Driving a VW as a daily driver my rebuttal to the haters

I saw lots of interest in the first video on this subject but I get lots bad comments. So I wanted to clarify some things to the haters who are leaving negative comments. Most of my subscribers are pretty clear on my view on this but the guys who stop by for a minute are not understanding what I say on this issue.

[@joewoodchuck3824]

Screw the haters. They have an opinion and that's all it is, an opinion. Do what you want with your own property. You didn't owe them the benefit of an explanation.

[@Mikefngarage]

For sure But I save cars. and pretty soon they will all be gone because of people who dont think about the car. They just think about themselves. And eventually the cars will be all gone because people are so greedy and want to drive them in the rain, snow, traffic, and such. They just need a reality check.

[@Robert-qb5rq]

8 years as a daily

[@zelphx]

1970 Beetle--- My DAILY driver... PRIMARY. If we go anywhere far, we take my wife's newer Jetta. Even if the engine blew up tomorrow (it won't), or the transmission failed (nope), I'd still be miles ahead in the money I have saved over the headaches of some of my brand-new cars. ALL HAIL to those daily drivers out there! (Confession... we are planning on buying a NEW truck, a Honda Ridgeline, but I will STILL be driving my Bug DAILY.)

[@raulhmilan2646]

I have been driving my baja bug for more than 20 years as a daily driver in Tijuana - San Diego and I am still alive, you sound like a millennial but you are right safety first.

[@skatelifeche]

I get where he's coming from about safety first but if it's your time it's your time only thing certain is death might as well have fun while you're here no different from riding a motorcycle those are unsafe but people still been doing it for over 70 years

[@Mikefngarage]

when it is your ONLY car......You are forced to drive it un unideal situations and when its gone because of someone else. like some dumbass in the rain whipping in and out of traffic. IT will be gone forever. Just saying.

[@dustbuggy]

I drive my bug daily and always will, to the day I die. And if it happens because I'm driving my bug, they will pull my carcass out with a beaming smile on my face 😁

[@Mikefngarage]

you sound like the kid who was around here who was driving his bug until he got a Bee inside and looked away from the road for a half second. Then hit a guard rail at 25. The rail stopped inches form his member. He was fine except the car was totaled.

[@270billycraven]

Dude any thing can happen in any car I was sitting still and got t boned buy a car doing 70 mph and the car held up in the wreck. I drive my 1960 beetle every day to work. This guy always makes it sound like he knows it all. My car stops just fine.

[@Mikefngarage]

you sound just like every guy I talked to that used to have a vw bug and now....

[@silviadossantos1042]

@@270billycraven dont daily drive it it is DUM

[@1ProShooter]

in 1973 I drove my 62 beetle ragtop every day and night. Made it a driver show car with bondo and a JC Whittney catalog. Got me through 4 years of high school

[@ThatChannel48]

I'm younger and I'm looking to get a VW bus for a daily driver but here's the thing: I'm in a small town. When the max speed is town is 35? Maybe 50 going out of town? Not nearly as big of an issue

[@ethanelliott1832]

Did you get your vw?

[@Mikefngarage]

Yea for sure totally different. your thinking about the car.....Not just yourself. Just if there are snowy winters. You should still have a second car for the bad weather. The old bus will rust out in a couple winters again.

[@nintenboi926]

I live in a small town, and plan on daily driving one of these puppies, fun fun

[@michaelconverse5127]

We get it. You’re afraid to drive one. I agree hat they are not as safe as a new car. But guess what? If you are driving your new jetta And you get into a collision with a Ford F series truck, you are dead. In terms of reliability, these cars do require more maintenance justice all older cars did back then, but they are still very reliable if they are put together and maintained properly. And your other video you mentioned that you had to take the engine out six times in one day. Guess what? That is because you did not know what you were doing, not because of any fault of the car. Also if you are in traffic it does not matter if you are in a VW are a Lamborghini, you can’t get anywhere any quicker and one over the other. However I do get your point and respect your opinion, but these are find daily drivers as long as you know certain things going into it. Some people choose to drive motorcycles and other vehicles like that. If you were going to worry about accidents and so forth all the time, one needs to drive a giant vehicle, because if you are in anything smaller the odds are against you.

[@takcleberry]

He made the distinction between driving a regular car vs a semi truck. Be that as it may, even a pickup truck is structured different then that of a regular vehicle, and if it’s modern, weighs near 3000 lbs and all 3 are WAY structured different and weigh more then an air cooled/water cooled classic vw.

[@tramlink8544]

being a motorcyclist, having an actual steel body surround you is a bit safer than motorcycling :D A big benefit the safety crowd often seem to miss about dailying a classic is, your car stands out. It makes people pay more attention to you. Its basically like being a cop car, people out of curiosity look at your car and mentally note its there unlike normal generic SUVs and so on, many also overestimate the cars value and will try and avoid damaging your car like as if its a supercar

[@Mikefngarage]

yea I am an M1 rider too. but having that thin sheet metal with no safety stuff gives you a false sense of security. I can split between cars on my bike. I have a lot of outs. with the car your a sitting duck. I have almost been rear ended several times in my small tail light bug. people are not used to seeing it at night. Best to have that other car that you use for a daily and drive your classic in good weather and less traffic days. mimimize night driving.

[@brianandrews7099]

Mike, I completely agree with you. If people want to drive their old VW, or any other old car for that matter, that is their choice but personally I have worked too long and hard on and have owned my old cars for so long (for over 20 years) that I try to limit my chances of having them damaged or destroyed. Sadly, alot of people out on the road really don’t give a damned about your antique car and some are even jealous of them. Generally, all most people see is something that is moving slow and in their way. Too many of them can’t just safely pass you and move on ... no ... they have ride you bumper until they jerk around you and then cut you off; basically trying to punish you for being in their way. Life is hard. My old cars make me happy. I don’t want some smuck to take that away from me!

[@smsjr36]

You talk about all of the drawbacks of the classic Beetle. You can update your VW drums to disc brakes; your type 1 1500 cc engine to 1700 cc or a type 2 . I can go on and on. Vw Beetles are work horses and they do require (sometimes) a lot maintenance; it’s longevity is superior compared to most vehicles when you take in account the whelm of unlimited parts and most do it yourself upgrades repairs and maintenance.

[@Mikefngarage]

super impractical compared to today's cars for daily driver.. There is nothing you can do to upgrade the safety standard. Great for pleasure driving and weekends maybe a trip to work or 2. But as a dependable daily it is just plain not thinking straight to depend on a 40 or 50 year old car for the roads today. Plus they are going extinct.

[@smsjr36]

Mike F it’s not impractical thinking. Some people are still driving theses cars everyday and everywhere. Why is that impractical thinking? I drove my 1973 VW Beetle around everyday for years from 1992-1995 Virginia to South Carolina for school and around town numerous times . My biggest regret was getting rid of it.

[@Mikefngarage]

@@smsjr36 well it is not the 90s anymore I drove one until around that date too. too but today the parts are not EVEN the same as then. The roads are more full of cars and people are not used to seeing a slow car on the highway. They Dont respect a beetle like they did then. In a small town it might be ok as a second car. But with the quality and unreliability of the parts today you can expect to be stranded more often. Todays world does not allow for being late because your car wont run. IT is just a different world and that is an old car. Just not a good idea to rely on for everyday use. fun to have. fun to drive but as a second or #2 daily driver. Not primary.

[@Mikefngarage]

@@smsjr36 here is another video explaining more in detail about what I am saying kzbin.info/www/bejne/joO4mKepr7F6bZI&lc=z224u1jxrlrtengmyacdp4350w0pyxeuyrtb2cd10ptw03c010c

[@jeffcanto]

You’re correct, it’s about safety. They are not safe compared to modern cars. The lights suck, the wipers suck, the crash rating is awful.

[@ImnotgoingSideways]

Before the Bug, I drove an SRT-10. My Bug quickly became a primary. My secondary is a motorcycle. =^-^=

[@toneoverdrive]

100% agree with you ..times have changed for sure ...people on mobile phones .music thumping out not even watching whats really going on ...yes enjoy your classic ..modern drives have no idear what the limits of the older cars are ....stay safe ..peace..

[@funathome123]

The reason I wouldn’t is because I don’t want it stolen. After I lost my 66, that was it. My sister gave it to me after she blew the engine and she wanted an automatic car. I spent all my money fixing it. I was broken into twice. Third time it was stolen and when it was found all I got was the shell. Doors engine trans seats everything. I was sick of my stomach that I just said no more. I am much older now and if I ran across a 66 or 67 I would get one again. Stock all stock with all the right parts.

[@Mikefngarage]

man that was a total drag. hope you find another. I have seen several for sale at events 66 or 67

[@busman5429]

I understand what you are sharing, but there are many folks like myself live in a small farm town most traffic here are John Deere's . For many years drove a 1978 bug as a daily driver even in Iowa harsh winters everyday. In the summer would drop the top, nothing like that fresh smell of "round up" in the spring when the crop dusters are out sparying. Now at 64 enjoy my new Subaru easy to get in and out of is my daily driver. But if I did not have health challenges would drive my vw's all the time--It makes this 64 year old feel 19 again or maybe it is that wonderful smell still in the headliner from the 60's ???

[@Mikefngarage]

yea I get it like I say it is a calculated risk. I will talk in another video about winter driving. Believe it or not I do drive snow often.

[@tecate9408]

Im contemplating using my 62 type 1 for 6/700 miles a week. Probably not best idea, but generally speaking not too many speeders where I live, just long distance from home to town

[@cubey]

I drive an 85 Ford chassis motorhome with only lap belts and no air bags. I've also ridden scooters ranging from 50cc to 250cc. A bug is probably somewhere in between as far as safety.

[@darolfitch8917]

What you say makes perfect sense to me. I drive my bugs almost every day , on little errands or out to breakfast, or on non-peak traffic times. The more I drive my bug the better they run, however if I'm go to LA or far, or when traffic is nuts I take my Toyota. I don't want to risk anything happening to one of my bugs. Good advise if you ask me. thanks for the videos.

[@lovefordgalaxie]

I had a '73 Bug, 1500cc engine, with factory paint, factory interior (passenger seat and rear seat were still wrapped in plastic) and the car had 18.000 kms from new when I got it from the great uncle of my high school buddy. That's about 11.300 miles on the clock from new. The car even had that new car smell still. This was back in 1994. I also had a '91Chevrolet Kadett, that was the same car as a Opel Kadett, sold under the Chevrolet name here in Brasil, that I bought cheap from a guy that was leaving the country to study (when I didn't even had a licence to drive). The bug came cheap, as older cars had no value back then, but I lost interest on it in a hurry. The car was always with some issue. The carburetor was a constant issue, as it has a solenoid to prevent self ignition that was always braking. Even replaced with a genuine VW part, it would work so so for a couple of months, and puff, break again, starving the car. Brakes were bad. Drums all around, and fading was easy, and the car would pull hard to one side or the other when the brakes were really hot. Never had problems with the points, or condenser, but had problems with the shifter bushings, with the clutch cable, accelerator cable, wipers not working, blinkers not working, headlight bulbs going out, and a generator fire. At the same time my father was still driving his 1978 Ford Galaxie Landau with a 302, and a C-4. I used to drive the car once in a while and it was a dream, even tough my father never cared about it as he should. The car was not a beater, but had some problems, like worn out bushings, a leaky radiator, and some rust. I dreamed about a Landau, but those cars were not cheap, even In 1995. In '95 I got mi licence, sold the Bug to a friend that is a VW maniac and still have the car today, sold the Kadett, and got into college. My father wanted me with a new car, so he took the money I had from the sales, put some cash on top, and bought a brand new Chevrolet Astra for me. About a week after getting the Astra, I was asked by a friend to see a '82 Ford Galaxie Landau that was for sale. The '82 is just like the one my father had, just newer. Newer in all senses, as the car had 15.000 kms from new. Original paint, original vinyl roof, original tires, and for all accounts looked like a brand new car. My friend didn't have the cash to buy it, but I had... I traded my brand new Astra for the Landau. My dad went nuts, LOL!!!!!! Anyway, I drove te Landau during college, and added 30.000 trouble free kms to the car, that has A/C, automatic trans, power steering, power disk brakes, a 302 V8, tinted windows, cassete player, and a deep cut pile carpeting, all from the factory. Kept the Landau in the same mint condition it was when I got it, but the mileage was getting a bit high for my taste, and I wanted to preserve the car. As soon as I got my engineering degree, back in 2001, I bought a 1974 Ford Galaxie 500 to daily drive. Did some work to the car, including a repaint, and minor rust repair, and I'm still driving the '74 Galaxie today, in 2019. The original engine, a 292 V8 gave out with 536.000 kms, in 2009, and I had to rebuild it, but other than that the car is original. V8 power, three on the tree, A/C, power brakes, power steering, bias ply whitewall Firestone Wide Ovals (from Coker), points, condenser, carburetor, all working great, and only needing service once a year. The car is basically a U.S. 1966 Galaxie, so it has the very same safety issues, like front and rear crumpling zones, seat-belts, safety glass, and reinforced passenger compartment. The doors are almost 20 cm thick, and have a reinforcement stamping on the sheetmetal. I feel safer on the Galaxie than on any new car, but I never felt safe on the Bug. To be 100% fare, the Bug is a 1930s basic design, and even with all the features added to try to keep the car on par with the times, there is only so much it can be done to the basic design. The doors are super thin, and are rubbing on your side. The windshield is about as close to your face as helmet visor, and the handling is... Well, it's like a 1930s car. Daily driving a bug, is like taking a 1935 Ford V8 and daily driving it. Keep it over 100 km/h for a hour or more, and the flathead will overheat on a hot day. Try to stop in a hurry... If a new car just stops in front of you to avoid hitting something, your '35 Ford will just keep going, even if you had both feet on the brakes. No, a VW Bug is a cool toy car, but one can't expect one to be a safe driver for today's roads. I love Model A Fords, but would NEVER daily drive one. You have to pay constant attention to all the things going on with the car, plus to what is going on on the road. If you got curious about the Galaxies, I have videos of both on my channel.

[@aeomaster32]

It is a lot easier to read a lot of small paragraphs than one huge block. No place to come up for air otherwise.

[@VWLifeVW]

even if you don't daily drive it, there is a chance. Someone pulled in front of me in a beetle and it was totaled. and it wasn't a daily.

[@Mikefngarage]

for sure but there are days when you can say for sure that today is not a good vw day. like potential Ice and snow and heavy rain when your windows dont clear up and you cant see. or lots of drunk drivers out on these. people can lesson the chances. But for sure dude it sucks to loose another car. But if we are oblivious about the risk and drive it daily good or bad it is careless especially for the car. you are only thinking about yourself. Sorry you lost your car that is a bummer.

[@VWLifeVW]

@@Mikefngarage indeed

[@mothmagic1]

Ignore them. I loved the years I had with my bug so if you enjoy yours fair play. Simple, easy to maintain and ultra reliable.

[@herbie53thelovebug74]

I don't drive my Herbie everyday cuz I understand the safety hazards of being rear-ended and being hit and running into someone so I only use it for car shows I don't drive it every single day I have a 2000 century Buick that I drive as my daily driver thank you for the tips man I really appreciate it keep me safe on the road I appreciate it so much a lot of the stuff I didn't know about

[@brianchisnell1548]

Drove my 64 sunroof 30 mi.yesterday. At 50 mph I noticed the gas pedal was only pressed in 1/4 inch. Stock 40. I love that speed. No radio on, listening to that engine. I live in a small town with no stoplights. Great for cruis'n. Good tips Mike!

[@MatchstickMan]

Speaking as someone who really does have their heart set on owning a VW, and has wanted one since I was 18; wanting to driving it as often as a I can, and even as someone who in their heart of hearts, would love to use one as a daily driver, it does really help to hear this perspective, even if it does just feel negatively skewed. Because it helps understand the decision I would be making IF I did use one as a daily, WHY I would want to use one and why I really want one, and why it would just be more beneficial as a recreational vehicle, AS WELL as the fact, that owning one solely as a recreational vehicle, is not a bad thing. I often feel naïve and impulsive when I think about having a hobby car at the age of 25, but knowing you had them as far back as being 18 and never stopping, again, helps my self esteem, and also helps me understand exactly WHY I want a hobby car. Not just because I want a nice car, but because I DO want to work on it and tinker with it and break down with it and etc. So, this whole video helps ground me and realize that the better way to go about driving one, as well as help me secure myself in knowing I'm not as naïve as I think I am, and that this really is just something I want to do. So I really appreciate this video and your take on why it might not be a great idea to daily these kinds of cars. Thank you a lot.

[@chrisvaldes1558]

I live in a more country area down south and have great weather so I plan on daily driving a 1968-1974 autostick beetle cause I LOVE THEM but also having a cheap as dirt Honda Civic or something for of course like horrid situations

[@dwaynemathias3834]

6:00....BINGO. I'm proud of my Bugs and want to keep them nice. I don't need doors slammed into them in parking lots. I don't need the salt from the winter roads making the rust I worked at so hard to remove. I drive them plenty, just not every day and only on nice days. I avoid rush hour and freeways as much as I can.

[@Mikefngarage]

sounds like you enjoy your cars. I do too drove mine tonight great weather and back before the drunks are out.

[@linebacker79]

And then there is the old guy at my church who has an all original never restored 1967 mustang. It’s been his daily driver since the day he bought it and he still loves it.

[@Mikefngarage]

maybe he never leaves town.

[@5150mxVW]

I live in the a more country setting and enjoy the hell out of the back roads ! Having to take the highway to get to a few shows is NOT a fun experience

[@Mikefngarage]

yea buddy back roads is great for the old bugs but freeways OMG really every day. Hey I drive freeway to shows and on calculated days. But to commute I will take my AC car with cruise control any day over the old bug. I will wait for a day I can enjoy the car.

[@gustavopadilla9176]

You right keeping alive, from 64vw of nj

[@TerinBergeron]

I hope you guys do realize that this video mainly applies to people in populated areas like Southern California. Obviously you wouldn’t have to worry about other drivers as much in small towns because there are less people.

[@Mikefngarage]

yea except for parts availability and reliability from that. Plus I am talking about primary daily driver. Snow days use the other car.

[@alphaetomega]

I lost my 66 beetle to a retard in a cadillac. I should be dead right now but the front wheel came off the beetle and wedged itself in a way that it took the majority of the impact. I had to crawl out the passengers side with a slightly bruised knee.

[@bensonwarungu343]

The front wheel or spare wheel in the front boot. Always thought the vw put spare wheel in the front boot for safety

[@ivorwm2291]

There are too many distracted drivers. I drive my 88 mustang daily and I must drive defensively. When I am able, I'm going to get a more modern beater. I always have to yield. I've always had 2 cars. I regularly must avoid distracted drivers. When my Mustang was new, I had a 74 Blazer to drive to work on the freeway. I completely agree with you. I appreciate you bringing it up. I now live in Nacogdoches, Texas. I'm never in traffic here. If I lived in Dallas, I would have a more modern car to drive to work. I could always drive a POS when I have a cool car at home. My 94 Capri XR2 needs an engine rebuild and I haven't rescued the 60 Karmann Ghia. The snakes should be hibernating soon

[@AndyHinkson]

I really enjoy dailying my 66 bug, but I totally get where you’re coming from. I have a spare car that is pretty much just a backup for if I’m just not in a good situation to drive my bug. I don’t live far from work, so the commute is only about 15 to 20 minutes. But 90% of the time, I’m driving my bug, and once this Washington rain lets up, I can get the bus out and open up the safaris on the way to work haha.

[@Mikefngarage]

Oh yea for sure. Drive it. not saying dont do it. Just if the weather is bad give it a break that day. Will make the old bug last longer

[@robertamoyaw8812]

You are right , daily driving a Beetle today is just as bad or even worse , as daily driving a motorcycle.

[@tacoman864]

I do daily my 1970 bug and i truly love it. However this is local driving and fair weather. They really are fun but i agree with you. Its always best to drive them when the weather is best for the car. Yea i too have the disk brakes and it still stops shitty. The windos fog up like crazy too lol. These cars are for a person who understands how to take care of them. I use my jetta for long trips or when its raining. Damn rain is a bitch to drive in. I love your videos man i totally understand ur view's.

[@VolksStokes]

Excellent points! Also... the insurance for these classic cars which is wayyyy lower than daily drivers/regular cars insurance.... got clauses that limits milage and usage... otherwise coverage maybe an issue

[@DanTheManIOM]

sitting at a REDLIGHT in my 79 bug, I see a guy coming behind, I said he is not going to stop, and I had no place to go...he hit us ! Friday afternoon, I suspect he had been drinking...no real damage, but still...nothing I did... thanks for the post

[@Mikefngarage]

ohhh scary situation been there. Thank God it didnt push you into the intersection it could have been ugly.

[@RetroOnSpeedDial]

man some day I'm gonna own a pre 67 beetle with the iconic headlamps, but I need to prioritize a primary car first. P.S. if you're selling a brand new one for like, $2 hit me up. Thanks for the vid

[@fmfdocbotl4358]

I drove mine as a daily driver for years, if I was worried about dying then I wouldn't have joined the military during a war and pick a job that faces death often. The only reason why I dont daily drive mine now is because being old and having a fucked up back it doesnt feel good, my truck is comfy and easy to get in and out of. I'm also retired so I dont daily drive anything lol.

[@Hypnotikshiva]

I was on my 62 bug waiting on a red light wanting to make a left, light turns green and I had one of those delays before moving forward, and out of the nothing car runs the red light before I started to move... I'll never forget that could of been something ugly.

[@Mikefngarage]

yea me too I always look both ways before entering a green light. Uber awareness is required for driving a classic. Like driving a motorcycle. but less maneuverable.

[@steveschramko2386]

I drove my 1965 VW to work every day for 30 years. This was 30 miles to work in silicon valley and 30 miles back. HOWEVER, this was BEFORE it got REALLY crazy in the early 2000's. With all the SUV's and the open door immigration policy which resulted in many new drivers who had never driven before, I became aware that there was a STRUCTURAL change in the driving conditions. Finally, my wife put her foot down.....no more VW commuting. While I didn't particularly like this, I knew she was right. I tend to agree that conditions now experienced in a major urban commute no longer favor the VW. More importantly, I didn't want to see my classic VW sacrificed on the altar of a modern freeway...especially after all the work I put into it. It was really too important for such a fate....not to mention that of the driver !

[@Juan-be5py]

Lot of what ifs in this video and I don’t even have a VW. What if you have a heart attack driving any car? Maybe we all shouldn’t drive because what if.......come on dude. Live and arrange your life for fear of unknowns....don’t sound like living to me

[@Mikefngarage]

it called calculated risk. Drive your classic but not every day choose when it is best for the car. A primary daily driver should have a second car you use for bad weather or if your in a hurry take another car .

[@kyungi1]

I agree with most of what you say %100 but... The last time I drove my former old vw bug was 96 97 and I don't feel its any less dangerous than today. Maybe there's more people on the road now but the same ol asshole's on the road for sure. It's crazy all the times I was almost hit or avoided being hit/killed not to mention me driving crazy here and there. As you stated it's more dangerous for safety reasons but I personally feel not any less dangerous than it was in 1990. As usual great video and keep up the great content.

[@Mikefngarage]

maybe where you live but here it is for sure. People are comfortable at much higher speeds even now then in the early 90s. Because the cars are so much smoother and easier to maintain higher rates of speed. The old cars shake and rattle even then more then now. So with that alone they dont expect to see a slow driving vw on the road. Because it is not as common and they have no recollection about seeing that so they just come up on you fast not thinking.

[@Mikefngarage]

they are not used to seeing old vws on the road like they did back then. We were better programmed back then to know it might be going slow. so we were more likely to notice. Today people are completely oblivious.

[@kyungi1]

@@Mikefngarage Fair enough.. I must admit most of my vw's had a few extra pony's so freeway speeds for me averaged upper 60's 70's easy on the 101 405 605 91 or the 5 man the good ol days hahaha.

[@arielshtern4125]

I live in Mid-town Jerusalem with my 1971 Beetle. I don't drive it to work, because I work 500 meters from where I live. So I drive it once a week to a gaming meetup and to my parents (about 40 KM from where I live) on the weekends. If you think about daily driving your Beetle, You really need to consider other drivers and the overall driving culture of where you live. We have a really bad culture of driving here in Israel. People cut you off all the time, honk for no reason and red-lighting like crazy. I have to be a thousand times more careful when driving my Beetle, keeping three times the distance and keep calm while driving. I never drive my Beetle on a hurry, I always make sure my surroundings are clear before I make a move, especially on the freeway. I wouldn't drive it daily if I need to go through busy roads in the morning. We actually Cannot (by law) drive classic cars between 7 AM and 9 AM at all, except for weekends. As Mike said in the video - drive it when it makes sense.

[@zaks9919]

I've had a few VW's 1961, 66 , 65 , & a few off road ones to boot. most people I see today don't understand the cold starting difference between fuel injection & carbureted vehicles.Most people ( even during VW's popularity period)Didn't understand or worry about a loose belt ., they didn't know the engine would seize & be permanently damaged ., they didn't know if they had oil or if it was clean & why it would be more important to this type of engine.Single circuit brake systems safety records were unknown (accident victims often have to sign nondisclosure contracts in order to get insurance claims settled )...In short the car was below average even for it's time , in power , braking power, safety of seat bases , doors staying closed in accidents , non collapsible steering columns , front gas tanks with open flame gas heaters beside them, terrible defrost & defog systems that didn't work well even when new.Even so they were fun & gas savers ., So if I had a restored 48yr old one I wouldn't trust anyone but my self to even know what it takes to keep it from having about a 4yr" finite" life... At this point unless you were very well off it would be a hobby car only..

[@burningbananas70]

Good info... the take away, "Don't be stupid"

[@Mikefngarage]

you bet you gotta think and not just drive your old car because it is there or you want to be cool.

[@biaggiwins]

I agree with you 100%.

[@Mikefngarage]

thanks bro my last video got really misunderstood on this subject. Got lots of die hards out there driving daily and it is not very respectful from the cars prospective. Yea if you got a ratty super and want to thrash it I got no problem with that but a nice classic. The car is gonna suffer.

[@johnnyturbo8460]

I LOVE sandwiches!

[@orbitaljellyfish808]

Excellent points on safety 👏👏

[@Mikefngarage]

Thanks 👍

[@maxdoering2143]

I got a new beetle as a daily driving our classic vw we take out to car shows

[@onlyadot]

I daily mine but I agree. most people can't handle it. I also don't have crazy traffic or snow where I live though. Never really feel like I'm in danger. Also my car is highly modified and like I said before still most dangerous than a new car. I know the risks etc though so whatever.

[@flippinheck]

I kinda understand where you are coming from but then I have to say they are for driving, if you are just collecting them that's different, as for back in the day I have to disagree, my rover 2000 would still leave a lot of high end modern cars standing and the ride was better than a roller, there were many cars back then with a lot of horses, the bug has a issue with one thing the air cooling, that can be gotten round with a retro electric cooler installed when stood, quality of parts I get, but again there are quality parts if you research, classics in concurs condition should be admired and never put on the road, but how many have them in that condition, the bug was still being made not long since so is kinda not really looked at as historic, the older ones maybe, split screen etc defo, the seventies not so, but if you resto any, the one thing you should do is stone chip them and inject all the inner sections chassis posts etc, the right method and product will make them last forever.

[@bensonwarungu343]

Learnt alot from you Thank you will have both modern and classic cars

[@jeffmendell4533]

Good video...I couldnt agree with you more

[@bradleysmall2230]

you have a fiduciary responsibility to report all accidents to your car insurer

[@chriskwakernaat2328]

ya.. i can cross the street at a pedestrian crossover and get killed too. i still cross streets..

[@TikiMobz801]

Kinda make me regret getting my 74😂😂

[@thatcampingmann9543]

Well I guess I'm good I live in one of the 10th smallest towns in the US (culpeper virginia) I want one as a occasional driver

[@ivancamacho7668]

Add a roll cage, install a fuel cell, improve the brakes with disc, drive better and you should be very safe.

[@Volkswagenplanet]

Would you drive a model T as a daily driver of course not. These are classics. You are 100 percent correct. There is a reason why there is a NEW BEETLE. Take em out once in awhile and enjoy them. Great video Mike

[@vw64manyrd]

Calm down a bit. Everyone has the right to make their own choice. Thanks for the videos.

[@Mikefngarage]

hey in a few more years there wont be any VWs left if people are driving them when they dont really need to. I am about saving the cars.

[@luigi55125]

@@Mikefngarage I know you said that a year ago, but none left in a few years? Man, unless the world ends in the next few years, no...Being that bugs are by far THEE most common classic car, having one of the most dedicated fanbases possible, at least in the us anyway, I don't think they're going away anytime soon lol. I guarantee that in the future, even if cars are self driving, flying, whatever, somebody will still be out there making a bug meet the conditions to remain on the road. I wouldn't be surprised if one ends up being the last car in existence.

[@LaserFocused]

One can if its a city driver unless one goes on the Highway..

[@Mikefngarage]

yea small town driving is a great way to keep a vw alive. it is when you have no other option and live in a city you box yourself in a corner with no option but to drive your classic at a time you probably shoudlnt.

[@nomadadventures5267]

You drive on highways daily? Just distinguish rural roads and small towns from highways. Lol

[@SDsailor7]

On the freeway you can't drive slow, also there are crazy drivers out there! On the street is different not as fast as on the freeway.

[@orbitaljellyfish808]

I got rear ended in crawling traffic that had stabilized speeds of ~3 mph By a suburban driven by a 4ft tall person I’m 6’1 in a bug lol Ins. wanted to total the car They repaired the body I repaired the engine License plate still has an outie from the generator shaft Installed flex LED strip in louvers as 3rd brake light, all LED bulbs And a switch on the pedal for instant-on Next is a radar-activated train horn on rear bumper ;)

[@NickPeters-ks5kn]

Hey what steering wheel is that? Thats a beaut

[@JohnnyRebel1776]

That's great if you have a 2nd modern car. But i only have a vw so...

[@tomenricks8490]

Todays drivers are much more distracted with electronic devices and or so-called hands free devices in their modern cars. I see countless drivers on freeways or the streets watching videos behind the wheel or blabbing away on the damn cell, it's unbelievable!! Even in the Vw biz I never encourage a novice owner to Dailey drive their Vws throughout socal. The exception would be living in a less populated community or just driving locally for errands if that. Just watch an episode of Chips filmed during the heyday of Vw owners late '70s to early '80s . This show had the most air cooled Vws caught on film in everyday freeway traffic throughout socal. Note how much room in all lanes and drivers were mostly doing 55 mph. Its just not the same way of life as it was then out there in the roads , Best to drive your Vw as a pleasure vehicle of occasional use. Due to the current holiday season idiot shoppers that are dangerously flying in and out of shopping centers , darting across intersections it's discouraged me from taking my restored early bug out to attend recent Vw Christmas jam cruise nights . Now I've been to many of these through the years but it's getting pretty bad with these preoccupied drivers out and about.

[@Mikefngarage]

yea your right just have that second option when your in a hurry or need it. I am not against driving a classic vw but just want people to use them wisely.

[@briansmythe3000]

small Town Ausralia Here , whats Traffic

[@congapilon]

I would never drive on the freeway anyway. Not a good idea.

[@biviozlebi3551]

I agee Mike. VW can not be a Daly ..i have 30 yrs expiriwnce in bugs buses...so..you are right 101 %

[@270billycraven]

I been dailing a bug for 15 years multiple beetles in fact it's all I have

[@Mikefngarage]

well I am about saving the cars in a few more years there wont be any left if everybody drives them daily. Rust and accidents will take them all. You really should consider having a regular car for bad days. think about your car not yourself.

[@270billycraven]

@@Mikefngarage drive rust repair not every one has money to buy multiple cars tho i have multiple beetles. But I drive restore sale are jsut drive. Reparing is half the fun of owning a beetle

[@Mikefngarage]

@@270billycraven eventually the cars will be gone and then what. it wont be long before there are not any more parts to rob off of other cars the garages that had them are empty in the near future. Think about it from the cars prospective. they are going extinct. Buy another car for those days you know you are hurting the car.

[@briangode1381]

When first called horseless carriages they were made using a motor on a carriage not having it pulled by one or mucho horses why do they so called running boards that donot run yes true we all have our wants likes dislikes opions ideas in automobiles over the years I have seen many changes come and go for better or worse some day some volks should sit down putting ideas together to come up with improvements as I had done at a camera shop where the owner customized them to be easier to use work with mucho simplicity 1. Nicer mucho simple auto bodies smaller 2. Smaller motors that could not go over sixty miles per hour 3. Less crowded roads parking areas make for safer driving less accidents 4. Bigger mirrors windows eliminate blind spots 5. Put turn signals when used could be seen 6 real bumpers that protect our vehicles 7on front doors bring back the small vent windows for your air no more air conditioners in motors 8 bring back road map atlas books no gps on dashboards that never dash 9 I love two front seats driver passenger between I had cup holders using plastic cups to hold items never saw gloves in glove boxes 10 have just the basics you need 11 we should eliminate driving when able to travel cycling walking less trips to do shopping conserve item reduce reuse recycle saves dinero time shopping for new our health less chance for accidents insurance rates going up out of use for vehicles in repair missing work jobs businesses curbs polution air 12 why so mucho plastic used yes less weight saves gasoline 13 stop and go traffic put mucho wear on cars you spend mucho dinero besides not driving slow easy does it said often not what we do but how done 14 how mucho volks realize tv auto insurance advertising does not tell you the details to save or spend your age automobiles value used for business miles driven how mucho drivers use it collision insurance or not where you live matters. Got me 300 dollars refund instead of buying wasting $$$$$$$dinero on extended warranties put aside regular savings only for emergencies a car fund I use aaa club of America one yearly fee some free benefits then others you pay without warranty companies refusing to cover it my auto insurance paid my transmission repair on bad road I only 500 it was over ten thousand also so insurance ads donot tell us about the service your insurance volks give you my agent was very nice to his costumers stopping law suits or getting me paid when I drove doing nothing wrong at all two years after accidents lawyers got nowhere with others involved also they got nowhere I heard of remember there are good and bad times of days to drive or avoid that save us money possible troubles accidents each day varies driving the same roads traffic signal lights rain storms slippery when wet fires road damage things are not always predictable or happen when you least expect it to only if mucho volks would slow down to life’s realities daily chose the best roads to where you are traveling to you could be better off only one last thing worse is the loco nut person behind the wheel operating it enjoy your day if you can in our insane society

[@curierfromxibalba1155]

Good points mike. Why expose your beautiful classic car to heavy traffic or todays way too fast highways with reckless drivers, when you can buy and use an ok $2k 2000s car with insurance?

[@Mikefngarage]

you bet then the drive in your old VW can be pleasure. Nothing worse than driving it too much where is isnt special anymore and just another chore because it sucks sitting in that hot ass car with no AC while sitting in traffic. With the old vw you need some wind running through the vent wings to make it more of a joy.

[@janiellemaria8777]

Linda muitas

[@desert4seat]

Good video, but I couldn’t disagree with you more.

[@dogbounty6399]

safety smafty .... we all got to die sometime.

[@Mikefngarage]

yea for sure. calculated risks can keep you and your car alive longer.