How Reliable are 'Daily Driver' Bugs?

[REB]

I may have a new job whose commute is around 30 miles (My current commute is about half that). My old Chrysler Concord probably won't last too much longer so I have been thinking about getting a decent 'daily driver' bug.

How well do they handle a commute through Houston's traffic? Do they require constant maintenance to keep them running?

[gixxer711]

the guy that bought my square drives it daily in dallas. as long as the car is in good condition mechanically, it would be fine. after all thats what they were used for when they were new. really the only extra maintenance is adjusting the valves.

[KobayashiMaru]

I use my Super Beetle "Harlie" as a DD. I've also had 2 other DD Bugs. The Bugs have been just as reliable for me as the newer watercoolers I've owned, and far more reliable than my wifes Neon ever was...
And I abused my last bug. It gave me over 200k before I had to sell it.
Check the oil at EVERY fill-up. It seems some aircooleds slowly burn oil. Whether they actually burn it or it what, I don't know, but low to no oil in an aircooled motor is VERY bad juju. Keep a spare quart under the bonnet and you'll be fine. Check the valves when you change the oil. Basic tune up couple times a year (I do mine every spring and fall). That's about it. It'll run forever. Just a tip: in my experience, Mobil 1 full synthetic 15W50 or 20W50 seem to work best, and stops those minor oil drips some motors have.
Just don't expect what it can't give you. Remember how old it is. Take it easy, and take the quirks with a grain of salt.
If you keep a stock motor (late model is 1600cc), remember it's a 60hp unit designed to cruise at 100 km/h (62 mph).
Know what you're getting into. These cars take on a character all their own. Drive a DD Beetle for a while, and Herbie doesn't seem so far fetched anymore. ;)
Old Bug's are kinda like an elderly person, they are small, noisy, smelly, can be a little cranky sometimes, and are a little slower than most people like, but with a little patience and good humor, they won't do you wrong (not too often, anyways), and you'll love them to death.
Plus, as a bonus, buy an old VeeDub and you instantly become a member of the largest roadside assistance service in the world. If you do break down, chances are you'll have another VW behind you shortly to offer assistance. lol :) :) :)

[REB]

That is what I wanted to hear :)

I like that 1, it is a classic car, 2, it is easy to work on compared to my modern car, and 3, it gets decent gas mileage.

I am a decent shade-tree mechanic, but I hate working on my 2001 Chrysler. There is no room to get to most of the engine, and forget taking the engine out. I have fixed a couple of things on it, and it was a pain in the butt.

I do have another question: How is the airflow inside the car? Is it bearable in the summer?

I have not ridden in one since I was a kid. We used to ride in my relative's bug in the summer in Arkansas, and I don't remember feeling uncomfortably hot.

[KobayashiMaru]

That depends on your defination of "bearable."
If you're used to the Texas heat, and you don't mind driving with the windows down, the airflow is good. You'll get blasted with air (the vent-wing windows on front make for a decent draft, especially when it rains...)
Or you could get lucky and find a Bug with a working optional a/c unit.
Otherwise, if you don't wanna use the old 2/60 a/c (2 windows down @ 60 mph), then prepare to cook... lol

[KobayashiMaru]

Also, there's a vintage option, but I'm not sure how well it will work down here. I's an evaporative cooler. I'm still doing some research...
http://www.classicaire.com/

[REB]

I am a native Houstonian :)

I have seen Vintage Air (http://www.vintageair.com/) before and I have wondered how well it works on a bug. For the bugs that have compressors, I have wondered how much HP the AC takes away.

[V8SuperBeetle]

Keep you an extra set of points and a condenser handy and know how to adjust them. Don't run the engine too hard in the Houston heat. Other than that, they're great cars. I had one for two years when I was going to college and I put over 100 miles a day on the car.

[KobayashiMaru]

I am a native Houstonian :)

I have seen Vintage Air (http://www.vintageair.com/) before and I have wondered how well it works on a bug. For the bugs that have compressors, I have wondered how much HP the AC takes away.

I don't know about the VW comprssors specifically, but on average an a/c system steals 5-15% of engine hp (not to be confused with wheel hp), depending on age, brand, and condition of system, as well as ambient air temperature. I'd bank on a 5-10 crank horse loss.
It's enough to feel the difference up hills... Also, your engine will run hotter because of the added strain...

[KobayashiMaru]

Wow....
Well, I found a company that makes a/c kits for bugs. They actually made the a/c units for the Mexican Beetles...
Complete a/c kit is about $1500 for my Bug, and Supers were designed to accept the dealer option a/c (that's why Supers have that ugly louvered front apron. European models did not come with this option, so they had a smooth apron)...

[fast slider]

as long as you take care of them,they will keep going,i have a 72 fasty that i have had since 2000,and it is a daily driver,and i drive it to car shows also,as long as you keep the oil changed every 3000 miles,tune up done as needed.so enjoy the ride.



72 type3 fasty
fully automatic
sliding ragtop

[Buggerfly]

I have a '71 super beetle convertible that is my only car so its a daily driver and yes sometimes in this Texas heat it can be unbearable but in the early mornings and evenings its not too bad, plus the 2/60 rule doesnt apply to me because I can leave my windows up and put the top down and still get a breeze plus get a good tan at the same time. Ive had people ask me how I can have a car with no a/c in this heat and I tell them I dont need a/c, I can go topless and get air.
These cars are great to have and drive and as long as you know the basics they are easy to keep up, I do alot of mine but the tough stuff I recruit help from fellow club members.