Herbie Would Be Proud

Beep-Beep! The “Love Bug” is at it again. Here are some thoughts members shared in TalkCity’s autochat room, about the new version of the VW Bug.

corbin: I just bought a new Beetle. I’m a baby boomer and it sure feels strange to see history keep duplicating itself. I’m getting many thumbs up and big smiles on the highways.

willimae: My neighbor just bought one yesterday. I thought they were ugly then and I still think they’re ugly. Sort of reminds me of some sort of space vehicle. Nothing is original anymore. First “Lost In Space” remake, the ‘70s music is still heavy in programming and now they bring back the BUG.

MEME1: My husband just got his yesterday. There was this bunch of teenagers stopping traffic on a busy blvd., howling at the site of it.

Lollie: In Los Angeles we tend to follow the trend of cars. A Beamer is like a Toyota here. But I saw two on the highway today and heads were turning like crazy.

MEnU: What are the significant changes??? I can definitely see that it doesn’t look like my parents old ’68 rusty Bug thats still sitting in our driveway.

Lollie: You’re right. The new Beetle evokes response. After a test drive I seemed to like looking at it more than driving it. At $15,000 it will do well. Supplies are tight and likely will be for a year or more. So count on plunking down a deposit and waiting.

Minnie: It has a much smoother ride. I love that cute flower vase.

RYDE: The only notable options: anti-lock brakes, a power sunroof (it’s glass, not canvas), cruise control, leather seats and a four-speed automatic.

keylie: (Owner of a red ’99 VW) Some good advice. get the five-speed manual transmission for maximum performance. it’s a cute shifter, with a brushed silver handle.

BUGGIE: There is a vintage bug club in my neighborhood. My 19-year-old son spends so much time on his ’64 bug. He just got it re-chromed. I think its the “low-rider” appeal with the younger set whose only recall is Herbie the “Lovebug” in the movies.

TGENUS: My husband almost died when I suggested he sell our old Beetle. He has such a strong attachment to his vintage-beat-up-’65-LOVELESS BUG. I wish he would invest in the newer version.

boredpet: You should see the eyes we get driving our VW. I haven’t gotten this much attention since my former DeLorean purchase. LOL. For my wife the two side air bags (that are standard equipment) helps. Makes me feel that they took some time to make a good car.

VWVW1: I hear that it’s impossible for anyone over 6’ tall to ride comfortably. I’m 6’5”. There simply isn’t enough headroom to sit upright and comfortably back there.

Joshua: I lived in Seattle when I was a college student, needless to say i didn’t have a lot of money. Anyway I drove the same ’67 bug till last week. I just got my new ’99 Bug last week. Hooray! Brings me back to the days of retro-land.

autohots: Well its true even at 5-feet-4-inches, you would feel tall. But if you’re 6’5” wouldn’t you be too tall for most cars???

hotwheel: I want to purchase one but the wait is too long. VW is overwhelmed by buyer demand for the new Beetle. Only 50,000 were built so far. Who has the patience?

suzzie: I do.

hotwheel: Well when they design the convertible version all will be fixed and sales will soar out of the roof.

--Compiled by AARON DAVIS