Both cars require $$ and work. Some more, some less, complicated, not. I know for sure that the Beetle will have more electrical type issues. I want to experience this and I really want the VAG COM experience as technology is here to stay so I need to get good at it. The timing belt was recently done when I purchased the car. The nice thing is the bumper and fenders took about 1.5 hours to remove and it was pretty easy IMO, I actually like this factor. At this point I could see this being my daughters first car. I'll post some pictures when I'm done with the car. There will be another Mercedes someday I'm sure as I truely love the sound of the 617 and they are beautifully engineered machines! I'm getting chocked up now and headed to the classifieds section.
Dave