What's it worth 78 Super Beetle

A couple in town are wanting to sell their 78 VW Super Beetle. It has a fuel injected 1600cc manual trans. Also it's a convertible.

It has around 100k Paint is good. No rust. The top does not leak but will need replaced due to age. The starter is not currently functioning but can be roll started.

Just trying to get an idea of its value. They want 3k. I want the car.... but am clueless as to whether that's a steal or if I should take 2400 cash and say take it or leave it.

Thanks all.

Around here they seem to bring $5-$10k in good/semi-restored driving condition, but honestlly I think it must be idiots buying them because they look "cute". 3-grand doesn't sound unreasonable assuming the engine doesn't need overhauled, but that would also depend on the price of a new top.

I'm in KY so rust is not an issue here. Especially on convertibles.

I have a VW bus with spare 1600 and trans in good order also.

Gave 400 for complete bus, spare motor and trans though. Lol

You might want to look into how much the top is. Last I read, those are very difficult tops to replace (layers of insulation ect)..

Check out the strut towers. VA is not a particularly rusty state either, but I have intimate (although not recent) knowledge of a Super Beetle with rust issues there.

Three grand sounds fair.

I agree that $3k sounds fair, but when I sell something I generally price it about 10% over where I want it to go. Folks like to dicker. Meaning, I'd probably buy that car by offering $2500 and letting them talk me into $2700.

I'd also look into the top issue, see if you're setting yourself up for a $1200 job on a car that still won't be worth much.

Those late convertibles are pretty popular. Hardcore VW fans go for the early stuff, but these things appeal to folks who may not be car people but are just looking for something fun and affordable to take to cruise nights.

Looks like a top is around 250 and a weekend of hard work. Not really that bad. Probably be a grand minimum for a shop to do.

Going to check shock mounts tomorrow and try to crawl my fat butt around it a bit.

Sounds about right if truly rust free.

While you are under there check out the frame head (front part of the "frame" where the suspension attaches) and the battery tray (under rear seat) These are where you'll likely find rust. Being in a rust free area matters little to VWs, they like to rust no matter the conditions.

Should be fuel injected unless it's been converted. Nice simple FI system but most people don't like to mess with them so they chuck a carb on there instead.

Should have an alternator not a generator.

Check for rust, but I would say its well worth $3000 if its running and not a rusty turd.

the few I have seen for sale.. seem to go for a LOT more money than that.

People buy them.. remember how aweful they were as transportation.. and then sell them off next year

Ok guys. Death trap. Good call. I checked where you said. There was no rust, however being a hack job body man. I recognized hack job body work and fresh paint. I thanked them and turned to leave, they asked why. I said... I can weld but I'm not a welder. Good day.

Thank you for all the replies. I did come across a very nice Metropolitan though. I may pick up.

mad_machine wrote: People buy them.. remember how aweful they were as transportation.. and then sell them off next year

An early Super Beetle had the distinction of being my very first "second car." In spite of its many issues, it was always great fun to drive, and was an absolute beast in snow.

My first car was a 1974 VW Superbeetle.. my father and I hacked up the rear apron to stuff a Porsche 914's 2.0 into the back of it. Was a SCARY car to drive with a worked engine and stock brakes and suspension. Taught me a lot about oversteer and brake fade