Volkswagen Beetle | Buyer's Guide

Whether it's your first foray into the hobby or one car purchase of many, the instantly recognizable VW Beetle makes for a great collector vehicle: You're almost guaranteed to find a reasonably priced example in good condition, and they're dead simple to work on. Hagerty magazine Executive Editor Stefan Lombard takes you through the ins and outs of vetting one of these cars before pulling the trigger.

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[roadtrip]

There is something about these cars that I can't help but smile every time I see one, I mean seriously, they ain't exactly a fancy sports car or something like that, but something... *SOMETHING* in them makes me happy.

[anibalbabilonia]

Boy I haven’t driven one in over 42 years! My brother used to own one in the 70s! And that’s the car I first learned how to drive. Every time I see one, it brings me fond memories!👌😎👍

[duffysullivan]

Owned several beetles through the 1970s and 1980s. The last one was a 1961 rag top I sold in 1990. What many fail to mention is the maintenance these require if you are going to use one as a daily driver. Every 3, 000 miles you have to pull off the valve covers and adjust the valves. While you are at it adjust the points in the distributor and check the timing. If the belt is loose, tighten it. These are not fuel injected and that carburetor needs to be adjusted and dialed in. How is the clutch? Too much travel in the pedal? There is a cable that you can wrench on to tighten it up. When the brake pads wear down jack up the car and pull off the wheel. There is a little star you can turn with a flat head screw driver that brings the shoes closer to the drum. It is not a huge deal, but all this stuff needs to be done routinely for as long as you drive the car. Keep this in mind if you are thinking of buying your first one.

[baritonebynight]

I used Hagerty to buy my '78 VW convertible. They were very helpful. A vintage VW is a good first classic car because parts are still widely available and they are fairly simple cars...not much can go wrong with them. When you have a classic car, you get to meet so many interesting people who are interested in your car and most people who like old cars are very nice people. Just about everyone says "oh I used to have one back in the 60s/70s....and I wish I would have never sold it.". The car makes everyone happy.

[divindave]

Im 65 and recently retired. I found myself needing a project, so I just bought my 1st bug 3 weeks ago. Im tickled pink whenever I drive it. It's just fun. The car needs a little work here and there but I have all the time in the world to get back looking showroom new.

[klausl.]

I learned how to drive in a '71 Beetle at the age of 14. On German roads. In 1976. With a pillow on the seat. My father said: "Don't drive too far on the right side of the lane. Aim more to the middle of the lane. Otherwise the other cardrivers or police would think, that i'm a beginner-show no fear- do it."
That's impressive!
Meanwhile my father is gone.
End of story.
Now i have to change the battery of a '71 Beetle from my father

[dearmingsacayanan]

Here in the Philippines we call it Bao (turtle). Kids and teens salute when a beatle passes by. If one fails to salute, they donk on that kids head. It's a fun car.

[THolzAquariums]

Beautiful car! Heat in mine works very well. Sometimes I've gotten too warm and have opened the window in the winter.

[GodRam]

Beautiful bug! I own a 67 1500 single port! And I agree there is absolutely no reason not to own a vw bug. The smiles and conversations these cars stir up going down the road is worth way more then the 3k I paid for it! Can't help but be happy while driving one! I'm 28 years old and appreciate the hell out of the humble, simplistic, all around tuff easy to work on car that doesn't break the bank to restore :)

[adavis]

Terrific advice on what to look for when buying a vintage Beetle! My wife and I both had Beetles when we got married many years ago. Hers was a '67 and mine was a '70. They ran terrifically and were cheap to own and maintain. At times I wish I could get another vintage always seem to be keeping my eyes open for one that might come available. Keep up the terrific videos!

[tftolan]

Excellent review. I've owned a '53, '56, and now a '67 beetle. I agree with virtually everything this author states except about the rust; "If you find rust, walk away." You are not going to find a rust-free VW bug that is unrestored. Rust is pervasive, and therefore prevalent. You are wise to document "where" as this will significantly impact your purchase cost & your cost of repairs. I wish I still had my '56 pullback ragtop Salmon PInk...almost identical to this specimen.

[reddmann]

1956? I salute you, I got a 1959 great pan and body, paid $25!
A great buy

[RedRoofGarage]

Bought my first Bug 14 years ago(senior year in High School) and still drive it today!

[PhotoAlbert]

My wife and I both had Beetles when we first got married. Hers was a '67 and mine was a '70. We drove them until we moved to Germany for work, and we bought another one while there. We loved them. They were very dependable, and you're right, they were great in the snow. I really would like to have another one to tinker with and putter around town in.

[bugman]

One thing that wasn't pointed out that has ALWAYS been part of my pre-purchase inspection is to check crankshaft play on the engine. Too much wear and you'll get to see exactly what goes into an aircooled engine. Grab the crankshaft pulley (bottom one) with your hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock position. Now, pull the pulley towards you and then push it away from you. You should have a very small, if almost indistinguishable amount of movement. Any more than that and you have wear. There is a small amount of play that, while is greater than perfect, is still deemed acceptable and not too much to worry about. A lot of play and you'll get to start tearing the engine down to replace parts.

[PeteJacksonPapasVlogs]

We own a '68 Type 1. She's got good bones, but needs restoration. Currently in use daily as my commuter to work and back, about 60 miles a day. Thank you for making this video. They're fun to drive, reliable and get good mileage.

[TroyBoyleAtheistAdvocate]

Probably the car that I miss the most from my young adult years. I had a bright yellow '73 Super Beetle. A little bigger. A little more powerful than a standard Beetle. Took the Kentucky hills and snow like it was nothing. Ran well. Sold it when I moved to Florida. I keep telling myself I'll get another one one day.

[dancehotelzumba]

I know a guy who works at Hagerty's. It sounds like a fun gig. Thanks for the video.

[keithad]

Bought my first car in the mid 1970s. Was a 1960 VW beetle. same motor as this 1956 model. The beetle motor in those days was 1100cc (not 1200cc which first came out in 1962). 1100cc - Almost no acceleration. Top speed 69 miles per hour! took the crash bars off one day and the top speed increased to 72 MPH! No windscreen washer, no fuel gage, heater was good though! This 1956 and later beetles til 1961 had pretty much the same motor (1100cc) same with the war time Beetle, Schwimmwagen and Kuebelwagen but with a little more power. These beetle work well in bad road conditions and rough forest roads with the weight over the drive wheels. Cos of their light weight 3/4 ton, takes a lot for the wheels to get bogged.

[donelmore]

I just bought ‘64 Beetle on Bring a Trailer for $17, 500 so they have gone up in value. The day after I bought it, Car and Driver magazine awarded it it’s “Bring a Trailer Pick of the Day”! It’s now in a shop in Austin, Flash Drive Motors, for electric conversion.