Also keep in mind, the Bosch L-Jetronic system that was used then was analog. In the event it breaks down, it will NOT be $500 to repair it, as it is made entirely out of off the shelf electronics. IIRC, there are little or no chips in it.

Edit: some quick research shows that all you need to diagnose/repair L-Jetronic systems in Beetles is the Bentley manual, and a multimeter. I'd FAR rather have that than a carb.