By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
If this is not true it should be cleared up, as itt sounds like a serious safety issue even of the kind regulations should cover, for exit after a colision, for example.
I am also informed that no 1998, vehicles are destined for anywhere except North America (U.S. & Canada), and that the total number to be produced for 1998, is 55,000.
Assuming seven day a week production at the current level of 450, it would take another 100 days to complete those to be produced for 1998, which would date completion somewhere around September 1, 1998.
Obviously, this could be an optimistic projection if they do not run seven day a week production, or other delays come up.
The representative said they were not experiencing shipping problems once the cars came off line.
More obvious is the fact that 1999, Beetles will not be available like other 1999 vehicles - in the fall.
carlady/host
Frank
Here's my advice and it's the same to everyone who asks for help choosing a new car:
Make a list of what you want and rank them from most important to least important. For some people, the most important item could be price, for others (such as myself) the driver's comfort is most important. Head room, trunk space, airbags, having the hatchback option, head-turning quotient (if that's #1, choose the New Beetle!), easy maintenance schedule, low insurance rates -- all these and many more could be on your list.
Next, keep your list handy and tour the Edmunds site to check out Volkswagon reviews. Armed with this information, see how the cars you are considering stack up against your list. Take all of this to your local VW dealer and test drive. By the time most folks have done all this, they can confidently make a good car choice.
Is this helpful? Others (especially lurkers) jump right in!
carlady/host
GLyons, you may want to use our search feature below to search topics for the Passat. I think you'll find them in the Sedans area. Then you can see what those drivers have to say about them and you can compare it to what you're reading here. Please, keep us posted as you make your decision!
carlady/host
Overall though, I cannot complain. The car has exceeded my expectations in just about every way, especially the TDI motor
I still have yet to see a dark blue, yellow or green NB. Any news on the availability of these colors?
- Dana
Unfortunately, it hasn't helped me! I'm still undecided about the New Beetle.
I'm impressed with all the safety features and the crash test results. I think the looks could grow on me. And it seems to fit my 5'3" frame pretty well.
But... I'm spoiled by Hondas and really don't want to give up that reliability. My 1990 Integra has been wonderful. I'm just ready to update to something safer, newer, etc.
From what I've read here, it sounds like the New Beetle is mostly for style and fun, not necessarily comfort and performance.
Any Comments?
Pam
I was sure that driving the car would let me make a decision one way or the other - and I was right.
I was not impressed by it at all. It definitely seems like an image car. The ride was rough; not enough power (I had to floor it constantly); didn't handle that great; just didn't "feel" right.
The salesman was speechless when we told him, but finally said it's not for everyone.
I guess it appeals to people's emotions rather than their good sense. Unfortunately for me, I seem to have more good sense than emotion!
So, I guess I'll stay with what I know and get another Honda or Acura. I know I can count on them for comfort, performance, and reliability.
Pam
If it's in your price range you might try the
VW Passat before you go back to your Honda or
Acura.
--Mike
You've been spoiled. Believe me, I know the feeling -- after driving a V6 Pontiac for seven years, I couldn't imagine myself in a car with a 4-cylinder motor.
I also know what Integras do to your opinion of cars. An ex-girlfriend of mine traded in her Integra for a Saturn, and whenever we talked about cars (which was a lot, since I was car-hunting most of the time I was dating her), she always called it "My Acura" or "My Baby." She put 150,000 miles on that Integra and didn't want to trade it in for anything, but she needed a bigger car. (Yeah, I know...)
She drives a new Ford Explorer now, but deep down, she still wants that Acura. Such is life, I guess...
(Manchild:) Actually, my Acura is a 4 cylinder car and it has plenty of power. The new Integras and Accords have even more. I think a 4 cylinder Japanese car is like a 6 cylinder American car. Therefore, the 6 cylinder Japanese would be like an 8 cylinder American. At least, that's the way it seems to me.
The Beetle only has about 110 or 115 horsepower (compared to my 130). It just wasn't quite enough. It's a different engine than what I'm used to.
Thanks for the comments, guys!!
Pam
carlady/host
I might agree with you that an *Acura* 4-banger could equal an American V6. The Honda Civic I test drove had as quiet an I4 engine as I've heard, with the Nissan Altima not too far behind. So I could see how an Integra with 140 or 170 horses under the hood could feel like a V6.
But don't *even* get me started on the Corolla...
I've been reading, with rabid interest, all the posts that have been made here on the New Beetle... keep 'em coming!
Just thought I'd contribute a "heads up" to the long term test that Edmunds has started on the New Beetle TDI.
Since they've just started this test, they've only posted their review of the car for May. But so far, so good. The only problem they've had was that the air conditioner compressor wasn't working.
As an FYI, Edmunds updates their long term test pages at the beginning of every month, so it's definitely worth checking out periodically for their updates.
I was interested in purchasing a totally different vehicle (consider me caught up in the SUV hype) altogether, but was scared off by all of the problems that Edmunds has had with it.
I would let VW know about this if I were you. I've heard that they really want to keep it at MSRP and not jack up the price.
Did you get to drive it? I drove it a couple of weeks ago and decided not to buy it - even at MSRP. I can get more car for the same money with Honda, I think.
Pam
MY QUESTION IS THIS: WILL VW COME OUT WITH THE 150-hp AWD BAJA VERSION EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT? IF SO, WHEN?
I'm starting to think the New Beetle isn't what everyone thought it would be. First, there were the problems with the paint, then the recall. What's next?? That's not a good sign for this new little car.
I know a guy who has had a Jetta and a Golf who says his next car WON'T be a VW!!
$25,000 for that car is totally outrageous! Even for the MSRP of $17,000, I can buy a 2 year old Honda Accord EX that I KNOW will be reliable and comfortable. Or maybe a brand new Civic EX Coupe for something more sporty.
Will the New Beetle meet a sad end?
I can't fault VW for wishing it were so. That's what marketing is all about! ;-)
carlady/host
My question is about the "mix" feature on the CD player. I read in the manual that you can set it to shuffle tracks from all 6 discs instead of just one 1 at a time. I followed the directions (hold the scan button, change the "1" to a "6," press scan again) but it still keeps playing randomized tracks from only one disc until I manually pick another. I've confirmed that the mix mode is set to "6," but it doesn't seem to be moving from disk to disk.
Has anyone managed to get this working?
[My email is down, so please post responses to this board. Thanks.]]
BTW: I'm 22, male, single, driving for 5 years. Do you think there will be much of a difference between NB/Integra in insurance rates for "me"?
I, too, considered buying the New Beetle (until I drove it). My insurance company didn't have any firm rates yet, but said that based on the MSRP, they would expect my monthly payments to be about $75 to $80 per month. However, I'm 38 years old with an excellent driving record.
I was ready to put down a deposit on the New Beetle. But after I drove it, I was disappointed. It's great on looks, but not on performance. The Integra will run circles around it any day!
I own a 1990 Integra with 116,000 miles and it has been an outstanding car. No problems - just routine maintenance. I'll probably stick with Honda products in the future.
Pam
BTW: Does anyone know if the Beetle has an ignition disabler as part of its anti-theft system? Is that what the starter interrupt is?
I've actually heard a lot of good things about the way the New Beetle drives. Maybe I've been driving TOO long!! Ha!
I would also ask around about VW reliability. I wasn't really thrilled with what I found out when I was thinking about the New Beetle. Now, a Honda (or Acura - same thing) would most likely be a very reliable car.
But the Beetle is cute, isn't it? What will you do if the insurance on it is the SAME as the Integra??
Anyway, let us know what you decide.
Twice now my 'check engine' warning light has come on. The first time it was a loose wire to a glow plug. It came on again yesterday and the dealer could not fit me into their schedule so I have no choice but to drive it until they can fit me in. Anybody else have this problem? Other that that, its been 3500 miles of reliable (and fun!) driving.
- Dana
BTW: I'm not sure which Civic I test drove. It may have been the HX. I'm not sure. In any case, the Civic felt confining. My sister wanted me to get the Integra. She's owned both (Acura/VW) by the way. But she also said that since this is my first car, I shouldn't worry that much. If this experience goes well, then good. If not, then I'll grow from it, learn my lesson and buy "Japanese" from then on.
Hey Dana, do you have heated mirrors? I test drove the NB again yesterday, but the sticker said nothing about heated mirrors; they were powered though. I asked two salespeople and they said that they weren't heatable.
I'm guessing that you have a New Beetle? The check engine light has come on twice? It's probably not a big deal, but these little things can be very annoying. I've heard other similar things about the New Beetles - no big problems, just little things.
I must be spoiled with my Acura because I've never had to take it into the dealer for anything - big or little. I guess maybe it has to do with what you're used to. But I would be extremely annoyed if I had to take my brand new $17,000 car to the dealer twice within the first 3,500 miles!
Vtwaters,
I'm amazed at how much more the insurance premiums are on the Integra!! It's tough being that young sometimes!
So, I guess you're going to go with the Beetle. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. It would be a fun car to have if I wasn't so set in my ways! Ha!
Let us know when you get it (color, etc.) and how you like it.
Pam
I took the car back in today and it was the same problem -- the relay switch wire. I don't think the dealer fixed it right the first time. Anyways, these little annoyances are things that one must expect from a VW, but to me, the driving fun and personality of the car outweigh it. I've driven a VW since 1981, and they hold up as long as you take care of it. My 81 Rabbit had 223,000 miles and was in great shape until I was hit broadside at 45 mph last week by a driver who ran a red light (btw they're safe too).
Here's a quote from the owner's manual: When the rear window defogger is switched on, the outside mirrors are electrically heated at the same time.
That's pretty much what I'm hearing about the New Beetle - that there are little, annoying things. I didn't know that it's to be expected with any VW.
I seriously considered buying it mostly because of the safety features. But I didn't like the way it drives. I've driven nothing but Hondas and Acuras since 1986, so I guess that's just what I'm used to.
I almost wish I had liked it more because it's such a unique car. But I also decided it's not practical as my only car and I would need more room.
I'm glad you're enjoying it, though! Everyone who owns one seems to love it and doesn't mind the little things that mess up. Hopefully, it will last as long as your Rabbit did!
Pam
Heated Mirrors are standard on all New Beetles, so your dealer must not be up to speed. Its listed on the window sticker as "power mirrors w/ defog feature" on the first line of "Comfort/Convenience." [ the "heated package" has heated seats and window washer nozzle, but I don't have it and have yet to see it on any that came into dealer]
About the alarm system, the window sticker says it has an ignition cutout system, but I don't remember seeing anything about it in the owner's book. The security system reacts to movement of the trunk and hood as well as the doors.
Now reliability is another story. Mine seemed fine except that the a/c was not cold unless I was accelerating. I had an appointment early Wednesday morning to have it looked at and also to turn on the auto-locking feature and to re-wire the CD player (the wires are supposed to be hidden, they weren't on mine). Well, after a couple hours of waiting, they tell me there is something really wrong with my car. They still have it, and I am driving a 1991 Buick loaner car.
They have no idea what the problem is, and apparently no idea when its going to be ready b/c every time I ask I get no real answer. So I would wait a bit before getting one, b/c obviously they have not gotten all the bugs out... I think they are just making them too fast, since I saw three there being serviced while I waited. One woman was screaming that her headlights did not work and the car was only 8 days old. At this point I have no intention of getting another VW when my lease is up.
Another car to consider that insurance-wise is priced in between the Integra and the Beetle is the Saturn SC2. My fiancee has one and loves it, no problems yet, no trips to the dealer except for a screw in the tire and an oil change. Plus, if you are unhappy for any reason, even the color choice, you can return it within 30 days. Its hp is 124, which is plenty for the weight of the car. The insurance is less than the Integra, and it looks wise is kind like a half old style Eclipse/half Integra.
Boy, if I were you, I'd make some noise to the dealer about your car. What do they think they're doing keeping your car and not telling you exactly what's wrong with it or when it will be ready?? And loaning you a BUICK??? Please!
It's too bad that the New Beetle is having so many problems. A lot of people have been really excited about it. Now it looks like a lot of people are going to be disappointed.
Thanks for the info. I really did think about waiting to buy the car in several years when the "bugs" are out. I thought the same for the Cougar. I probably should leave first year cars to the brave pioneers.
BTW: I got a call from Walker Acura. The guy wanted to sell me an Integra LS for 3% over invoice. But after I did the calculations he'd be making $1,300 off the car ($300/dealer holdback, $500/dealer incentive, $500/3% of invoice). So, if I can talk him down, I just might get it. Maybe.
Your experience with the Integra surprises me! Bummer! Did you have maintenance problems, or did you just not like the way it drove?
Pam
Second, in spite of the numerous safety features I wonder how crash-worthy such a small car can be, especially in a collision with something like a mini-van. Has anyone read crash test results or had the bad luck to be in an accident with their NB?
Souixbee
The NB is best in its class for the 5 mph and 40 mph crash tests conducted by the NIHS.
I've read that people have bumped into poles, etc. without even getting a dent.
For those of you comparing the NB and the Integra. Are you really comparing a NB and an Integra? Why? You should get real with this. They are cars from 2 different catagories. You might as well compare the NB with a Camaro Z-28. Sure, you will get more performance with an Integra(at least until the 1.8L turbocharged engine comes out), but that is not what the standard NB is sold for. It is a cool car. The Integra is almost the height of boring. I'm 6'3", and the NB has more room for me than any small car I have ever sat in. And reliability? It is a toss up. I know too many people that have VW's with 200000+ miles on their cars with no trouble. Find an Acura with the same.
As for me, I'm getting a NB in month. That is, unless I decide to get that hot Buick Century. I'm having a hard time trying to decide between the two since they are so similar.