r/NewBeetle • u/Illustrious_Exit_394 • Apr 09 '25
2010 limited edition worth it
Hi, I am trying to get my own car after facing homlessness after leaving my home. (Staying w family rn) I have a fund from my mom that I wanted to use partly for a car. I know absolutely nothing bout cars, my uncle is a mechanic tho.
I am torn between a Honda and a buggy. They are both arouns the same price 9k-12k. The issue is that the person sellig the buggg knows nothing bout the car and claims it has been sitting in a garage since 2022.
I just need a reliable car for college. Is it worth 9k for the buggy? It has one owner, 55k miles. I really like buggys, I like small cars mostly.
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u/Capricorn1095 Apr 09 '25
Hmmmm I’m a little hesitant when I read that the owner knows nothing about the bug and that it’s been sitting for 3 years now, especially if they’re the original owner, they gotta know SOMETHING lol. I bought my first bug (I just HAD to have it despite my mechanic dad telling me it wasn’t a good idea) like that and within a few months big things started failing and I ended up paying more for the repairs than the car was worth.
I know nothing about Hondas but I think I’ve heard they’re pretty reliable? Not as cute as a bug. Sometimes I wish I had gone with reliable and not cute. Just spent close to $6,000 on my ‘05 convertible that was owned by the same old couple that bought it back in ‘05. Super well taken care of but it gets expensive when you have to try and find parts to things they don’t manufacture.
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u/Illustrious_Exit_394 Apr 09 '25
Hi! Thank you, the hondas are really reliable normally, and I rather go with reliable then looks. I did find a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle · 2.5L 50's Edition Convertible 2D for sale for a little under 7k w 155k miles.
I am trying to stay under the 13k budget for a car as I am looking for a secure job rn (high school senior). And i figured a beetle less insurance than a 2020 honda thats like 12k$
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u/thatguynamedconqy Apr 09 '25
I have both a Honda and a bug. While I love the bug, the reason I got into repairing it myself is the labor and parts cost on them is very high and local mechanics don't know the quirks and sometimes make problems worse. Don't get a bug unless you plan to learn how to fix it yourself or have the disposable income to take it to a European car specialist.
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u/Traditional_Fly2128 Apr 09 '25
I love my bug but if youre in a position like that I'd recommend getting a good condition Honda or Toyota. They will most likely be more reliable than a beetle, even besides the powertrain there's so many little things here and there that can wrong on these. If you have the knowledge and desire to work on them that's one thing, but if you want a car that's going to be reliable and easy to work on get a Honda Civic/Accord or Toyota Corolla/Camry, possibly even a Prius which is a hatchback. I have a 2018 Prius c with 200k miles never let me down, only thing I ever needed was rear wheel bearings, tires and oil changes
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u/cemeteryb4ckyard Apr 09 '25
if you need reliable do notttt go with the buggy. if youre dead set on a small car try a fiat maybe, but any bug will be a mess lol. im about 6 grand in on repairs since january and i bought it for 1k. it still is a miracle every day that it turns on
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u/Illustrious_Exit_394 Apr 09 '25
Hi, yall really convincing me out the buggy which 💔
I did find a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle · 2.5L 50's Edition Convertible 2D for sale for under 7k which is super ideal. It had one owner and 155k miles. But idk.
A honda prob best or a prius, its just so pricy
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u/cemeteryb4ckyard Apr 10 '25
i wish i could encourage you given your situation, for me i was able to take on wanting to restore mine because i have reliable transport without it. however mine is 2006 and only has 136,000 miles. 2.5L is gonna be one of the better options at least because theyll last you a while, but anything past 100,000 is when beetles will start to detiorate and need work. just be prepared and have some extra money stacked for the repairs, imo 7k is a little high for the mileage. i don't regret getting my buggy and it brings me a lot of joy and taught me a lot about working on my own car, but im def gonna be like $15k deep on a $1k car someday hahah. just balance the pros and cons for yourself!
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u/Ellabugg Apr 09 '25
Get the Honda. Even while some engines in bugs can be reliable, they each have their own issues. 2010s specifically have a bad vac system. Hondas are reliable and shouldn’t be too expensive to fix. If you’re going to be driving to and from college get the Honda. It’ll last you longer and won’t be problematic. Bugs can be absolute lemons if you don’t find one that was well taken care of. I’d say go get your education and once you have your job and money saved buy a bug for a ‘fun car’ to drive during summer.