At one point or another, you've known someone with it, and chances are fair, that you've owned it yourself. My current vehicle is none other than Hitlers Revenge, the Volkswagen Beetle.

My car is very much like a beetle, it stinks, and is a virtual pile of rolling dung. My particular car is a '67 with a factory sunroof. I picked it up for $800 bucks, and it's lasted me three years, with some major fun in between. Let's see. The beautiful thing about these cars, (note the sarcasm) is that something will, and usually does, fail every three weeks. Oh, and if it runs fine for a while, no worries, it's saving up it's rage until that one time when you really need to get somewhere, then it let's it all out in one big series of sparks, or one *thud* or one *Blub, Blub... blub.*

Dependable? Well, if you consider your sheer upper body strength as a valid means of propulsion, then yeah, it's real dependable. You know you've got a great car when you're suddenly satisfied that you're going downhill, or you're keeping your fingers crossed just to make it work, as if the Karma Gods will keep that duct-tape holding strong at least to get you here, or there.

I think I might sell it. the first $1000 takes it, no questions asked. Before I do that though, what do you all think? Since i've owned it i've replaced all engine seals, swapped transmissions (can't say replaced there, I got it used) changed the clutch, replaced alternator/battery/voltage regulator... And, the chances are pretty good that the list will grow before I finally get around to doing it...

Is there much collector interest due to the factory sunroof? it used to work, just needs a squirt or two of WD-40.

And hey, feel free to share your own Vee Dub experiences. This is not a vehicle you just own, it's one you EXPERIENCE, for better or worse. (many would argue WORSE, especially if it's a daily driver...) Happy Trails!

Very few cars have the Bug's personality.

I learned to drive on my brother's 1968; just about everything had been modified. The engine, the transmission (gears so close that 3000rpm in 4th was IIRC 47mph!), gutted interior, you name it.

After learning to "drive a stick" on a car with almost no flywheel weight, and a shifter throw under an inch -- well, driving anything else was almost easy.:frog:

I'd roll in that.:cool:

Yah my dad owned a few when i was younger, usually the early 70's models... Sometimes me and my brother would have to push the car down the block, just to get it started... Although my dad did own one that was pretty fast, i was to young to know anything about it.. and when i robbed it for the night, and didnt have my license... I Barely knew how to drive stick,and was stalling every 30 seconds.... But yah my dad loves them, he must of owned 5...

I'm proud to say i've never set foot in a bug in my life. there'd have to be one damn good looking girl inside to get me in there

I've had so many custom VW Bugs over the years, it isn't funny (Still ahve two of them, in fact). I have a few "observations" about your car, and your attitude.

Dude, you bought a 35 year old car for $800, and you say it's a POS BECAUSE it's a VW Bug? You blame your experiences on the BRAND? Man, that's particularly ignorant. Ever think that most of the parts have been abused and aged? No, obviously not. You wanted NEW car for $800, and can't figure out why a beat up OLD one isn't reliable...

VWs got their reputation for being sturdy cars from these models. They were built better than anything of their day, with the exception of top luxury cars. Better sealing, better fit and finish, and better detailing. They were one of the few small import cars that could actually handle the US interstates, due to being developed on the autobahn.

Even your '67 is a relatively simple example, even though it was the first year for the 12 volt electrical system in them.

http://www.tcsn.net/vw/1ecf4fd0.jpg

I've had Bugs as daily drivers that have less problems than most NEW cars. they have a much larger aftermarket than even Civics, and are easily upgraded. You can have everything from a restored classic bug, to a street rod styled car, to an outright drag racer, road racer, or extremely capable off roader.

And Paonessa, if it takes having a girl inside a Bug to get you into anything like these, you have serious issues.

http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~steve/vw/cal_look_vw.jpg

it's still a bug. i could get my lawnmower to run 12's but i'd still feel stupid sitting in it at a red light

Is that because you're just closed minded, or is there some sort of deep psychological malady that make your manhood feel threatened by being in one of the most popular cars in the world?

no, it's just funny looking. pt cruisers are popular. i bet you bug guys like them too

Bugs are sick... I want one :)

-Grendel

Originally posted by Paonessa
no, it's just funny looking. pt cruisers are popular. i bet you bug guys like them too

Funny looking? It's very similar to car that street rods are built from , just like the PT Cruiser is. iv'e built street rods (and did a lot of vintage car restorations) so I really understand that genre. Bugs can be street rod styled, they can be drag race styled (and have been amongst the quickest imports for the last 30 years... normally aspirated, bug engined, steel body VW Bugs are running 10s in the quarter in Super Street class...).

If that's really why you think you wouldn't want to be caught dead in one, your'e really a closed minded fool. Probably a teenager, too, huh?

BTW, besides the many big block powered musclecars I've owned over the years, and all the traditional sports cars, I've had many custom VWs and now one of the cars I own is yes, a PT Cruiser. But then again, I can like all of them because I'm not a narrowminded teenager.

yeah? well i still think they're ugly girls cars. As for me be a "narrow minded teenager" yeah i am and well, you're gonna die before me, so have fun with your bug and pt cruiser while you can, old man.
:apuke: VW bug

The only way I would own a Bug is if it could run 11's.:D

(A) I must say that, before I'd have an Old Beetle, I'd prefer a Type III "variant" notchback. Much better-looking car, although I suspect heavier.

(B) There's a aircooled-VW speed shop withing walking distance of my house. Last weekend we were walking past, and I stopped to check out something parked out front. Apparently an old project, the body modifications included a hood that made the front look like a 1941 Willys, and the rear was a panel truck. Rough, but fixed up it'd be a hoot.

:flash:

Originally posted by Paonessa
yeah? well i still think they're ugly girls cars. As for me be a "narrow minded teenager" yeah i am and well, you're gonna die before me, so have fun with your bug and pt cruiser while you can, old man.
:apuke: VW bug


HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D :biggrin2: :biggrin2: :hehe: :hehe: :hehe: :hehe: :hehe: :hehe: :hehehe: :hehehe: :hehehe:

I respect that people like bugs and and do all sorts of cool stuff to them but would I personally want to own one..... No it's just not my thing.

Originally posted by GTStang
I respect that people like bugs and and do all sorts of cool stuff to them but would I personally want to own one..... No it's just not my thing.
yeah i'd have a hard time hopping out of a stang and getting in a bug. from a horse to an insect don't make sense

"yeah? well i still think they're ugly girls cars. As for me be a "narrow minded teenager" yeah i am and well, you're gonna die before me, so have fun with your bug and pt cruiser while you can, old man."

You think the beetle is a ugly girls' car, and you drive a Maxima!? :lol2:
Now that's funny!

Originally posted by 2strokebloke
"yeah? well i still think they're ugly girls cars. As for me be a "narrow minded teenager" yeah i am and well, you're gonna die before me, so have fun with your bug and pt cruiser while you can, old man."

You think the beetle is a ugly girls' car, and you drive a Maxima!? :lol2:
Now that's funny!


Why is that funny? Have you ever driven a Maxima?

Yes, yes I have, but not a recent one.
But the point being, they think the VW beetle is ugly, the maxima isn't high on my list of beautiful cars (nor is the VW) so it's sort of ironic, in a funny way.
Disclaimer: Your opinions may differ.:)

Originally posted by 2strokebloke
Yes, yes I have, but not a recent one.
But the point being, they think the VW beetle is ugly, the maxima isn't high on my list of beautiful cars (nor is the VW) so it's sort of ironic, in a funny way.
Disclaimer: Your opinions may differ.:)

Would you agree that a Maxima has some zip? I don't know many girls that have Maxima's and the few I do know have wrecked them because they can't handle them.

I drove a 1992, I think it was a 2.2 liter, I can say that it is more quick than any of my cars, but as far as looks go...

Originally posted by 2strokebloke
I drove a 1992, I think it was a 2.2 liter, I can say that it is more quick than any of my cars, but as far as looks go...

All the Maxima's after 92 were 3.0 liter, so you didn't have the priviledge of driving a quick one. The looks aren't the best, but they definitely appeal to me.

Well I guess I'll just have to find a more recent one to "test" then.

Originally posted by 2strokebloke
Well I guess I'll just have to find a more recent one to "test" then.

You'll definitely be amazed by the feel of the car. Find a 5-speed.

Originally posted by 2strokebloke
I drove a 1992, I think it was a 2.2 liter, I can say that it is more quick than any of my cars, but as far as looks go...
only the 1st(and maybe 2nd) generation maxima's were 4's. all maxima's between 88and now were 3.0 V6's or higher. if it had 4 cylinders, it was pretty old. if you drove the ones with the VQ engines 1995+ (the engine that has won JD power and associates best V6 in its class for the last 9 years, starting with my year.) you'd be impressed. my car weighs 2895 has 190 hp and 205 torque. stock runs a 15.2 1/4. mine can do a 14.4

you really think this looks like a girls car?

I'm pretty sure that I drove an early 90's one. But I may be wrong, it was a while ago.
As I remember it, the SE was introduced in 1992 and had a higher power engine, though now that I think back to it, I think that it was of the same displacement as the low power engine... well I'm confused now, so we'll turn to the girl car debate.

I say that VW beetle is about as far from the ideal girl car as you can get. It's old, it's noisy, it's ugly, it requires actual maintenance, You can smell oil fumes from the engine in back and gas fumes from the tank in the front (these eventually make you go crazy, and you begin to love the car) in other words, it's not exactly what any girl (or most people for that matter) would want.

But then there is the New beetle (well not really a beetle at all) which is a totally different story. In fact, cartalk did a survey on the top ten "girl cars" and top ten "man cars" I'll post a link.
Ultimate guy and girl cars (http://cartalk.cars.com/About/Guy-Chick-Finalists/)

I say that VW beetle is about as far from the ideal girl car as you can get. It's old, it's noisy, it's ugly, it requires actual maintenance, You can smell oil fumes from the engine in back and gas fumes from the tank in the front (these eventually make you go crazy, and you begin to love the car) in other words, it's not exactly what any girl (or most people for that matter) would want.[/QUOTE]

First off, I think thats the worst description of the bug I've ever heard. The majority of bugs out there have new or rebuilt 1600cc or bigger semi or full performance engines. Taking into account that there are occasionally some beat up ones that drive around, and as more people restore them the less beat up ones you see. And well of course its old, making it a very valuable and sought after car. As for the noise, some do sound bad, due to old worn out parts, but most have new/performance parts. And as far as looks go, Nothing looks better than a bug that has dropped spindles/gas shocks sitting on polished Empi 5/8 spokes.
:flipa:

Don't get me wrong I love the VW beetle - but it is what it is - a slow, smelly, noisy, outdated, ugly, piece of archaic German designed automotive pie.
But it does have character (Hell I owned a '65) and that's why I like 'em.

Originally posted by RadVW
And as far as looks go, Nothing looks better than a bug that has dropped spindles/gas shocks sitting on polished Empi 5/8 spokes.
:flipa: [/B]

yeah fuckin' right, dude:rolleyes:

i would take a bug on hydros full tweed interior, banging system


my mom had one cant remember year but the brake lights always went out and soemthing else i cant remember

it was other then those 2 problems i liked it
it was a convert
white with a black top

From a person that ownes a VW beetle - they are great cars... probably too much personality... but great cars. I think for all VWs there is one or two repeated problems that they experience. Not all are the same - in fact it varies from car to car. Mine happens to be the ignition system. I have owned the car for 4 years now and had to have something replaced with it... about every 6 months. Right now it is sitting in my garage... same problem.

Despite what many people think of it, it is a great car. Yes the fumes from the gas tank sitting by my knees probably give me twisted delusions about this car. However anyone that says they are girls cars or are pieces of crap have honestly never been in a decent one with the right driver.