Volkswagen Beetle Backseat Saga: TikTok User Documents Junkyard Hunt

Volkswagen Beetle Backseat Saga: TikTok User Documents Junkyard Hunt

A woman's plan to sell her 2007 Volkswagen Beetle took an unexpected turn when a professional detailing service damaged the vehicle's backseat. Mia Koern documented her subsequent efforts to rectify the situation on TikTok, a series that has garnered over 1.1 million views.

Detailing Disaster and the Search for a Solution

Koern explained that she took her Volkswagen Beetle for a deep clean prior to selling it. "I finally found a great buyer to buy my 2007 Volkswagen Beetle, but when I went to get her deep cleaned, the cleaner scrubbed my back seat so hard that it created that rip whenever it was wet," she stated. The damage, a significant rip across the lower part of the backseat, necessitated a replacement before the sale could be finalized.

Her search for a matching backseat led her to junkyards. Initially, Koern visited a Pull-A-Part location in Corpus Christi. "I have a feeling there are a million of these Beetles in the junkyard," she remarked, intrigued by the concept of salvaging parts. However, the junkyard in Corpus Christi did not yield a suitable match, with Koern noting, "What a mess. It’s a completely different material."

Success in Austin and a Viral TikTok Series

Undeterred, Koern's journey continued as she had to pass through Austin on her way to deliver the car to its new owner. "Not all hope is lost because I have to pass through Austin on my way to drop the car off to its new owner. So, looks like this vehicle is available in a junkyard in Austin," she shared. In Austin, Koern visited another junkyard, expressing her determination: "I am trudging through a junkyard to get this seat together. I just want to say, ladies, you can do hard things. This is ridiculous, but I am doing it, and I am capable, so I’m gonna pull it together."

Her persistence paid off in Austin. After inspecting several Volkswagen Beetles, she found a replacement backseat that matched the color and material of her original. "That means that first one is mine," she declared. She successfully acquired the seat, cleaned it, and installed it in her car. The new owner was reportedly pleased with the effort, allowing Koern to complete the sale.

Viewer Reactions and Cost of Repair

The TikTok series prompted numerous comments from viewers who felt the detailer should be held responsible for the damage. Common sentiments included, "The cleaner should have to pay up," and "I would be FURIOUS." Another widely shared opinion was, "The cleaner owes you the cost of the new seat." Koern herself mentioned that she spent $99 on the detailing service but managed to fix the seat herself for $35, implying she did not receive a refund for the initial service and that the detailer was not covering the cost of the replacement.