Classic VW BUG buyers guide what to know before you buy one

classic VW buyers guide

[@bradleyyounger8499]

back in the late 80s early 90s I work for a car lot that use to deal only in VWs. she had tons of VW trucks vans and bugs she told me I could have for $100 each so she could get them off her property..I wish I had a time machine

[@chrisconnell9505]

Took me over 10 years to find a reasonably well taken care of bug. That was 5 years ago, they are just going to be harder to find. Even though it was in 'good shape' i still had to invest the same amount I purchased it for to get it running and have it become a weekly driver. My kids are already fighting on who gets it when I'm gone, lol.

[@classicvwbugs]

Hey Mike! Love the vids bro, I was thinking we could do a podcast episode? Maybe chatting about the scene today? Parts? What too look out for, etc. Let me know, I think that would be cool 👍.

[@Mikefngarage]

yea send me an email. would be fun.

[@FeveredMind]

I was just telling my wife the other day that your VW philosophy is totally similar to mine. I would never customize an original car (leave that one for the purists), but would customize one that already has some inconsistencies (non matching pan and body etc). My plan for my bus was to go custom, so I found one that was already stripped of it's OG paint etc. Anyway, just fix it up and DRIVE IT! Cars are meant to be enjoyed and I want to do that in this lifetime! Keep the videos coming Mike!

[@davidblackburn9182]

Thanks for being honest with us I love my early 72 drove it bought it now I can’t get my money back out of it and your video helped me realize why I should get real on my price and take the loss God bless from Florida

[@OG-sp4vs]

I love your outlook on it why own it if you're not going to use it well said.

[@jimmywilkinson9190]

Hey Mike ! J-B's nose cone was crushed in . I was getting gas and opened the hood started to walk into the store and a lady in a 67 Olds. 88 backed into him . I was in Waco and drove it back to San Antonio with both headlights smashed but it didn't touch the hood . I had some blue fenders pulled the nose out with a 2X4 and a chain tied to a tree and put the fenders on and I was back in on the road .

[@norm2264]

Makes a lot of sense to me I've been hemming and hawing about finishing my 67 I guess for granite right now and the needs work

[@mikehammer4546]

Mike how true you are. I got a 63’ in May of 2020, I’m into it now for about $13k and I still have to do the interior. I’m 69 now and enjoying the process but I can relate with the age thing and how much time is actually left to enjoy. So my two cent, if your going restore/preserve then enjoy the process no matter how old you are.

[@Mikefngarage]

looks like your getting close......be driving it pretty soon. Check TMI for slip ons if you want the cheapest way out. My old upholstery guy during the pandemic disappeared.

[@SDsailor7]

Are the parts more expensive for the older models?

[@SDsailor7]

​@@Mikefngarage Are you located in Arizona?

[@SDsailor7]

​@@Mikefngarage my brother has a 73 super beetle that he is restoring and he lives in AZ

[@mikehammer4546]

@@SDsailor7, the older they are the more expensive they are. Like most all older cars.

[@DemopVWgarage]

yep agreed, I restore them to drive not leave in the corner.

[@Desertfox92308]

Good information. I have owned a few Beetles and now have a '72 Super. Bought it in Phoenix about 4 years ago. It runs and drives with just normal maintenance. I have of course replaced shocks, tires, carburetor, radio, added oil bath air filter, and have kept it as close to stock as possible.

[@christofour217]

30 years ago I had 15 to 20 of these bugs laying around my property. Some were in garages. And I regret selling them all. I just wish I had kept one of them. Oh well!

[@ocavant]

One more tip. Never save your receipts and add up what you spent. This way you have plausible deniability with your wife or husband😜

[@Mikefngarage]

Or hide them never to be found. You should see my Wolfsburg west pile every year. OMG I think tony went on his last vacation just on my invoices.

[@ocavant]

@@Mikefngarage Haha. I think that is why I don’t own any shiny VWs. I’m afraid of what I would spend there if I actually completely restored something. 😳

[@hobbyautobodyfun9315]

I like my numbers matching. the license plate on the front license plate in the back .

[@Mikefngarage]

yea if your driving it those are the only number you should care about. Let the collector care about the others.

[@ocavant]

I know all of us that currently own a VW don’t want to hear this, but prices are set for a major fall. They will track the coming housing market retrace as well as the broader economy and it’s decline. IMO If you’re looking for a car or bus currently, my suggestion is to be patient the market is going to come to you.

[@Mikefngarage]

just remember there are diminishing supply. But yes lots of people mortgage their homes to buy one so it might be effected.

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

I hope you're right. Vintage cars prices are way overpriced. 🙁

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

@@Mikefngarage What's diminishing of vintage vw's? The only ones that are hard to get are split windows bugs. Everything else is available.

[@ocavant]

@@vintage76vipergreenBeetle They made more splits than you think. There are more on the road now than almost ever before. They made a lot of them.

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

@@ocavant Here in New England, I see ovals at local vw shows all the time. Split windows bugs are the rare ones here. Plus the type 4,3,and early ghia's. Convertibles 60-79 are available everywhere also.

[@davidwhocares3293]

Good stuff Mike....haa, I remember passing up a 21 window bus because the dogleg had rust and passed a 67 westy cause the wheelwells were cut out and the Trans. Was funky.....but that was back in 1989-90 or so 🤔....busses were 1500 and plentiful, they were EVERYWHERE !! Baywindow busses were a dime a dozen because they had to be smogged haa remember Beetles were 500 and under ! Ha, sometimes even free ! I like what you said about every car is worth saving, so true ! If people are wanting one they better get a good one quick right, good original bugs are getting really hard to find, seems they are starting to do what the busses did inflation wise. If you can, spend a little more and get a non rusty one or like you said it will sit for a loooong time....

[@jeffbannon1345]

This video was spot on! Great information and very wise advice! Mike’s cost estimates are all to real. Everything is expensive when it comes to a full restoration.

[@Salmon_Rush_Die]

lol the only a/c VW I would turn my nose up at is a super beetle, & even they are fine, but whatever, been there done that -- I like the non supers better. I like all air cooled: I would even drive one of those ugly ass type 4 cars.

[@burningbananas70]

Thanks for today's lesson. A healthy dose of reality...

[@steveschramko2386]

There are lots and lots of young people who NEED to watch this video, especially BEFORE they do something really stupid ...and expensive !

[@SteveEmerson-s3d]

I work on VWs too. Are you restoring VWs for clients or only for yourself. I'm only asking because I would like to try and retire from my job and start a VW resto business.

[@capedoryus]

Great video. Thanks. Been there did that. Clutch cable laying on the ground as city traffic going by did it for me. Sure I want one and I want my old girl friend back. Then reality sets in. On a future could you speak to the taboo subject of insurance. Get TBoned and it's gone. Nobody ever mentions this aspect.

[@Mikefngarage]

yea they are not good as a daily driver but great for weekends and nice weather days. Fun to own as a classic.

[@genemullaney6751]

Awesome real perspective. Just moved my son 67 yesterday. Was rotisserie restoration in 2014. So glad he did it then. Thanks

[@DanTheManIOM]

yea, I am not into collecting.... lol agreed on using them....no sense in just holding on to it....drive it !

[@W.Eric.Anderson]

Fantastic video...great insight into life and age thrown in....subbed!

[@kewlbug]

These videos are great. I really appreciate when you give all the different opinions people have and why they might have them. Everybody does things different. I waver when someone talks like they are the know all be all.

[@assymcgee2835]

ya know, building a 54 myself...the samba flakes and nit pickers really irritate me. Thats why mine isnt on youtube. One thing to consider, and this was regular practice years ago...hacking a replacement panel from a wreck to fix another car and welding it in, well, its more VW than what everyone does now is hit up a website and run their credit card. My 54 has a lower rear quarter patch cut from a 65. Some idiot will scream 'fake oval'. But its more VW than ordering one off a website.

[@Mikefngarage]

for sure.

[@alexjinks6172]

So good a video I shared it with Volkswagen clubs in victoria OZ Kind regrds Alex

[@ronaldvanzelst7894]

Another excellent video report. I like to watch your videos. and totally agree with you. If you have a car drive it. That's what they're made for.

[@t.g.998]

Great info. but it makes me feel like I need to put my dream on hold or find something else to dream about. 😟

[@fishaussie9112]

Can you please finish a project and have another channel for discussions or advice on projects

[@TheDasbull]

Great video Mike! It's important that people new to the VW hobby hear what you say. Your '55 is going to be fun to see restored 👍. Also gotta say I love your '60 sliding rag! I'm biased though - I have a '60 rag too 😀

[@MarkLoves2Fly]

Word! I love my 1972. It is a Daily. I am the 2nd owner.

[@Astro-bs4wv]

Would love a video like this about busses. I’ve always wanted a Kombi but have no idea what I’m looking at, always been a tri-five chevy guy so VW is quite literally foreign to me

[@TheFuzz]

I'm restoring a transporter and it's not cheap.

[@Mikefngarage]

yea I am going to make one just bus specific. I was going to include them in this video but I realized it was just too much information and too long.

[@SDsailor7]

​@@Mikefngarage Do you have a video like this one for the newer cars? I looking to buy a 1970 Thank you

[@cleekmaker00]

Well, this video just burst the desire bubble for sure. Trying to find one as a daily driver sounds like it'll just be a black hole to throw money into with diminishing returns. Oh well... 😕

[@Mikefngarage]

It aint the old vw anymore. they are classics and cost more to maintain than about any newer car.

[@imarobotbeepboop766]

i have a 1999 type 1 beetle from Mexico 1600 fuel injected. its been sitting for 7 years it needs a new front clip and the wiring is a rats nest. got the engine working and it sounds good. in terms of rust its rock solid. got it for $4000 cad. a little on the high side for the shape its in i think, but i work in a paint department for powder coating so i can offset the cost of it. not to mention my work has a sandblaster, painted my rims they look awesome

[@Mikefngarage]

Those engines in those were pretty solid. Not bad for 4000cad. wiring should not be too hard to get sorted. front clip will be a little hard to do but the ones available are Brazilian so it should go right on the Mex bug.

[@bobbysnow5478]

Thanks for the video! We have a Cali 67 daily driver owned since 84.. 3 engines,2 front ends, 2 rear ends..old cars Lots of parts and work to keep running and repairs

[@SDsailor7]

So not worth owning one?

[@brilog69]

I want to buy a notchback!

[@anita-di2fb]

You'll be sorry if the Bosch Jetronic fuel injection system goes bad! I had a '68 squareback wherenthat happened! It was a rocket when it was still O.K. But it was junk afterward!

[@carlmoll3345]

Just a great vid. Thanks . Been there done that. Finished a '73 beetle over 2 years back in 2014. I spent A$17K for a body on resto to produce a show winner. it is a stock standard car. I am now 70! I love driving the car but will sell it in 10 years and hope it will be preserved by the next custodian.

[@Mikefngarage]

Right on

[@nonelost1]

10:27… That olive drab green bug is one of my beloved vintage Volkswagens! I have loved the 1958-early 1964 VW bugs ever since I was a teenager. These are the Herbie generation! I have owned four of these back in the day, a ‘61, two sunroof ‘62s, and a ‘63. One of those ‘62s was a white one that I decked out like Herbie. The other one was a red one which was my first car.

[@st-qd8wg]

Tell me a story about your 63 and where it is now. I hope you still got it .

[@biviozlebi3551]

Mike ...you are Great ...Word to word its true

[@1962_VDub]

Thanks Mike for your knowledge! As a fairly new owner of a 62 beetle I'm learning on the job. Your video on oil really helped me out! I'm 52 and never sniffed a dip stick in my life! I started doing it after watching your film. Couple months after i had gas in my oil! Changed my fuel pump! All good now bud. I think you saved my motor! All the best Rich in the UK 🇬🇧

[@bloomsbury9554]

I really enjoyed your video. Well done.

[@tapper701]

Words of wisdom ! Slainte' ! Cheers !

[@TheFuzz]

Great info on restoration costs. I'm in it pretty deep on my bus. You just have to understand your goal. Driver keeper or you want a complete restoration like factory show car. The fabrication is $90 to $120 per hour in my woods. Paint jobs are not cheap either depending on what your looking for.

[@Mikefngarage]

busses are even another animal I may make a bus specific video for this.

[@jeffhale1113]

Very informative. Thanks for putting this together!

[@Mikefngarage]

My pleasure!

[@davemcaferty6347]

Whats a fair price for a oval window bug in decent shape

[@MattMatt77]

If I may ask. How are these as a around town drive and there reliability and he's to fix? I got a degree in 2008 for a basic mechanic now my level seems maybe higher compared to basic mechanics now. But that's my skill level. Also reliability I mean like is it going to these brake for no reason whatsoever

[@Mikefngarage]

The quality of the replacement parts aren't that great. They require a lot more maintenance than the newer car

[@Jubba26]

Great info, thx! Had several Bugs in my youth and looking to pick one up again. Nice to know I remember quite a bit but also amazed at how much I forgot.. I love these cars!

[@steveengelbrecht7271]

‘67 113 was the best!

[@nicktelesco4950]

I'm repurposing a disaster for my daily driver. I'm finding the replacement panels are very thin. Heater channel from Denmark.

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

Nice information. 👍

[@douggrenard91]

Great information.

[@HoboHeaven]

1st. Tip 1 today, enough Money and Patience.

[@Mikefngarage]

and ad a little more money to that!!!!!

[@HoboHeaven]

@@Mikefngarage that would be my Tip No2. ^^ Restauration from my 56 cost me 59K:((

[@trevgoldie]

Looking for my first Beetle and Bus. Great info.

[@SDsailor7]

So is this a rich man's hobby?

[@Mikefngarage]

almost all classic cars are becoming expensive. I do show how to do your own work which makes it more affordable for a later model they cost a lot less.

[@sputnikxxx]

Great video my 58 i just picked up has a few little issues but im trying to work through them as much as I can. I hope my resto doesn't take 5 years lol