Volkswagen New beetle problems
The Volkswagen New Beetle is a compact car, introduced by Volkswagen in 1997, drawing heavy inspiration from the exterior design of the original Beetle. Unlike the original Beetle, the New Beetle has its engine in the front, driving the front wheels, with luggage storage in the rear. It was revised in 2005 and was in production until 2011, almost fourteen years since introduction.
In 2011 for the 2012 model year, a new Beetle model, the Beetle (A5), replaced the New Beetle. It is often referred to as the New Beetle as well. Various versions of this model continued to be made in Puebla, Mexico, until the final car left the assembly line on 10 July 2019.
History
At the 1994 North American International Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled the Concept One, a "retro"-themed concept car with a resemblance to the original Volkswagen Beetle. Designed by J Mays and Freeman Thomas at the company's California design studio, the concept car was based on the platform of the Volkswagen Polo. A red cabriolet concept was featured at the Geneva Motor Show, also in 1994.
Production design approval was reached in mid-1995, with a design freeze resulting in 22 months of development time for production. In October 1995, the Volkswagen Concept Two was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show, essentially an early preview of the production model due in early 1998.
Strong public reaction to the Concept One convinced the company that it should develop a production version which was launched as the New Beetle in 1997 for the 1998 model-year, based on the Golf IV's larger PQ34 platform. The New Beetle is related to the original only in name and appearance (including the absence of a car emblem script with the exception of the VW logo). For the 1998 model year, only the TDI compression-ignition engine was turbocharged; the spark-ignition engines were only naturally aspirated. In June 1999, Volkswagen introduced the 1.8T, which was the first turbocharged spark-ignition engine offered for the New Beetle. Volkswagen created a web site dedicated specifically to the 1.8T. A convertible was added for the 2003 model-year to replace the Volkswagen Cabrio. However, the New Beetle Convertible was never offered with a compression-ignition engine in North America. The third-generation Beetle Convertible, the successor to the New Beetle Convertible, was offered with the TDI compression-ignition engine in the USA but not in Canada, though, making it possibly the only diesel convertible car offered in North America.
The New Beetle carries many design similarities with the original VW Beetle: separate fenders, vestigial running boards, sloping headlamps, and large round taillights, as well as a high rounded roofline. It was assembled in VW's Puebla factory in Mexico.
In June 2005, Volkswagen announced a facelift of the New Beetle featuring revised bumpers, wheels, lamps, VW emblems, sharper lines and a different interior. In the USA it went on sale for the 2006 model year.
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Volkswagen New beetle model years
Common Volkswagen New beetle problems
The Volkswagen New Beetle, produced from 1998 to 2010, has been a popular choice for those seeking a compact, reliable car with a unique style. However, like any vehicle, it is not without its common problems. Here are some issues that owners have reported:
- Engine Rattle: Engine rattle is another common problem in the Volkswagen Beetle. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as worn engine mounts, loose timing chains, or faulty piston rings.
- Engine Oil Leaks: Engine oil leaks are a common problem in the Volkswagen Beetle. These leaks can be caused by worn gaskets, seals, or oil pans. In some cases, the leaks can be minor and may not require immediate attention. However, if left unattended, they can lead to more severe issues, such as engine damage or failure.
- Window Failure: Window failure is a common problem in the Volkswagen Beetle, particularly in the power window system. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as worn window regulators, faulty window motors, or damaged window tracks.
- Check Engine Light: The check engine light is a common issue in the Volkswagen Beetle. This light can be triggered by various factors, such as faulty oxygen sensors, loose gas caps, or malfunctioning catalytic converters.
- Overheating Engine: Overheating engine is a common problem in the Volkswagen Beetle. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as low coolant levels, faulty thermostats, or damaged radiators.
- Faulty Power Locks and Windows: Faulty power locks and windows are common problems in the Volkswagen Beetle. These issues can be caused by various factors, such as worn out motors, faulty switches, or damaged wiring.
- Airbag Light On: The airbag light can be a common problem in the Volkswagen Beetle. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as faulty sensors, damaged wiring, or malfunctioning airbag modules.
In conclusion, while the Volkswagen New Beetle is a reliable car, it is not without its common problems. These issues can range from minor inconveniences to major repairs. Therefore, it is essential to perform regular maintenance and inspections to ensure that the vehicle remains in good condition and to catch any potential issues before they become more severe.
Are the new VW beetles reliable?
Checking with still another popular ratings group, The JD Power reliability scorecard gave the 2019 VW Beetle a 3.5 out of 5 stars. The average annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance on a VW Bug is estimated at $612.
What are the most common problems with the Volkswagen Beetle?
Common VW Beetle Problems
- Engine failure - The engine may fail without warning, warranting pricey repairs.
- Faulty power windows - The windows may not roll up and down effectively.
- Faulty power locks - The locks may not work.
How many miles will a VW Beetle last?
between 100,000 and 200,000 miles
Most Volkswagen vehicles will last between 100,000 and 200,000 miles, although well-kept models can last even longer than that. All VWs are remarkably reliable vehicles. When it comes to longevity, the Golf, Passat, Jetta, and Beetle are known to be particularly long-lasting.
Are Volkswagen beetles high maintenance?
The average annual repair cost is $612 which means it has average ownership costs.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Volkswagen New beetle years
We have researched Volkswagen problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Volkswagen New beetle cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Volkswagen New beetle model years:
- Volkswagen New beetle 2004
- Volkswagen New beetle 2000
- Volkswagen New beetle 2003
- Volkswagen New beetle 2001
- Volkswagen New beetle 1999
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Volkswagen New beetle model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Volkswagen New beetle years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Volkswagen New beetle car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Volkswagen New beetle , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Volkswagen New beetle vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by New beetle model years
A total of 86 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by New beetle model years
There were a total of 82 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by New beetle model years
There were a total of 89 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by New beetle model years
There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1887 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Volkswagen New beetle . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Volkswagen New beetle vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Volkswagen New beetle 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-01
- VIN: 3VWCD21C32M
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: Unknown
Volkswagen New beetle 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-31
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3VWFE21C23M
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: This car was extremely modified by a company caledl Hestermann Motorwwerks. The specific problem is the installation of LED Tail/Brake lights. The lights are not compatable with the cars electrical system and as a result they have a problem that is called Hyper Flashing. That means the turn signal, when engaged, flashes erratically and wehn the brake pedal is applied the light flalso ashes erratically causing the following vehicle to be confused and resulting in an unsafe condition. I feel that the installer needs to be notified of the wrong doing as many cars have been modified by this business. HESTERMANN MOTORWERKS Jessie Lee Ct, Green Cove Springs, Fl 32043
Volkswagen New beetle 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-26
- VIN: 3VWCD21Y73M
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The airbag sensors were issued a recall. The dealer confirmed this. The car dealership is refusing to replace the airbag sensors until other issues with the car are fixed. I paid to have them do a diagnostic on the car to address the other problems. They are refusing to give me the codes to check what other problems exists with the car.
Volkswagen New beetle 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-05-08
- VIN: 3VWRG31C96M
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: I took my vehicle into the mechanic due to my airbag light being on. Mechanic stated that it is a problem between my seat belt buckle and airbags. He stated that my airbags will not deploy in the event of an accident due to the seat belt buckle malfunctioning. When he callez Dublin Volkswagen to get the part to fix this issue, they stated that Volkswagen does not make the part anymore. This is a major safety concern because myself and anyone else needs this part to drive safely.
Volkswagen New beetle 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-02
- Date Complaint: 2023-04-09
- VIN: 3VWCB21C52M
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I was driving down the road an the car started accelerating all by it's self so I pulled over but every time I let off the break it acted like I had the gas to the floor. The O2 sensor wire's shorted and burnt up the ECM making the CPU light to come on.
Volkswagen New beetle 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-28
- Date Complaint: 2023-01-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3VWCT21C01M
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Car caught on fire 2 times it was electrical and fuel problem the fire department was present. I reported this once already and the company acted like they didnt care
Volkswagen New beetle 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-29
- Date Complaint: 2021-08-29
- VIN: 3VWCK21C33M
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Vehicle does not shift properly, vehicle does not shift to drive correctly and either shifts down or stays in neutral
Volkswagen New beetle 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-11
- Date Complaint: 2021-05-04
- VIN: 3VWCD21Y44M
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: DRIVING MY 2004 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE IS DANGEROUS. THE TIPTRONIC TRANSMISSION IN THE 2004 VW BEETLE IS KNOWN BY VOLKSWAGEN TO BE DEFECTIVE. AT ANY POINT THE VALVE BODY CAN FAIL, WHICH CAUSES DELAYED SHIFTING, AND HARD JERKING BETWEEN GEARS. MY 2004 BEETLE FAILS TO SHIFT WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO COAST FOR SEVERAL SECONDS, SOMETIMES REQUIRING PULLING OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC. WHEN DOWNSHIFTING IT JERKS EXTREMELY HARD. YOU GET IN, START THE ENGINE, AND RECEIVE NO WARNINGS THAT ANYTHING IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. NO CHECK-ENGINE LIGHT PROVIDES ANY INDICATION THAT THE VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS. YOU DRIVE DOWN SOME CITY STREETS AND HOP ONTO THE FREEWAY TO GO TO YOUR FAVORITE GROCERY STORE. AFTER GETTING OFF THE FREEWAY THE CAR IS FULLY WARMED UP, AND AS IT DOWNSHIFTS FROM 4TH TO 3RD GEAR IT LURCHES. IT FEELS LIKE THE ENGINE IS TRYING TO JUMP OUT OF THE CAR! NO ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THEN YOU STOP AT THE END OF THE OFF-RAMP, AND WAIT FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT TO TURN. AFTER TURNING THE CAR SHIFTS FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. THEN IT FAILS TO SHIFT FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. THE GEAR DOESN'T ENGAGE, AND THE CAR COASTS DOWN THE ROAD WITHOUT ANY POWER. DRIVERS PASSING BY ARE STARING. THE SUV BEHIND YOU IS RIGHT ON YOUR BUTT; THEY BEGIN HONKING. THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO. FINALLY, AFTER 20 SECONDS OF COASTING THE CAR ENTERS 3RD GEAR WITH A GIANT LURCH. IT FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO EXPLODE! YOU PULL INTO THE GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT, HEART RACING, KNOWING THAT THE CAR YOU'RE DRIVING ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD KILL A HALF A DOZEN PEOPLE. AND YOU KNOW TO GET HOME IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN ALL OVER AGAIN. THIS PROBLEM IS REPORTED BY HUNDREDS OF OWNERS. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD. VOLKSWAGEN NEEDS TO RECALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES AND PAY DAMAGES FOR THOSE WHOSE TRANSMISSIONS WERE DESTROYED BY THIS DEFECTIVE VALVE BODY AND TRANSMISSION.
Volkswagen New beetle 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-19
- Date Complaint: 2021-04-30
- VIN: 3VWRW31C06M
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN IN MOTION, THE TRANSMISSION FAILS TO ENGAGE GEARS AT APPROPRIATE ENGINE SPEEDS. SOMETIMES THE ENGINE REVS WAY TOO HIGH AND SLAMS INTO THE NEXT GEAR, PRODUCING DANGEROUS JOLTS. OTHER TIMES THE GEAR FAILS TO ENGAGE AT ALL, RESULTING IN COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE POWER. MY VEHICLE WAS STRANDED IN CITY TRAFFIC DUE TO THIS TEMPORARY FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION TO ENGAGE PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXAMINED BY QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS AND CERTAIN CONTROL PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO DISPLAY THIS DEFECTIVE BEHAVIOR SEEMINGLY AT RANDOM. I AND OTHERS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUSLY INJURED BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT IN THE VEHICLE'S DRIVETRAIN.
Volkswagen New beetle 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-02
- Date Complaint: 2021-04-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 3VWCK21C92M
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY DAUGHTER AND GIRLFRIEND WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR CAUGHT AN ELECTRICAL FIRE OUT OF NOWHERE. I PULLED OVER AND CLOUDY SMOKE WAS ARISING LUCKILY THE STATE TROOPER HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT IT OUT BEFORE THE CAR CAUGHT ON HEAVY FLAMES.
Volkswagen New beetle 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-02
- Date Complaint: 2020-10-12
- VIN: 3VWPF31YX6M
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: FUSE BOX ON TOP OF BATTERY MELTDOWN GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY
Volkswagen New beetle 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-24
- Date Complaint: 2020-08-31
- VIN: 3VWGK31C64M
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT NEVER GOES OFF, STARTED AT 33650 MILES, RIGHT AFTER MY MOM SIGNED OVER THE CAR TO ME.
Volkswagen New beetle 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-15
- Date Complaint: 2020-05-18
- VIN: 3VWCC21C9YM
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: BRAKE LIGHT. *TR
Volkswagen New beetle 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-08
- Date Complaint: 2020-01-08
- VIN: 3VWCM21Y94M
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR TWO MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR WHICH WAS A PART OF THE DRIVER'S FRONTAL SEAT BELT SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS ON BACK ORDER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Volkswagen New beetle 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-14
- Date Complaint: 2019-12-15
- VIN: 3VWRF31Y06M
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND WE TRIED TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. IT LOOKS LIKE THE CAUSE WAS THE WIRING GOING INTO THE FUSE BOX ON TOP OF THE BATTERY OVERHEATED AND MELTED. THE ALTERNATOR HARNESS AND FUSE BOX NEED TO BE REPLACED. WE ARE THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE SO DON'T KNOW IF THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE.
Latest 5 recalls Volkswagen New beetle
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 10 recalls for different components of the Volkswagen New beetle.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Volkswagen New beetle 2004
- Report Received Date: 2003-12-04
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE TIRE INFORMATION LABEL IS INCORRECT IDENTIFYING THE VEHICLE AS A FIVE-PASSENGER VEHICLE, INSTEAD OF A FOUR-PASSENGER VEHICLE.
- Consequence: EXCEEDING THE CORRECT SEATING CAPACITY IN A VEHICLE PUTS OCCUPANTS AT RISK FOR INJURY IN A CRASH, AND CAN RESULT IN VEHICLE OVERLOADING, WHICH CAN AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND PUT YOU AT RISK FOR A CRASH.
- Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE SENT A NEW LABEL AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
- Model: Volkswagen New beetle 2004
- Report Received Date: 2003-09-29
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PASSENGER DETECTION FUNCTION OF THE PASSIVE OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (PODS) MAY BECOME DISABLED.
- Consequence: SHOULD THE PODS CONTROL UNIT MALFUNCTION, THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE WILL NOT WORK AS DESIGNED AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN A CRASH.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE PODS. OWNER NOTIFICATION ORIGINALLY BEGAN OCTOBER 3, 2003. VW HAS DETERMINED THAT ADDITIONAL VEHICLES NEED TO BE REPAIRED. THE RECALL FOR THE ADDITIONAL VEHICLES IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON DECEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
- Model: Volkswagen New beetle 1998
- Report Received Date: 2003-07-25
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION.
- Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE; OR THE LAMPS COULD COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
- Model: Volkswagen New beetle 1999
- Report Received Date: 2003-07-25
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION.
- Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE; OR THE LAMPS COULD COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
- Model: Volkswagen New beetle 2000
- Report Received Date: 2003-07-25
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION.
- Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE; OR THE LAMPS COULD COME ON AND STAY ON, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS PARKED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCHES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 26, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VWOA AT 1-800-822-8987.
Latest negative Volkswagen New beetle car reviews
Latest positive Volkswagen New beetle car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2006
My wife and I recently purchased new VW Beetle convertibles, and we absolutely love them! I have a 2005 turbo, while my wife picked a 2006 2.5. The car is incredibly solid and amazingly quiet with the top up. It's also very comfortable, even for me at 6'3, with more head and legroom than my previous Toyota 4Runner. We both get excellent gas mileage and feel very safe on the interstates. I haven't had this much fun in a car since high school and college!
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Vehicle year: 2003
I've been driving this car for 20 months now and it's been a reliable ride. I haven't had to go back to the dealer for any repairs, which is great. I highly recommend replacing the stock air filter with a K&N for a nice performance boost. On average, I get between 27 and 30 MPG. The only option I got is the great sounding Monsoon system, which is a nice touch. With the back seat down, there's plenty of cargo room, making it perfect for road trips. Speaking of which, I've taken this car on trips from MD to FL and MD to Ont. Canada, and it was a very comfortable ride. The car holds its value well, which is always a plus. Overall, it's been a lot of fun and I feel safe driving it.
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Vehicle year: 2004
It was my sister's car with 79k miles on it. It looked and drove great. I was impressed with its MPG, which was 30 plus plus mpg!! Now at 100k and having moved to the hot and humid south Texas, I noticed that the door panels are pulling back-off like they're made of leather and it's quite annoying! The car has a cute look that girls and women like, but really it's a nice car. With the 1.8L turbo and 5-speed manual, it's a fast little sleeper...hehe! I love it at stop lights with big trucks or Mustangs, even the 320z, it just leaves all of them at the light! And the drivers look as they only see my tail lights!! Ha!! But as for the car, it has one of the best engines in the world, top 10... But with the window regulator (driver's side was out!) and door trim pulling out, and headlights that work great but fade too fast, it has some problems....It's sad because it's actually a good little fast car with great MPG. I drove on PCH highway, for those who don't know, it's the twisty road on the west coast, and with the top down, it was a fun, fun little car to drive...and I drive spiritedly quick too, I may add. So, for a safe and good MPG and a fast car with manual and turbocharger, it's great. But some quality built materials would be appreciated.
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Vehicle year: 2006
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your new Bug! It sounds like it's been a great upgrade from your F150. The handling and gas mileage seem to be big improvements. It's also great to hear that the maintenance costs are low. I can imagine that getting your 100 pound Lab in the back seat might be a bit of a challenge, but overall it sounds like you're really happy with your purchase!
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Vehicle year: 1998
This car is an excellent choice for a first car. I absolutely adore my Red Buggy! While refilling the gas tank can be a bit of a hassle, it's still a very cute car with enough room for me and my friends to ride comfortably. It may not be suitable for a group of 5, but I love the long dashboard and how I can adjust the seat to my liking for maximum comfort. My car is 18 years old and my parents bought it through a friend. When we first got it, it barely worked, but now it runs as well as any car on the road today. It just needs a tint and a paint job, and she'll be back to her former glory.
Are you having problems with your Volkswagen New beetle?
Agustin Cummings 2025-09-07
Vehicle year: 2000
The car is very cute and fun to drive, but unfortunately, it has been extremely unreliable. If you don't live close to a Volkswagen dealership, it might not be the best option for you. We have had to call a tow truck almost as much as we have driven it in the 15 months we have owned it. We have had constant problems starting it and it shudders when it starts. We were told by the dealership that this was normal, but when they experienced the same issue, they could not figure out what was wrong and wanted to replace many parts to try to fix it. We bought the car for our 19-year-old daughter, and she loved it when it ran, but unfortunately, it was dead more than it was running. We recently had to replace the shifter linkage because the linkage is made out of plastic parts.
Ethel Kiehn 2025-09-02
Vehicle year: 2000
The engine design could be improved. It seems to have some issues with overheating and the plastic coolant flange and water pump may need to be replaced. Unfortunately, replacing the water pump requires lifting the engine and redoing the timing. On the bright side, the gadgets, ride quality, drivetrain, and transmission are all great. If you're looking for a similar car with better engine design, you might consider a Ford Focus.
Jaren Mayer 2025-08-16
Vehicle year: 2000
I purchased my 2000 Beetle tdi in October 2011 with 110k miles on it. As of December 2012, I have driven about 40k miles on it since I started working as a courier. The best part is that I have not experienced any breakdowns so far. However, I did have to replace the starter, AC compressor, and cruise control, and the stock speakers were all blown (which was a bit disappointing since I listen to jazz and NPR). Additionally, the original shocks and struts are wearing out. Despite these minor issues, the car has been performing really well. The seats are comfortable and provide great lumbar support, which is especially important since I spend around 6 hours a day sitting in it. The engine hums smoothly at 70-80 mph, and I was able to get 48mpg on a 24-mile trip to work through the rolling hills of Pittsburgh. Now, I am getting over 50mpg on nearly all highways. Overall, I am very pleased with my car and its performance.
Johnson Hickle 2025-08-16
Vehicle year: 2000
I have had a difficult experience with my Volkswagen and have decided to explore other options. My car has had several issues, and unfortunately, my dealership has not been able to resolve them. Despite my frustration, I am grateful for the time I spent with my 1998 Beetle, even though it had some issues with the air conditioning. I hope to find a more reliable car in the future.
Chad Nolan 2025-08-15
Vehicle year: 2004
After purchasing a 2004 Beetle convertible from a used dealer for $8,600 (including CA sales tax and dealer fees), it became apparent within three days that the transmission was faulty, despite the car having only 88K miles. Unfortunately, within two months, I had to replace the transmission, axle, and triptronic, costing me $6500. Despite these repairs, the car still experiences choppy shifting. It is frustrating to have spent $15K on a car that continues to have issues, especially since it seems likely that the dealer was aware of the transmission problems. However, I am confident that I will be able to resolve these issues and enjoy my car in the future.