My sister in law is Karmann Ghia shopping, but isn't a car person and I don't know air-cooled VWs very well. Anyone know what the trouble areas or things to check out are?

Funny you ask...I happen to own one! I thought you've seen it? Realistically it is just a type 1 bug with a different body on it. Later models had more safety items, disc brakes up front and better engines. Rust areas are rockers, quarters and floor pans. If you can find one that the nose hasn't been hit you will be doing really well. Super simple cars to work on. I got mine running in a few hours after it hadn't been started in 8 years or so. There appear to be some nice ones on craigslist right now so a lot of the quality will depend on her budget.

At least with the bugs the main area to check out was the floor pans. Floor replacement seems to be fairly involved but I can't say for sure as I've never done it. Super sweet rides though, way jealous!

crawler, I was hoping you'd speak up. I'm not sure if I've seen yours in person, but remember seeing the pics. Thanks to both of you for the info! What's a reasonable price? They're looking at this one:

http://www.apautobrokers.com/1973_Volks ... 457386.veh

This is the only vw i want besides a tdi syncro vanagon .....

Looking at ended ebay listings it seems that $4-$6k is about average for one in good condition. That one you linked looks nice. I'd be interested to see how they shaved the bumper as well. Also the drivers side grille insert looks bent/wavy and the nose doesn't look symmetrical in the head-on shot. Gaps around the hood don't seem to line up but maybe that's just the pictures.

For the price it'd be worth looking at this one as well: http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4040108987.html
Body looks to be straighter from the pics.

...and if I keep looking at these I may just end up with one...

Man you guys have good eyes. I hadn't noticed the nose. I'm hoping to take a look at it tomorrow, we'll see if I wind up with time. Dukie, I saw that one, may need to take a look at it as well.

Both look decent, personally resale red always makes me more inclined to look harder for mistakes...