Faults:

A few minor cosmetic issues were present. Firstly, I had to deal with some minor rust that the previous owner had neglected to remove before painting the car. The turn signals didn't work when the headlights were on either. The interior was VERY shabby as well.

All of these problems are soon to be fixed, as I am doing a complete rebuild of the entire car now.

General Comments:

This is one fine economy car, I wouldn't have picked anything else for my first vehicle.

Faults:

Replaced three fuel pumps.

Rewired turn signals. This was the hardest job of any I ever did.

New carb needed after first 5 years.

Rust in rear floorboards. One hole, I super-glued a quarter over after sanding and painting the edges of the hole.

Accelerator cable broke once on the highway. Luckily, I carried a spare with me, having heard of the potential. It was back up and running in about 10 minutes, and I wasn't late for class.

The "Biggie": Blew the engine on the way home one night. No oil light, no warning, just lots of noise and lots of smoke, and then... silence... except for my explitives. Got another bug (73 Super Beetle) for US$200, stripped it of its engine (I preferred the Standard body style), and continued on my way after a few days of down time.

General Comments:

A hard car to kill.

It gets very warm in the Central Texas summer, but stays very warm through the winter.

For the original $1000 I paid for it, it lasted well-past its prime. I racked up thousands of miles on it traversing Texas and New Mexico. It was my first true love. I will have another some day.

Faults:

Had to have the transmission rebuilt in 1993.

Had to have the engine rebuilt in 1995.

The seats are badly worn.

General Comments:

Very reliable car. I had it for 16 years, maintenance was inexpensive.

I would still have it now, but some punks stole it, drove it into a ditch, and set it on fire.

I will probably buy another 1970's Volkswagen Beetle if I find one in good condition.

Faults:

Fuel pump died 3 years ago, cost 5.00 (US $) for replacement, did it myself in front of my college dormitory.

Both heat exchangers rusted straight through twice letting a little exhaust in the cabin until I finally replaced them with Swedish heat exchanges.

Brakes had problems for several years until I got a good "Air-Cooled" Beetle mechanic.

Minor electrical skirmishes - but easy to fix (like wiring a pocket radio).

Can't seem to get rid of a fuel tank odor when the tank is over 1/2 fuel (it has a brand new tank) - strange.

Heater is only good over 60-MPH - bring blankets.

Blesses your driveway with little oil spots.

General Comments:

You cannot kill this car - well... unless your name is rust.

For such a small engine, this car will still smoke the tires for several feet (because of the 4.125 factory axle ratio I guess).

However, between 45 and 93 MPH it doesn't feel quite so fast.

Good A to B transportation for even the slightest do-it-yourselfer.

I like the Super Beetle power but prefer the look of the standard Beetle.