Shopping for a classic Volkswagen can be a daunting task if you’re not so sure what to look for in terms of quality. Lots of people buy the classic Volkswagen Beetle alongside other Volkswagen guilty pleasures like the Thing and Bus. But the first thing to figure out is how much work you’re willing to put in to keep the car running. Whether you’re looking for a classic that requires minimal work or a project, there are a few things to consider before buying one of these classic VWs.
When you go out with the intention of buying a vintage Volkswagen be prepared to bring a flashlight, paper and pencil, and even a towel so you can inspect under the vehicle. Another thing to be prepared for is prices if you’re looking for a project vehicle, you can find tons of classic models for under $3,000. I was able to buy my own super 71 VW convertible beetle for 3500. However, if you want a car that works and looks good, be prepared to spend up to 20k or even more!
You can find many places online that sell all kinds of classic Volkswagens. Samba is my favorite site to look at used VWs. You can also go to local auctions to see what they have available, but the main thing to do is never buy your vehicle without looking at it in person first. Once you arrive at the vehicle’s location, be sure to inspect it from top to bottom to see if it is in the condition you are looking for. You should avoid inspecting the car in low light, even if you have a flashlight, as you may still miss some signs of rust or dents.
Once you’re inspecting the vehicle, ask yourself “What needs to be done?” and “How much is it going to cost me?” Small mechanical issues are generally cheaper than actual paint and body structure issues. While you’re there, get out all the tools you need and give the vehicle a thorough inspection inside and out. Many people are concerned when they notice a car has engine problems, but it is easier and cheaper to repair an engine than it is to fix rust and body problems. Look closely at the heater channels and floor panels. If they have rust expect to pay around $2500-$3000 to get it fixed. Generally, when the heater channel is rusted, the floor pan is not far behind, so it’s a good idea to replace both at the same time. What you might think is that a little rust can end up turning into hours or days of welding as you watch your money quickly slip out of your wallet. Rust is actually the biggest problem you’ll find on an old classic Volkswagen. Surface rust is fine and can be fixed by sanding. It is the rust under the paint that you want to look for. This is noticeable by the small bubbles behind the paint. The problem is you won’t really know how much damage has been done until you start sanding, if the rust is already eating away at the body then it needs to be completely replaced.
The bottom line is that you don’t want to settle for the first classic Volkswagen you come across, be it a Beetle, Bus or Thing. You should be aware that many vintage parts are hard to find, so try to find a classic that has complete parts and is serviceable. You also need to look at the year and model to see how popular it was. The less popular it is, the harder it is to find parts. If you search for a while, you will be able to find the right classic Volkswagen that suits your needs and is restoreable.