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:

Gear-box failed after 800 miles.

Engine failed after 30,000 miles.

Second engine (a second-hand unit for £70) failed after 120 miles!

Third engine (a re-conditioned 1641cc unit from Volkspares) failed after two months. It was repaired under warranty only to fail again a month later. After this I demanded my money back which took a further two months of phoning.

General Comments:

Despite all the problems I've had with this car, I wouldn't change it for anything. It's a damn good car to drive.

I love the way it looks and the roar of the engine (it has a very loud stinger exhaust and merged header manifold) this also helps greatly with the performance over a stock set-up.

I would advise anyone who wants an "old-style" Beetle to study the following:

Budget for repairs.

Learn how to do the repairs yourself (easy once you get started!)

Never ever ever buy a Volkspares engine (I recommend a Vege 1600cc re-con unit, it's never let me down!)

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.

Faults:

Battery dead after leaving A/C on at my wedding dinner.

Major head-on accident... lovingly repaired at large cost to the 3rd party.

Carpets, seats, linings, renewed so VW is like new.

General Comments:

Exceedingly reliable & quiet (this one).

Old owner never drove above 50 kph for 25 years.

Paintwork and body and engine maintained like new. Easy in Singapore since mechanics are cheap.

Sold for US$15,000 (the going rate in Singapore).

The Singapore COE is killing the new owner.

A/C works very well.

Faults:

Replacement of the fuel tank, carburettor and rear brake hub.

General Comments:

The car was in a remarkably good condition for a 27 year old car, though I have had the car fully restored.

Faults:

Just about everything - including having one of the wheels falling off whilst moving!!!!!!!!!!!

General Comments:

It's unreliable, cranky and downright annoying at times, but it has such character that I couldn't never even think about parting with it!!