Since you asked, I'm going to offer MHO based on experience and my own take on things, feel free to take it or leave it, I understand we all have different priorities.
In 2004, I was in the same boat and there were a lot of VW powered no travel buggies for sale out there. I rode in a few, and my 44 yr old kidneys said NO EFFING WAY. Keep in mind those were whoops in 2004, they're a lot worse now. I ended up spending a lot more and bought a 4 seater long travel (20") with a V8 and I just couldn't have been happy with anything less plush. Safety is my #1 concern, and this TIG welded chromo chassis is a lot safer than anything else I saw at the time.
Right now, everything is Covid pricing. Sure there are a few deals out there, but most everything is overpriced by 50% or more. My criteria is: something that is safe, would be fun to drive (enough power and most importantly a smooth ride) and a good value. NOT a car that sold for $50K new in 2007, $38k used in 2011 and is now for sale for the low, low price of only $80k, 5th hand. Yes, I have a long memory.
If I were in the market now, I would wait until next season, maybe the end of next season, and you'll probably see vehicles for sale for a LOT less than they're selling for now. I'd feel pretty screwed if I paid $8k now, dumped another $3k or $4k into repairs (trannies always need rebuilding when you buy it, mine was no exception) maybe shock repairs, etc and then find out next year I couldn't get $5k for it. Worse case scenario, you buy it now, the trans needs a new R&P and based on current parts availability, it sits on the floor in your garage or trailer for 9 months waiting for parts. That's a real possibility, just read the threads in sand rail tech.
Another option is a 4 seat Speed UTV. It's built like a sand rail (better than some, if you look closely enough) has a 120" wheel base, 77" track width and 25" of VERY smooth travel. They are not in production yet, but some might get delivered by the end of the season, depending on supply chain issues, which everyone is having. I believe there are 4 or 5 spots for resale that are in the first 800 or 1,000 4 seaters. They're very roomy, have more travel than most long travel sand rails (25" vice 20"), they can run at 225hp on 91 or 300hp on E85 and you can use them all year round, in the dirt, trails, rock crawling, the dunes, everything except tight forest trails. On top of that, they can be financed. If you buy one of the pre-ordered units, you're getting it at the original price, not today's prices and nothing comes close to the value they represent. They come with 32" tires, beadlocks, hydraulic power steering, one of a kind front diff/bulkhead, a suspension beyond anything else out there, carbon fiber seats, a real alternator, 3 speed sequential CVT gearbox and diffs designed by Albins (the best), 10" LCD dash that can mirror your phone GPS map etc etc. Check out the Speed UTV website for all of the technical specs and YT has plenty of videos of prototypes floating through the desert whoops at 85 mph and jumping over dunes in Glamis.
If I had to choose between 1980s tech, no travel for $8k cash, or a state of the art 300hp turbo SxS for about $32K (financeable) I'd pick the SxS. It's designed by a guy who has raced and designed trophy trucks for 30 yrs and he used his trophy truck as the basis for this SxS. Hell, I still have my 4 seat long travel rail and I ordered a 2 seat Speed UTV for the desert and trails.
We all live only once. Life is too short to settle and regret not buying the best we could have had for whatever reason, be it a few dollars more, or not realizing what a great value it is, or listening to uninformed people.
Quick story. About 10 yrs ago, I was camped in Ocotillo Wells with some friends and a guy with a family of quads in the neighboring camp came over and asked if he could come over later and ask some questions. A few hrs later, I gassed up and drove over to his camp to see if they wanted a ride. His wife jumped in front, the hubby and oldest son sat in the back and I buckled them all in, gave the safety speech and gave them all headsets. I told them I was going to keep increasing speed and if they felt nervous or wanted to slow down, just speak up and I'd slow down right away.
We got onto San Felipe wash and I accelerated and asked if they were ok a couple of times but nobody said a word as we floated through the wash at 95 mph like we were on a smooth hwy (not S86.) I turned around and we drove back at 100 mph and pulled into camp. I said, "What do you think?" His wife said, "That was the most expensive ride we've ever had! We're selling all of the quads, saving our money ad we're going to get one of these! I LOVE it! I had no idea anything could be so smooth!" I was grinning at the husband when it dawned on me - he planned it out! He knew once she rode in one, SHE would decide they had to have one, he wasn't going to argue her into it! Very smart man!
Anyway, that's my opinion, I honestly hope it helps.
Disclaimer: the preceding is my honest opinion based on current prices, past technology and Speed UTV technical specs. It was not meant to upset any VW owners or rile up any RG haters.
