Beat El Camino: 2002 Volkswagen Beetle

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The New Beetle was never supposed to haul anything more serious than groceries, which makes this Smyth-built pickup conversion all the better. By cutting the hatch and reshaping the rear into a functional bed, it turns VW’s retro commuter into something closer to a front-wheel-drive El Camino, with just enough utility to justify the absurdity. Find this 2002 Volkswagen Beetle offered for $14,500 in Costa Mesa, CA via craigslist.

From the seller:

2002 Volkswagen NewBeetle
drive: fwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 94,000
paint color: red
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: pickup
delivery available
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RARE PICKUP TRUCK — WILD VW NEW BEETLE TURBO S CUSTOM

Here’s your chance to own a rare Volkswagen pickup truck. Professionally built by Smyth Performance, this unique Ute is based on VW’s top-of-the-line New Beetle, the sporty, 180-horsepower Turbo S model. Weighing just 2900 pounds, this feisty, two-door mini truck has an unobstructed 5-foot long by 3.3-foot wide aluminum bed on a braced alloy frame covered in body panels that flow with the Beetle’s classic curves. A fully functional, fold-down tailgate extends the bed to a very useful six feet. The rear window glass and tailgate hinges are grafted from Chevy pickup trucks. The owner has a clean California title in hand and the registration is good through October, 2026.

This wild custom’s nimble chassis and legendary 20-valve engine have just 94,000 miles on them. The entire vehicle has been well maintained throughout, so it currently runs and drives well. All mechanical and electrical components function properly. During the past 2500 miles, the truck has received $5000 worth of maintenance and upgraded parts, including:

RECENT MAINTENANCE & NEW PARTS

  • Accessory belt
  • Alignment
  • Air filter
  • Battery
  • Cabin filter
  • Clutch slave cylinder
  • Coils
  • Extra key fob
  • Fuel filter
  • High-beam LED bulbs
  • Low-beam LED bulbs
  • Motor oil & filter
  • Radiator hose
  • Spark plugs
  • Splash guard, center
  • Splash guard, left
  • Splash guard, right
  • Tie rod ends
  • Timing belt
  • Water pump, auxiliary
  • Window regulator, driver side
  • Windshield wipers
  • Windshield wiper arms

The Turbo S model was VW’s top-of-the-line New Beetle trim package. It came equipped with most every factory upgrade, including:

FACTORY UPGRADES

  • Sport seats: Leather, heated, height adjustable bucket seats
  • Brushed aluminum interior accents
  • Sunroof, electric with tinted glass and sliding sun shade
  • Cruise control
  • Monsoon premium stereo system with four speakers
  • Adjustable-height steering-wheel
  • Power windows
  • Two-tone interior
  • Power mirrors
  • Keyless locking & immobilizer
  • Sport suspension
  • Electronic stability control
  • ABS-equipped disc brakes all around
  • Fog lights
  • Wheels: 17 inch
  • Tires: 225/40
  • Full-size spare tire

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

  • MODEL YEAR: 2002
  • MODEL: NEW BEETLE
  • TRIM: Turbo S
  • MILES: 94,000
  • EXTERIOR: Red with silver stripe
  • INTERIOR: Black & silver
  • ENGINE MODEL CODE: AUQ
  • DISPLACEMENT: 1781cc
  • COMPRESSION: 9.5:1
  • VALVETRAIN: 20V
  • HORSEPOWER: 180 HP @ 5500 RPM
  • TORQUE: 173 FT.-LBS. @ 1950 – 5000 RPM
  • TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual
  • TITLE: Clean California title in owner’s name
  • REGISTRATION: Current, expires in October

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