What do you guys know about VW New Beetles?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Boz Mon
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Boz Mon

Boz Mon

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My sister is going to be turning 16 here in a few weeks, and my dad wants to get her a new beetle. Though I dont agree with this, I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with these cars? IE trouble spots/recalls/etc.
 
Is he buying it new or used?

The New Beetle has had one of the highest safety ratings of passenger cars for some time, so it's very safe. I have heard that VW's quality has improved recently but I cannot comment objectively as I haven't owned a VW in a while.

I would look at Consumer Reports (needs login now), or True Delta for info on reliability and trouble spots. True Delta, especially, is all owner contributed content. Try True Delta Why (Not) This Car: http://www.truedelta.com/wntc.php
 
My friend who works at the local VW dealer tells me this:

The glue that holds the carpeting wasn't cured probably, so a smell develops that is similar to the smell of crayons. And the fuel line can rub against a clamp from vibrations and catch fire. Both of these issues were dealt with in recalls, so make sure the car has documentation from the dealer showing recall work.

Other than that, it's a decent car for a new driver. Though, from what I hear, they have alot more power than you think they would.
 
I just emailed him that yahoo autos site. Funny thing is, he was mad when I bought my Miata because he thinks its not reliable, but now he wants to buy my sister a VW. Ohh well. Does anyone own one of these?
 
Would your sister be interested in the 180hp turbo New Beetle?
 
Cale
Would your sister be interested in the 180hp turbo New Beetle?
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hahah I would be interested in the Turbo version, I've heard its pretty quick. I dont think it would be a good idea for her to start with that though. We're probably going to be looking at a basic level Beetle.
 
It being an MKIV-based car, it's going to be quite a lot better than the comparable MKIII-based Cabrio, but I think that between the two, it is about a draw in reliability. Its generally going to be the typical VW flair: Window regulators, electronic ghosts, keep an eye on the distributor and plug wires.

I don't think the diesel engine was an option on the New Beetle Cabrio, I believe it was standard fare between the 2.0L I4 or the 1.8T in the later generations. The last of the New Beetle Cabrios were available with the 2.5L I5 from the newer MKV vehicles, but that is neither here nor there.

I'd spring for a mid-cycle 2.0L model with a slushbox. It's probably going to be the most-reasonable model in terms of reliability, fuel economy, and having a relative inability to kill your sister.

...If you want that...
 
Found one:

RLR21.jpg
 
I've replaced quite a few axles in these cars, and they had problems with the manual gear selection on auto cars not working.

Other than that it's just a horrible, ugly, boring little car.
 
Boz Mon
My sister is going to be turning 16 here in a few weeks, and my dad wants to get her a new beetle. Though I dont agree with this, I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with these cars? IE trouble spots/recalls/etc.
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They're awful. It's like an overweight Golf with all the practicality sucked out of it. So you're left with the shape and all the typical 2000-2008 VW weirdities, unreliabilities, and electrical gremlins.

I've known several that had a persistent, unresolvable CEL, despite having thousands of dollars' worth of VW dealer technicians' time thrown at them. Nothing, up to and including a brand new PCM, would make it stop throwing codes. Not under warranty, either.
 
I figured it was unreliable and expensive. Apparently my dad is going to look at one this week. I havent even looked into them yet as far as different trim levels and such.
 
Try to talk him into getting a Cabrio from around the same time instead. They were built a bit better, and tended to be a bit more reliable. My Grandmother has one from 2003, and the only issue she has ever had was a switch that had to be replaced on the dash.

The good news is that they are incredibly slow, and won't get her in trouble.
 
It is based on a MK IV Golf. But instead of all of the nice things that are offered by a MK IV Golf (interior quality, build quality, practicality), you are presented with piles and piles of awful. And they still manage to suffer from all of the MK IV Golf problems, plus a few more thrown in for good measure.
 
Mini would cost three times as much used as a New Beetle, and you won't be able to get a 500 unless you are already on the waiting list.
 
Toronado
Mini would cost three times as much used as a New Beetle, and you won't be able to get a 500 unless you are already on the waiting list.
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Waiting list? Theyre common as muck round here, but what about an original mini, used 98 model?
 
66'Roadster
Waiting list? Theyre common as muck round here, but what about an original mini, used 98 model?
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We're in America good sir.

The 500 hasn't even arrived yet and has a waiting list to get one.

The original Mini wasn't sold near as long as other markets either.
 
66'Roadster
Waiting list? Theyre common as muck round here, but what about an original mini, used 98 model?
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Even original BMW Minis typically cost $15,000+, and the ones that don't are so trashed and ruined that they are not worth the effort. As for the original, the U.S. only got the original Mini in small numbers in the 60s. Any model newer than that has been gray-imported, and are thus very expensive. They tend to go for as much as the BMW Minis do.
As for the 500, it hasn't come out yet, and the hype train that has been building up behind it has ensured a long (and expensive) waiting list.
 
Toronado
Even original BMW Minis typically cost $15,000+, and the ones that don't are so trashed and ruined that they are not worth the effort. As for the original, the U.S. only got the original Mini in small numbers in the 60s. Any model newer than that has been gray-imported, and are thus very expensive. They tend to go for as much as the BMW Minis do.
As for the 500, it hasn't come out yet, and the hype train that has been building up behind it has ensured a long (and expensive) waiting list.
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But the 500s have been out for ages! Theres a guy round the block has 2 of the ruddy things! Go to London's posh district and theyre everywhere!
 
66'Roadster
But the 500s have been out for ages! Theres a guy round the block has 2 of the ruddy things! Go to London's posh district and theyre everywhere!
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Were in America. They dont come out for at least another year here. I really want the Abarth version, but I highly doubt that will happen.
 
Ok, so the general consensus is that the Beetle is cheap, slow, boring, filled with electrical bugs, and even more boring, but its safe? Does that pretty much cover it?
 

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