Overhaulin'

Is a Karmann Ghia a good car for a new driver?

It seems like a reliable car and has recieved many great reviews. Do you think insurance would be a pain? Just let me know what you think!

Public Comments

1. No, why would you give a new driver the headache of an old car with parts that are hard to find if it breaks. Plus most shops today won't even know how to fix that car. If you like VW's get a golf for a first car. Better yet a Jetta or GTI
2. it is an old car that unless rebuilt and restored will take very much maitennce and repair. Good news is that engine sare only bout 2000. new and you can pick up as it is a VW bug engine.
3. mmmhm for a ne driver no, the repairs that could need to be done and upkeep on an older car might exceed the new drivers pocket book. Look into a newer model GTI or Jetta late 90's early 2000's
4. If you want to drive a classic you need to have the ability to do your own maintenance. Or a boat load of money. The classic VW was designed when labor was cheap and parts were expensive, comparatively speaking.
5. i've got one and its great the parts are cheap and easy to find as (apart from the panels) its the same as the old beetle my insurance is very low, as i've got it under a classic car insurance and in the uk the road tax is free and there's nothing as reliable as a Volkswagen
6. Maybe, maybe not. Insurance should be cheap, and the cars were very reliable when they were new. That said, the newest Ghia available is 34 years old. The mechanical parts of a Ghia are mostly VW Beetle, but the cosmetic parts are Ghia specific and cost much more than Beetle parts. Also, newer drivers tend to bump and rub a little more than more experienced drivers and Karmann Ghias don't really like that too much. You see, a ghia's body panels don't unbolt like a Beetle or most other cars' panels do, so any dents and dings have to be worked out of the sheet metal. You can't just replace a fender or apron because the body is mostly just one piece. The hood, deck lid, and doors are the only removable body parts. Ghias are also entering that area of collectability that may make them a poor value for a new driver. The initial cost of a Ghia in good condition is way above the cost of cars that could be seen as superior values. (And may be much safer and more reliable) Just some things to think about. : )