Ok guys.... I am looking for my first bug!  Here is the deal....

My price range is up to 2500 (but i really don't wanna spend more than 2000). lower is better.

I need a really reliable one that doesn't need any major work.

I don't really care what color..just cute...!

I would like an automatic but it really doesnt matter too much.

I am so excited to be getting this car so please help me out if you have any information or help for me!

Thanks so much!

allie

Email me at alexandrakay28@yahoo.com

Like Bugnut, I'm assuming you are looking for an old air-cooled Beetle, not a New Beetle.  Is that right?  Do you want it for a second car to cruise around in, or are you looking to have it serve as your main mode of transportation?  Do you think you would be interested in learning to do some of the general upkeep on it yourself, or do you just want to drive it and pay someone else to service it or fix it if something goes wrong?  These old bugs are "high maintenance" compaired to modern cars, but fortunantly, if you're on a tight budget and don't mind getting a grease on your hands, almost anyone can learn to do the bulk of the regular stuff like changing the oil, adjusting the points, adusting the valves, adjusting the timing, etc.

Finding a really nice bug that doesn't need much for under $2500 is getting tougher every day.  You'll run across one every now and then, but not every day.  If you're looking for a pre-67 Beetle in that price range, you won't find many that don't need some work.  You're best bet is to look for something from the late 60's or the 70's . . . stick to a standard Beetle if you can, but Super Beetles tend to be a little cheaper.  There's nothing wrong with a Super Beetle for a daily driver, IF you have the front end right . . . but the slightest problem can cause the famous "Super Beetle Shimmies" between 45 and 55 MPH.

As for an automatic or manual, Beetles didn't come with full automatics, but from '68-74 . . . or maybe 75 . . . they had an "AutoStick."  The Autostick had to be manually shifted, but the clutch worked automatically . . . plus it had a torque converter so you could stop and start in gear like you do with a modern automatic.  It was sort of an over-engineered system and most VW mechanics hated them . . . over the years, when they gave problems, most got tossed out and replaced with a manual tranny, so finding one in good working order today is pretty tough . . . there are still a few out there, but again, they are getting harder to find every day.

Check out the one over at R & M that Bugnut referred to.  I think it's a pretty nice bug . . . he started out asking over 3K but he needs the money quick so he's dropped the price down to the top end of your price range.
http://www.volksfolks.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5408

R&M is listed on the homepage under local shops. They open pretty early and close around 5-6??? The basics of older bugs are not hard to learn,easier if your dad knows about them and can teach you as you go along. The Bug at R&M is not tto bad a car. He spent around a grand a lil over a year ago on getting it straightened out mechanically. I haven't seen it in awhile but it was a good running car and is a pretty good deal at $2500. R&M is on Hwy 58 right past Blockbuster video, If your coming from the freeway it's on the left hand side. You cant miss it there's always something VW in the parking lot.

A good web site to look at when you're shopping for a Beetle is http://www.thesamba.com . . .  This site has listings for all things VW and is world wide, but you can narrow your search down to a state or region of of the country.

My biggest suggestion is that you educate yourself a little on old Beetles before you spend a big chunk of hard earned cash . . . you can find some real bargains, but you can also be ripped off big time if you don't know what you're looking for.

If you want to meet and talk with other VW owners, ask them questions, and look at their cars, feel free to come to one of our cruise-ins (@ Sonic on East Brainard Road near Gunbarrell on the first Friday each month - 7 PM until ) or meetings (@ the YMCA on Shallowford Road on the third Monday of each month - starts at 7PM.  There are lots of VW shows in the southeast that our club members attend . . . you might want to attend one or two of them before you buy something.  I think the next show is the "Thing" show in Kentucky on July 10 - 12, then the next weekend is Bug'n in July in Decatur, AL (Just the other side of Huntsville).  Here's a link to the thread about that show -- http://www.volksfolks.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5292

With all that said, that bug at R&M is definilty worth taking a good look at.

If you need help looking at an Autostick Beetle, let me know and I'll check it out.  There are not many that run, or are correct.  I have had mine now over 1.5 years and I have learned alot.  I would even let you drive mine to see if you liked the whole automatic Beetle thing before you bought one.
Take care and good luck,
KC