Val, don't let the above statement scare you away from buying a car.
Unequivocally, 550 replicas are not in the same league as airplanes or boats.
Remember, the biggest advantage is that the car is basically a VW. Components such as the trans, engine and front end are nothing more than VW parts. Sure, you can modify these components and gleem a little better handling and performance however, the parts are VW.
Therefore, if you're not mechanically inclined, any VW dealer or independent shop can handle any mechanical repair, oil changes, valve adjustements and carb. syncronization or brake work.
(Message Edited 8/5/2003 5:22:23 PM)