New to game -- fixing a speedster

I was hoping members of this forum could shed some light as I'm compiling my research on the speedsters. Quite simply, who fixes the car when they break down? I understand the engine is a VW engine, and that may be easy for a regular shop to fix, but what about everything else, such as suspension components, fuel lines, brake lines or regular wear and tear items?

I see a number of speedsters for sale with extremely low miles. Is there a reason for that? Are these cars not reliable? When looking at a speedster with "higher" miles, say 20,000 miles, what are some majors factors I should immediately focus upon? Is it possible to get 40K+ miles out of your speedster?

For the record, I am not mechanically inclined. I know how to admire them, drive them, and keep them clean. But that is all. Realistically, is a speedster replica a fit for someone not mechanically inclined?

Thank You in advance for your responses.

-Kevin

7/26/129:17 AM

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MusbJim'14 VS SoCal Supporting Member

Kevin - I'm sure there are a number of VW repairs shops in the bay area to handle whatever your Speedster would need. So, no real need to be mechanically inclined. All you need is a cell phone and a AAA card.

Speedys listed with low miles are typically the result of the car not being what the owner expected (lack of modern car amenities, family or financial hardship). These are basically re-skinned VW bugs and there are a zillion VW bugs out there still chugging along.

You're doing the right thing with researching on this site before joining the "madness".

Peace-Out!

7/26/129:40 AM

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Gordon NicholsMassachusetts 1993 CMC Supporting Member

Jim's right.

A lot of people buy these 60-year-old-technology cars and expect them to be as civilized as a Miata or 350Z. They are not, so they get it home and while their spouse or spouse-equivalent thinks its cute, after a ride with the noise, smells and wind of an open car they re-think their position and prefer to ride in the Lexus or whatever. That is the biggest reason for so many low-mileage cars in the classifieds.

These are very simple cars that just about any decent mechanic can fix. True, the air cooled engine might be something new to some mechanics out there, but the rest of the car is technology right out of the 1960's and should not be difficult to figure out. Folks on here can even help with sources for insurance and getting the much-coveted SB-100 stuff from the DMV in California.

Do your homework, though, and read as much as you can on here. Ask questions - that's what we're here for (I think).

7/26/1211:17 AM

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Jim Kelly2013 SAS coupe-Fiji

If you have a mechanic now that you trust, that's the place to start. Ask him/her if they work on air cooled engines. If not, get a referral. You can also Google "SF air cooled mechanic reviews" or something similar. With all the reviewer-type sites that are popular now, you'll get lots of hits and have the chance to find someone you're comfortable with that's close to you. There are still LOTS of air cooled mechanics around, usually Porsche/VW. Once you find someone you trust, they can be a good source to inspect a prospective buy. Good luck in your search.

7/26/1211:42 AM

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