Volkswagen Beetle

I always wanted a bug but couldn't afford one when I was looking for my first car. Everyone told me what great cars they are and how long they last, I finally bought a 2001 Beetle which I love driving. I stumbled across some old reviews and they don't look to great. What do you think?

A: I have a '98 2.0L New Beetle that I love - named her Ladybug.
She's very reliable, a great giggle to drive, and getting 34MPG these days. 30MPG if I drive HARD. You should check out my favorite free New Beetle community site. It's http://newbeetle.org
I've learned so much from the nice people there over the years! There's owners from all over the world, learning, showing off their NBs, or just hanging out. Hope to see you there :)

Q: How much does a Used Volkswagen beetle cost?
I want to buy a Volkswagen beetle for my first car. Of course it has to be used! What I really want is a light blue convertible beetle, but that probably won't happen! So, I was wondering how much a 2004,2005, or 2006 beetle might cost?

A: The price will be different depending on where you live. Check the newspaper ads in your area for the best idea of what a used VW will cost. You will usually get a lower price from a private seller but you can't pay it off over time that way (and no warranty of course).

Also, you can look for one on Craigslist in your city. Ebay lets you set your search limits to within 50 miles of your town, so you could look there for one, too.

Good luck!! : )

Q: How do I install the Volkswagen Beetle wiring cover?
I bought a wiring cover for my 1970 Volkswagen Beetle. The cover is a piece of plastic that installs across the rear of the trunk to protect the wires and the interior of the dash. There are two sets of metal tangs on top, but how do I use them to secure it if that is what they're used for and 2, how do I secure it to the floor of the trunk?

A: I had a 1969 Beetle. I had to fabricate a little piece of flexible metal strapping to hold mine in place. It was firm enough to hold teh plastic up, yet allow it to be removed when I needed access to the electrical.
I also replaced the chrome VW hood emblem, so I took the old one and drilled some holes in my wire cover so that I could mount the old emblem. It looked cool!
Good Luck and Happy Buggin'!

Q: What cables attach to the battery for a Volkswagen Beetle?
There are three different cables that attach to the Volkswagen Beetle (1970) battery, with two to the positive terminal and one to the negative. Where do these cables attach from there? And what is the chassis to transmission strap?

A: The big red cable goes to the starter. The other goes to the regulator. The black cable goes to the floor pan. There is another cable (woven metal strap) under the car that connects the transmisson housing to the floor pan.

Q: How many miles per gallon does a 2005 turbo volkswagen beetle get?
I am looking into purchasing a used 2005 volkswagen turbo beetle, and although the dealership claims that it gets 36 mpg, I have trouble believing it. Does anybody know what its actual gas milage is?

A: I have owned two New Beetles, both were/are non-turbos, and the best gas mileage I got was 32. I drive like a grandma, seriously. I would expect to get around 25. Unless of course you are talking about a diesel, in which case I would expect 35 to 45, depending.

Q: What is the Wagner Dot used for in a Volkswagen Beetle?
A two prong cylindrical piece is connected to some wires in y 1970 Volkswagen Beetle. The writing on it appears to say "wagner dot."
Where do these wires connect, where does the mechanism go, and what does it do?

A: Wagner is the manufacturer, DOT means it is Department of Transportation approved. It's either a head light relay, possibly a flasher for turn and 4 ways (I doubt it they usually have more prongs and are square), or they key in ignition/seatbelt buzzer. If high and low beam headlights work and turnsignals work, it's the buzzer. The buzzer is annoying when it works.

Q: How much would a paint job cost on a volkswagen beetle?
I really would like to buy a volkswagen beetle.
I saw a white one for a good price.
How much would it cost to paint it light pink the whole car.?

A: To have a quality shop do it around $1500 Without a lot of body work.

Q: How do I remove the dash switches on an old air cooled Volkswagen Beetle?
How do I remove the dash switches on an old air cooled Volkswagen Beetle?
I need to rewire the switches on my 1970 Volkswagen Beetle, and am trying to remove the switches from the dash. Is there anyway to remove the knobs without damaging them, and if so, how do I remove the switch one the knob is off?

A: Got to get at it from the back side of the dash board.

Q: How much would it cost to have an convertible top installed on a Volkswagen beetle?
I just got my volkswagen beetle.It;'s a 2000.And I want to have a covertible top installed.How much would it run me approximately?

A: Much more money than the car is worth....

You're talking about converting it, right?

Q: Is it difficult to get repairs done on a new Volkswagen beetle?
I want to get a new Volkswagen beetle (preferably a 2000-2003 model). But my uncle says that is is very hard to get work/repairs done on them. I don't know if this is true, but it kinda seems unlikely. But I need some legit proof that this is either true or not true. Thanks!

A: if the mechanics you go to only know how to fix a ford or chev yeah then it is hard to get it fixed by them. But, I don't go to a domestic mechanic to fix an imported car. my Ferrari you no touch. I am pretty sure there is more than just hammer mechanics in your town. Seeing VW has been in NA since the mid 50's there are a quite a few garages that know how to fix them. Still with the newer ones, I would go to VW dealer just because they have the parts at hand. The other places order the parts from the dealer and then add "their overhead" for using the phone to get the part onto the price.

Q: Can I jumpstart a Volkswagen Beetle with jumper cables?
Can I use jumper cables to start a 1970 12 volt Volkswagen Beetle? Will this destroy the starter, or should I use a battery charger?

A: Lift the sitting cushion off the back seat attach cables and jump start, had 6 BEATLES..

Will NOT destroy anything.

Q: My 1999 Volkswagen Beetle keeps getting hot and it has antifreeze in it. What could make it get hot?
My 1999 Volkswagen Beetle keeps getting hot and when I check it in the morning, it has antifreeze in it. What could be making it get hot?

A: You could have several causes of running hot: you need to check if thermostat is working (not stuck closed); are the radiator fans operational (when the vehicle engine temp is hot, you ought be able to hear the radiator fans operate); poor circulation thru the radiator; or a fairly common issue is the water pump impeller not circulating the water. (As I remember, I think it was 2000 or 2001 when VW changed the impeller design )

My suggestion is that you take the vehicle to a VW specialist to have the cooling system operation put under a diagnosis to determine the cause of the overheating. Avoid driving the vehicle as much as possible, driving the vehicle hot can lead to expensive repairs such as a blown head gasket.

Hope this helps, a car nut.

Q: Where does the in line fuel filter go on a Volkswagen Beetle?
I replaced the in-line fuel filter on my Volkswagen Beetle (1970,) but I think I have it going in the wrong direction. It is spliced into a tube going between a little thing next to the flywheel with a saucer shaped thing on top to the part directly below the air filter (on top.) Is there another fuel filter? Where should the little arrow on the in line one be pointing? Is it possible to clean the other fuel filter?

A: Arrow twards the carb, youll be fine, use new clamps

Q: Where can I have my Volkswagen Beetle serviced at?
My engine light is on & I need to have it looked at. We have no Volkswagen dealership in the area & I want a reliable mechanic to service it. Anyone out there with a Bug take there anywhere but the dealership? I've had oil changes at Sears & they have been exceelent but I wasn't sure if they were qualified to work on a Beetle!

A: I normally don't recommend "specialists" but beetles are funky lil cars that require funky lil techs.We have a place called the bug doctor so do some reseach and find a reputable bug guy in your area.PLEASE don't take it to sears.

Example:To replace the radiator in your car,you need to remove both front fenders and the bumper as a unit,fun stuff that most techs won't wanna deal with

Q: How much for and old Volkswagen Beetle?
How much would I be looking to pay for a used, working, old version Volkswagen Beetle in Australia?
I already know that they do not work well, I would like a estimate on how much i might pay.

A: Lots of them here.Click the classified button then look on the left side of the screen and narrow it down a bit. Once you have done that, then click the search button and you can narrow it down further: price,state, and so on....Have fun..

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/