Calling all New Beetle Owners

Mr. Clean · 02-26-04, 07:59

My wife wants a new one, but I don't want to take the depreciation hit if I have to dump it early. Considering an '01-'03 GLS w/5 spd stick.

I believe the Germans can build a good vehicle, but don't think they have ever caught on to the electrical side. Case in point electric window regulators, ignition systems, and check engine problems which seem so prevalent in some of the write ups. What are your real life experiences? Do I need to steer (my puns are usually intended, and this one is no different

) to something else?

medic · 02-26-04, 08:25

mini cooper-s

I liked driving my friend's beetle during college just because it had a pretty stiff frame. friend ditched the car after a year so I didn't hear about any horror issues. it was a good car while he had it.

KevinA · 02-27-04, 07:53

Steer clear of any VW (pun intended). I had a '00 NB GLX for just over two years. I never had a car that had to go back to the dealer as often as this one. The service rep and cashier knew me by name when I would call or show up.

The paint on one of the fenders actually bubbled up and came off after a day with some bird droppings on it. btw: it was in the shop when this happened - dealer did nothing.

Great driving car and love the styling, but VW still has reliability/quality problems.

GoodnClean · 02-27-04, 12:57

My mother finally got rid of hers because of all the problems, leaky gas tank, kept blowing smoke that was "normal" 3 O2 sensor replacements, an engine replacement under warranty all within 30,000 miles.

01wood · 02-27-04, 01:36

The wife has a 98...Never had any problems with it. Actually a nice little car.

bronze2006 · 02-27-04, 01:56

I have a jetta 5 spd GLS and it is wonderful and drives great - havent had any electrical problems but the dealer will fix them, for people with more knowledge of VW problems and the beetle go to www.vwvortex.com they have tons of forums that are very highly visited by experienced people

vwjettak2gti16v · 02-27-04, 03:35

vw's are solid cars (all i ever owned) if you decide to go with the nb the 2.0 engine is very reliable. they do come cabrio now

Mr. Clean · 02-29-04, 08:22

Thanks one and all for the responses. Your comments echo the opinions and experiences I found on other sites such as vwvortex.com and newbeetle.org. The owners seem quite evenly split fer and agin this quirky little car. Not enough compelling fallout to keep me from buying one, and not enough on the pro side to make me rush out and buy one.

I'm currently betwixt and between.