What does one need to know about Super Beetles?

Just thought I'd look up some classic cars and it seems like you can nab a decent runner under $4k here in SoCal. Going to be looking specifically at '73-'75s. Any issues that should be addressed immediately or looked at when inspecting (besides rust, duh)?

Rust is the big thing to look for.  Fortunately, Super Beetles are fairly simple cars, so if there are mechanical issues, they aren’t usually too hard to correct.  Especially,  check for rust in the heater channels, and that the heater works properly without getting exhaust into the car.  That is assuming you care about having a heater.  When looking, I’d also make sure the engine still has its tins, or it will be more likely to have been overheated.

Following. When my Saab project runs its course an ACVW is high on the list of next cars.

The was a thread on here about a yellow Super Beetle that used a lot of 924/944/911 parts.

I am using a Super Beetle transaxle with a Kennedy Adapter to put a Zetec in my Renault 8. 

Ask when the last time it had a valve lash adjustment was.  Not because it's hard or time consuming, but because they need it regularly and it's an indicator of how mechanically sympathetic the owner is.

Rob and Dave's VW pages is a cool, concise source of info on ACVWs.  Click Here

Oh, and good advice on the engine tins...all of them need to be there and in good shape for the engine to cool properly.  Including the tins and seals around the engine compartment.

My first 2 cars were ACVWs.  I’d love to have one now, but the prices are too high.    

Don’t expect to have functional heat.  

Buy one. If you like it keep it. If not, let it sit for a couple years until you can't stand looking at it and sell it to me on the cheap. 

Get a ‘67 from Orange or LA County.  It’ll easily sell compared to a Super Beetle.  

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/d/los-alamitos-1966-vw-bug-volkswagen/6949738482.html

Dootz said:

Just thought I'd look up some classic cars and it seems like you can nab a decent runner under $4k here in SoCal. Going to be looking specifically at '73-'75s. Any issues that should be addressed immediately or looked at when inspecting (besides rust, duh)?

Sorry to derail, but what kind of condition are they in at that price? 

I may buy one and it shipped out here, always had a weird love for Beetles. 

The Super has a McPherson strut suspension, and if the towers rust out as they are known to do, it will need to be addressed.  Sheet metal may be available for this repair now, but it wasn't a while back, AFAIK.

Edit:  Yup.  https://www.mamotorworks.com/VW/product/strut-tower-rh-10h-x-13l_303708

You being in California might make it easier to find a rust-free example.

My first "second car" was a '71 Super Beetle.  Fun car to drive around town.  Not my idea of an interstate cruiser. 

Edit #2:  Good info here: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/archive/index.php/o-t--t-79656--.html

Super beetles are not as well loved as a standard beetle, but I happen to like them and I really do prefer the curved windshield and more modern dash. From the A pillar back, they are standard beetle.