Just bought a Beetle for the Wife

[kzam02]

Hi Folks,
thanks for all the information on this forum. I went through a lot of posts here by searching for buying tips, and reading through them has given me enough information to make a decision. I think I made a good deal on the beetle for my wife. I know these cars are not the best ones for reliability but the wife likes the way they look and for the price I believe it is a reasonable buy.

It is a 1998 2.0L, Blue color with Auto Tranny. Belonged to a girl that just finished college and was moving out. It has 103K miles and she says that the timing was changed by the previous owner at 70k (I know not to believe that), but for now it drives well so I am going to let it go for a while before I change the belt.

I paid $4000 for it. It is pretty clean and the condition is pretty good and all electricals and widgets all work fine.

I will be on this board and by the looks of the posts in general, probably coming back and asking for help soon.... Hopefully not that BAD !!

Thanks again for all the information on this board.....

Forgot to mention I am in the San Francisco Bay Area...

[hako]

You should really try to find out if the waterpump has been changed as well. They usually fail before your mileage. Check the appearance of the pump bolts etc and inspect the gaskets etc to see if you can see whether it has been disturbed. If it looks totally original then I'd plan on replacing it ASAP.
Now you'll be playing second fiddle to the New Beetle for your wifes affections!