TOP 7 MISTAKES when BUYING a VINTAGE Classic AIR-COOLED VW BEETLE BuG 

Great info! I'm 16 years old and just bought a 1970 Beetle from a lady I buck hay bales for!

You are so right on #5. People tell me they have 8 grand to spend I tell them ok then you're looking for a $6k car.

Yeah, be prepared to throw more money at it when you buy the car. I bought an Autostick that had a bunch of issues when I first bought it. It’s fixed now but I’m lucky that I kept money aside to fix it up. I bought the car at 17 years old (almost 19 now) and it runs like a top, I love the car, and I have money to fix it if something ever goes out in it. Beetles won’t break the bank if you budget correctly. Be prepared for that. God I love that Bug.

Impulse buying is very common. Especially with a custom VW thinking it’s worth more than an original car. Biggest problem I see is people thinking these 40 year old cars are like a brand new Honda. They aren’t mechanical inclined and understand fixing previous owners mistakes and/or messed up work.

After watching this I can confirm I am a fool. Luckily I’m willing to put in the work on my 66 beetle. I really wish I found this before hand

Wish I saw ur video 10 years ago. 🤔 Im gonna go 88 MPH & set my Flux Capacitor back into 2012 to stop myself from outbidding that guy on ebay 💸

I would add another thing that is not a mistake per se, but something I've tried to tell people who have wanted to buy an ACVW.... "Prepare to learn how to maintain your car yourself!" Finding shops who still work on ACVWs, especially in some parts of the US, is just not going to happen. You can't go to a VW Dealership and expect any knowledge whatsoever about your classic VW. You definitely need to research your local support (groups, shops, machine shops, etc.) before committing to a purchase and also prepare yourself to learn the maintenance of your vehicle.

Another mistake that you can make is if you're not mechanically inclined, for get it unless you have a pocket full of money to pay the crook mechanics, i called around and 1 mechanic wanted me to leave the car there for a few hours to adjust the carburetor and that it will be from 150 to 200 dollars, so i kept calling around and another mechanic told me to bring it down and it will only take me a few minutes and i won't charge you anything , where was this at ? In El Paso Texas where? At need for speed, contact Jerry , he is trustworthy and won't rob you, God bless people like this Gentleman , hard to find just keep calling till you find 1 where ever you're at because they are out there.

you should do a video about car insurance. Hagerty is the best. My brother is an independent estimator, and deals with them. all the stories I hear, Hagerty is great. make sure you have the right value on the policy. keep receipts for Wolfsburg West parts compared to Jbugs parts. some weird animal eats the wiring and starts a fire, and the policy maxes out at a fraction of the replacement value because the policy was too small. or you get hit by a modern car and that insurance doesn't cover the triple chrome bumper, so Hagerty goes to bat for you. and remember to update your policy after improvements like paint work being finished, or the restoration almost complete.

Title issue, it happened to me, Bought a beetle from an older gentleman (67) . Got title and vin did not match. Seller told me "do you know 90% of these old bugs vin does not match?" . Really ?????? why bother to have them sir ?. Luckily, I was able to run vin and obtain a proper title for the vehicle. Always check body and chassis numbers........Lesson learned

Here’s an insulting to the seller rule: bring a magnet and check for bondo! My first vw had INCHES of it that I wasn’t aware of until it started cracking off

You are the best Chris. Thank you for all you do for the VW community.

I've bought 2 buses from the west coast and a beetle from SD. I agree with you, Chris talk to the seller! I always ask for specific pictures and video, but hearing the guys voice and chit chatting is really important too. The first 2 were good, I got lots of good info and found the owners to be knowledgeable and they gave me good history on the cars. The last one was sketchy so I had another guy check it out and found that he was leaving out info. It wasn't a deal breaker, but it allowed me to make an educated purchase. All from reading the guy on the phone! Great video as always, Chris!

A Clear Title is a priority! Match the paper work with what's stamped on the ID plate and stamped on the body (under the rear seat) and that it's current. If anything is questionable time to walk away. Even purchasing online this is your first priority to check. Everything else can come after that when considering a purchase.

One very important.thing is the engine, always check for leaks, like oil, it may look good, from the outside, do a test drive, and or bring a mechanic to give you advice regarding the engine / transmission.

Thank you I’m 17 and just bought a ‘73 from my uncle

In this Video! I discuss with you my personal opinion on the TOP 7 MISTAKES when BUYING a VINTAGE AIR-COOLED BEETLE

Been wanting a classic vw beetle since I was a kid. Just went to look at a 1970 bug, and it was a rusty shell that was more trouble than it was worth, but I did manage to find another one that might pan out better. Still on the hunt, but these videos are certainly helping to guide my decisions.

Great advice! Direct communication is best. Thanks!

As always, awesome video! I totally agree, especially with paying cash.

Thank you. After waiting nearly 20 years, I'm finally looking for my beetle. Very helpful.

Great video. Keeping us aware .😉🤗

I bought my 1973 Super Beetle about 12 yeas ago. I had little knowledge about Beetles but I was/am a home mechanic. The car was in good shape, and reasonably low priced at 5000 dollars. Nothing major wrong with it. But the little stuff adds up pretty quickly. I had to bin the 009 dizzy, and put new jugs and pistons on it. It needed louvers and a thermostat. It needed a new 34PICT3. It needed new shocks and struts. It needed new ball joints. It needed all new steering bungs. New wheel cylinders, new master cylinder, new tires, new wheel bearings, a new airbox thermostat. Not all of this happened at once. I drove the car to and from work in DC whilst I was doing all that stuff. My point is, with just the mechanical stuff that is worn out, or just wrong, you will probably spend quite a bit more than the original outlay.

Once again.. Great Information Chris. Thank you

Good stuff. Needs to be covered and you did it thoroughly. Looking forward to you coming down here to Florida. There are a handful of decent sized VW Shows here. Enjoy all your vids. There are other folks online but yours are the best on the internet.

Excellent video! All the tips were spot on! Thanks Chris! I have to admit that when I bought mine, I was a total newbie and did things the wrong way. The car was in California and I'm in NJ. I bought it sight unseen. No interaction with the seller until I hit the buy it button. I was REALLY lucky that the seller described the Beetle exactly the way it was. I wouldn't ever do that again. One thing I would add is that if you are getting your Beetle transported, please make sure that the transport company is properly licensed and insured. If an accident were to happen and your bug gets destroyed, it's covered. Do your homework before choosing a transport company. A lot of them have expired or no license at all.

Thanks Chris, sound advice from an expert is a treasure!

Thank's for the video.

good point on the fixing /mantance side of a fully restored ..

Great info!

When I bought my '65 in North Dakota while living in Washington state I asked the owner to take video and photos of areas I was concerned with. Even after that the photo he posted in the ad of the speedometer doing 70 (a 40hp motor) was bogus because when I attempted to drive it after I arrived the brakes were frozen and I had to trailer it home. I did get a few hundred bucks knocked of f the asking price for that foe the added cost of the truck/trailer. I was at least able to verify it wasn't rusted. So having the seller send photos and videos is helpful. Almost everyone has a smartphone these days to do that.

Great video and sound advice from a wise and true expert! Tamiya monster beetle! One of my favorite rc cars ever!!

Great suggestion to avoid debt. Congratulations for being out of debt, Chris. I can see by this suggestion that you have the best interests of your followers in mind. God bless, you.

Excellent suggestions! Wish I had done a little more homework in general but overall I did alright except for the engine. Despite having a thorough pre-purchase mechanical inspection, without the paperwork on the engine rebuild I had no inkling of the shoddy work done in the rebuild, which would have clued me in to the impending complete failure of the engine. Only later did I obtain that paperwork from a previous owner, which brings me to one additional suggestion: Don't buy a vehicle that has passed through numerous owners and where mechanical history is lost.

Have to say that besides proper papers, rust in weird places (maybe not so weird for a VW) will be your worst enemy, with transmission issues running a close second for expense, but not as common as rust. Badly repaired rust will be one of the more commonly overlooked issues because you have to be aware of what to look for SPECIFICALLY on a VW. Some rust prone areas are actually many layers of metal and get "surface repair" rather than doing things for the long run. That said, a good video overall with the exception that we never say "vehicle identification number number" which is kinda like saying pizza pie. (pizza means pie) It's called a VIN.... period. The *N* already stands for "number."

Really great info Chris and applied to all classic cars. I'm working on a friend's '69 beetle that was completely "restored" and what a mess! I've had to do all new brakes and bearings and axles... Bad shifting... Thing is a mess, bad transaxle seals... It just goes on and on. It looks nice though ;) Super helpful video! Franny

Thanks Chris, you 'da man! Viewers, take extra time to inspect the heater channels that run the length of each side under the door thresholds. The running boards screw into these and the channels integral to the structure of the car. If they are rusted out, the only way to properly repair is by removing the body from the floorpan and welding in new heater channels ($$$$$). If you're not a proficient welder, you're screwed. The repair will cost more than the car is worth afterward. If you see a rust hole through the floor pan under the battery, the heater channels may well be rusted out as well. unless you can easily loosen and tighten each floorboard screw, walk away!

Very informative

Am from Ethiopia and am going to buy one may be tomorrow , thank you for the tip, because i am buying from a fraind of my uncle so was thinking not to concern my self

Great info, Chris, thanks! I especially go with your point of saving to get your toy 😊 No debt; cash only; if you cant afford it, dont have it until you've saved enough. All good, sensible old fashioned advice that my Dad taught me, and which is pretty scarily alien in our current culture of entitlement mentality 🙄 A great motto: Delayed gratification is the route to success 😁🙃 Thanks again, love your channel! 😍🤗

Great advice Chris one thing impulse buyers should also keep in mind is shipping .. for me always put Your hands and eyes on the car when possible Second best would be your advice of having an inspector or knowledgeable vw guy do it for you ..

Good insights! If looking to check originally of car, check odometer date stamp and rims date stamp to see if near each other and the year of motor or vin numbers

buen video gracias

Thanks brother,even if I knew already it's always great to get a refresher...im actually looking for a standard bug 1973 and back right now...problem I'm running into is all these modified crap and trying to find one original... I just want a decent daily driver...keep up the great videos brother,you are very appreciated...

Excellent video and completely agree with so many of those points. And I have fell for the impulsive side and paid the price sadly. I'm putting my '61 up for sale and fully intend to offer up any of that information to the potential buyers.

#8- Take a screwdriver, crawl under the car and poke every known rust areas. Some cars like mine had spray foam filling the holes and a thin layer of bondo over top. Also heater channel end cap outside/rear cross member under rear seat area inside, for rot. Also does the heat blow onto the windshield, if not then you are looking at cutting some holes to replace the 47mm defroster hoses. All the rubber is probably shot so there’s another $5-800 dollars else you’ll get soaked when it rains. The blower and wiper motors probably need rebuilding not to mention the master cylinder and flex lines are definitely shot if original. The list of issues is really long so have mad repair skills and deep pockets!!! I still love my Beetle but I’m 3 years in and still have a lengthy list of repairs to go....should have brought my screwdriver!!! Thanks Chris!

I’ve worked on many were people got took. They look nice and shiny on top new interior and underneath was just pure junk. Still running 50 year old ball joints and tierods and rubber brake lines. Pure crazy. I’ve also seen cars that said were restored and they are just full on chicken wire and bondo and pop riveted together. That’s why patina is so big you know what you get. Besides I like buying them with no motor so much cheaper I don’t have to deal with low compression as super bad end play. If you don’t know what you are doing and you can pull on the front pulley and see it move walk way if you don’t know how to build a motor. “It run” like the guy says but not for long.

Spot on Chris.. buying a car online without seeing it first is a disaster waiting to happen.

I impulse bought all of my Vintage VW 's, I see this becoming a problem for anything over 4 G"s as you said. Buy cheap and do your own repairs. My best advise is to buy something that will accrue value as you fix it up like early Bugs, Type 3's early Buses, and Ghias.

I’m planning on going looking at a 71’ rolling project tomorrow, it’s just around the corner from me, Hope I can work a deal out.

i drove 2 hours to los angeles to look at a 63 bug that looked nice in the photos, but when i got there it wasn't nearly as nice as the photos made it out to be. He took me for a ride in it instead of letting me drive it (red flag). I made him a lowball offer which i was surprised that he accepted (red flag), I drove the car and realized the brake pedal went to the floor, there was a TON of slop in the shifter (couldn't find 1st or 2nd and kept popping out), 6-8 inches of play in the steering, the drivers door flew open while turning, and the entire car shuddered and shook when you let out the clutch. Mind you, I had to drive this car 2 hours home to san diego in stop and go traffic. I immediately had buyers remorse and called the guy back after i parked it back in his driveway. He came clean about misrepresenting the car because he needed money for a divorce lawyer, and THANKFULLY he gave me my money back. I gave him $100 to get a new title since it was signed over to me and i was on my merry way. I should've seen the red flags and walked away before exchanging money. Mistake #8: NOT TRUSTING YOUR GUT!!!!

Looking to purchase a '66. Thanku for the info!

Hi Chris I just purchased a 1970 classic Beatles and it’s wanting to bog down in any direction either forward or reverse. It starts up fine and tries to drive but every time you give it gas it floods itself out. The only things I can think of are to clean the fuel tank and perhaps clean the carburetor is this the right way to go?

You helped a ton, brother, especially with the genuine VIN numbers on bugs having only numerals. Curious: been buying old cars for personal use for decades, but why do private sellers and classic car dealerships nowadays always only take three pictures: all from the exterior. No pix of the trunk, interior or engine compartment? Thanks!

so if you have a 67 chassis and 59 body would it be worth to buy? as long as it is registered as a 67 with a clean title?

Very goog

Some very good advice about buying cars here. If you love old cars and you can afford $$$$$$ for fun, buy an old car. If you want to make money, open a liquor store. The only people making money on old cars are the auctioneers selling them every day because people buy them and sell them quickly. It’s even difficult for a mechanic to make money on vehicles like this, considering they have to warrantee their work and they have no control over where the parts are made. People make fake Gucci’s and they make fake Volkswagens. The fake Gucci’s are better.

front beam, heater channels, floor pan, doors fit, windows roll up. If it runs and shifts you're good. Screw the paint. A good headliner is a plus..those are a pain to replace. avoid the super beetle.

So I'm looking at a 1960s beetle it doesn't run and it does have rust I wasn't inherently looking for one that did run I was looking for something to work on but having a hard time finding a engine rebuild kit amongst other things body panels I've been able to find

I don't know if it works on vintage bugs, but before I purchase an automobile (when I am serious and have done my homework), I ALWAYS run a CarFax on the VIN number. I learned so much by doing that and so many liers or just owners that were given false-histories and are now repeating that falsehood to me.

Chris, please put a link on where to buy a remote control bug like the one that is right next to you, thanks

Awesome I had a monster beetle like that. Vw bugs are like a high maintenance woman lol.

Is there number's on the chassis and shell, looking at old 67 restoration and there's 2 chassis beside it.

Hi Chris! I have a guy that has been restoring bugs now for about 40 years now, and he found me a 1965 to restore, and the undercarriage is immaculate everything is new looks like it just came off the assembly line! And the body is solid, roof,quarters heater channels and the doors are tight, and new fenders,but it’s been in a front end collision,the front clip is buckled on both sides beside the spare wheel well? And he said that he could straighten it out and now I’m having buyers remorse! I got it for $3,500! I’ve had it for a week now and I’m just thinking about selling it and take a loss,, I wish I had a new front clip,but he said he could straighten it out,I just don’t know how!

100 % logical. From Basque Country: eskerrikasko!!!

Serial number on the floor pan tunnel dosen't match the body tag in the spare tire well.

Good vid Chris....man, when the time comes, I'd like to buy a good '71-'72 daily driver from you Sir.....thanks

I got #2 😄😃🤣😂I both my in Atlanta

Decide ahead of time what is acceptable to you as far as the car not being totally correct. If you want a show car then this is very important. If you just want a nice looking bug to drive occasionally then you can accept more things that are not correct. Very few bugs out in the world that have not been customized or had the wrong body parts installed on them over the years because they are so interchangeable. Finding a car with a correct engine much less the original engine is almost impossible. How flexible are you or are you prepared to buy the car as-is and then try to find correct parts for it later?

Rust is always an issue, and bad rust repairs. I’ve seen some where someone repaired the floor pans by using bondo to glue new ones in place. Another thing is misguided modifications, such as missing cooling tin or removing the important thermostat flaps which will make the heads run too hot. Poor workmanship of mods is another problem, rats nest wiring, crappy quality aftermarket parts. The one I just bought was nice and solid and most of the mechanicals seem to have been well restored, but the thermostat system was missing, but I knew that beforehand and plan to restore that before driving it much.

My Bug was restored with a 69 body and a 74 transmission and engine. I havent looked at the numbers on the body yet. When buying plates I told the Lady a 74 and thats what she put on the registration. Should I check the vin numbers and if they match the 69 should I go with the 69? On the title it says 74 VW.

Your videos are SO practical and helpful to all of us in the VW Community around the world. THANK YOU Chris! You are OUR Guru 🚗

I used to spent hours looking on ebay at VWs. However, I found mine live and in person the old fashioned way....at a mechanics shop with a for sale sign on it. The guy who owned before me literally got too fat to drive the car so he had a local vintage VW specialist sell it for him. Thanks to his obesity, I wound up with a '78 Champagne Edition I for less than $9000.

When you mention you did a video on something, please include a link in the show notes.

Remember kids, buying a car online is like dating online--things look much better in pics than in person!

What is average range for restoring a beetle?

Hey Chris, what do you think about electric beetles? Zelectric for example.

🤔 I should be a Appraiser .

Honestly I don’t have a huge budget, I want a classic but not a spilt or oval because that’s definitely beyond my budget, I want to drive it don’t really care for anyone later the 1970

Going to look at a bug next week, the guy says he left the ebrake on and the brakes are frozen. He says it still fires up and runs but how would I go about getting the brakes loose to drive it?

I recently just bought a 72 bug and there’s a rattling noise every time I start it up and I’m not for sure what it could be. Dose anyone have an opinion on what to check ?

Chris, did you ever buy a bug from someone in Williamsport, PA?

I did my homework on a car and presented it to the seller, but still lost a few points due to spelling, grammar, and sentence fragments. Wound up not selling it to me.

I got a 412 wagon. If I made any of these mistakes I'd have a 62 bug like everyone else

Chris. I wear a rubber wedding ring. Because I want to stay safe,and Show my love toward my wife.

If people obey this list before get married, it save of lot of troubles.

Can’t believe what the seller says! They are trying to make everything be what you want to hear. Try to stay objective. I’ve failed at this!

The common mistake people do is actually purchased a VW beetle. 🤣

I was wondering if 40hp in a vw is powerful enough?

speaking about the devil i have one to inspect,

"encapsulated??"....Okaaay.

Number 1 should be paying anything over 1500 for a super beetle

Jk

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If you're not mechanically inclined stay away from aircooled cars. And vintage motorcycles. You will get robbed paying someone else to do it. Even if they're honest.