1971 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible from North America - Comments

The gas gage never worked.

Wind-shield wipers didn't work.

Brake drums made a growly sound when I lightly hit the brake.

Engine overheated and cracked, and I had to install a new one.

Had to slow down to zero to re-engage first gear.

Very VERY noisy.

Door jambed.

Very small and delicate components.

Couldn't go up hills at all.

Difficult to start if it had been running in the freeway.

Choke valve would occasionally stick.

Yes, lots of things have gone wrong, and yes I gave it poor ratings in all categories, but it is still one of the best cars I've ever owned!

My dad and I replaced a busted engine by ourselves in two days... and all with tools in our garage.

It is very simplified and practical. When it breaks down, I know exactly where to go to fix it in a few minutes.

I recommend you buy a book called "How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive." Very fun to read and makes anyone into a mechanic.

Its best to have a second car, if possible, to drive you around when the beetle breaks down. You don't want any negative vibes to come between you and your bug.

If my car ever breaks down in the desert in the middle of nowhere, I just hope it's a bug.

Don't drive with the oil light on!!

Hi, Guys!

I just purchased a 1971 VW beetle convertible from a family whom specialized in old cars and VWs. This was, in fact, the wife's personal car.

My first attempt to get it home was awful. Every 15 miles it would sputter and die. It was towed back to Point A (boyfriend driving).

My sister's husband got it started. He said the pin was about to come out of the carburetor. She drove it 60 miles and around town with no issue. Highway miles were driven at 65 mph.

On my second attempt (boyfriend driving) the poor bug sputtered again and died, acting like it didn't even want to go into 2nd gear. Finally, driving through town with a fog (like we were spraying for mosquitoes), we entered the highway. My boyfriend got it up to 65; and then came the hills. After the first hill, the car would only go 40-45 for the next 130 miles. Finally, I got in and drove. Same issue. 2 miles from home, I heard a sound like cats moving furniture in the back. Parts started flying and the car smoked and died.

Can you tell me what might be wrong (aside from a boyfriend who apparently can't drive sick!)?

Also, I haven't a clue who works on VWs in Central/Western Kansas. I really want to get it up and running before Memorial Weekend. Thanks for your help!

-Amy

themcveyfamily@hotmail.com.

Sounds like you killed it!

Amy: get yourself a copy of the book mentioned in the review, "How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive: A Manual for the Compleat Idiot" by John Muir. Lots of good advice that even non-mechanics can understand and follow.

Although I don't think it talks about sounds like cats moving furniture LOL.

I recently bought a 1971 VW Superbeetle convertible. It was very scary. I have always wanted one and the oportunity came up so I jumped. Driving it home the first time it made a screaming noise (kinda like a cat in the front trunk) found out later I needed a new speedometer. Love the car-learning process. I AM ordering the book though. I have the most fantastic guy in OKC, OK who works only on air-cooled VW bugs.

Just bought a 1971 Convee three months ago, 1800 cash, top is good, engine does not smoke, previous owner had the timing waaaaaaay too advanced. Have spent 4 bills on tires (magnesium alloy original bug racer rims came on the car), 3 more bills in the front end in tie joints and struts.

Love the car, all blinks and dash lights work, wipers, headlights even if the right fender has been attacked by a deer.

Heat is great!

Missing some floorpan in a couple of spots, and looks as if an earlier filler job was done, but the frame rails and heat tubes look like new.

I love this stinking car, getting yer book I think, and have a second car to drive when "grettle" is down.

Her name is "sally" a 1968 mustang 289.

Old cars forever, to heck with yer brain boxes and catalytic enviro unhappyness.

darwinless@yahoo.com

I am thinking about buying one of these amazing cars. I've wanted one since I was 4 years old. I think they are the cutest thing ever. But I don't know if it would be easy and cheap to maintain. Is it?

No.

"I am thinking about buying one of these amazing cars. I've wanted one since I was 4 years old. I think they are the cutest thing ever. But I don't know if it would be easy and cheap to maintain. Is it?"

Easy to maintain? Yes. Cheap to maintain? No. These cars are built very simply and are easy to fix when something goes wrong. But unfortunately with these cars, a lot of things go wrong. If you're wondering about these cars being cheap and easy to maintain, then I'm guessing you don't know much about cars, which means this is not the car for you. I'd recommend getting yourself a mid-90's Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Those are excellent cars. Bullet-proof engines that never die, and build-quality that will last a lifetime.