I have been searching for a Dune Buggy. At first I thought I could find a neat little clean one cheap. But so far here is S.Florida I have seen many $5000. to $6000. ones that still need work. (At least in my eyes) The ones I do like all have prices starting from $9000. on up to $19,000.  Do buggies keep their value? Like a jeep/vette. Is $10,000. reasonable for a freshly clean built buggy that no work is required.? Just get in turn key n go... What is the average price for a clean running buggy? Just your 2 cents please. Thanks.

I've spent the last year or so looking around and I've found that 5-6 grand gets one too many mysteries. Terms like freshly rebuilt cover a lot of ground. Who rebuilt it ? With what parts? It goes on and on.

If I was to buy a "turnkey" VW dune buggy I'd have to think hard about having say Fisher Buggies build me one. At the end of the day it will coast about 12k but it's all new. With warentee on motor and trans.
That's something no private owner could offer. To me 10k on used or 12 new is a no brainier.

Now do they hold their value. You'll get many opinions but based on what I've seen unless it's something really special no they don't. The value they hold is to the owner.

Just me .02

Be Big,
AMAC

Thank you.

I have built 4 buggies. I have sold them for $2500-$9500. The two more expensive ones were a real Manx and an Avenger. Both times people told me I under priced them. They were fully rebuilt except for the motors and trannys.

http://www.dunebuggyarchives.com/forum/topic_show.pl?tid=3818

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=239643&highlight=

If you want a buggy to hold some value then get a real Manx. They have a cult like following.

And there is no such thing as a buggy that doesn't need work. Unless it has been fully restored by someone who has a lot of knowledge of VWs you will certainly need to do things. Many will be hidden. Some will be subtle. And some will be normal things needed to keep a 50 year old engine design running

Jeffrey P I'd give you 10 large for either of those buggys anyday ! But they are not reflective of what I see here for that price.

You hit the nail on keeping 50 year old tech running. We have been lulled by today's near zero maintenance autos. Just change the oil and go. Anyone who has played with the old dubs knows they need constant attention to run their best.

Be Big,
AMAC

They can't be any worse then an old 70's vette. Now that is constant maintenance.!! And hard to get in n out of as we get older. I'll see how difficult the buggy is when I get it Monday or Tuesday.

You'll get in and out just fine. After a spinal cord injury I have limited movement but can still get in and out.

So when do we see the new buggy? Is it yellow? Whole bunch of nice yellow turnkeys kicking around florida at the moment.

Be Big,
AMAC

I really don't want to "jinx" myself. I lost two a few weeks ago. So Ill show and tell everyone about it when I get it Monday or Tuesday, if all goes well. Still can't believe Im getting it.

Lol. Ok at least tell me it's not that nasty "mouse eared" buggy in Havanna.

Be Big,
AMAC

Noooooo..

Those are the heater control levers for the original Beetle heaters.

Most buggy owners remove them.

Ahh, thank you. My 66 Beatle didn't have them.

The two levers might be turning brakes, one for left rear wheel and right ect, mine has them, I heard it was a 35.00 option on mine back in the day.

Vince...good point. Small little levers are for heater controls (your old Beetle had a knob on the side of the tunnel). Larger levers could be turning brakes.

Yes I am referring to the larger one's. But how are they used for turning? Why would you want to apply a brake on a wheel when you have a steering wheel?

Used mostly in the sand. Applies brake individually to one (or both) rear wheels to help turn quicker.

Think of locking the left rear wheel while turning left and it allows you to almost pivot.

No real use for a street buggy.

So its like drifting only in the sand. Now I understand. Thanks...

To Dave C 4367,
I bought a Buggy a Manx Clone, that is at least what I call it.  I'm not sure what it is but it looks very much like a Manx.  It looked pretty good and didn't run bad, after a tune up and some minor maintenance.  But most of all it had a title.
I paid $6K for it and was happy with the deal.  I drove it for a summer and in the fall and winter I took it off the road and repaired all the problems I had noted while having fun all summer.
The changes included front disc breaks, new rubber all around and a completely rebuilt motor, (it had a stock 1600 dual port).  I went to 1915 cc, cam, 42 Webber DCNF dual carbs (Berg Specials) and a rebuilt tranny from Bemco.  I might not have needed the tranny but I was pretty sure the previous owner pounded to old one pretty good.  With the new motor I didn't want tranny problems with the increased HP.  I also rebuilt the interior including new seats.  I have a few bucks tied up in it now and don't ever expect to get my money out, but I'm loving the work as well as the ride....  

I had as much fun rebuilding the buggy to me liking as I do driving it.

My advice buy one according to your ability and knowledge or find a friend that is knowledgeable that is willing to help out and or guide you.   If you don't want to work on it yourself I suggest you have one built as posted above.....The guys on this site are without a doubt the best source of information and guidance you will find, they will help with good ideas and proven problem solving.

I don't Remember you always "PAY FOR YOUR THRILLS"! ! !

I love my Buggy and enjoy working on it.......

Hope this helps, keep us informed and send Pics

   Jim B

Look under "introduce yourself" pics are there......