The gearbox is a pile of crap. I'm on my second now!
The engine is not any better. The valves sound like snare-drums.
Rust is also a big problem, especially in the wheel openings.
The back seat is not big enough for a smurf, and the front seat is not much better.
Though the trunk is huge!
It handles O.K.
However, an used Opel Kadett C is a much better buy!
I am a 19 year old owner of a Volkswagen Derby and would like to add some of my one experiences.
If you need parts, no matter what, there is a 90% chance that they still have them in your country (even in the original box) contary to a 9 year old Opel Omega f.e.
My Derby might be 25 years old, but the acceleration is pretty fast.
And you have to admit he is adorable (cioute).
Unfortunately some the disadvantages are relevant.
Just thought you people out there may be interested that I have just been given (0£) from a chap at a pub who says the vw derby ls has started first turn in the two years he has owned it and has also had people offer to buy it from him as he drove around south england. it can't be all that bad can it??
ABOUT THE VOLKSWAGEN DERBY. -
For some months now, I have been the (proud) owner of a twenty-six years old VW Derby LS, and I must say - this being my very first car and everything - that I am impressed by this little car! It always starts on the first try, - and this is not bad in the extreme winter up here in Norway for a car of its age! There's been no errors since I bought the car; absolutely nothing.
So to all of you critics out there: think twice, and talk to your little car - maybe it's ill, mentally... ;)
-Thomas (Norway)
I have an 79er Derby here in Hungary. It has an 1.1 engine. I am very proud of my car, but I had some negative experience. The heating system is not enough for winter. The max. speed of my car is 110 km/h. Above this speed the car feels "unsafe". The derby is excellent for city cruising with this easy steering and huge trunk. For two persons of course.
Anyway I am very pleased. The car is nice. Not for "around the world" tour...
(thanks for reading and sorry for my English)
Why do so many reviewers buy 20 year old cars and then moan about rust, mechanical wear, electrical faults and tatty interiors?
The bottom line is that cars are consumer durables with an average lifespan of around 10 years. If you buy a 20 year old car you have to accept that it will have its problems.
Anyone interested in amking an offer for a 79 VW Derby (68000 miles). Excellent motor, bit of rust.
Can any v dubbers help me out!! I own a 1978 vw derby I need parts and don't want this baby to die. boots, bumpers and front drivers wing... any info would be greatly appreciated. thanks everyone. dez
kathiestrange@hotmail.com please any help or genuine interests.
A friend of mine just recently bought a VW Derby 78` and it`s the coolest car I`ve ever seen. The exhaust is original, but it sounds great. I love the shapes of this car and won't mind driving in the middle of the winter (here in Norway). The engine is tiny and cool.
Hi folks, my first car was the VW Derby LX from my grandma.
Since then I haven't got a better car. It was nice and small built for the small parking lots in good old Germany ;-). One of the best beginner cars I think. But the engine wasn't such as slow like yours. My car drove 160 km/h on high speed.
The suitcase room (? sorry, but I don't know the exact word) was really comfortable 6 cases of water is not such as small as an Golf or an Opel Corsa of the 80th.
I missed my first car very much. Because I could repair everything self not only by a mechanic.
Okay this was my comment. Good Luck for all VW Derby driver.
Dirk (Germany)
Hi I've just recently bought a 78 derby with 64000 genuine miles shes in pretty good condition except for a poor respray. but as cars go shes got a lot of character and the 1.1 engine is sweet as a nut! It feels like your going 100mph @only 50! A truly great little car!!!
Dan.WALES.
Hi All.
My first car was a Derby LS - and I loved him!
He was very nice and drove with me and my son to all places also to our holiday places like Italy and Croatia. Okay - sure - he wasn't the fastest car, but I always felt sure and he never left me on the road.
I miss my Derby and look sometimes to pictures at the www.
So - I wish all VW Derby drivers Good Luck!
Best regards,
Kerstin.
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