with this kind of thing!

Anyway I have found one that I like the look of, body looks solid and motor sounds fine (according to my untrained ear). Interior isn't great but that doesn't bother me as I can do that gradually as and when I have time and funds.

However it has failed roadworthy due to the following (see pic below) does anyone have a rough idea of what these things will cost to get in order before I make the final decision and buy the car?
Also, no one seems to know what year it is... any way of finding this out?



Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to offer!

[Sambabus]

Hey Aimee, you can start youre VW basic training by replacing the broken tail light, wiper blades, indicator lense and window winder handles. Then check your brake fluid levels.

Once thats done get your brakes checked by a brake repair shop.


Who tried to take it for road worthy to get this list?

[AimeeB]

I'm hoping YouTube can help me with all those things!!!

The current owner that I am thinking of buying from got the list.

[Dawid$1234$]

Hi, I bought one recently in a very good condition!! And in the last month I had to become somewhat of a mechanic. With youtube and the Heyns manual you go very far. You can also ask here and get really good advise. I would go for the best one I can find, because it will still have a lot of issues. Beginning with one which does not pass the test might be a handful to much. Don't go for the first best one, give yourself time. There are also YouTube buyers guides for stuff to look out for!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[freddiebooysen]

Those items are not too bad but I agree do not go for the first one. But we all know how it goes. They crawl under your skin and you have to have it. The items really should not be too bad to get sorted out though



Freddie Booysen
72 lowlight
74 beetle

[AimeeB]

Thanks for all the super quick responses. I have looked at a few over the last month or so and for some reason this one just feels right (even though visually it isn't the prettiest condition), I think the things that count are all pretty good... maybe it is time to just "bite the bullet" and then deal with the problems as I find them!!! I have been finding it really hard to find any with a valid roadworthy certificate, at least this lady has tried to get one and so I have a kind of idea of what I am getting in to!

[freddiebooysen]

Aimee that is exactly what happens. I am sure most of the people on the group will also help if you send some pics of the beetle to point out extra things that might need attention. Post some pics please.



Freddie Booysen
72 lowlight
74 beetle

[Rowan]

Hey
With regards to the window winders.
Step 1 : Purchase new winders, available from the interweb.
The door pad has a little spring behind the window winder and there is a little pin on the window winder itself. You will see this pin once you pushed the door pad back.
Step 2 : Push back the door pad until you can see the little pin on the window winder.
Step 3 : With a hammer and a small/thin star screwdriver knock the pin out, rem to keep the door panel pushed back and keep the pin ( Dont Lose It )
Step 4 : remove old handle, insert new handle and replace pin by knocking it back in
Step 5 : Put door pad back in place.
Step 6 : Bobs your uncle, new window winders.
Thats what i did at least with my 67 bug not sure if other models differ. Hope this helps.