What gas mileage do you get?

There is a huge difference between

I would be doing things right now, which should have been made 2 years ago.... Joao

Yeah, I was one of those contributing to the congestion at 180 Kmh. :) This was actually 3-4 years ago in Southern Germany in the Bodensee area, where we had a facility at that time and visited a number of times. The Abahn I am thinking of was going towards Switzerland -- I did notice a lot less congestion there than when driving north or towards Muenchen.

I've never actually been scared to drive a car until I drove there: It is quite something else to see a Porshe get from a fly spec in the distance to being on your bumper in less than 30 seconds.. it must be great fun to have a car that can do those speeds.

Luftgekuhlten, you in Germany, then?

Not at present. My time is divided between Germany and the United States. These days an autobahn speed of 180kph is quite good. During morning hours on bank holidays you may find less traffic and the opportunity for higher speeds.

Well, maybe now one can take bugs on the autobahn :)

I did not see very many bugs while there - is it still a viable car? Just wondering, because the inspection is very stringent in D, from what I've been told.

Yes, it is not unusual to see a VW bug on the roads. Although not as many as one would see 20 or even 10 years ago.

Of course. As in America and other countries, many drivers found the Bug not difficult to maintain and for such reason continue to drive the vehicle. Although many Bugs in Germany lasted a very long time, rusting became the most serious problem. Quite a few Mexico Bugs were imported to Germany, with most of these going to the Bug collectors.

I believe that vehicle inspection in Germany may be more rigorous that in America. The T=DCV, which is the governmental vehicle inspection agency, requires an inspection of each vehicle once every two years. And if a vehicle has so much as even a small rust hole in the pan, the inspector can pull it off the road until the vehicle is profesionally repaired. The current cost for the inspection is =8042 ($54). If you fail, the reinspection will cost you =8027 ($35).

I cannot offer a reason, but there is a different attitude towards the Bug in Germany. And most drivers there prefer to drive more modern vehicles. The younger population appear to have a great deal of affection for the Bug, but those in that grouping cannot usually afford the costs and fees necessary to keep the car in driving condition. Often less expensive to find a car of eight or ten years of age which comes with the inspection and one year guarantee for the maintenance.

Of course. As in America and other countries, many drivers found the Bug not difficult to maintain and for such reason continue to drive the vehicle. Although many Bugs in Germany lasted a very long time, rusting became the most serious problem. Quite a few Mexico Bugs were imported to Germany, with most of these going to the Bug collectors.

I believe that vehicle inspection in Germany may be more rigorous that in America. The TÜV, which is the governmental vehicle inspection agency, requires an inspection of each vehicle once every two years. And if a vehicle has so much as even a small rust hole in the pan, the inspector can pull it off the road until the vehicle is profesionally repaired. The current cost for the inspection is ?42 ($54). If you fail, the reinspection will cost you ?27 ($35).

I cannot offer a reason, but there is a different attitude towards the Bug in Germany. And most drivers there prefer to drive more modern vehicles. The younger population appear to have a great deal of affection for the Bug, but those in that grouping cannot usually afford the costs and fees necessary to keep the car in driving condition. Often less expensive to find a car of eight or ten years of age which comes with the inspection and one year guarantee for the maintenance.

Excellent Report!

-tom

It was very interesting to hear that the bug is appreciated here (US) a lot more than in its birthplace. (I guess the reverse is true also in other things: for instance, Jazz having originated here is not appreciated here as much as in western Europe -- go figure, right?)

I heard about the rigorous German inspections - the German guys I worked with mentioned it after they saw my old Saab and were wondering how hard it was to keep it legal.

Thanks! Remco

They recently passed a law in the state I live in that says any vehicle 35 years old or older no longer has to have ANY kind of inspection at all. Because you know, as cars get older and older they just get safer and safer. Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining... :-)

i think it is 30 years here in Va...it has to be registered as an "antique" vehicle and it displays antique tags...these are for limited use vehicles(show/club/etc) but that is "loosely" enforced....they are however still required to meet the safetys standards of when they were produced(equipment wise) and are subject to fines for not being street "legal"....your state may vary...

Thanks -- I'll have to check what the rule is in CT. It will be a while before I get it all done (it might be an antique by then, if it isn't already :) but that is good to know.

Those who own older vehicles are generally very conscientious about their upkeep and maintenance. Otherwise the vehicle would not be in operation after such a long time. For this reason I believe it is correct that older vehicles be exempt from most inspections. It was once reported that the vehicle with the most mileage was a 1966 VW Bug owned by a man in Chicago. There was an article several year back about this car reaching something like one million miles. So even in the American rust belt it is possible to maintain your car. Assuming that one is willing to make the required effort.

And who knows, older vehicles might just get safer as the age. My Bug has better seat belts than it originally came with, and disc brakes in the front. And the electronic ignition means the engine is less polluting than when this car was brand new.

You'un ain't from 'round heah. :-)

You mean everyone doesn't have it bookmarked? :-)

yeah..okay....i watched a rolling accident on my way to work yesterday that couldn't react fast enough if he was given written notice...

hehe...of course not, i don't live in NC>...

uh....actually i got that...guess it didn't show in my response....that happens from time to time in written communications....