Volkswagen Beetle 1302S 1.6 Review

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Volkswagen Beetle 1302S 1.6
4.5 stars
Average rating for this product is: 4.5 out of 5

From 6 ratings and 4 reviews

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AWG's Review of Volkswagen Beetle 1302S 1.6

25th Jun 2005

Overall Rating

4.5 stars
  • Value for money
    4.5 stars
  • Length of ownership
    3 years
  • Performance
    5 stars
  • Reliability
    4.5 stars
  • Year Manufactured
    1971
  • Doors
    2
  • Practicality
    3 stars
Good Points

Good points in 1971: Absolute flyer! Well constructed, not prone to rot (then), fashionable, reliable.


Bad Points

Bad points from a 1971 perspective: Poor visibility, spartan interior. Bear in mind that these engines were sometimes prone to self-destruction (caused by valves).


General Comments

Now I think any VW air-cooled engine driver will admit that with valve clearances set just right, and fresh oil, - they are a joy to behold. You get a sort of smooth gentle whistling noise on a nice runner. If the heating exchanger units are also in good condition they are also warm. (Don't waste money putting those covers over them, they don't work!).
Specifics on the 1302S - steering damper fails quite often, chrome tail pipes don't last long.
Braking system good, steering keen. Like Minors, don't have them on crossply tyres.

Of course there is the question these days of driving around in a car with no accident protection apart from being sturdy, and having the petrol tank in front of you!! But this is what Classics are all about. Boot space is amusing, though there is a small storage behind the rear seat too. Floorpan is so flat it's like driving a frying pan. Absolute joy to polish and clean. Not my personal choice of fun as a DIY mechanic though (I prefer to be stood up!). If (no, WHEN) I buy another Classic, will it be a Beetle? Sorry, no. But let me say they are great.

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Members' Comments onAWG's Review

  • KIRBYDBUG on 2nd Aug 2005

    I have a '74 beetle now and im restoring and putting after market performance parts on it... it is an awesome little car and i just hope i can outrun some of those lame little dodge neons with "mods" the best thing about the bugs are that they last forever if taken care of properly and they are cheap and simple to fix.