Is a vintage aircooled Volkswagen Beetle a good daily driver?

[@winstonvillaflor7050]

From Tacloban City, Leyte Island Philippines here. I'm a general surgeon. I have a 2004 VW 3.2 Vr6 Touareg and a restored 1971 super beetle. I daily my vw beetle to work. It has an aircon, petronix ignition and dual solex carbs. It is a reliable daily driver day in and day out. No electromics, computers and other gizmos. Just basic driving machine. Maintenance is very easy. I have been a vw enthusiast since the year 2000. Just sharing.

[@stevecooper7883]

You're a general surgeon with a unique taste in vintage automobiles!

[@ٴ-ق1ت]

my father is an anesthesiologist and has owned 2 bugs in his life he simetimes uses his current '63 bug to work

[@Haziq1992]

its 3.2cc . so much fuel consumption?

[@renealquizola4995]

winstonvilla 15:55 flor, any relatives from Cebu? My first bug was a 1200 model 1972, but sold it. Now, am restoring a 1972 Super 1302...but running, renewed or/cr

[@winstonvillaflor7050]

My paternal great grand father is from Cebu. They migrated to Leyte Island. I'm glad you have an interest in a vw 1302s. For me it is the best beetle ever made. It is bigger, better handling, has a more powerful engine and a sturdy suspension. Once properly restored and maintained. It is a reliable daily driver and will last a long time. Just sharing my experience.

[@AndyGrouch]

Our family had a Beetle when I was very young. That sound when you open the front hood brings so much memories.

[@MrGchiasson]

In the 60's early 70's..a friend's father had a Beetle. Drove it everywhere! It was classic.

[@benashcroft7758]

I daily drive my '72 here in the UK. Have been all round the country in it and even took it around Europe in July for 12 days and it was mostly faultless! I smile every time I drive it. Also have a '66 project bug that makes me smile in a different way as it's a larger engine. Super great cars, a great first classic car to own, very little maintenance required as you said, bar valve adjustment and oil changes. Old air-cooled engines go on forever, hundreds of thousands of miles on them really isn't out of the question at all.

[@TheUnknownGodAce]

I might be getting a '71 bug soon as a also UK driver alot of the comments said they fall apart in the uk have you had trouble like that? If you don't mind me asking

[@benashcroft7758]

@@TheUnknownGodAce they definitely need good rust prevention here in the UK or waxoyl underneath every couple of years. Either that or be prepared for hefty welding bills. The heater channels are super expensive if they need replacing as they run through what's the sill on a regular car. Generally speaking I underseal every couple of years and I've been ok, and mine are both ungaraged. Don't tend to drive them in the rain or when gritters are out in the winter though as that will eat the chassis super fast.

[@theodoreolson8529]

I'm an old boomer. Have had 2 beetles in my life. They're fun to drive, cheap to maintain. Other than the fact that Beetles fold like a paper cup in a crash I might still want to drive one for fun.

[@joelbuff3254]

Simplicity is something I always was drawn to. Vehicles nowadays have so much crap to break, so many little beepers and nannies. These little cars are More fun than a crackhead with a squirrel on a leash.

[@moriver3857]

Dual ports never had a stock oil filter either. Production numbers exceed 22 million, though not sure if that included type II, III, or IV. Great cars. Wish I still had my '67 type 1, and '66 and '67 type 2 in 2023.

[@joeygemini6390]

Actually old beetles have excellent air conditioners... the sail shaped little windows provide a nice breeze on the passengers. They look cool too. New car designes expect the windows to be up and the a/c working, so if a window doesn't roll up or down you're miserable.

[@robmack4010]

Simple answer...sold 23 million.

[@gieb6428]

Best car ever made

[@SpikeArrowood]

Dailying an air-cooled VW in the great white 7,000 ft elevation might be a bit cool in the snow covered winter and here in the hot humid southeast in the summer would be a "swamp ass" vehicle 😉 BUT it would definitely be a TOTAL BLAST to drive!!!

[@SirDrifto]

That is true! Lot of altitude to push with 58hp

[@bunzeebear2973]

Designed in the land of SNOW, not a problem once you learn to leave the side window open a crack, which clears the windows and allows the air forced into the car a way out. So much heat you can go commando.

[@yurigodoy93]

I know that the Corolla is technically the world's most sold car ever, with more than 50 millions units sold worldwide. But if you look at the top spots in the all time best selling cars ever, you'd see that above the Beetle, every car changed the looks and construction so much that you could argue it's a totally different car, just with the same name. To me that's what made the Beetle so special. Since it's inception in the early 30s, to the last unit sold in Mexico in 2003 (I'm ignoring the New Beetles variations), the car was basically the same. If you showed that last Beetle to a german from the 40s, he still would recognize. But if you show the modern day Corolla to a japanese from the 70s, he probably wouldn't know what car it was. That's why I think the Beetle stands out from other cars. That's why I love it so much. That and the fact that here in Brazil they were produced until the late 90s, I used to see them every time on the road, my neighbour had one... Yeah, I love this little car.

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

Absolutely. The first Corolla was a pushrod longitudinally mounted 4 driving the rear wheels. Since then, they've evolved into all number of variations that have no resemblance to the original. The VW Beetle started life as it finished it, a refinement of a theme and nothing more.

[@bigears4014]

By name , not the same car

[@histriamagna1014]

It is. I was a proud owner of a 1974 bug for 28 yrs. The best car ever.

[@fflynnful]

In the US northeast, rust would eat them. For me, three of them died of rust. If not for rust, I would still have my first 1967 beetle. :)

[@mdjones905]

I had a 62 VW bug, it had a 36 hp engine. Wonderful car.

[@clockworkdimetrodon1001]

I had a ‘74 I got in ‘90, and drove it in southwest New Mexico for 5 years, and never had a heating issue at all. It also did fine in the mountains in winter. Great car.

[@bigredmed]

Had a 72 SuperBeetle. Got frostbite driving from Central Omaha to Southwest Omaha.

[@d.j.a.c.870]

Did you need heat though?

[@clockworkdimetrodon1001]

@@d.j.a.c.870 a couple of times, and I had a space heater for it, but I was referring to engine overheating issues

[@ThriftMachine]

Putting a Brazilian seal on the front trunk is slightly thicker and seals far better. So going down the road you don't get cold air intrusion. Keeps it warmer inside Getting an oil filter relocation adapter kit helps get you an extra roughly 1 extra quart of oil. These simple to install and make it more comfortable and reliable

[@SirDrifto]

I need this fix currently being in the winter 😩

[@2cartalkers]

And you need that in the summer in Yucca Valley, Ca

[@scottgriffin2005]

Perfect!

[@dalemaloney5803]

😂 the Brazilian is thicker

[@bunning63]

And the Brazilian seal quite likely will fall apart after one year.

[@AH-yg2dj]

Little history lesson, the last vw beetle ever produced was built in 2003 in the Volkswagen’s Puebla (Mexico) factory. Then it was shipped across the ocean to the Volkswagen museum at Wolfsburg, where it is kept until today.

[@SirDrifto]

Wow that's amazing

[@danielsellers8707]

20 years ago today!

[@jackprick9797]

I read that on wikipedia. The last one was nicknamed, El Rey, or the King and was serenaded by Mariachi as it came off the assembly line. VW made 21,5529,464 beetles.

[@Pamlicojdjdj1487]

You could legally import a Mexican made 2000’s Beetle (Vochos as they are affectionately called in Mexico) starting next year in 2025.

[@michaelconverse5127]

I’ve had quite a few of these and still have several. I had one as a true daily driver from 2002-2015. Year round. Street parked. It brought me from Chicago to Arizona when I lived there and back to Chicago when I moved back. I took it on off road trails In the desert and through the snow in the Midwest. It took me everywhere for 13 years and saw some extremely hard miles. I did have some repairs along the way but not once did it leave me stranded. I bought it with 35,000 miles on it and sold it with over 145,000 on the original engine. I bought it for $3200 and sold it for the same ! I added an Espar gas heater which I highly recommend if you daily these in the cold. Air cooled VWs are some of the best and most reliable cars you can buy if you buy them in good shape or put them in good shape. The issues come when cheap parts are utilized or the work isn’t done correctly.

[@SirDrifto]

Awesome!

[@BillySBC]

Safety is the big issue with this cars, safety and speed. Any kind of a real hit in a classic Beetle and your chances of walking away from it are not good. Trying to keep up with modern traffic going 75 to 80 mph isn't really possible without engine and transmission mods, they're slow right-line traffic cars, which is okay so long as you know that and don't mind people blowing horns at you.

[@hb-3462]

I drove a '68 bug for 12 years, bought it in 1973, the gas crisis year.

[@scrambaba]

My mom, single with 4 kids in the 70s, owned a 71 Super Beetle which was the crappiest lemon I ever saw. She worked for minimum wage and was mercilessly taken advantage of by the dealership which was a den of thieves. In 1976 she finally got rid of it and bought a Honda Civic which was pure gold. I would never recommend a Beetle for any purpose unless you were handy enough to do the work yourself.

[@michaelconverse5127]

@@BillySBC that’s true of virtually any vintage car. A late 60s onward Beetle should be perfectly capable of doing 70 easily though.

[@davidgrisez]

I was born in 1951 and the Volkswagen Beetle was my father's favorite car. He owned both a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle and a 1972 Volkswagen Beetle. I learned to drive the 1965 Volkswagen Beetle.

[@SirDrifto]

Great car to learn on

[@johnorangers5820]

I believe your car is a 1970 and not 1971. The '71 was the first year for flow-through ventilation, which was visible by the crescent shaped vents behind the rear quarter windows. Also your engine decklid isn't correct for the 70-71 era. They only had two vents; 4 was only on the convertible in that period. the 4 vent deck lid started in '72. It appears the front seats have aftermarket seat covers on them. In 1970 there would have been two buttons in the headrests. Also, the 1970 engine was a single port. I cant tell from your camera angles but I think that's what's in it. But it has all the markings of a 70 model. I'd also recommend getting rid of the aftermarket air cleaner and replacing it with the stock oil bath cleaner. It will run quieter and it has a thermostat in it so it will run smoother as well. If you look down at the engine tin, the heat risers are blocked off. Those are important for the carburetor to work correctly. You mentioned the heat. That's a myth; these cars when in optimal condition have very good heat. Check your thermostat for one, and the heat exchanger system matters. Aftermarket ones have less fin count. Real ones work great.

[@redsorgum]

Over 21 million sold, it answers itself. By the way, my 66 beetle is my daily driver/ work truck.😘✌️

[@SirDrifto]

Awesome.

[@miket3509]

Actually it is a dual port engine. You can see the rubber sleeves(boots) connecting the end castings to the center section. So you have 60 wild horses there. Very nice example of a Beetle.

[@justinanderson1727]

Yep dual port for sure. You win🎉

[@ByronTexas]

The spare tire pressurizing the windshield washer fluid is worth buying one!

[@fflynnful]

That was a clever idea. I had that in my '67 beetle. Just keep an eye on the spare tire inflation and it's all good.

[@chlyon]

Id recommend removing the front spare wheel from the beetle , I smashed my beetle into a mob of sheep at 70 MPH in the middle of the night , I didn't have the spare in the car and this allowed the front void to coplase and for the car to absorb the impact and ride up on the 23 sheep ,rather than the spare acting as a ramp for the sheep to head towards the windscreen .

[@guillermopalacios959]

Maravilloso carro, es un fiel compañero,tengo uno 1975,desde nuevo, y a los 48 años es el mejor auto de la familia,saludos desde .Mexico

[@cintroberts6614]

I still drive mine daily except in the dead of the summer. 1967 beetle and it runs great. It costs very little to keep it going and I can rebuild the engine in a weekend. It gets almost 30 mpg and $11 a month for insurance. A tune up is less than $20 dollars and tires are really inexpensive. I have been driving since 1977 and I refuse to sell it. Keep a gel battery in it and you will not have rust issues. My battery tray still shines like new.

[@martinharris5017]

I use a stainless steel battery tray over the floorpan. No rust there either :)

[@vayabroder729]

You can use as a daily under certain conditions and especially not on the interstate with the careless drivers. If you drive it regularly and maintain it it will be great. Also, try to keep them away from rain and snow if you want them to last. And don’t lug the engine; they need to be driven at sane rpms, not too little and not too much either.

[@SDsailor7]

Well then the people that don't have a garage are out of luck and their big is gonna die sooner.

[@vayabroder729]

@@SDsailor7 Exactly; as it applies basically to all cars but more so to old cars. Maybe getting a really good and waterproof cover on those cases can help.

[@bloqk16]

@vayabroder729 . . . Your expressed my sentiments when I saw this video appear on the recommended list. As I was clicking on it, I was going to make similar comments. Today's [US] interstate highway speeds would stress the VW flat-four air-cooled engine, as I speak from experience in my youth having driven a '67 Beetle [the car was in my parents name]. At the time the national speed limit [US] on freeways/interstates was 55 mph [89 km/h], which was the _sweet spot_ for the motoring speed with that '67 Beetle. Pushing that engine to prolonged paces of 70 ~ 75 mph in todays interstates, especially in warm weather, you're looking at burning the exhaust valve in the number-3 cylinder. That burnt engine valve gives the air-cooled flat-four that distinctive _chug_ exhaust note. When going up road grades at highway speeds, don't expect to maintain the posted highway speed, and anticipate to shift down to a lower gear and keep the engine from lugging; meaning to drive at a slower speed. Ah! When it comes to moisture protection: The sheet-metal floor-pan of the Beetle model is the backbone of the vehicle's chassis. Issues of corrosion with that sheet-metal floor-pan can doom the vehicle. Even in the mild California climate, the Beetle I drove was outdoors 24/7, subjected to the rainy seasonal weather, with the pavement's moisture keeping that floor-pan damp for months out of the year. A car cover would not have kept away the moisture that evaporated from the pavement when the vehicle was parked. I had a hazardous issue arising from the weakness of that floor-pan due to corrosion: The pedals assembly of the throttle/brake/clutch is anchored via a bolt to the sheet-metal floor-pan. In 1974, that pedal assembly collapsed due to the sheet metal giving way with that anchor bolt. Fortunately, I was out on a country road when it happened and was able to safely bring the Beetle to a stop. I had the Beetle towed to a repair garage, where they used a piece of plate steel with a drilled hole to act as a retaining plate, to the floor-pan, to remount the pedals assembly with a new and slightly longer anchor bolt, and nut.

[@boyracer3477]

That's just ridiculous. I've driven tens of thousands of mile on the freeway in LA in a bug. No worries. Keep away from snow and rain? That's just moronic. This isn't a fragile vehicle. They are as tough as nails. I don't know where this clown "learned" about bugs, but it is all Bull.

[@ronald8792]

I have the same bug (71' beetle) and it's been a love/hate relationship. I like it because I can run my errands in it and parking is pretty easy, It's also good on gas compared to my work truck. I hate it because it wont stay problem free for very long, my phone gets lost in it, I have to watch the cars behind me more than the cars in front of me and people always pull out in front of me.

[@SirDrifto]

I know the feeling 🤣

[@michaelbenardo5695]

Won't stay problem free for long? I'm not a VW freak, but they are VERY reliable.

[@thrivecraft52]

I have kept several Classic Beetles in different times but there is one which my father bought 30 years ago and I still have it. It was my fathers first car and now it is my daily. I can bet anyone, that I will take it were ever you say but it won't quit. I drove it in all weathers including heavy rain as well as crossed many flooded paths in it with almost upto 3 feet water and the car didnt even misfire. It is running on its original motor just refreshed it one and it rides like a dream. It was parked for 2 years because I was out of country and when I came back I just filled it up with petrol and it started right up. My opinion is that these cars are great and will never leave you stranded on a roadside.

[@michaeltetzner5847]

Is it a good daily driver ? Of course it is. It will take you from point A to point B reliably. Will it be fast ? No. Will it be comfortable ? Not really.. But it will get you there. I went to college in Germany, for 4 years it took me to school and back, as well as lots of other places.

[@thedubwhisperer2157]

It will get you places in mud and snow that would leave many cars stranded!

[@georgschuster8895]

You are the first American i‘ve ever heard spelling Porsche the correct way. Greetings from Germany and thanks for the great content ❤

[@SirDrifto]

Thank you! though in my early years I use to stay porche 😆

[@michaelbenardo5695]

I'm American, and I always spell it correctly. How do some of my countrymen try to spell it?

[@georgschuster8895]

@@michaelbenardo5695 they say „Porsh“ without an „e“ at the end. The letters „sch“ in German together are spelled like „sh“ in English . If you want to become a pro spell the „V“ in Volkswagen like an English „F“ 😄 have a nice Weekend!

[@d.j.a.c.870]

Um, isn't Sir Drifto Canadian?

[@ApertureAppliedScience]

“North American” and pronounced correctly not “spelled” correctly. Lost in translation.

[@wiesshund-games]

Just a heads up, Beetles had heaters. Most people wound up not buying them, but you could get an Esparcher heater for them installed at the dealer, and turn the interior to 95 degrees when it is below zero outside. i drove one for years through many winters, warm and toasty and no frosted windows. A 914 5-speed tranny is a nice addition also

[@SirDrifto]

Great tips 👌

[@dwalker399]

@@SirDrifto If you want 5 speeds in reverse! Think about it. The transmission is mounted behind the engine in a 914. And the engine in a 914 spins clockwise like a beetle.

[@eugenedabs6817]

@@dwalker399You can flip the ring gear, but thats the least of the problems in using a side shift 914 transmission. A 912 or even 911 transmission is a more expensive but easier conversion. Or get a Berg 5 speed conversion. I guess. Not really needed. The rpm in 4th is what is needed to cool the engine. Less RPM, less cooling.

[@justingray3456]

Run a Berg 5 speed, they are the best.

[@wiesshund-games]

@@dwalker399 no You just flip the ring and pinion. Then swap the nose cone and shift lever. It's been done many times before.

[@ABosch-lg2pr]

I purchased mine with 300,000 miles on it and drove it all over the United States and Canada. When I got back from the adventures I continued to drive it as my daily driver. I sold it for what I paid for it with 420,000 miles on it. The only issue it ever had was a sometimes stuck solenoid that you would have to whack gently with a hammer to get started. I still miss that car decades later.

[@thedubwhisperer2157]

Ditch the ineffective air cleaner (which will not properly vent crankcase vapours/oil mist) and fit the correct distributor - your engine will love you for it! The exploding plastic filter in the engine compartment is a fire waiting to happen and be sure to carry a spare fuel pump - those cheap pattern ones sometimes have a life measured in weeks before the actuating arm fails, and if you drive it in the summer be sure to seal the engine compartment air leaks. Finally, those repro top pulleys are prone to fall apart at the hub. I'm not suggesting you have carried out these changes/omissions yourself, but this engine really is a very typical example of well-meaning but ignorant monkey-see-monkey-do modifications over the past four decades or so by folks who have never seen a standard factory engine and believe they know better than VW (who built over 35 million flat fours) for what should have remained a stock engine.

[@tinolino58]

Interesting

[@my1vice]

"58hp?! What are you, some kinda hotrod?" -- 2CV driver

[@bugnut82]

I got a laugh out of that one! What hp does your little ride have, like 25 or something?

[@davidgrason161]

I've driven these Type 1 VWs many years and even drag raced one back in the early 1980s.I love these cars. They just have so much personality that has been completely lost with all the new cars on the roads that look like angry fish. Also, I used to ride an old Shovelhead Harley and I feel that The VW has some things in common. The Shovel could be finicky at times and was behind the times being a 4 speed when all the metric bikes were 5 speeds. I used to say the exact same thing about my VWs and my Shovelhead. You LEARN TO LOVE THEM for what they are. I say enjoy the personality and don't look back. BTW, I think Nugget is good as gold. That is a really sweet dog.

[@vayabroder729]

Love your analogy of new cars to angry fish; you are absolutely right!!

[@patriot692]

I think Nugget wanted to drive! 🤤🙄🇺🇸

[@johnsheetz6639]

When running good they go about 80,85. As far as daily driver millions of people can't be wrong they do their job nothing more nothing less.

[@southhillfarm2795]

I had a 1969 made in Mexico. High back front seats, black exterior, black interior. Had a gas heater since I lived in Winnipeg. Worked great.

[@awittletaco4293]

I would dare to say you can even be safe buying one of these with an sketchy engine, you just take 2 bottle caps and a dollar to Coca-cola and you get a rebuilt engine

[@katnerd6712]

Honestly you shouldn't own one of these unless you have at least a basic knowledge of how to work on them. They can be expensive to own if you have to pay other people to keep them up every time something wears out or breaks down. Saying "reliability" and "Mercedes" in the same sentence is a bit....optimistic.

[@jpvill4th]

The things you said needed replacing are common for a 50 year old car. The heater problems are also the result of no maintenance. My 1972 heater system will cook you out of the car. Later Mexican Beetles were fuel injected and they could meet the CARB emission requirements but weren't imported into the USA due to crashworthyness, though I don't think that was the true reason since the Fiat 500 didn't pass yet you could still buy one in the USA. Larger factory air cooled engines put out significantly more power but what the more powerful engines weren't used in the Beetle or Super Beetle is beyond me. There were also other concept Beetles that were developed that had larger engine compartment where a V-4 air cooled engine could have fit in the rear too. The VW Cheetah Concept could have been developed into a 4-seater with a rear engine or a FWD engine. This concept was made in 1970 and again in 1971. All of the air cooled cars could have been air-conditioned in later years by using an electrically driven AC compressor with a high out put alternator and an extra lead-acid battery. That is the way many air-cooled and other vintage cars are being air-conditioned today.

[@manangbastos]

i was 16 when i found my neighbor was selling a racing vw beetle (unsure of the year), never got to buying it as my first car due to parents hounding me to get a newer car lol. now as an adult, i’ve been thinking of getting one. ty for the info!

[@nejdro1]

I bought a new 1963 VW in Germany and drove 30K around Europe before bringing it home to Chicago. After one winter in Chicago, I WANTED A HEATER! the VW heater will drive you out of the car on the highway, but around town you will freeze to death. VW drivers would constantly be driving in a lower gear just to keep the motor driven fan blowing air through the heat exchangers into the interior.

[@eraummenino3011]

I dally drive a 1982 Volkswagen Gol, no not a Golf a Gol, the Gol was a Brazilian designed sub compact hatch made on the B1 platform, early Gols like mine used a front mounted air cooled boxer, I could not be happier with my car, takes me every were, super reliable and super easy to maintain by your self, the Gol engine has some changes tho, because of the front engine, VW of Brasil developed a completely different cooling fan for it, allegedly in partnership with Porsche ( it is a very similar system to an early 911), mine in particular is a single por 1600 with double carburetors

[@josephpadula2283]

I have nothing against theses cars Except when I see an environmental number sticker on the back. These cars could not meet pollution standards of the 1970’s . Today one car puts out more Pollution than 100 big SUV’s . So even though they get decent Milage ? You Ain’t saving the earth ! My 2000 Honda insight is a ULEV and gets 64 mpg .

[@vestel777]

I have a question for You. Do they make Bugs like this that are Rust proof and have an automatic transmission??? I’m wondering why these engines always have a habit of breaking down?? At least that’s what I’ve been told. Mine would have to be automatic and be jacked up off the ground and have off road tires and be 100% Electric. That way I could go at least 150-200 miles on one charge and have regenerative breaking.

[@ericknoblauch9195]

The first beetle was produced in 1938, and the last one was produced in 2003. The same body style all those years. Other manufacturers claim they hsve produced more than 21 million, but their car was restyled, or an all new platform with the same name. No car manufacturer has produced a car with the same body style and platform as Volkswagen did with the beetle. The beetle was also the longest car in production for over 60 years. The old beetles with the 1200, 1300, and 1500 engines were the most durable. The dual port 1600 engine was no good. I know people who had the 1200, 1300, and 1500 engines last 180,000 miles. A family friend of ours had a 1956 beetle that went over 1,000,000 miles, and had 6 engines, and 3 transmissions during the time the miles went on. The beetle also got something like 38 miles to the gallon of gas, and that was back in the 1960's when gas guzzlers were everywhere.

[@seanwashere]

No 70's buses are water-cooled. They started water-cooled vanagons in the mid-80's

[@Kekulevonstradonitz]

If this type of car would have enough demand, they would still build it, so you are right with your conclusion, it's not a every day car, only one "for a weekend" as you said at the end. And in Germany we have Winters, and this will cause a bad sight because the not correctly working climatisation. Air cooling is also a too loud method. Despite some advantages, it is a bit out of time. But despite it, there will be some bug fans even today.

[@johnsaikaly]

I have a 1965 Karma Ghia but it’s basically the same engine and I love it but I don’t drive it every day. It’s my Sunday car I’m thinking of making a video.

[@schpiele]

21,529,464 beetles were produced.

[@SirDrifto]

Wow that’s alot

[@PFCKruger]

My grampa"s VW only had 34 PS and he made it over the alps. So you probably gonna be fine. :D

[@jrksoldierx1436]

I would daily drive one until the thought of getting slammed by a drunk driver in a f150 crosses your mind

[@rogergraves242]

Use to be $5.00 would Fill up The Tank I went on that back & Fourth to School & Work - on A 40 horse engine.

[@sepg5084]

I guess it is ok back in the day, but standards have improved now. Also, don't crash it.

[@paulnicholson1906]

They are cool cars but as a daily kind of stink. The heater only works well on a hot day, they don't get that great mileage, they don't handle that well, the motors blow up if you aren't careful. They aren't really that easy to work on but back in the day the parts were available and cheap.

[@dennisvangemst8714]

I am using my 1983 mexico beetle as a daily driver, 1200 engine, for 6 years now. Is has very little comfort, but I am still happy with it, it gives people a smile on their face when I drive by. If you are handy, it's very cheap in maintenance.

[@SirDrifto]

Very cool!

[@AetHrium-pf4fn]

lol, thats not a real beetle just crap

[@deafbyhiphop]

@@AetHrium-pf4fndefine a ‘real’ beetle

[@AetHrium-pf4fn]

@@deafbyhiphop 65 or below oval or split window. all other are just golf tbh

[@msbigdog1460]

You're exactly right, people smile and point, honk their horns or give a 👍when I take mine for a drive. Kids get a real kick seeing it. 😂

[@Junebug60]

Adjust the valves and change the oil often and occasionally retorque the cylinder heads and ride.

[@tecate9408]

Hard to avoid empi products as their distribution is far and wide. The quality has come up some but would try to avoid if possible for repairs. Try whenever possible to source German parts if you need them, it is what works best in my opinion. VW beetles are really fun to drive and this usually happens if an owner is a little mechanically inclined. Doing your own valve adjustments, oil changes, brake adjustments, and other minor maintenance will go a very long way. Quite close to getting my 62 to daily driver

[@Rottingboards]

Not only is it a great daily driver it also does the following: 1) Makes you smile as you approach it in the parking lot. 2) Causes fathers to hit their children...Slug bug 3) Causes whole school buses to smile and go into a slugfest. 4) Will make old men talk to you for hours at the gas station. 5) Will get the peace symbol throughout the day. 5) Will make your turn around and look at her as you walk through the parking lot.

[@rawbacon]

If it wasn't for rust almost every Beetle made would still be around today.

[@lufwaffeaircraft]

For those of you who wanted to see when he surprised his GF with the beetle. I didn’t see it in the description… kzbin.info/www/bejne/faHTkoChn61rebcsi=1B_2sgBeY_FfjCd9

[@muttbone01]

Only ran into this video because I just took the title of a '71 NOT Super Beetle. Honestly, why would anyone want a Super? Plus it has brand new pans, tunnel, refreshed transaxle, all bushings replaced, Arizona-based (we think, as it has a clear title an absolutely NO rust an straight metal).... $4000. An it runs an drives. Could easily flip as it is in my part of the country for $8k overnight, but I'm keeping her!

[@abefehr6155]

Over 21 million built Ontario plates but I see Alberta mountain

[@gregcrabb3497]

I wanted one when I turned 16 and tried every way in the world to convince my parents and grandparents to find me one but the latter wouldn't hear if it (they were paying for half so they did have some say so). But when I turned 30, I bought myself a brand new New Beetle TDI. Yeah I know it isn't the same but I still love it 22 years and 330,000 miles later. It's the most reliable car I've ever owned and believe me I've owned many. I still want an old one or a Karmann Ghia though ( or an old Porsche 911).

[@johnmick9457]

Daily drive a vintage VW bug? Well yeah you can and they are very reliable if they are maintained early ones require valve adjustments only downside is that most modern cars weigh a lot more then a classic beetle so in an accident you are going to LOSE. I have a 58 that I drive a lot in the Summer months I think nothing of taking road trips over 500 miles.

[@backyardbuggies939]

Who doesn't love a VW ?

[@SirDrifto]

Tesla owners 🤣

[@glyakk]

Of course the beetle has front crash protection. You just have to fill the trunk with a bunch of pillows like your gf has done ;)

[@SirDrifto]

@@glyakk I only tell a few of my secrets 🤣

[@ronaldhuff635]

2003 was the cutoff when mexico stopped

[@daveofyorkshire301]

It's an old Flat windscreen model. They run forever, often out living their owners... These Beetles are stable, reliable, functional dare I say utilitarian, and with minimal care they just keep going...

[@SirDrifto]

That is true!

[@tomtomek2642]

I drive a Vw 1985 beetle it’s my winter car is the best ,it’s my Vocho 😊😊😊😊

[@SirDrifto]

Awesome, they are great in the snow

[@Bearthedancingman]

Small upgrades are available to aid in livability: *Oil filter mod. Adds a part to the engine that uses a modern oil filter. *Disc brakes upgrade. Expensive, but worth the cost. You can even get an anti-lock module for extra $$. *Semi truck sleeper heater (runs on gasoline from the fuel tank or are also available to run on diesel, CNG or propane.) They're small but very warm little heaters. And the only power is two fans and a fuel pump. *Semi truck cab fans for defrost and air circulation. *Double belt pulley. Reduce the chance of losing the blower with a double belt pulley. *Replace the 30amp alternator with a 95amp alternator. (If your engine is stock, go for the 55amp so it doesn't use too much power) This helps provide power for cell phone chargers, the little heater I mentioned above, fans, brighter headlights, and even a couple of those little 200watt dashboard heaters for wintertime defrost. *Brighter lights. Also available as LED low energy. (Headlights, taillights & turn signals) ... Less common(as in, expensive) upgrades include: *Hydraulic lifters. No need to adjust anymore. *Digital throttle body. Can be tuned to increase power AND fuel efficiency. (But adds a computer to an analog car which is a bit of an abomination lol)

[@SirDrifto]

Great upgrade points

[@vayabroder729]

The oil filter addition is most recommended and front disc brakes are also a welcome addition.

[@SirDrifto]

@@vayabroder729 I'll have to remember that!

[@brianchisnell1548]

No filter needed. Disc brakes not needed. A 1600 pound car.

[@Bearthedancingman]

@@brianchisnell1548 I agree, none are needed. This is just a list of optional upgrades.

[@DanTheManIOM]

get a sunvisor and put in a new windshield, I see a crack in it... the sunvisor is a must have. oh, don't drive them 80 mph, they will last longer if you keep it at 65 mph...

[@ambienteterrazas]

I've had a few and i daily drove air cooled beetles thru high school and a few years afterwards, ive had on and off since then and even about a year and a half ago i bought a 2003 in really good shape but i had to sell it because of my back pain (i was just recovering so driving stick was a stupid idea) I definitely will buy another one for driving on weekends and short distance roadtrips. There is something so special about owning and driving an air cooled bug, the sense of freedom, the simplicty, the driving experience is just you and the wide open road. I know its silly but i really like them.

[@benwright6330]

..my parents had a few vw's, I've had a few vw's.

[@leogeee1]

I had a 68 and a 73 VW Bug. They're great daily drivers. Watch out for rusty heater cores and running boards. I'd take one in a minute if I thought there would be a mechanic nearby who could work on them.❤️

[@colinchung9722]

just work on them yourself

[@manchesterexplorer8519]

Any mechanic can work on a Bug as it doesn't get much easier .

[@MMAfighter38113]

@@manchesterexplorer8519 There are actually mechanics in my city who can’t do a valve adjustment. There are about only 2 foreign car mechanics I know of who are willing to work on air cooled Beetles

[@undeadblackjack]

Seatbelts, roll cage, alternator, radiator, fire extinguisher.

[@mundanestuff]

My brother had an old one all through the 80s, daily driver. Winter was absolutely amazing in it. Narrow wheels bit deep into the snow, rear wheel drive made it a drifting machine, e-break, and if the heat exchangers are clean, the heat wasn't terrible if it was allowed to warm up. It was beige or tan, and the biggest threat to the car was rust. He did switch it to 12V and put new lights in it, so lights were super bright. He swapped out the taillights for some (allegedly) special bulbs IIRC, that made the tail more visible. He foolishly sold it to a kid we knew who promptly rolled it drifting it into the parking lot of the school, rolled into a ditch and bent the body.

[@SirDrifto]

Wow sounds like it was his daily 🤙

[@picklerix6162]

My buddy had an old beetle and the heater worked quite well during the winter.

[@wafflesnfalafel1]

super cool, thanks for the vid - I came home from the hospital and learned to drive on the same 1970 Beetle. Super functional little rig, but from a modern standpoint has some downsides, 1. spews pollution, 2) has absolutely terrible HVAC/defroster (bring a towel) and 3) if you get hit by some moron in a Tahoe not paying attention you are toast.

[@jeffreyvasby3230]

I bought a German beetle from my Sgt back in 1979-80, he had a 1963 convertible. His was "the gray ghost"👻 mine was "Cherry"🍒. I got mine from his Uncle who was a Major in the Air Force. After Vietnam the Major was sent to Germany. He took all the id tags,plates and title, off his rotted 1969 beetle in Maryland. While he finished his 30 years in the Air Force, then retired. He bought a 69 Bug in Germany and swapped all the necessary numbers. He had connections, which allowed him to get it to America. When I got it, when the driver floor opened. The floor pan dropped in front, to the ground. heater channel and pan was rusted out. I tied the pedals up with speaker wire and drove it that way for a week. No worries because I borrowed a couple of mom's old cookie sheets and used roof cement for a temporary fix🤪🥴. Probably around a month later J.C. Whitney delivered my new pans and channels. Great times and memories of the 70's&80's. We all ordered parts through that catalog for a lot of our VWs and muscle cars 😅. Sorry for rambling on. Glad I found your channel.

[@SirDrifto]

That’s very cool

[@thecuss6817]

I bought my 1970 VW sedan in late 1972, and my 1971 VW Convertible in 1976, and still have both. Both run and are registered and insured.

[@shaggy1202]

I've had 4 of them...I'd have anther!

[@sammy13ificationable]

Theres no way it CANT be a good daily, that was the entire purpose of the car for 60 some odd years. The REAL question is whether or not modern people are good at daily driving air cooled beetles

[@Dawnzyxio14]

Well im 18 and i got my 73 beetle for my birthday so im pretty confident its gonna be a good daily driver when i fix it up

[@SirDrifto]

That's awesome!

[@noyan2006]

Good car

[@billnewby1976]

Unless the rear hood was swapped out, that's actually a 72. The 71s only had two sets of slats on the rear, while the 72s had four. I had a 72 that I hotrodded by swapping out the carb, distributor, intake manifold, exhaust, and rocker arms, thicker antisway bars, and wider rims. It was a fun car to drive .

[@williamslater-o5b]

That is a 1970. From 71 and up, they had flow through ventilation vents right behind the rear windows. The steering wheel is different from 72 and up.

[@billnewby1976]

You're right on both counts. That rear deck lid was obviously swapped out at some point.@@williamslater-o5b

[@christopherbrown6697]

Came here to say the same. '70 was the first model year with the larger front signal housings and parallelogram reflectors on the sides of the taillight housings, and it was the last year without the crescent vents behind the quarter windows. It was also the first year for the 2-vent engine lid on sedans, but that has been swapped for a '72+ style lid on this one.

[@soilmanted]

Had a 68 beetle w the single port cylinder heads. NO problem with the heater. Car has very robust heating system except for the flaps in the heat exchange boxes, which need occasional lubrication with ordinary motor oil, and the cables that operate flaps. People often connect the cables improperly or adjust them improperly. They neglect to attach the ducts that carry air properly. Because the engine is air cooled, the hot air that comes into the car (from under the back seat) is both hotter, and coming in at higher volume, than the hot air on any car with a water-cooled engine. The engine warms up very rapidly (providing no-one decided that removing the thermostat is a good idea (it is not). The same air used to cool the engine is used to heat the passenger cabin. After it cools the engine, it is _really really_ hot. Now if some of the sheet metal and some of the rubber gasket that surrounds the engine, is not in place - the engine won't get well-cooled and the cabin won't get well-heated. Sometime people neglect to make sure the sheet metal and the gaskets are in place. If they are not in place, instead of entering the cabin, or exiting though the air duct below the cylinders and cylinder heads, it come back into the engine compartment. You have to make sure that stuff is in place. I've seen so many of these cars where someone has neglected to do that - so of course the cabin doesn't get heat. Otherwise - this was the quickest to warm up and warmest car I have ever owned. From personal experience, NO problem in ambient temperatures below -20 deg Celsius (-4 deg F). NO problem. My 1968 new from the factory had synchromesh in all 4 gears. I could easily go from second gear to first without rev matching. Although it was only necessary. when going up a steep incline. On a level surface, as long as the car was rolling along at all, as long as it was not at a dead stop, I could accelerate the car, without lugging the engine, in second gear.

[@jimstenlund6017]

Longevity vs other vehicles from ‘71 I’m thinking it would be pretty close. Water cooling helps in the sense of how much hp is produced, but most cars back then were ready for a rebuild by 100K mi.

[@Mikefngarage]

you must not be in Ontario Canada. I dont know anywhere they have mountains like that. Looks like the prairies. If your living in the city they are not safe enough for the other idiots on the roads. but in the country they would be just fine as a daily. but I would be worried about the rust driving it in the snow like that.

[@johnholliday7042]

Opinions on the Volkswagen thing? I have one near me for cheap

[@SirDrifto]

Jump on it, they are very cool, easy to work on!

[@tatialo37]

Cool 😎 theres a dude in Puerto Rico has museum full of these!!!

[@SirDrifto]

Thats awwsome!

[@peterhehn9511]

Next year will mark 39 years that I have my 79 Beetle Convertible! My first car. Also have a 996 but still not as fun as a bug !

[@choppergirl]

Driving a Naz1Era putt putt Beetle to high school when everyone else had mustangs and camaros and crown vics... swcked. They look super cute until you own one and have to go up a long hill and downshift to 3rd gear... and then 2nd gear...

[@choppergirl]

A car has to fit the personality of the person, and a VW Beetle did not fit me at all. It was close, but no banana. The car that did fit me was the Datsun 210... the Japanese equivlent of a VW. A cheap indestrucble easy to work on Sedan with lots of room, lightweight, and fun to drift. All the plusses of the Beetle without the negatives. And the engine though water cooled, was easy to get at with tons of clearanace around it and ran like a swiss watch.

[@CsHyper]

Fun fact: this car was designed by Porsche by demand of H█ler when he needed a people's car.

[@snazzymcnazmy]

That's what Volkswagen means

[@valiant1968]

I came to see the Beetle, but stayed for the 'stache! 😜

[@SirDrifto]

😂😂😂😂

[@OldBiker54]

in 1974 I had a 1972 VW drove it back and forth from Ft Bragg,NC to Boston Ma once a month when I got 3 day pass

[@DanTheManIOM]

steering wheel is 71, engine lid is a 72, but no quarter moon vents ? thought that was 71. Maybe because it's Canadian ?? A super beetle is better for a daily. seats suck, power is not where you want it to be in stock form. I lived 60 miles from TO, but always stored my vw in the winter. the salt kills them. summer only. AC was a dealer installed option. You can add AC. Maybe see you in Niaraga Falls vw show in June.

[@IanForsythWestCoast]

I was confused by the missing crescent moon vents too. 1971 was the first year of the SuperBeetle, and both it and the standard Beetle came with fresh air ventilation, which is what those little crescents were for, to vent the cabin. Maybe it was a mid year change.

[@VanaConn]

Easy and generally a joy to work on. Simple but no substantial safety equipment or luxuries. I own a 57 bug and owned many more prior

[@SirDrifto]

Very nice 👌

[@Dj.Ray.Von.]

I'm not sure what I'm more jealous about... The bug and doggo.. or that beautiful backdrop!! Snow, big blue sky and mountains in the distance!!! 😍😍. I'm going with equal amounts of jealousy for now !

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

The engine in the bug looks to be dual port 1600? If you put the correct air filter assembly, and distributor the engine will run better and have better fuel economy. Have your vw friend check it out.

[@vayabroder729]

Yes; the appropriate vacuum/centrifugal advance distributor helps in making the car run cooler and more efficiently.

[@SDsailor7]

How can you tell it has the wrong distributor?

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

@@SDsailor7 A 009 distributor is a aftermarket part. The bug should a single vacuum advance distributor.

[@reverendaljones45]

@@SDsailor7 a 009 mechanical advance distributor is used by some for a bit more high end performance at the top end on a performance engine but some will experience hesitation so the drivability is somewhat sacrificed, it has no obvious vacuum hose,,,a vacuum advance distributor has a vacuum hose attached to the intake manifold and it will run smoother as a daily driver as originally set up, no right or wrong to some degree, just someone's preference.

[@bobbysnow5478]

Thanks for the video! 67 daily driver since 1984…beach car…seldom out of 3rd gear…no hwy driving..replaced all the parts on the car multiple times.

[@SirDrifto]

Thanks for watching