Some questions for a first-timer.
 

I just turned 16 and i want a car that i can call mine. Well i've always been a person to go for something different and i've been looking at a 70's (not sure of exact year) VW beetle. It looks to be in pretty good condition and not too many things (if any) look to be obviously wrong with it.

I was wondering:

What do they usually cost?
Is there anything that should be done to improve performance?
What is a weakness of the vehicle?


and if there are anymore tips and/or suggestions please include them!

hey, i just bought my first car about a year ago, which was in fact, a 1972 bug. the guy tried to sell it to me for 2000, but i talked him down to 1650 after a test drive because the transmission was going out. thats probably the biggest thing to look for in the old vws, 1st gear and reverse tend to grind alot. i have to be almost stopped for 1st to work. no big deal though. if there's a little grinding, still go for it. the engine's are beautiful and very reliable, so if you dont hear any strange noises, its alright. the brakes also get pretty bad with age, but lots of bleeding and adjustment of the star adjustment (forget what its called) thing.
great first car.

I drive a 72 beetle, the weakness of the car is...the engine! Its not very fast, but its fun.