Volkswagen Beetle 1200 and 1300 (1957 - 2003)

Last updated 11 June 2019

Buying Guide

Good

• Most recently imported from Mexico in 2003 by www.beetles-uk.com 1600cc fuel injected and catalysed flat four. Prices from £7,995 for basic LHD. Convertibles £16,995. Three year importers warranty. Used examples also available.
• Rebuilt Karmann convertibles for £5000-7000. Tin tops can be for £500-800 and mint examples for £3000-4000.
• Any owner should buy the book 'How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive' by John Muir. Gives good advice on all things air cooled and how to do basic maintenance.
• Above all find a good specialist: try looking in Volksworld mag. Production finally ended summer 2003.

Bad

• Handling, lack of speed.
• Hardly brilliant fuel consumption, 26-30mpg.
• Chrome on parts from Brazil is poor quality.
• Bodies need regular Waxoyling to prevent them rusting out.
• Production of new cars ended in Brazil in 1996 and in Mexico in 2003.

Watch

• Mainly rust in floorpan, as always was the case. Can turn into Flintstone cars.
• Rust in the pressed steel independent front suspensiopn structure is an immediate MoT fail.

Video: How to check out a Volkswagen Beetle:

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