Green Newbie

Hey there. I just joined the group in the hopes of increasing my knowledge and narrowing down my options.

I'm looking for a Speedster I can use 100% as a daily driver. I want one that is reliable more than anything. I'm definitely not looking for a polished mint job that I am afraid to get dirty. In fact, I'd almost rather it be a tiny bit scratched up, especially if it lowers the price.

A turn-key is of course the ideal option, but cost is always a concern, so I have been looking at unfinished Speedster projects. I'm only slightly mechanically knowledgeable, so I'd like to understand what I'm getting into if I find a project that "just needs to have the chassis shortened before the body is added" for example...

I've read and appreciate the intro threads, but I would like your personal opinions on what to look for when inspecting based on my needs, and especially what to avoid. If I'm going to find a daily driver that is reliable, I want to be confident when I find one.

I live in California, so there are plenty of options, I just need the help of your critical eyes and opinions when shopping.

Any help/advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

"I'm only slightly mechanically knowledgeable" - don't be fooled by old advertising of "complete this kit car in 40 hours." It's more like 400! (and then there is customization or making it better). Unless you have well equipt garage I would not attempt. You'll need a lot of time too - many free weekends and good size garage to spread out work. Some have even stated that to refurb a semi-running car will result in $16k investment. I soon will have mine semi-complete after 20 years (I took a few off working on it for life's little distractions). Read the sticky well on what to expect. There are alot of completed good running cars - I'd find one of them here on forum classifieds. Your in right place to own one!

Matt--where will you be driving this car?

Matt, please read "Ready for a Speedster Replica? - (Everything you need to know)" located at the top of this and other forums on this site. Speedsters are wonderful fun, but rarely are they suitable as daily drivers. For that, you will almost certainly want something with rollup windows, which limits your choices. Where are you located? Local climate is a significant factor.

From his original note he's in sunny, balmy Calif! Where only thing falling are taxes collected, state services and housing values.

DOH!! It would help if I read the whole post, wouldn't it?

I would recommend a good used turnkey from the WTS adds on this board. Nick Campo's that just got posted would be an excellent choice. I just took delivery on my turnkey Beck. Like you, I'm not all that mechanically inclined. Therefore, I wanted to work with a quality builder who had an excellent reputation for customer support. Also, I'm very picky, so I paid a premium to get a car built just the way that I wanted. Special Edition was definately the right choice for me. So, if you're willing to be less picky and forego the warranty, you could go used. As far as a reliable daily driver, I just don't see it, even in sunny California. I think you will find it VERY hard to get it insured for that and there's still the occasional rain to contend with. These are fair-weather cars meant for driving enjoyment. I think they would be a PITA as a daily driver.

Matt,

Using it as a daily driver is possible if you would consider using a motorcycle for the same purpose. Speedsters leak and you are visually challenged with the top up.
If you are not mechanically inclined and have no desire to become so, be sure there's a reputable air-cooled VW mechanic in the neighborhood. These cars are not maintenance-free; valve adjustments and oil changes are necessary every 3,000 miles, plus you're always dicking around with the carburetors as well.
There are a few options out there if you prefer more modern mechanicals. Beck, SAS and Intermeccanica offer modern, water-cooled engines. As far as the most water-tight, you'll have to go with Intermeccanica, as they offer electric windows, among other amenities.
How about keeping warm on those nasty days in sunny California? The heaters suck in these cars, so dress in layers or have a gas heater installed.
Finally, as other members have said, buy a used one to make sure a speedster replica is right for you. You can get a much bigger bang for your buck buying a Miata. You just won't look as cool.

Matt,

As my friend Terry said if your looking for a true daily driver then the Intermeccanica is the best solution with the electric full windows. Terry also mentioned heat/defrost once again Intermeccanica with the advanced heater is a great solution. Last but not least if you want maximum visibility go for the Intermeccanica Roadster option with the taller side windows and windshield.

Hey it's only money.......:-)

The September 2003 Excellence article is a good read of a test drive in rainy weather.

http://www.intermeccanica.com/site_assets/pdf/ARTICLES/EXCELLENCE.pdf

Welcome!

Good luck......;-)

With all that, guess I'll be the first to say:

"Welcome to the Madness!!!!"

Wow, this is a Quality Group! Very helpful replies, and quick at that!

So the main point that everyone seems to share is that this is not a daily driver, but most state that because of their concern over the weather issue. That be the case, I live in Southern California where this is not really a problem. I'm not concerned about being cold really, I'm the kind of guy that likes to ski/snowboard in a t-shirt.

I really appreciate the honest opinions about not messing with an "almost finished car" if I don't want to be spending the time, energy, and pissing off the wife while I work on it. Based those replies alone, I'm probably going to be looking for a used turn-key. So thanks for those good points.

Maintenance wise, I am interested in everyone's opinion about the water cooled engines vs the air cooled ones. I can handle oil changes every 3K miles, and I don't really care about power windows and heaters, but if Intermeccanica models are the most reliable for their modern mechanical features alone, I would like to hear if others agree with that. Is this an overall consensus?

I've got some stipulations though, I too am picky about what I'm looking for, but most importantly, I wouldn't spend over $15K. Aren't Intermeccanica on the higher end? Or am I just trying to have my cake and eat it too?

Thanks again!

Oh, and I'm hoping to find one that registers pre-1975 to avoid the smog issue. Does looking at an Intermeccanica hinder that?

That's too bad, I hear those Intermeccanica's are real nice cars....

I wouldn't say IMs are any more reliable than any other brand - its a 40 year old engine you're dealing with. There are good engine builders out there and there are quick assemblers. IM just doesn't cut corners. With new water cooled engines you get new technology - like computer controlled FI and spark advance - even AT, AC and real heat if desired. Special Edition/Beck has one with a VW/Audi 1.8L and others use Subaru.

Matt - back when I was looking for a used replica, my intent was to use it as my daily driver (in SoCal, OC). As it turned out (availability/condition/price), I ended up with a nice '95 VS. I have accumulated over 100K Km (65K miles) and have enjoyed EVERY SINGLE MILE cruising through most of the West Coast/AZ & CO. The car has been absolutely trouble free (1835 dual Kadron - I'm not a speed freak, been there, done that with P-cars).

Sending you a PM.

Peace - Out!

Matt - You might consider a JPS coupe. Mine is still not a real daily driver but the coupe is much more versatile than the speedster. I only take mine out on the weekends like so many other owners but I can visualize driving the little beast to work on say thursday and friday. I wouldn't want to take a chance and ruin the anticipation. If it was my main form of transportation, this could happen. --IMHO--

Matt,

To be blunt the $15K limit might limit what you can buy unless you find something that has some "miles" on it or a unfinished almost done project. As far as price goes yes the IM's are on the upper end of the price schedule. As for the California smog issue the easiest way to avoid issues is buy a car that is titled as a VW earlier then 1975 and there should be lots of cars to choose from. Do you know about: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/ ? you can find lots of cars for sale there on E-Bay or Craigslist.

You might even score a earlier pan based IM if your lucky.

Good luck!

What Dave said...plus, in the 15k range, you might have a few issues to sort out. You will be doing some tinkering most likely.