i have a friend buying a VW new BEETLE

[Humphrizzle]

My nextdoor neightbors are looking for a car for their future 16 year old daughter.

My dad had a new BEETLE when they came out in 1999 but i didnt know much about cars and the only thing i remember is that he said the clutch would be about 1200 dollars to replace. Hence why he sold it.

can you tell me:

1. When the timing belt should be changed?
2. What are common problems that go wrong with VW BEETLES?
3. WHat's your say on a new BEETLE with 73k miles and selling for 5600 dollars?

Thank you in advance for your help,
Billy

[4dmin]

timing belt, i guess it really depends on the years/miles on the car... i know i've seen some really high mileage that have never had anything but oil changed ;)

problems... electronics: MAFs, sensors, power windows, etc... (i have heard of the ocassional turbo fire)

i would run a carfax/bluebook but that sounds like a good price depending on options in the car

[rollininstyle2004]

Ok i guess it depends what engine. However i would say the MOST MOST important thing when looking at any used VW is the service record. I know LOTS of people with dubs over 100k and no major problems other then normal wear and tear. Then i know people with insane problems at under 40k. Just make sure to tell him to get the service history. If it is the turbo make sure all oil changes were done with synthetic. I know the logitudinal 1.8Ts have oil sludge problems, not sure about the transverse though.

My sister has a 2.0NB, it only has about 35k on it, but it is running great. No major problems so far.

All dubs have thier quirks, but for the most part as long as the vehicle was taken care of there shouldnt be a problem.

In the Passat community 80k is around the time when the timing belt should be changed assuming it hasnt failed previously. If the car has 73k on it, then i would reccomend getting the timing belt, and maybe even the chain tensioner (similar to the timing belt, but on the back of the engine) done as well. All of this is coming from my Passat backround, but im ASSUMING some of this stuff would carry over to the entire VW line as well.

HTH
-Jordan