Hello everyone.
I am looking to buy an aircooled vw and have it as my daily driver and my only car. My budget is a measly 3000 dollar.
I was thinking of this car on the samba
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/ ... ?id=331938
He is selling it for 2000 and that would leave me with 1000 left for minor issues.
My question is would it be feasable for a first time air cooled owner to have this car as his first air cooled and only car. Mechanically it seems it is a daily driver but I am not familiar with what is ok rust and horrible don't touch the car rust. How much do rust repairs cost? I have been told it is cheap to fix vw's and most can be done yourself on the mechanical side, but is body work and rust and interior stuff extremely expensive?
I do not want a show car, I want a nice matte black and chromed out rat rod looking fastback so the rust is not a major issue if it is just cosmetic but I do not want to drive a death trap either.
Also I am not an expert and have not seen the car in person because I do not know what to look for and have no one that does that can go with me.
I am calling out to you guys for help I guess.
Thanks
questions
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GjMan
- Posts: 97
- Joined: Mon Nov 22, 2004 6:21 pm
If you're looking to buy a car and fix it up for 3 grand max, and then have it reliable enough to be your only car--and driven daily--I'm afraid that may not be realistic. Yes, lotta guys (me included) have T3 VWs as their only car. But in my case I drove a late model used Ford while I rebuilt my Squareback. Only after I learned ACVWs thoroughly, and taught myself to do ALL my own work, including bodywork, did I feel confident enough to sell the Ford and rely solely on the VW. Certainly not trying to discourage a budding VW enthusiast, but it may be better to ease into it rather than jumping in all at once.
BTW, that car on The Samba may be worth the 2 grand, but keeping it running will cost you plenty if you have to take it to a shop for every little thing that is sure to come up. And since it's had lots of mods, you'll need to learn about those mods as well as learning stock VWs I would look for a relatively solid car in more or less original condition and start learning.
BTW, that car on The Samba may be worth the 2 grand, but keeping it running will cost you plenty if you have to take it to a shop for every little thing that is sure to come up. And since it's had lots of mods, you'll need to learn about those mods as well as learning stock VWs I would look for a relatively solid car in more or less original condition and start learning.
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raygreenwood
- Posts: 11914
- Joined: Wed Jan 22, 2003 12:01 am
Just from looking at it...I would say 2k is a little steep. It looks like the seats and dash are nice....ok. The door panels are not really nice. Look closesly at the fit and finish. There is rust dripping out from under the headlights.
Was this rust painted over previously...and where else is it?
It has the dreaded center mounted progressive carb. Thats awful for drivability and milage in general...and bad for most engines if not expertly adjusted.
If all of the brakes are brand new....the engine brand new and correctly done.....and the tranny in very decent shape.....perhaps its worth it. Also...what condition is the suspension and wiring in? A little pricey for what you will most likely need to make it dependable. Just an opinion. Ray
Was this rust painted over previously...and where else is it?
It has the dreaded center mounted progressive carb. Thats awful for drivability and milage in general...and bad for most engines if not expertly adjusted.
If all of the brakes are brand new....the engine brand new and correctly done.....and the tranny in very decent shape.....perhaps its worth it. Also...what condition is the suspension and wiring in? A little pricey for what you will most likely need to make it dependable. Just an opinion. Ray