I have a friend looking at a VW Bug, his Grand Prix is not much longer for this world so he's getting something soon. He asked me, I know nothing about them, but figured someone here would...
2009 VW Beetle Coupe S, automatic, 44k miles, 2.5 SMPI I5 engine, asking $7900 in Dayton OH.
What say the group?
Run.
Its a Golf in a more difficult to work on outfit.
The rear seats are useless, headlights require removing wheels and they all need headlight bulbs and the engine bay is tiny so maintenance isn't fun.
Otherwise, its a VW with all of the good and bad that goes along with it.
He's not a car guy. He's looking for something to drive for a few years without major maintenance. Would this fit the bill?
Probably not.
I'd look at a Kia or a Toyota personally.
Even though he's not a car guy, it sounds like he kind of wants something that stands out, or has a bit of flair to it. Maybe a Kia Soul or a Scion tC would be a viable choice?
He seems to be all over the board. Talked to him Sunday on the way to the comic expo. I heard about this VW, a Soul, a few others. I think he'd like something sporty-ish, but his wife just got a used 2016 Fiat 500X they both love now, and he's trying to minimize the $ hit going from no car payments to two.
I heard he drove the VW today and really liked it.
If he's looking for sporty-ish in the same price range (or less) as the beetle, I'd probably suggest a tC, or maybe an RSX. Dark horse could be a late IS300 or early IS250. Basically, I'm trying to think of anything that could be sporty, but still reliable and low maintenance and not too old for a non car person.
If he does not need a 4 door, consider a Toyota Solara. All the Camry quality but they sell cheaper than the 4 door Camry because anyone with young kids does not go looking for them.
Or, a Subaru Legacy Wagon 
In reply to John Welsh :
Sent him the link for the Legacy story, he was interested. Then his GP overheated 5 times on the way home turning a 30min drive into 1.5 hours. He attempted to drive it down to the dealership to trade for the VW in the morning and it died 5 minutes in. Currently on a tow truck heading for the dealership now at 930pm and I'm on my way out the door to pick him up & let him use the xB to get back to said dealership to hand them the keys for a POS Grand Prix in the morning.
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