Revealed! Current Status of Classic VW BuG Market - August 2024

[@classicvwbugs]

Hey Volks! Thought I would do a mid summer update on the current market of our beloved Classic VW Beetle. At the time of this video, we are in August of 2024, mid summer. How do things look currently for our Vintage BuG?

[@jonnyc4898]

I remember all the high school kids I worked with in the late 80's were fixing these up really nice ! I was much older and into Chevelles but appreciated their style ! My sister still has her 69 model.

[@ahernandez9860]

Finally got my 62 driving. Im enjoying every minute in it.

[@rustyfmj2388]

I'm investing new car money into my old Beetle so i can drive it for hopefully the next 20 years, not to sell it high. By the time i'm done driving it i'll either be dead or care even less about money than i do now

[@edtriana6250]

I may be in the same boat. Last year I bought my 1966, spent a year restoring it, and now figure the car will outlast me. I'll be 67 next month. Good luck with yours, and your journey!

[@ronald8792]

Cars that aren't chipped will be worth their weight in gold.

[@mondospeedy3089]

So investing 60k to 100k to restore a car, then find out you cant sell it for more than 30, to 40k max? That would really suck..

[@classicvwbugs]

Happens all the time, and not just in the VW world. It is time consuming and tedious to go to the detail that some clients want. Most clients understand this.

[@np1584]

As a 33yo female, I'm in the exception to have had a Dad that had always mucked about with anything mechanical because he was so talented in this field. I've nowhere near his capacity for it and understanding of vehicles, but the old man was so happy to see me buy my 65 bug before I got a house with the OH. Sadly, folk my age aren't interested in getting mucky, want a new automatic every 3-5 years and don't know what to do if something goes wrong with their vehicle. They have then no skills to pass onto their kids and so the market starts to look like the model Ts (with many cars away to hit the market within 15years and no-one will want them/know how to drive em). I've not gone to shows this year (my Dad passed away 3 weeks ago after a long fight with cancer) and my heart wasn't in it, but I'm one of the few who encourage kids to actually experience my bug and get in/ touch things. My thinking is, if I can pass half the enthusiasm that I was shown as a bairn, then there's hope for young kids keeping the vintage vehicle market going in the future. No matter what wars, laws or restrictions are placed on us all.

[@classicvwbugs]

Wow, I am so sorry about your loss of your pop. I love my father dearly, I fear the day of that happening to him now that he is older. I really hope the youth is there to keep this car alive. You have a great story it seems. Would you discuss it in a podcast?

[@TheJorgSacul]

An unmentioned aspect that might have an influence is the lack of quality parts available- I know of a couple of owners who've decided to sell and get out of the "club" because good parts are hard to find, and if you do, the cost has skyrocketed. I think a lot of folks may have jumped into the nostalgia aspect of VWs without researching the reality of ownership.

[@classicvwbugs]

@@TheJorgSacul I am with you on that one, I just recently put a video out about that very topic.

[@davidmurray9844]

Now this was a very enjoyable video, informative as well as entertaining. Thank you for sharing. God Bless.

[@classicvwbugs]

Thank you kindly!

[@jamesrayner3063]

Hey Chris... as always thanks for the update of the current market impact for the Classic VW Beetle and for the great job you do on FB. I had the pleasure of meeting you, your Dad and your VW gang in Congers at one of the "Bugs and Coffee" gatherings at the shop in 2017. At the time I was driving my much loved but rust compromised 1968 Beetle named Francis... which handled the 9+ hour roundtrip from Media, PA with ease. Sharing on your topic... I sold it for $7,500.00 on consignment from Classic Auto Mall in Morgantown, PA earlier this year... recognizing this price reflected a bargain for whom ever wanted to take on the car's issues. I initially had plans to have it restored locally... but an economic COVID early retirement financially put a halt to my plans. Instead I switched gears literally... and I am currently the owner of a 1995 VW Beetle made in Puebla, Mexico. I am the second owner, and the original owner was a huge VW fan and part of the VW scene for decades in Mexico. The car was low miles (kilometers), mechanically and structurally very sound. Most importantly no rust. We paid $14,900.00... and comparatively... was actually much less than the restoration costs for the 68'... as you so expertly know. We were very lucky to have found a great car and it has kept my ownership dream alive. I'm not a mechanic and never will be... but I am a driver and enthusiast who has always enjoyed these cars. It is by far the newest Beetle I've owned... turning 30 next year... and just enhances the great experience from the older cars I have owned in the past. The process of getting the car tagged and titled was straight forward because he was over 25 years old when entering the USA. Learning about the impact of the VW Bug on Mexican culture, also in South America... certainly rivals the Bug's history in the US... was manufactured for much longer there... has been fascinating to learn about. My focus has always been having a safe car to own and enjoy driving... affordably. It will be interesting as time moves on if interest and value will increase for these newer cars. Our little Mexican/German immigrant (named Francisco) is a blast... and fulfills the desire in having an air cooled Bug. With good maintenance and expertise from our respected and trusted restoration/repair shop, Francisco will definitely see me through retirement... and hopefully till the end of my driving days. I am just very happily to be able to still enjoy yet another wonderful air cooled VW Bug. Thanks for your continued good work... Jamie

[@classicvwbugs]

Wow Jamie, thats awesome! So you have an old style rear engine VW from Mexico? That's what I am picturing. Would love to see it.

[@yttkuar]

Another possible reason for this slowdown may have to do with Boomers aging out and the later generations not having had their 60's connection to VW's or other brand.

[@bugnut82]

Exactly

[@vww12awesomeness]

Honestly, I’m glad the values are dropping.. they made millions of these cars. They’re so simple in their design. I don’t believe any beetle in any condition should be worth north of 15k. Unless they are fully original, low mileage. Here’s the other thing, the love for Volkswagens and just classic cars are dwindling. Reason being everyone who owns one wants outrageous amounts of money for it. Regardless of inflation etc.

[@bugnut82]

I’m with you. This is the people’s car, not the stuck up rich man’s car.

[@vww12awesomeness]

@@bugnut82 can’t tell you how many times you’ll be on Facebook market place and see this rusted beetle stuck in the woods and the seller is like “$18,500. No low ballers” OR even parts. Saw a post the other day, a guy had like 10 doors, steering wheels and some engine tins.. “ definitely all worth 10k” NO

[@VOLDGAMER1]

@@vww12awesomeness i saw a rusted out 1972 chevelle for sale one time, perfect frame, eh body, and the price was 19k. why would i pay 19k for a rusted out body and no engine?

[@michaelconverse5127]

I do agree it has softened a bit-as you mentioned, the economy is questionable right now, and vintage cars are a luxury rather than a need. However, the really nice examples are still bringing high numbers as you pointed out in a few of the cars here. MANY of the VWs for sale are cobbled together, with laughably bad detail work, poor quality, and questionable taste. The nice thing about Bring a Trailer is the cars sit online for a week and there are plenty of experts that comment about what is correct, what is good, what is bad, etc. It is helpful for those with little knowledge of the cars in that in can prevent them from bidding on a pile of junk. Those cars are usually and deservedly bid to relatively low numbers. But people will still pay good money for cars that are done properly.

[@bones5843]

Bought my 79 Bay Devon ten years ago and paid £11,000. Today it is worth £12,000. No point selling it as its cost me nearly £10,000 to date and still rising but i do love her x

[@truthseeker2391]

First car was a 69 bug in 72. Now as a boomer and my love for nostaglia I bought a 67. Loving it

[@DanSchloegel]

Hi Chris, thanks for all your input, info and especially your videos! Really learned a lot since I started my project. Thanks again, Dan S. from Bonita Springs Florida . 😊

[@classicvwbugs]

Ah you are very welcome! Bonita springs I hear is beautiful, I'm on the opposite side in PBG.

[@youtoobe169]

Condition plays a big role in the prices. You didn't go into too much detail about that.

[@markchapmon8670]

A huge number of cars look good in pictures, which always are taken to highlight the car as best as possible but when you stand right up close, you see things that aren't in the photos and aren't noticeable from 8 or 10 feet away. That likely counts for some of the sold price inconsistency. Sometimes people will pay a premium for a vehicle that doesn't make sense to anyone but the buyer.....who may have an emotional attachment to that exact car because it's the right color inside and out and everything else just fits that persons best memories. Sometimes, it's just a matter of timing.

[@zekelucente9702]

My first car was a 1966 Bug I bought in 1978 for $900 and the annual insurance was $1,100.

[@jr.classics6190]

Thank you Chris for another great informative Video. Good to know where the Market is going. I will keep my 66 for awhile longer.

[@youtoobe169]

One more thing about the '55 that sold for $16K, not only was it rough, but there were only like 10 pictures

[@glenb9]

Excellent recap Chris. Thanks for the tour.

[@mxaexm]

Great news!! I felt like I got outpriced for some time but now it seems that the market is heading my way:)

[@bubot17]

I'm from the Philippines me and my brother loves old vw's, when my brother moved to the US he can't afford aircooled vw's he said that they are pretty expensive and hard to come by in Connecticut

[@ocavant]

If the current recession hits full stride in the coming months, you will see an inflection point and the bottom will drop out. This is a needed correction in my opinion. Values have been waaay over inflated for a very long time. BTW that '60 vert did not sell for 18.5...only bid to that. Someone got hosed on that '67... EV classic VWs are sacrilegious.

[@pieterschijen1111]

Electric conversion of my ‘63 convertible? NEVER! Archetypical sound is big part of the fun!

[@eriknelson8060]

Seems soft to me and yes it's our economy! Inflation is killing luxury items. I see a VW bug as essential, but most see it as a luxury item. I sold a 69 bug for $12,500 last fall and I'm glad I did, I'm afraid it might only bring $8,000 now.

[@jeffcohen9246]

Your looking at completely restored cars, where I live you can get many bugs for 5,000 that are good driving cars

[@robwhite461]

I know this is a little off topic, but it dose relate. Usually with iconic things the original is the most desirable, following this analogy the beetle should be more desirable than the Bus (Kombi) but in the real world, it precisely the opposite. The other is the value of the 356, and first 911 Porsches. 356 is just a coach built body, with a higher HP more technical advanced version of the beetle engine, is the value added from the higher construction cost or the ego driven prestige of Porsche ownership, if each time they drove it no one could see it, would they still want to own it, don’t get me wrong, I do love them for what they are, the same applies to the beetle and the bus, one brings a higher sense of pride from ownership than the other, one draws more ego stroking admiration than the other, would they own them if this was not the case. I love most VW’s and I own my 56 because it makes me happy and I love the look of it and operating it. If others like it, that’s nice, but it’s not my motivation for owning it, if it was only worth $5 I’d still love it.

[@bones5843]

EV NEVER wouldnt even by a electric daily driver. A classic car should be kept classic

[@TexasFinest_Collectibles]

Great video ❤

[@gustavopadilla9176]

I have a 64 no less that15,000 is not going no were. Not new but have good potential

[@walterhorton9963]

We have the worst rate of inflation in decades. People just don't have as much money to spend on wants because survival is a priority.

[@Desertfox92308]

I haven't been on Samba lately, how are sales going on that site? Thanks Chris!

[@classicvwbugs]

@@Desertfox92308 eh, not much for n there either I don't think.

[@JamesDavis-jo9tk]

The classix/antique auto market is much like any other commodity market, even gold goes down on price at times. Plus, if a seller is hurting for money, they can let a commodity sell for less than its actual value and I think that's a lot of what we are seeing right now.

[@easydayez]

People are not offering Enough so quick for a sale its diluting the market for example my VW New Beetle Turbo S at 200K miles is a 20K+ car but people often offer to little for its actual value that being said that's one aspect the demand just isn't there

[@MajorEasley-b8f]

Chris, I'm from Canada.Can I post my sixty five bug on your website for sale?

[@classicvwbugs]

Sure, let's get some pics and story about the bug first to see if it fits. Email me.

[@MajorEasley-b8f]

@classicvwbugs appreciate you thank you.

[@grahamrichards481]

I know where my 58 is. And its not for sale!

[@humpy936]

VW bug prices have been over inflated for years, maybe coming down towards reality a little bit more?

[@jtrav77]

IMO, the EV option would be fun to do on a bug that's a combination of non-original and not as valuable. To do it to a high-value bug, like what Ewan McGregor did to that '54 oval absolutely kills me.

[@reddmann2216]

No mention of 57 to 59 rear windows not oval but not as big as later models

[@marlenef777]

I hope the price keeps dropping . They should be accessible to all who love classic VWs, not just those who are affluent. They were and are the people’s car. It was never a luxury vehicle.

[@johnteill_]

In your opinion is the red interior dead....it looks good, but my God everyone does it....tan is a safe option but how do you feel about grey or green....something fresh

[@davidohhhhhhh568]

Same question here. About to paint in navy blue, common interior would be red or tan but I want something that will turn people's head

[@classicvwbugs]

@@davidohhhhhhh568 navy blue with a red interior?? That is not stock. If you are stalking about 67, it would be the off white seats and door cards.

[@classicvwbugs]

red interior in what color exterior?

[@LOWBIMMER323i]

Gonna hang on to my 63!

[@johnteill_]

​@classicvwbugs Just red in general...it looks good, but I'm so tired of seeing it in black, white, beige, silver....I'm just tired of it and I was wondering if you felt the same.

[@TheCheeseBaron]

Maybe all the rich guys bought the Volkswagens they wanted over the last ten years and now there’s less high end buyers in the market.

[@wolfmanradio]

As the economy drops, in the beginning, both expensive cars (e.g. Ferrari, Maserati, etc.) and lower cars (VW, Fiat, American stuff, etc) values will dip. When/if the economy gets really bad (e.g. 2008-2009) and the Ferrari owners/holders sell, they start to buy VWs (and the like) and drive prices higher. Anything sub $100k is a bargain to them, so now would be a good time to think about investing in a desirable sub $100k collectible vehicle, before the whales come in and push the prices up.

[@andymaurice7693]

Its Bidenomics at work......

[@davedave2941]

Wrong

[@scrambaba]

Very wrong and plain ignorant.

[@WolfsburgWarehouse]

When my car collection got looted in Vancouver, Police Officer Adam Millard found everything that was stolen, then Sergeant Darren McShea let the looters keep it. kzbin.info/aero/PLQdinHJq4VDv2arLjyn6qev9GV3GaHcmu

[@buddyheath7584]

Who wants to buy an overpriced VW? There are millions of these cars out there. To pay more than 5k for a VW is insane.

[@timewa851]

there aren't millions left. They got crashed, rusted, totaled. parted out my '74 VW bus. It was more than $5k in parts. And I kept 25% of it for parts for another one that had an engine fire & was totaled by insurance company. Had it inspected by State Patrol & put it back on the road. Those buses haul near 2,000lbs & get 20-23mpg. Value? minimum $7,000. with rust in the battery well & faded paint.