2013 Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen’s Beetle Cabriolet isn’t exactly popping up on every street corner in Joburg or Durban—these are rare finds, and they know it. It’s a car for buyers who want personality over pure practicality, better suited to those who care about how a drive feels crawling through Melville or hugging the coast in Umhlanga than how many bags of groceries fit in the boot. At the moment, there’s precisely one up for grabs in SA: a 2013 1.4 TSI Sport DSG, petrol only, showing 133,000 km and stickered at R219,900. On paper at least, that’s not outrageous, considering the scarcity. The catch? You can’t fuss about colour or haggle much on price—take it or leave it. That single car gets the Sport trim, which means you score sharper bodywork and firmer suspension, something buyers tend to appreciate if they want a Beetle that looks less cutesy and more dialled-in. Power comes from the 1.4 TSI, good for 118 kW—enough to keep up with Gauteng’s frantic morning rush, and you won’t feel short-changed overtaking. What’s always mattered with the Beetle, especially the Cabriolet, is the drama: those iconic curves and a cabin that doesn’t try to fake luxury but nails the retro vibe. If you pack smart, you’ll manage weekend escapes just fine. This isn’t a car you justify with spreadsheets and spec sheets; it’s for those who want to make an entrance, and that’s the point.