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As the President of Volkswagen, I thought you might like to hear of my recent experience in purchasing a product from your company. It is a story from which not only you, but many others, can learn, and one which I am anxious to share.
I spent many years admiring Volkswagen cars for both their styling and espoused reliability, before I could finally afford to purchase one after I completed graduate school in 2002. In 2003, I proudly purchased a second-hand 1999 New Beetle GL, 2.0L, with a manual transmission and 50540 on the odometer. I had the car service checked by a AAA technician prior to purchase, to make sure it was in good condition, and I drove away a relatively happy customer. I was given no warranty brochure and no information about the manufacturer's warranty at this time.
As I rarely drove the car in the first month of ownership, I made my first journey in it when I moved from ****to ****. This is the last time I drove the car happily. My ten year admiration of Volkswagen began to dissipate one month into ownership. Immediately after the 350 mile drive, the 'check engine light' came on in my vehicle, and I lost power between gears. I spent the next four months and nearly $700 trying to fix this problem, including two visits to an extremely unreliable, unfriendly and not especially knowledgeable dealership (about whom I complained to VW USA).
It was during the next couple of months (September--October 2003) that I discovered the excessive oil consumption of the car. I drove one thousand miles without checking the oil in the Beetle, and the level went so low it caused the engine to knock. VW claims in one of their technical service bulletins (1701) that this level of consumption (one quart per thousand miles) is normal. If so, may I suggest that oil gauges similar to petrol gauges be fitted into the instrument panel? Since this is a most unusual characteristic of an automobile, the ignorance of which could cause the destruction of the engine, I think the driver should have an easy way of knowing when a refill is needed (usually every 2-3 weeks), as with the petrol.
In the new year, the Beetle suffered a spate of small problems. The battery died at 58K. Door handles and the finish on the parking brake wore. A cupholder broke off. The plastic grid at the front snapped. No one could fix the power mirrors which had never worked. However, this was a time of relative peace between me and the Beetle. Although I dreaded the return of the infamous check engine light , everything seemed to be fixed for the first time. I call this period, 'The Calm Before the Storm'.
The storm blew in around June 2004, with 60000 miles on the odometer, to mark the anniversary of one year of unhappy ownership, I heard a noise upon releasing the clutch at start up. Taking the car to the shop, I was told to replace the starter motor. This cost me $500. I also had the car fully serviced, which cost me $600. The replacement of a blown tail light and a new windshield blade cost another $130.
At this point, my family and friends began to beg me to sell the car. And at this point, I was afraid to pass on my problem to someone else. And would it were, but that's not the end of my story.
Whilst on my way home from work (odometer 67000) at the end of July, I heard an awful scraping sound coming from the transmission. I feared the worst, and received it. The mechanic diagnosed an 'internal failure', very similar to the one I suffered when told my repair bill, to replace the entire transmission: $2900! One third of the purchase price of the car.
It was at this point I called the customer service representatives at VW USA, and was informed that I was not covered under the 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. as I was not the car's original owner. I was however told that, due to recalls, I could have my Mass Air Flow Sensor replaced; my windows fixed if they fell into the door; and my complaint documented. And that was that. Mr Klaus, don't you think a warranty should stand behind a car, not an owner? I should very much like to know why, if VW have faith in their product, this policy is in effect.
A week ago I collected my car from the mechanic. The clutch, they found out, was also 75% worn, and also needed replacement. The bill was nearly $3500. A day or so after I collected it, the lock system was mistiming, and a $1 door switch needed replacement. VW, however, only offers a whole new latch. This repair cost me $250.
A year of VW ownership has cost me nearly $6000 (not including routine service, such as oil changes), as well as untold amounts of depression and inconvenience. It has sunk me to a level of debt I did not anticipate.
Additionally, the car has spent over a month in total in repair shops, leaving me stranded. It is now for sale, despite my qualms of conscience over selling such a sour lemon to another unknowing human being.
Mr **, the one thing you should know, if you learn nothing else from my story, is that I am not alone. You can refer to websites such as myvwlemon.com, suckercars.com, and others: a short Google search brings up many such websites entirely devoted to problems with modern VWs. On these sites, you can, and you should, read about some of the misery, expense and inconvenience these cars have caused their unfortunate owners.
To satisfy my own curiosity, and to sooth my misery with company, last night I looked through moderated discussion groups on other web sites: edmunds.com, carsurverys.org, Consumer Reports. Each and every site had a long discussion regarding problems with VWs. For the two good reviews I read, I must have read 100 very bad ones. Included in these were some very negative comments about VW Customer Service and poor quality dealerships (corroborated by my own experience).
The complaints myself and other owners have voiced are not minor problems. They are major issues, and they have a routine similarity: transmission and engine failure, fuse boxes melting, persistent check engine light, electrical fires, window collapses, and so on. These issues are not only excessively expensive to repair; they are also safety hazards.
As I am sure you know, modern companies are based on brand image. But perhaps you do not know that the current brand image of Volkwagen-- among the volks, anyhow, who actually drive the car-- is failure. We unhappy few have found to our misfortune that, due to the cost of repairs, a total lack of reliability, poor customer service, poor dealership service, and the refusal of Volkswagen to stand behind the car with their warranty (rather than use it as a buyer incentive), these cars have become one of the least attractive options on the market.
The drivers Volkswagen advertised for are out there, telling their stories. I think you should listen.
In the summer of 2003, you had a life-long VW customer. Now, in the summer of 2004, I wouldn't buy a VW if yo
I think it shan't be long before Volkswagen is saying, in a rather different sense, 'Drivers wanted'.
Well, ****** I very much hope you enjoyed my story. For I believe that rather soon you will be reading it everywhere.
Sincerely yours,
Dissatisfied VW owner
I smell lemons.
Does anyone have any information on the design changes ??
A link to any information would be useful !
Appreciate any feedback.
Imagine what your VW's interior will look like after 38 years!
David
Never had a problem with the car (except for a bad coolant temperature sensor which was replaced under warranty). Oil was last changed 1,000 miles ago, problem has surfaced since then.
Admittedly, the car is used more for "city" driving, but not exclusively so. Ridiculous as it sounds, at 21mpg I would consider upgrading to a roomy SUV since my gas mileage would be the same!
Skip the (regular-gas) turbo, V6, and maybe the TDI. They have had their share of problems. Believe it or not the 2 liter 4cylinder is the most reliable (albeit slower) engine.
The automatics are much more reliable than the stick. Lots of problems with the stick shift versions. Also clutch replacement is VERY expensive - like $1500 to $2000.
If you can afford it, buy a later model car such as a 2002 model on up. The earlier models suffered the most problems. Don't expect your Beetle to be anywhere near as reliable as a Toyota/Honda though. On the plus side these cars have little depreciation compared to other cars in their class.
As far as good resale, not really. Many non-VW dealers are aware of New Beetle problems and bad consumer reliability reports, so they are not going to give you much on trade-in.
TFMK(tm)
2000 YELLOW GLX
Should I be concerned about this, or is this the norm?
The problem is caused by a clogged drain that allows water to accumulate and eventually causes mold in the A/C coil. The dealer is supposed to unclog the drain, and then spray an antibacterial spray onto the coil.
I have yet to find a dealer who new how to do this. I was fortunate to have a friend who owns a repair shop that did the repair. That's also how I found the TSB on the problem (sorry I don't remember the TSB number).
You have to pull the top of the dash out to do this, and you might want to replace your A/C air filter while you have it exposed.
I've struggled with CEL problems for the past 50 miles. I've replaced both front and rear 02 sensors twice.
Just today a friend of mine was playing with his new OBD software and wanted to test it on the beetle. This new software was able to tell that my catalytic convertor has an intermittent failure. The dealer wants $1200 for the part, but I've seen them on the net for as low as $350. Find someone with a very updated OBD computer. Even the dealer was guessing because their equipment was not as advanced.
Also, never run 87 octane fuel. mine runs fine on 89, but runs horribly on 87.
I also owned a 92 Mazda Protege with a 4 cylinder 1.8 DOHC engine (non-turbo), 5 speed manual and the
RPMs were about the same as for the 626.
Based on this, I do not think you have anything to be concerned with.
I've read some of the posts and I wonder if I'm driving a different beetle.
First, I'll tell you that I just turned 130,000 miles on my odometer today. I've never owned a car with this many miles on it.
Second, I can tell you I'm very hard on a car. I drive fast, my antenna is bent from running 115 mph. I'm on my 4th set of tires, but the car is so smooth i've gone 20,00 miles w/out rotating the tires. I replaced brake pads at 110,000 miles. I put a water pump and timing belt in at 90,000 (less than $100), VW paid for my 02 sensors. I've never had an aliginment. I've put 3 sets of spark plugs in for gas mileage ( I still average 29 mpg), and I put a K&N air filter in at 70,000.
I have two kids, I've left the sunroof open during storms, I haul stuff in it, my daughter stands on the center armrest to look out the sunroof (not while driving), and drive it like a race car. Everything still works except for the CD changer, but I have an iPod so who cares? The only other car that comes close to this for reliability is my Lexus LS400, but it's not treated the same either!!!!
Enjoy your beetle!!!
I am new to the boards and think I have found my dream car. I have never owned a car with such a small trunk before. I don't even think my little suitcase will fit in the trunk when I take the ferry over to the island.BUT.........
I drive a Grand Am right now and have driven a golf back in University ( thanks DAD) and now want to move into a new car.
I am phoning the dealer to check on the service record for this vehicle and then calling the bank. I have noted ( by reading this board) that there are several of you who have had some super dooper problems with your convertibles. Are these problems appearing with the 2004 models? This car has been driven ( 10 thousand KM) and I would be the second owner?
Any reccomendations?
Should I get the extended warranty?
What else should I ask about the car?
tamara
To save any heartache in your future automotive purchases, I offer you this advice (given to me by my father):
"Never purchase a vehicle during the first couple of production years - let the manufacturers work the bugs out"
To do otherwise would be to volunteer as a beta tester for the automotive industry - I don't care if it's a VW, Honda, Toyota, Lawn Tractor, Moped, whatever - ALL cars will have some bugs the first couple of production years. Don't take my word for it - read the other forums.
I buy my cars near the end of the production cycle, after the manufacturers have had ample time to work out the bugs. Case in point - I currently own 3 VWs - 1997 Jetta ( 134K, No problems), 2003 Wolfsburg Jetta ( 47K, No problems), 2003 Passat GLS 1.8T (29K, No problems).
The advice given above applies to any brand of automobile, truck, etc.
I wish you the best of luck in whatever new brand you purchase, but remember - caveat emptor (let the buyer beware), especially if you're considering buying a new car in its first production year.
For those who do, I have this saying from my parents: "Those who won't hear, must feel..."
I sincerely hope your next purchase works out better for you.
When the model first comes out it will sell at list price (or more). Remember people paying $5000 over MSRP for a 98 Beetle ?
If you wait a few years then you get incentives like rebates and low interest loans etc.
Being the knucklehead that I am, I purchased the VW performance exhaust shortly after I brought it home. The love affair just kept getting better, my ride now had a perfect throaty rumble when progressing through all of those six gears. For the last three years the car has be relatively trouble free, just a few minor sensor issues and a minor recall. I also experienced the infamous plastic window clip issue that has plagued Beetles & Jettas from the beginning. With the replaced aluminum clips it's a thing of the past. I just know I'm going to miss this little butt kicker.
I will especially miss pulling side by side to one of those Japanese tin cans with a muffler the size of a stove pipe and riding two inches off the ground, dropping the Bullet into 3rd, slowly pushing the accelerator pedal to the floor only to have the exhuast Growl in objection and then the turbo kicks and all 185 horses pull in unison and launch past those poor unsuspecting fools. I sure am going to miss watching their grimaces in my rear view mirror. :surprise: I will also miss how nicely it handled on twisty back roads too.
Good bye little Silver Bullet we will all miss you. Much happiness to you and your new home. It literally has been a fun ride.
However, my top three choices were:
Mini w/ Cooper Werks Pkg- No AWD
Lexus 300 IS Sport Cross- No AWD & no manual trans
Saab 9-2X Aero- the Winner
Now, however, VW is updating the New Beetle for 2006 and adding the new 5 cylinder, much more powerful engine. I am thinking this is a very attractive combination; the new Golf and new Jetta have gotten "corpulent" gaining about 500 pounds, which offsets the power advantage of the new engine.
Anyone with experience on 2003, 2004 New Beetles, especially with the 6 speed automatic? The 6 speed will be the automatic on the 2006 New, New Beetle. Also stability control will be standard...all in all a nice package, if I can get past the reputation the New Beetle has as a "girl's car." Not that it should matter.
I know for a fact that the "new" '05 New Jetta (the ones with the 2.5 I-5) are made in Mexico. When will the New Golf come out, and will it still be made in Brazil? I hear that the Mexican-built VWs are of higher quality than the ones built in Brazil. It seems as if this model year will be the swan song for the aging 2.0-liter four, huh?
if you hear of a class action against VW, let me know. It seems the Jetta which uses Golf interiors is much better than the Beetle but cheaper - oxymoron? :mad:
I bought my 1999 beetle just last week and I already got the check engine light on!
I called the dealer as I have a 3 month warranty and he told me that is totally normal in the VW cars....oh, well, I thought it'll dissapier in a couple of days but it didn't. Then, I called the dealer again and asked him for a car report (last oil change and all that info. He claims he doesn't have anything else than the CARFAX report)...So I just went and had the oil change and the 75,000 miles inspections. The light went off only for a couple of days and I got it back on again.
VW will charge 180 dollars only for the diagnosis. Is this normal?
There is a reason it is called an "oil pressure" lamp. When the oil-pressure is low, it meas that the moving parts are not getting the proper lubrication and the engine may soon become an expensive boat anchor.
In general, on VW/AUDI vehicles, if a lamp is FLASHING along with an ALARM (beep) there is somthing serious that needs immediate attention.
You should not even START the engine until an oil-pressure test is done to determine if this is a false-alarm or somthing more serious.
You have been warned!
Since you mention that you have some sort of 3-month warantee... (I assume from VW dealership) then THEY are under the gun to fix it. A CEL means that your car AUTOMATICALLY fails emmissions test.
More good news is that your car is covered under the extended MAF (Mass AirFlow Meter) warantee. (7 years/70,000 miles) So if the problem is the MAF, you should not have to pay ANYTHING for diagnostic nor repair.
2beetleman
PS: I also have a 2000 GLS 2.0 New Beetle, with a 5-speed manual transmission, that I drive everyday (30 mpg). I, too, was worried about the "girl's car" reputation. After I pass all the gas pumps I used to be on a first name basis with with my Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck I can say I no longer worry about what others think. My gas bill is half what it used to be for the month. I just use an American flag instead of a daisy in the vase. No one says anything!