Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Volkswagen Type 3 shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Volkswagen Type 3 offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Volkswagen Type 3 at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Volkswagen Type 3? Wrong! If the Volkswagen Type 3 is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Volkswagen Type 3 then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Volkswagen Type 3? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Volkswagen Type 3 and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Volkswagen Type 3 wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Volkswagen Type 3 then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Volkswagen Type 3 site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Volkswagen Type 3, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Volkswagen Type 3, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

{{Infobox Automobile|image = |name = Volkswagen 1500 (Notchback)|manufacturer = Volkswagen-->{{Infobox Automobile]-->{{Infobox Automobile|image = |name = Volkswagen 1500 Variant ("Squareback")|manufacturer = Volkswagen-->The Volkswagen Type 3, properly referred to as the Volkswagen 1500 and later the Volkswagen 1600, was a range of small cars from Germany manufacturer Volkswagen (VW).

The range was originally launched in 1961 in two varieties: the Notchback with a notchback sedan body, and the Karmann Ghia 1500 (popularly known as the Karmann Ghia) with an coupé body. The first Variant (popularly known as the Squareback) with an station wagon body followed in 1962 (VW still continues to name all its station wagon model variations Variant). The Fastback, a fastback coupé version, arrived in 1966. A convertible was announced with the original models, but did not enter production.

The Type 3 was introduced to diversify Volkswagen's product range beyond the Volkswagen Beetle, the Karmann Ghia, and the Volkswagen Type 2. The Type 3 was designed to allow Volkswagen to make a more sophisticated car while maintaining much of the engineering from the Type 1. Though available to much of the world, the Type 3 line was not exported to the United States through Volkswagen of America until the 1966 model year, when the Squareback and Fastback were added to their line-up.

Engine and drivetrain The Type 3 was initially equipped with a 1.5 L (1493 cc) engine based on the air-cooled flat-4 found in the Type 1. While the long block remained the same as the Type 1, the engine cooling was drastically changed to allow for a much lower engine profile. This resulted in increased area for cargo stowage with the so-called "Pancake" or "Suitcase" engine. This engine's displacement would later increase to 1.6 L (1585 cc).

Originally a single- or dual-carburetted 1.5 L engine, (1500 N, 45 hp or 1500S, 54 hp) the Type 3 engine got a larger displacement (1.6l 1585 cc) for 1966 and modified for 1968 to include electronic fuel injection as an option, making it one of the first mass production consumer cars with such a feature (the first was the Volkswagen Type 4). Also introduced for 1968 was a fully automatic transmission.

One notable advance from the Type 1 to the Type 3 was the front suspension — although similar to the Type 1, it was the first Volkswagen system to incorporate transverse torsion bars, as opposed to the Type 1's torsion leaves. The Type 3's torsion bars are cross-mounted, so that each individual torsion bar is connected to both front wheels, similar to the Dodge Aspen. The Type 3 often caused amusement to the uninitiated because its engine was hidden away under the rear trunk space in all three variants: the Notchback, Squareback and Fastback.

The Type 3 was also the world's first volume produced car to feature electronic fuel injection pioneered by Bosch. This was offered as the VW 1600E version (E meaning "Einspritz" in German or injection).

The Type 3 also featured an air-conditioner, wall-to-wall carpeting, and a larger amount of storage space (front and rear storage - the motor was located under a panel in the rear boot, allowing for more luggage space than the Type 1 "Beetle")

Related models Type 34 Karmann Ghia Also known as the Grosse Ghia (with grosse being German for "large"), the Type 34 Karmann Ghia was a larger, more squared development of the Karmann Ghia, and was based on the Type 3 platform.

Brazilian Type 3 (TL / Variant / Variant II) The notchback Type 3 was launched in Brazil in 1968 and met with little success, being nicknamed Zé do Caixão (after a popular Brazilian Zé do Caixão) for its boxy shape. This model was exported to Mexico, where it was sold as the Brasilia. A fastback/hatchback version, the Volkswagen TL, fared somewhat better, being produced from 1970 to 1976, originally as a 2-door and later as a 4-door version. Neither enjoyed as much success as its estate-bodied sibling, the Variant. The 3-door Variant was produced from 1969 to 1977 and then followed by an updated successor with squarer body, the Variant II which was produced from 1977 to 1980.

Unrelated Argentinian Volkswagen 1500 In 1980 Volkswagen bought the Argentina Chrysler Ferve Argentina SAIC. With the takeover came a new name, Volkswagen Argentina SA, and the company inherited some Dodge / Chrysler vehicles. One of them was the Dodge 1500 (also the Dodge 1800) which the newly taken-over company re-badged as Volkswagen 1500 for the Argentinian market. The estate was known as the Volkswagen 1500 Rural. Both variants continued to be sold until 1988.

The car, which was based on Chrysler Avenger, had also been sold in Brazil, where it was known as the Dodge Polara — this version ceased in 1981, shortly after Volkswagen's purchase of the tooling in Argentina. Note also that this is the car which was available earlier in the 1970s in North America as the Plymouth Cricket.

These cars have no parts related to any other vehicles in the Volkswagen range, including the Volkswagen Type 3 known by the same Volkswagen 1500 name.

Trivia The placement of the engine under the rear trunk of the Type 3 was highlighted in a famous American television commercial for Volkswagen in the 1960's that shows a very young Dustin Hoffman showing the interior of the Fastback model and explaining the car's technical features. After showing the trunk up front, he opens the rear hood to reveal another trunk. Hoffman, looking befuddled as to the location of the engine, walks away, and the commercial closes with a title reading, "Your VW dealer will show you where the motor is."

External links

{{Infobox Automobile|image = |name = Volkswagen 1500 (Notchback)|manufacturer = Volkswagen-->{{Infobox Automobile]-->{{Infobox Automobile|image = |name = Volkswagen 1500 Variant ("Squareback")|manufacturer = Volkswagen-->The Volkswagen Type 3, properly referred to as the Volkswagen 1500 and later the Volkswagen 1600, was a range of small cars from Germany manufacturer Volkswagen (VW).

The range was originally launched in 1961 in two varieties: the Notchback with a notchback sedan body, and the Karmann Ghia 1500 (popularly known as the Karmann Ghia) with an coupé body. The first Variant (popularly known as the Squareback) with an station wagon body followed in 1962 (VW still continues to name all its station wagon model variations Variant). The Fastback, a fastback coupé version, arrived in 1966. A convertible was announced with the original models, but did not enter production.

The Type 3 was introduced to diversify Volkswagen's product range beyond the Volkswagen Beetle, the Karmann Ghia, and the Volkswagen Type 2. The Type 3 was designed to allow Volkswagen to make a more sophisticated car while maintaining much of the engineering from the Type 1. Though available to much of the world, the Type 3 line was not exported to the United States through Volkswagen of America until the 1966 model year, when the Squareback and Fastback were added to their line-up.

Engine and drivetrain The Type 3 was initially equipped with a 1.5 L (1493 cc) engine based on the air-cooled flat-4 found in the Type 1. While the long block remained the same as the Type 1, the engine cooling was drastically changed to allow for a much lower engine profile. This resulted in increased area for cargo stowage with the so-called "Pancake" or "Suitcase" engine. This engine's displacement would later increase to 1.6 L (1585 cc).

Originally a single- or dual-carburetted 1.5 L engine, (1500 N, 45 hp or 1500S, 54 hp) the Type 3 engine got a larger displacement (1.6l 1585 cc) for 1966 and modified for 1968 to include electronic fuel injection as an option, making it one of the first mass production consumer cars with such a feature (the first was the Volkswagen Type 4). Also introduced for 1968 was a fully automatic transmission.

One notable advance from the Type 1 to the Type 3 was the front suspension — although similar to the Type 1, it was the first Volkswagen system to incorporate transverse torsion bars, as opposed to the Type 1's torsion leaves. The Type 3's torsion bars are cross-mounted, so that each individual torsion bar is connected to both front wheels, similar to the Dodge Aspen. The Type 3 often caused amusement to the uninitiated because its engine was hidden away under the rear trunk space in all three variants: the Notchback, Squareback and Fastback.

The Type 3 was also the world's first volume produced car to feature electronic fuel injection pioneered by Bosch. This was offered as the VW 1600E version (E meaning "Einspritz" in German or injection).

The Type 3 also featured an air-conditioner, wall-to-wall carpeting, and a larger amount of storage space (front and rear storage - the motor was located under a panel in the rear boot, allowing for more luggage space than the Type 1 "Beetle")

Related models Type 34 Karmann Ghia Also known as the Grosse Ghia (with grosse being German for "large"), the Type 34 Karmann Ghia was a larger, more squared development of the Karmann Ghia, and was based on the Type 3 platform.

Brazilian Type 3 (TL / Variant / Variant II) The notchback Type 3 was launched in Brazil in 1968 and met with little success, being nicknamed Zé do Caixão (after a popular Brazilian Zé do Caixão) for its boxy shape. This model was exported to Mexico, where it was sold as the Brasilia. A fastback/hatchback version, the Volkswagen TL, fared somewhat better, being produced from 1970 to 1976, originally as a 2-door and later as a 4-door version. Neither enjoyed as much success as its estate-bodied sibling, the Variant. The 3-door Variant was produced from 1969 to 1977 and then followed by an updated successor with squarer body, the Variant II which was produced from 1977 to 1980.

Unrelated Argentinian Volkswagen 1500 In 1980 Volkswagen bought the Argentina Chrysler Ferve Argentina SAIC. With the takeover came a new name, Volkswagen Argentina SA, and the company inherited some Dodge / Chrysler vehicles. One of them was the Dodge 1500 (also the Dodge 1800) which the newly taken-over company re-badged as Volkswagen 1500 for the Argentinian market. The estate was known as the Volkswagen 1500 Rural. Both variants continued to be sold until 1988.

The car, which was based on Chrysler Avenger, had also been sold in Brazil, where it was known as the Dodge Polara — this version ceased in 1981, shortly after Volkswagen's purchase of the tooling in Argentina. Note also that this is the car which was available earlier in the 1970s in North America as the Plymouth Cricket.

These cars have no parts related to any other vehicles in the Volkswagen range, including the Volkswagen Type 3 known by the same Volkswagen 1500 name.

Trivia The placement of the engine under the rear trunk of the Type 3 was highlighted in a famous American television commercial for Volkswagen in the 1960's that shows a very young Dustin Hoffman showing the interior of the Fastback model and explaining the car's technical features. After showing the trunk up front, he opens the rear hood to reveal another trunk. Hoffman, looking befuddled as to the location of the engine, walks away, and the commercial closes with a title reading, "Your VW dealer will show you where the motor is."

External links