2010 beetle?
 

Daughter is starting to look for her first car... figuring a budget of $5k to leave her $1k for repair fund in the future...

No, she doesn't want a "boring" sedan, etc. Need auto transmission, so ruled out the Minis in the price range. Not so sure on the Fiat 500s in her price range. Can't go too small, she does have a cello to tote around...

She has however seen a local 2010 Beetle, $4550 sticker. But it has 120k miles on it, which makes me worried about it.

At least the Minis, Fiats, and some others had waaay less miles (60-70k).

So... Any thoughts on this particular VW? Any thoughts on other cars we should be looking at?

The sale ad - https://doncloseautodirect.com/inventory/33036/view/17177/Gainesville-FL/2010-Volkswagen-NEW%20Beetle

My wife wants one of these really, really bad...
We looked at a few, this was years ago but IIRC the group here questioned the reliability of the auto was suspect, I don't think the 2.5 was well liked either.
I never owned one though so hopefully more knowledgeable people will chime in.

These were available with a diesel (my preference) but pretty sure those only came with a stick.

I think I remember reading somewhere that changing the battery was a nightmare.

I would guess it would otherwise have similar reliability as Golf. Is there a service history?

I'm guessing a Mazda3 is too boring?
I don't envy you trying to buy a car with a lady.
If my experience with my wife is any indicator "herding cats" is a good analogy.
With the bunch of gearheads here be prepared for the usual Honda/Toyota recomendations.
I have had great luck with Hyundai bit again probably too boring.

^^ Our kids have 2010 and 2013 Mazda 3s. They are fun to drive and every bit as reliable as a Honda or Toyota. I wouldn't mind owning one.

Unfortunately yes.

The wife was easy to get a car for - took 45 minutes to decide what she wanted.

I did a google for "2010 beetle known issues" and it seems the biggest ones are the rear brakes tend to wear quickly, and turn signal and headlight issues.

No longer an issue. One of the daughter's friends just bought the car :)

My wife has a 2000 beetle bought new 100,000 miles turbo. It has known problems and all of them have come true,mostly electric. Cost over the years probably 2+ grand including timing belt. some stuff is easy to fix, some goes to the VW dealership. It drives a lot better than you'd think. It gets Mobile One, doesn't use a drop of oil. You can't tell by looking at the seats if it has been taken care of, mine look brand new and its 17yr old. Be picky, buy a nice one & she will love it...buy a POS at your own peril :)

it's too late but I would want the one the year they changed the body, or newer. it makes the old ones look terrible.

My wife has had a 2005 convertible turbo since new. About 80k miles on it now. Only real issues were the plastic power window cable guides. About 2k in maintenance in 12 years. It has been a pretty good car. She still like it, although I find her driving my Touareg a lot lately.

I like the convertibles. A latest body style one would be more tolerable on the eye. I know, most think a guy could not drive one. Whatever ... you can get them with a stick, so there is that! :)

G

I haven't owned one but I haven't read much positive about the auto transmissions in these.

A stick is a must on one of these. I think the running gear is pretty much Golf. So while it may not be top reliability, it should be decent.

A brief search brings up nice cars for little money, especially if there is a timing belt or clutch due.

G

I had a girlfriend that had a convertible, don't plan on putting anything larger than a small suitcase in the trunk.
It did drive pretty nice.
If it were me I would get the more practical Golf, and like I said the diesel, but that is just me.