Browse over 9,000 car reviews

Volkswagen Beetle 1969 Problems

Are you having problems with your 1969 Volkswagen Beetle? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 1969 Volkswagen Beetle issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 1969 Volkswagen Beetle in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Used Volkswagen Beetle review: 1945-1996

The humble Beetle was able to do something Adolf Hitler couldn’t, it conquered the world. The Beetle was Hitler’s idea to give his people a cheap and cheerful car, but by the time it went out of production in the 1990s more of them had been built than any other car, the Ford Model T included, in history. While it was conceived as an affordable car for the masses, and served that purpose very well, it also became an icon.

In the 1950s it was admired for its toughness in winning a number of Round Australia trials that tested the ultimate durability of cars of the day, in the 1960s it became a very visible symbol of the peace movement. All along it was highly regarded for its reliability and frugality. It was basic transport delivered in an endearing package.

MODEL WATCH 

The VW Beetle, while conceived by Hitler in the 1930s, was designed by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, one of the most gifted automotive designers of all times. Porsche responded to Hitler’s brief by designing one of the simplest, most efficient cars that has ever put rubber to road. It had to be cheap and cheerful if the public was to be able to afford it.

Remember it was conceived in a time when cars were still out of the reach of most people, the VW was to be Hitler’s gift to his people. It was to put the German people on wheels much like the Model T Ford did for Americans, and many other people, in the early part of the 20th century.

Porsche’s design was based on a simple platform chassis, at one end of which was a rudimentary torsion bar independent suspension, while at the other end was an engine and gearbox with a swing axle independent suspension which also featured torsion bar springing.

The engine was an air-cooled overhead valve flat four-cylinder engine of a capacity of 1.1 litres, although this would steadily increase over the years. The engine’s output was a modest 19 kW in the first instance, and while this would increase with the passage of time it was always quite modest. Porsche linked the engine to a four-speed manual gearbox, which was slung from the rear of the engine and would contribute to the Beetle’s reputation for being an awkward handling vehicle, at least in the early years.

Most drivers of the time were more accustomed to cars powered by an engine at the front and driven through the rear wheels, a combination generally conducive to safe understeer, that’s when the front wheels want to steer a wider arc than the rear wheels and the car tends to run wide, and many were caught out by the Beetle’s habit of oversteering when the driver lifted their foot of the gas pedal while cornering.

Stories are legend of Beetles flipping over or spinning off the road after drivers were surprised by this less than endearing habit. Once it became known and drivers were aware of it, and knew how to combat it, it was less of a concern.

The Beetle’s body is perhaps the most endearing part of the car. It looks cute, even today when it’s still one of the most recognised cars on the road, but more importantly to Porsche it was also aerodynamically efficient. With just 19 kW on tap aerodynamic efficiency was important when one of Hitler’s demands was that the Beetle be capable of returning 8.1 L/100 km while capable of a top speed of 100 km/h.

Inside, the Beetle was equally austere with few frills to make life on the road comfortable. There was a basic heating system with heated air from the engine compartment directed into the cabin through ducts in the floor, but little else.

On the road the Beetle had quite good performance for the time, and it improved over the years as more power was extracted from the engine, it was economical, and there was a characteristic rattle from the engine.

IN THE SHOP 

The great thing about the Beetle is that maintenance is relatively easy for a novice or home mechanic, and it makes a great vehicle on which to learn the basics of automotive mechanics if you’re so inclined. Parts are generally available from VW specialists who can also provide expert advice and servicing if you don’t feel inclined to do your own work.

Like all old cars condition is the key thing to consider before purchase. A car in run down condition, particularly in the body, will cost a small fortune to refurbish and won’t be worth the cost of investment when you come to sell it. On the other hand if you buy a car in good general condition that doesn’t require much work to bring it up to good roadworthy condition it won’t put a strain on the budget and your final investment shouldn’t exceed the value of the car on the used car market.

Check for rust in the doors and the rear quarter panels, and look for signs of water leakage from the windshield, which suggests rust around the windscreen flange. Also check the floors, front and rear, for rust, and lift the rear seat as water can accumulate there and lead to rust in the floor.

Mechanically the Beetle is a fairly simple package and fun to work on. Look for vague steering, which could indicate wear in the front-end, steering gear, or shot shockers. The engine is quite robust and hard to kill, but look for oil leaks and the condition of the oil to reassure yourself it’s been serviced. Likewise the gearbox has a reputation for being indestructible, but check to make sure it doesn’t jump out of gear and gears can be selected without baulking. If either of those problems are noticed, the gearbox needs attention.

IN A CRASH 

The Beetle was built before the advent of things like airbags and other safety systems fitted to modern cars, so you have to rely on the body structure itself to protect you in a crash. It’s quite a sturdy little car so there’s reasonable crash protection. Carefully inspect any seat belts that might be fitted and replace them if they show signs of wear.

OWNERS SAY 

Twenty-year-old Jessica Begovic has owned her 1968 VW Beetle 1500 since she was 16 and has spent quite a bit of money on it renewing the exhaust, brakes. door and rear window seals, repairing some oil leaks and repainting it. Even though it is older than most other cars on the road, lacks the performance of a modern car, the engine sounds like a lawn mower in the back seat, it doesn’t have air-conditioning, and the ride isn’t very smooth she loves her car and wouldn't trade it for anything. Overall she says it is a reliable, if not cramped and quirky little car, with tons more character and personality than anything put on the road since.

LOOK FOR 
• Cute styling
• Modest performance
• Great fuel economy
• Admirable reliability
• Body rust

THE BOTTOM LINE 
Great classic car that is still capable of being driven daily.

RATING: 75/100

Read the article
Used Volkswagen Beetle review: 1957-1976

The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most significant cars of all time. Conceived by Adolf Hitler in the mid 1930s as an affordable car for the people ('Volks' is German for people, 'wagen' means car) it later became a best seller worldwide.

In Australia it was hugely popular in the 1960s, often being outsold only by Holden and Falcon, providing cheap, reliable transport for many people. Volkswagens were made in Melbourne for many years, though some variants were imported from Germany.

Today there are still many Beetles (a name, incidentally, never officially used by the company) on Australian roads. However, the conversion of many into street cruisers, convertibles, Porsche lookalikes and beach buggies has thinned their ranks considerably. 

Standard cars are still not rare enough to be regarded as a good investment, but that time can't be too many years away.

Crude by today’s standards, the Beetle is slow, noisy, cramped and not particularly safe (though later models improved somewhat in that latter vital area).

On the upside, the German car is understressed, long lasting and has the sort of character that just doesn't exist in modern-day, computer-designed small cars.

Though the first Beetles came here in 1954, you are better looking at models from 1957 onwards. Not only are these more readily available, they have more power and are easier to drive and park due to their larger rear window.

Having said that, the old models with the tiny back windows, and in particular those with the split back window, are more likely to go up significantly in value than later ones.

Other significant improvements were made in 1963, 1967, 1971 and 1973, with the early, somewhat primitive handling being replaced by a better system in the 1967 model.

Despite having a strong similarity in appearance, the cars were changed surprisingly often. Later models have nothing of any significance which is interchangeable with older ones. The biggest body changes took place in the 1967 and 1971 year models.

All are two-door sedans, with the exception of a few two-door convertibles. Having the engine in the rear significantly restricts luggage space. The boot in the front is tiny by today’s standards, but there is more storage space behind the rear seat. It is reached by way of the front doors so isn't exactly easy to use. The rear-seat backrest can be folded down to get at it or to increase carrying capacity.

VW Beetle engine sizes began at 1.1 litres, went up to 1.2 litres in 1953, 1.3 in 1966 and 1.5 in 1968. The 1.3 made a comeback as a low cost option in 1970, selling alongside the 1.5. Finally a 1.6-litre engine replaced the 1.5 in 1971 in the Super Bug.

Transmissions are almost all four-speed manuals, though there were some three-speed semi-automatics (the badge isn't quite truthful and says ‘VW Automatic’). The semi-auto requires you to shift gears manually, but the clutch is controlled by the car.

These cars are getting old and many have been extensively modified, sometimes with a lot of skill and attention to detail, at other times by people who really don't know what they are doing. So check them over carefully - then call on the services of a VW expert or an inspector from your motoring association.

Look for rust in the lower edges of the doors, the door pillars beneath the lower hinges, the bottom corners of the mudguards and the cabin floor.

Check the condition of the battery carrier beneath the right-rear seat. It is not unknown for the battery to arc and set fire to the underside of the seat.

Engines are noisy even when running well. If it seems too bad, or there are oily fumes from the exhaust pipe, get a quote for repairs. Unless you want to keep the car original, a worn engine is often a good reason to have it uprated in size and power. This is a comparatively simple job, but don't attempt it yourself unless you have some expertise in the field.

Gearboxes are normally light and easy in operation. If one sticks or crunches, especially when changing down through the gears, it is due for overhaul or replacement.

Look at the tread of the rear tyres for signs of uneven wear from side to side. It is not unusual for owners to change the angles of the rear wheels in an attempt to lower the car and improve road grip. This plays havoc with the tyre life.

Prices will vary enormously, these listed here are for cars in reasonable, not restored, condition. They don't take into account major modifications.

A 1960 VW 1200 will now cost about $2000 to $3000; a 1965 VW 1200 $2000 to $4000; a 1970 VW 1500 $3000 to $5000; a 1973 VW Super Bug S $4000 to $6000; a 1976 Super Bug L $5000 to $7000.

If you are looking for long term investment opportunities in an old car buy one which is completely standard. If it has been modified, but the original parts have been stored away, make sure they are included in the deal

Read the article
Used Volkswagen Beetle review: 1960-1973

The VW Beetle, while conceived by Hitler in the 1930s, was designed by Dr Ferdinand Porsche, one of the most gifted automotive designers of all time.

Porsche's design was based on a simple platform chassis, at one end of which was a rudimentary torsion bar independent suspension, while at the other end was an engine and gearbox with a swing axle independent suspension which also featured torsion bar springing.

It came with an air-cooled overhead-valve-flat four-cylinder engine with a capacity of 1.1 litres. On the road, the Beetle had quite good performance for the time, and it improved over the years as more power was extracted from the engine.

The great thing about the Beetle is that maintenance is relatively easy for a novice or home mechanic, and it is a great vehicle on which to learn the basics of automotive mechanics. Parts are generally available from VW specialists who can also provide expert advice and servicing if you don't feel inclined to do your own work.

Like all old cars, condition is the key thing to consider before purchase. A car in run-down condition, particularly in the body, will cost a small fortune to refurbish and won't be worth the cost of investment when you come to sell it. On the other hand, if you buy a car in good general condition, it won't put a massive strain on your budget and your final investment shouldn't exceed the value of the car on the used-car market.

Check for rust in the doors and rear quarter panels, and look for signs of water leakage from the windshield which suggests rust around the windscreen flange. Also check the floors, front and rear, for rust, and lift the rear seat as water can accumulate there and lead to rust in the floor.

Mechanically, the Beetle is a fairly simple package and fun to work on. Look for vague steering which could indicate wear in the front-end, steering gear, or shot shockers.

The engine is quite robust and hard to kill, but look for oil leaks and the condition of the oil to reassure yourself it's been serviced.

Likewise, the gearbox has a reputation for being indestructible. But check to make sure it doesn't jump out of gear and that gears can be selected without baulking.

The Beetle was built before the advent of things such as airbags and other safety systems fitted to modern cars. However, it is quite a sturdy little car so there's reasonable crash protection. Carefully inspect any seat belts that might be fitted and replace them if they show signs of wear.

Twenty-year-old Jessica Begovic has owned her 1968 VW Beetle 1500 since she was 16 and has spent quite a bit of money renewing the exhaust, brakes, door and rear window seals, repairing some oil leaks and repainting it. It is older than most other cars on the road, lacks the performance of a modern car, its engine sounds like a lawn mower in the back seat, it doesn't have air-conditioning and the ride isn't very smooth. Yet, Begovic loves her car and wouldn't trade it for anything. She says it is reliable, with a lot more character and personality than anything else on the road.

Read the article
Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
Have a new question for the CarsGuide team?
More than 9,000 questions asked and answered.