Posts
10642
Joined
7/21/2009
Location
Harrisburg, OR
US
Edited Date/Time
8/8/2017 5:16am
We're in a spot where we need another daily commuter. We have about 2500-3000 cash in hand. There's a lot of options, but the wife has always wanted a VW Cabriolet, so that's where the search started. We found 2 pretty nice ones from the same owner for 2500 a piece.
Has anyone owned these? They're the 1.8 5 speed. One seems to run stronger, but the clutch seems like it needs slight adjustment, while the other doesn't run quite as peppy but the clutch feels more solid (also the better looking of the two).
Here they are:
Has anyone owned these? They're the 1.8 5 speed. One seems to run stronger, but the clutch seems like it needs slight adjustment, while the other doesn't run quite as peppy but the clutch feels more solid (also the better looking of the two).
Here they are:
Seriously though, if those are a hydro clutch it could be as simple as just bleeding the fluid on the one that runs stronger. When you say it needs adjustment, do you mean it slips or that it has a soft feel to it?
It disengages the second you move your foot and remove any pressure. It doesn't slip, just reminds me of a quick adjust on a 2 stroke that is too loose. But the motor was smoother than the 85.
Also, we don't plan on paying 2500, closer to 2k.
The Shop
BTW what about the VW truck? It's the same platform but has a bed, so you could actually use it. With the diesel they get over 30mpg.
It wasn't a great car then. Doubt it has improved over time.
6 years ago I bought a Saab 9-5 with 190K- it had a spun main bearing, but came with a used engine. I bought the whole package for $1200, swapped out the engine and the car now has 275,000 on it. I've had some issue along the way but nothing I couldn't fix myself. One of the best purchases I've even made..its kept 85,000 off my Tundra.
VWs can be a pain in the butt, but for $2K it could be a lot of fun for a little while.
I bought my wife a used Beetle convertible last year just for the fun of it. Got a really nice 2006 with only 60K on it, 2.5 5 cylinder, leather, etc. Paid just a little less than $5K for it and have had no issues whatsoever so far, but they definitely have a different "feel" to them. Hers is a blast to drive with the wheels pushed out to the corners so far, but it's definitely not a speed demon.
years ago Meg had a newer style Beetle, i hated that fucking car so bad. it singlehandedly made up my mind on ever owning anything with a VW logo on it.
That said - if it is truly a 'really really want' thing and if you go into it assuming you will be spending money on it on a ongoing semi-regular basis, then it might turn out OK. If the luster fades you can always sell it & get what you should have in the first place - a Honda.
My fave cheap car is Volvo S60/S70 turbo. You can find them all day for around $2k with under 200k. Even with 150k+ they drive like new, get great mileage and other than a habit of blowing bulbs out dead on reliable. Easy to chain timing belts are a plus. We might pick up another here in a bit as a commuter.............
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