1971 Volkswagen Type I Standard 1.6 gasoline from Costa Rica

Summary:

A fun, cheap to own classic

Faults:

Typical old Beetle electrical glitches.

Engine rebuilt at 67000 km.

Driver seat broke twice.

A little rust (It's an old car).

Leaks oil like all Beetles.

Gas smell when tank is full.

General Comments:

Very fun car to drive with 1914cc and dual Webers.

Beetles are very light, so it's pretty quick at stoplights. Chirps second gear easily. Can beat a lot of cars with bigger engines.

Handles very good with fat tires except in the wet like all Beetles.

Very uncomfortable car, ride is choppy, very little space for people or luggage. Cold in winter and hot on summer. Racing clutch is very stiff. Not for everyday use.

A classic to enjoy on a sunny day cruise with empty streets.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th November, 2003

1994 Volkswagen Type I 1.6 Fuel Injection from Mexico

Summary:

Lowest price, lowest quality

Faults:

The heating system only works with the engine at the optimal operation temperature

Failure of the speedometer at 5,000km.

Engine starting problems at only 10°c.

Bad quality of tires and safety belts.

Too many defects of gearbox.

Front suspension were replaced at 10,000km.

Too bad quality of the of the plastics.

Several squeaks of the washer-wiper.

General Comments:

This car have a nice driving, good reliability and lowest price of the Mexican market.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th February, 2003

1966 Volkswagen Type I 1.6. from North America

Summary:

Best car that I have ever owned

Faults:

I have had no problems with this car after all this time.

General Comments:

This car has been the most reliable car that I have ever owned. This car is fast, and a great running car. The only reason that people think that these cars are bad is because so many Americans think that these cars can run forever without any maintenance. As long as you do routine maintenance on the Bug, it will last you forever. People just need to stop being stupid and spend an hour or so a week and just do what needs to be done to their cars. If you keep that up then you will have a great running and cool looking Volkswagen.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th December, 2002

29th Nov 2007, 16:47

Are you sure you are talking about a 1966 Type 1? Test question: where is the engine, front or back?

1968 Volkswagen Type I Karmann Ghia 1.6 dual port from North America

Summary:

The ultimate air cooled cruiser on a budget

Faults:

This particular car was given to me and had sat in a field for several years before I received it.

The gas tank was filled with water as was the oil, a bit of sabotage from an enemy of the previous owner, so that is why it is sporting a 1974 1600 dual port.

Other than that, the only other things I have done was convert to an alternator and rebuild the front brake calipers.

General Comments:

This car is the most fun to drive out of all the cars I have owned. Rear engine, rear wheel drive is a very interesting feel when driving and every time you stop, people feel the need to ask what it is.

This is not a sports car, although some think it is. It's prone to the famous Volkswagen wheel tuck due to its swing axle rear end which makes high speed cornering tricky, especially if you are low on gas.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th September, 2001

1973 Volkswagen Type I Super Beetle 1.6 litre dual port from North America

Faults:

Fuel pump failed and filled crankcase with gas (goodbye bearings). Changed to electric fuel pump. Rear side vents prone to body rot. Rear wheel bearings failed (over-sized tires -- bad plan). Odds and ends (mostly cheap ones). Heater is (as everyone knows) a joke. A/C works good, but robs a lot of HP.

General Comments:

Lord only knows how many miles on this car and still going strong. Any fool can fix one with a book and a basic tool box. I've owned them for 30 years. Above all, buy good parts (i.e., German parts worth 10-20% more you pay for them). A timeless, super-fun car to drive and cheap, easy keeper. Daughter won't part with it. Kids can afford to keep them on the road. Regular oil change, tune up and proper valve adjustment absolute must. Dealer service (even in the 70's) is second only to being robbed at gun point!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th February, 1999

5th Jul 2001, 19:36

I've owned about 25 cars (made in the United States, Japan, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and France) over the last 33 years and my 1966 Volkswagen Type 1 (Beetle) stands as the best. Though I bought it used in 1981, absolutely nothing went wrong with it. A few years later I sold it for I don't know what reason. Now, with the market glutted with transverse engines, front-drive, timing belts, McPherson struts, ad nauseum, I miss my '66 Volkswagen so much. No, I don't know why I sold it.

18th Oct 2006, 22:17

I agree. German parts are readily available at any Import supply parts house.