Is it that unsafe?

Thanks all for the valuable tips. I apologize in-advance that I couldn't respond to each one of you individually because there are so many good tips!

 

If I get my car, I think I will get these mods:

 

1. Four wheel disc brakes

2. Passenger mirror

3. 3rd brake light

4. Loud horn

 

What else?

 

The car I'm looking at is a VS speedster with 1600 VW engine. Since I won't be taking it on the freeway, it should be sufficient for city driving?

 

I have never driven a car that has no power steering and brakes, how different is it?

 

Lastly, I can barely drive a manual transmission car (my friend taught me few times). Will this be a problem?

You'll get used to the brakes & steering on the first drive.  No biggie.

Driving a manual just takes a little practice, but it's like riding a bike, once learned you will never forget.  Avoid hills at first.  Starting off from a stop when your nose is pointed up in traffic is the hardest skill to learn.  Manuals are no big deal & very satisfying to drive.

Thanks Tom. I read that handbrakes are not very good in these car. Is this true? Can it be updated?

Ditto what Tom said re. steering and brakes.  You won't notice the lack of power steering because these cars are so light.  The brakes may take a little more pressure, but you'll quickly get used to it.  As for the handbrake, it should work as well as on any car.

The handbrake will work properly as long as the brakes are adjusted.I don't know about discs, but VW drum brakes need adjusting (I don't remember off the top of my head how often) and when the rears haven't been done in a while then the handbrake isn't quite as "effective" as it could be. 

The hand brake experience might be individual.  Mine was terrible with rear drums, but is much better with rear discs.

Since you're just getting in to these, this is the least of your worries.  Getting a replica in Canada & getting it registered are far bigger issues

Thanks Tom, Lane, and ALB.

 

The car I'm looking at is a local car titled as a 197x VW beetle. It should not have any problem to get it transferred to me.

Stan: pay no nevermind to the "small engines have no place" wankers. My car has (well, had) a 1500 with 250,000 miles on it. Single carb. Single port heads. 50 horsepower, maybe. Probably not even.

 

And it's not even a "starter car" Speedster. Pan-based TD Replica. Like a brick with curly fenders.

 

Drove it 250 miles each way to VA Beach two years in a row. Basically in November. We're talking I-95 and Washington, DC beltway traffic. Like driving through a sprint car track on "drunk texting night." 

 

Your 1600 will get you to 80 mph at least. Plenty of speed for the highway. Top down means good visibility. Staying alive means paying attention and good luck. No crashing allowed.

 

Tripling your power will not make the car safer. It won't make it less safe either. It will make the car more fun, which is why I'm doing it now to my car. 

With all respect Ed, I do think its a little safer to have more power, to get out of the way or when passing a semi in the slow lane where I drive.

I drive to Orange County and L.A on the Interstate 5 with a 1600 and cruise at 65-70 and am definitely the slowest poke on the road.

I mean I'm getting passed like a 47¢ corn dog on colonoscopy day!

 

I have gotten up to high 80's but when on a hill it takes longer than a PBS documentary on the sexual habits of a San Francisco sewer worker to get there!

"...passed like a $0.47 corn dog..."

 

"...longer than a PBS documentary..."

 

BWAAAAAAAA HAAAAAAA!!! Speedbucket, I'm gonna get some serious mileage out of those lines, thanks! 

Not for the squeamish!

 

http://youtu.be/joMK1WZjP7g

 

and that's what I thought was a well built car!