Indeed, it sounds like the cable-type transmission on the 99 NB is an improvement over the rod-type one. The only way to know for sure would be to test-drive a 99, but since I already own a 98, what's the point? When I posted my initial message, I was wondering if this change in transmission was an improvement VW felt like doing because of the crunchiness or then some mere cost-cutting scheme a la Camry/Accord. Well, I guess it was more of the former than the latter.
What I meant by crunchiness was the opposite of smootheness. When I change the position of the lever - with the light clutch fully depressed, of course - I feel through my hand the gears or some other mechanical parts in the car going crunch, crunch. I've seen crunchier shifting, on say the Escort, but I've seen smoother too, on the Eclipse.
About the long dash, I instantly got used to it and it's actually a feature I appreciate very much in this car, along with the unbelivable head room (I'm over 6'2" and that's kind of rare). I think interior room in a car, like in a house, is something of a luxury and I'm really looking forward for car manufacturers to build roomier cars in the future - like they did in the past, remember that car in Titanic? With the NB, VW proved that roomier cars mustn't be larger or thirstier. kudos
Hello it's me again, Robert... I hope I'm not overtaking this dicussion board.
Lately, with all the bumps and potholes I have to drive over here in Montreal, some rattles developed in the trunk area, presumably somewhere inside the rear door or hatch. I read some posts on other NB forums concerning this problem, so I know I'm not the only one having to deal with it. That hatch surely sounds to me like a weak spot in an otherwise very good car - some people have trouble closing it, some other get rattles and some find the electronic lock mechanism to be malfunctioning. Has anybody out there found a way to fix these rattles for good? My 5000-mile service is due in a couple of weeks and I would very much appreciate some information or advice on solving this annoying problem. Thanks in advance,
If you are feeling or hearing crunching in the transmission, something is WRONG.
I hate to be blunt, but it's either the machine or the operator. Have someone else test drive the car and see if they also experience this crunching. You can also ride along and listen for it at the same time. If both of you are crunching the synchronizers, then odds are, it's the transmission.
BTW, all NBs have cable actuated shift linkages. VW does seem to improve them every year, I don't know how they do that....
Hey robert, we have the same problem with our trunk rattle at 3000 miles. where else have you read about this? We think it may just need to be tightened because we put some fabric in between the lid and frame and the rattle went away, as if the lid was now a tighter fit. We are going to get it looked at on Dec. 1 and will let you know.
by the way, we don't have a crunchy problem with our 98 transmission.
For starters, I just found out that the bolt holding the spare wheel into place was broken... that wheel bouncing about inside the trunk surely had something to do with the rattles, no? Well, actually not entirely. I removed everything inside the trunk, including the wheel and tool kit and went around for a ride. Part of the rattles subsided as expected, but some other high-pitch ones persisted and I still couldn't pinpoint their origin. So, I packed my dad into the rear seat of the NB and asked him to try to locate the loose part... no such luck, altough he had the good idea to make me drive around with the backseat lowered and the trunk bottom cover open and lying against the back of the lowered seatback. WOW, you wouldn't believe the acoustic feedback you get from the NB while driving with this setting (and of course without the spare wheel). We got to hear a whole big lot of rattles - high and low pitched ones, for every taste, and not only when going over bumps, but also when operating the clutch or the transmission. Yikes! It sounds like I have a genuine mess underneath the back end of the car and I think that it's not merely due to a loose screw or something like that. The dealer will definitely have to check it out. By the way, I heard that the transmission is located under the rear of the car in the NB. Is that possible? Anybody knows of its whereabouts?
To laturj. Thanks for the feedback. The hatch not closing tight enough does make a whole lot of sense. I read somewhere that people had problems closing the hatch - and no it wasn't merely because the car was airtight, but because the some part of the lock was misplaced or misadjusted. In order to fix this problem they had to raise the lower part of the lock I think, so that it would cling to the upper part more easily. Your problem sounds to me like it is the opposite. That part of the lock might've been adjusted at Puebla too high and you might have to lower it a bit for a tighter fit. I for one tried putting some fabric as you suggested (a thick wool cover at that), between the hatch lid and the frame, but that didn't do it for me - sigh! Another potential rattle-generating spot in the hatch that I read of, would be the jiggling gas struts or else the hatch hinges themselves (!?) Check them out too, just in case. Oh yeah, and before I go, you asked for other NB forums. Well the best I found so far are the one on "The Bubble Car" site, this one on Edmunds and another one linking to Peter Schmidt's New Beetle Adventure. Search for the name "Peter Schmidt" with your search engine, his is one of the most interesting sites on the NB - replete with information - although it's maybe not one of the most user-friendly ones. There are some other forums as well on the VW New Beetle Webring, but I kinda lost touch with them. If you do find some other interesting ones, please let me know.
Okay, I'll keep you in touch with any developments with my rattles - and there are bound to be some at this point.
I have been following a few forums on the NB for a few months now. It seems to me that some folks have absolutely nothing wrong with their NBs after several thousand miles (15K to 20K) and others seem plagued by quality issues. I just read the long-term update of Edmunds NB and see that they are having quality issues in the interior, same as others I have read about. I keep my cars at least 8 years and cannot imagine my interior coming apart in only a few months. Are these problems isolated? What is VW doing about these things? I know it takes awhile to work the "bugs" (newbugs!) out of a new car, but vinyl door panels have been used in cars for years!
As passionate as I am about the NB, I am starting to wonder if I will be satisfied with it in the long run.
My wife also finds the headrests in the '99 to be very uncomfortable. They don't retract into the seat all the way like in the '98. I read somewhere that a couple had the same complaint and they switched the headrests front to back and it solved their problem. I don't know if they have a '98 or '99, but it doesn't look like you can do this with the '99 to me (not enough clearance to the rear window).
Someone reassure me...want one...need NB...wife not cooperative...save this man...losing hope...must be a driver...drivers wanted...
Is there any advice for a person in the market for a NB? Are there any reasons I should look elsewhere for my new car? I would like a fun car that is somewhat economic too.
we have had a couple small problems with our NB, but chalk it up to being the first year. I would hope that 99 won't have these problems, so if you are in line for a 99 i wouldn't worry too much.
I am going to buy a 1999 New Beetle GLS 1.8T gas engine automatic in 1999 whenever they become available. I am convinced it is the car I want to run back and forth to work in. My main car is a 98 Lexus LS400, but the 45 mile daily drive to and from work is going to put too many miles on it. The only concern I have is whether or not the CD sound system will even begin to compare with the exceptional system in my Lexus. I doubt it.
However, I did test drive the NB 98 stick shift gas engine a month or so ago. My immediate observation is that I was uncertain as to where the exterior boundaries of the NB are. I wonder if present owners have had any difficulty in parking the NB in a tight spot and maybe having bumped the bumper into whatever. Also, how does it go with parallel parking too? How long does it take to have a good feel for where the front and rear bumpers are while sitting in the drivers seat?
Rick, the bumpers are approximately 4 feet closer to you in all directions than the LS400's! Seriously it does take a few days to get used to the outer extremities, but most of the sporty designs on the market suffer this same problem. I had a good idea where the ends of the car were when I first drove it & this improved with a little wheel time! It is a breeze to parallel park for me!
How is everyone liking the looks of the NB after owning one for awhile? Do you still love the looks or are they wearing on you? It's such an unusual looking car that I'm wondering if owners will get tired of it.
The front to back headrest swap we did was on a '99 dealer's NB. Now I don't know if the hatch was open all the time we did it. Whatever, the headrests will get left out in the back of our NB if the hatch won't close with the taller former front one's in the back.
I passed an NB in a parking lot today and I still smile every time I see one. I did take a peep to see what the budvase held. It was handsome arrangement of yellow flowers. So I smiled again.
It isn't the fastest, best handling, or overall performance champ in any category! But I guess you hit the nail on the head, driving it just makes me smile! But I will tell you one thing it does better than any other car, "IT GETS NOTICED" well at least the Yellow ones do! How do you all feel about the Factory alloys? I got the dealer- added alloys, (From VW) because they looked so much better!
So, I finally went to see the see the dealer about those worrying trunk rattles on which I posted a few messages already. After a long and unforgiving test-drive with two mechanics, the source of SOME of the rattles was found. The rear end of the muffler is attached to the chassis by a black diamond-shaped piece of steel, itself held in place by two screws. Both screws were unproperly tightened at the factory and one of them was so loose that it actually lost its thread. They had to replace it with a larger one. Well that fixed a good deal of rattles - the most worrisome - but not all. I'm now left with the regular trunk rattles I guess. Those that someone on another forum described as "glass hitting against steel" rattles and which occur mostly when going over bumps. They're really soothing when compared with the muffler-related ones and I think I can live with them for a good while - at least until I find enough time to look after them with the dealer again. Meanwhile, if anybody finds a solution for them, please keep us posted - I'll do the same.
Robert
PS It's a fact, the 98 NB have a rod-type manual transmission and the 99's a cable-type one. Is there any difference between them, besides the cable being smoother than the rod???
we have also "solved" most of our rattles from the trunk with a replaced trunk latch. i still think there is some plastic on plastic rattle but only on really big bumps. the fixed rattle would happen if you reved your engine, etc. so it was much more obvious.
I'm new to the place.... you see, my wife and I just decided that a new bug just might fit our needs.
Having just read all the posts, let me take a few moments to add my opinions (no, carlady did not just give me a nickle... they're probably not worth that much anyway). Here goes.
1) Convertible NB's: There's an article on the conversions in either Car and Driver's November edition or Road and Track's December edition. Can't remember which. Their verdict: it's a lot to pay for an NB convertible. Wait for the production model.
2) Before you decide what vehicle is right for you, ask yourself what you want it for. If you're a one car family, then all-around utility has got to be your primary consideration. If you have more than one car, I don't think you can beat a NB for around-town or commuting use (I don't think I'd routinely want to make the 7 hr drive to my parent house in one). But it's affordable enough that most people actually CAN have multiple cars if one's a NB. After driving an Explorer and a Grand Caravan around for a while, my wife and I are aching for something that doesn't drive like a bus.
3) For the "boundaries" of your new NB, try this. Go to a bike shop or sporting goods store and pick up a couple of those hi-visibility orange flags on fibreglass sticks. Strap or tape them to the corners of your car, making sure that you can see them from the drivers seat. Practice parking in your driveway or on your street until you can "feel" where the bumpers of your NB are. Just one thing: PLEASE don't make your NB a laughing stock by doing this anywhere where you will attract an audience.... But it does work.
One last word of warning: the vehicles I have owned/operated since my 18th birthday are, in order: '71 Super Beetle, '81 Gas Rabbit, '88 16v GTI, '92 Corrado SLC, and an Explorer. OK, so I slipped on the last one (for the VW-challenged among you, all the others are VW's). I wouldn't exactly say I'm biased, but you could call me a dedicated VW guy.
I just purchased a cyber green 1999 GLS New Beetle - got tired of waiting for the GLX. My observations after 3 days of driving: The car handles like a little BMW - tight cornering, good dead center feel for steering, typical Germanic experience. Performance is good but not great. Passing at 80 mph is no problem. Fit and finish is excellent - no rattles. The electronics are nicely done. Trunk is suprisingly large, especially with the rear seatback folded. People follow me around just to get a closer look. Neighbors wander in the yard etc. Overall very pleased. May trade up to GLX but would be happy to keep it.
Just got a '99 NB GL in bright blue over the weekend - 5sp, tinted windows, CD changer. As Bwummer suggests, this is a second car that my wife will use for her 25 mile (one way) commute each day here in Denver (the primary vehicle is an Expedition). Observations:
1) Our two kids (10 and 12) fit reasonably well in the back seat. No, we're not planning to take long trips, but to go to the in-laws (a 2 hour drive) it should be adequate.
2) The seat and steering wheel adjustments are first rate! I'm 5'11", the wife 5'3", and the ability to change the height of the seat as well as the tilt/telescoping steering wheel means that each of us can have a comfortable fit.
3) Color - obviously, a subjective issue. Originally, the wife wanted yellow. When we went to the dealer, we saw a dark blue that looked nice. However, the wife thinks the NB looks best in bright colors (blue, yellow, green), so we compromised on the bright blue - black interior.
My thanks to arh1956, k273, laturj, Bwummer, FEHarper, and michaell for giving us such excellent reviews of your own experience. This is one of the things that makes Town Hall work. All of us can benefit from what you know about your own car. And solutions like those offered for tracking down that pesky rattle benefits hundreds of unseen lurkers.
I've been the proud owner of a red '98 Beetle since September. Unfortunately, I've had a couple problems. Mine has the all weather package. When I turned on the bun warmers - nothing. Took it to the dealer and it seems that none of the parts were installed at the factory in the seats, just the switches on the dashboard! We are still waiting for parts. A more annoying problem that I'm dealing with is major wind noise from the front of the driver's side window. I've taken it back once, the dealer helped it out some, but I still am getting a lot of noise. Before I take it back again (my nearest dealer is 70 miles away),I would like to know if anyone else has had this problem, and if so, how was it fixed. Thanks ahead of time for any help!
With winter closing in and the NB having such a low clearance, people might wonder how well it performs in snow. I haven't had any experience with my NB in the snow yet, but someone else on another forum did and her story was so good, I thought like sharing it on this one (a little cut and paste, I hope she doesn't mind).
"Hidee ho from Alaska...
Hi all, Well, I took EPIC in for her 5000 mile check. More like 6 months, because she had not yet hit 5000. Any hoo, all went well, but I had a few surprises. The night before I took her, I went to my Dad's 70th bday, and backed out of my sisters drive, the snow was too deep to go all the way in, and when I backed out, she said, you broke something, I got out and sure enough the black piece of plastic guarding the oil pan was broke in half. Well, I put it in the back of my car to show the vw dealer when I went in the next day. I was very pleased with the service I got. Efficient, and very friendly, no free wash, but then it is very cold right now, and that would be stupid. They removed the decals off my car without a hassle, I just told them that they had been peeling since last summer, and if they are not going to stay on any better than that, I wanted them removed, now I know I am out the cost of the decals, but the car looks much better than with them peeling. THey did not charge me for the removal, and I am glad, because then we would of been head to head on that issue. They changed the oil, and filled the washer fluid, which was not low, my husband is very attentive to my car.
When I was leaving, I called my husband to see if he needed anything from the big city, he asked me if I had them show me the plug for the block heater, as they told us that was installed as requested when we bought it, but my husband was very frustrated trying to find the cord. Anyway, the guy looks and looks, and not a cord to be found, so he took it in the shop right after lunch, and installed it presto fasto, and I was gone. He said the lady was probably supposed to tell us that would not be in stock until winter, and we had to come back for it. All in all, the service was grand, and they are sending my broken piece to me for my husband to put back on no charge. Although he thinks he may wait for spring, because if it hangs down low enough to be drug off in a little snow then we would be replacing one every day. Ha.
As for EPIC and this grand ole winter we are having, he gets along like a dream. Like a little cloud floating through the world. I have had a very near miss with a Moose, and a Suburban, neither my fault, but Epic fought hard, and came out ahead, the braking even without the ABS, just smart pumping shifting down, and going hard to the otherside of the road saved us from the Moose. As for the Suburban, he did not look behind him before he backed up. And he was coming fast, I goosed it, and away we flew like Santas sleigh to safety. Our little back road is last to be plowed, it snowed 3 days ago, and we are still plowing through the powder as if on a snow machine, and she just goes like a trooper. I love this car. Everyone in their big ole cars, and 4 wheel drives worry about me, and I in return worry about them.
As for Christmas trees, I broked down this year and bought a fake one. With all the beetle killed trees in Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula, we are trying to save all the live little trees so they can grow up and be big ole nice ones, any hoo, I don't want to buy a fake one then repeat next year, so I bought a big ole 7-1/2 foot fake one, and the box was huge, but it fit in my little car so excellent, just shoved the front seat forward, and leaned it to the dash, and in went the giant tree box. I did not lay down the back seat, because by then trunk was very full of stuff like winter be preparedess stuff...shovel, coveralls, firestarter, etc. THis is a great car, and we are all very blessed to have one...
Well, Hi, and back to reading the digest, you are all great. Have happy holidays, and remember to share a smile with someone you don't know. Bug ya'll later,
Linda J. P. *Between you and me this feels like an addiction* *The heart that loves is always young*"
I enjoyed reading K273's story about her driving experiences and of life in the Last Frontier. I too feel kinda like an outcast from my neighbors and their SUVs and vans, but I wouldn't trade my NB for anything! 8 months now and not even a scratch.
The difference between the 98 'rod' type 5 speed and the 99 'cable' type refers to how the stick shift is linked to the transmission. One uses a rod (as do most), and the other uses a cable(less common). The cable tends to be smoother and as it is 'enclosed' is less effected by dirt, dust etc.
I finally got to drive a couple of NB's. I had been looking for a TDI, but I drove a 5 speed and an auto GLS. As it turned out, I liked the auto much better, and that leaves out a TDI (not offered here with an auto). On the bright side, my wait will be reduced considerably, as the GLS's are much more abundant than the TDI's here in Colorado.
I found the power level of the Auto a bit less than the 5 speed, but it was still great for around town use. Also RPM's are considerably lower at highway speeds on the Auto when compared to the 5 speed. Both handled very well.
It was the really long clutch travel on the 5 speed that made me decide on an auto. I found that I had to put the seat so far forward to be able to get the clutch pedal to the floor, my knees were bumping the dash. I know that this is partly due to my build, and that you really don't have to go all the way to the floor to completely dissengage the clutch, but I found the auto more confortable for these reasons.
So now I await a 99 GLS Auto with alloy wheels and a CD changer from my local dealer. I will hold out for the gray interior, but several body colors are ok by me.
Well, I cant wait any longer. Cant get a conv for at least 2 years, sunroofs are non existent(as far as I can see), and don't want to wait for a GLX. Called around the Dallas area, several dealers have NBs on the lot ready for delivery. Test drove a 99 GLS, Black with Black Leather(not leatherette). 10 minute test drive, very impressed. SOLD! Will trade my 97 Toyota Avalon and go with a 2 year balloon. Conv should be out by then.
Thanks for everyones input. This is the first time I have used this type of forum to gather info about buying a car.
As stated before, I am in the market right this minute with cash in hand for: new 1999 NB GLS 2.0L gas engine with auto trans. (Acceptable colors exterior: Green, Silver, Bright Blue and Interior color does not matter). However, my dealers Augusta and Macon, GA do not have what I want right now. If you know of a dealer where you live who might have what I want, please email me with her name and 800# phone number to me at n2golf@altavista.net . Merry Christmas to all!!!!
Well, I saw the green in person today and I don't think I could live with it more than a month. Therefore, I am back to looking for either silver, bright blue, or red 99 NB GLS automatic. Any comments out there on the dark blue or bright blue color? Looks like that will be the most likely color available. I found lots of dealers with black and green cars in automatic selling at MSRP.
I personally like my metallic light green NB with dark upholstery. I stopped to refuel today and a strange older lady came over to say the color was fabulous. Consider it a "non-conservative" fun color for a car that's supposed to be fun. Another plus - you can see the car coming a mile away - safe.
Yes, the Avalon is Toyota's flagship car. And yes, the Avalon has been(or I should say still is) a good car. The deal fell through:-((
They had given me a ballpark figure for my trade. But when I got there to close the deal, well, they had exited the ballpark altogether. I had endured their "extra add on charge" and "we put that on all our cars", but I could'nt endure this. I told them to call me if they could get closer to the original deal. Well, they called, and we struck a deal, only to find out they had sold the NB I had put my deposit on.
I still want a NB. And I do think it is a step up from the Avalon; but then my daughter also tells me I need to grow up(never!). I just wont buy it from this dealership.
I see quite a few bright blue ones around here. I think they look good. I've never seen a dark blue one, but I think it would look good. I don't like the silver because it's just too boring.
My 1997 Avalon stickered for over $35k, I paid a little over $30k. They offered me $17,500. It has 31,000 miles, but other than that, is in excellent condition.
I put my name(and my money) on the waiting list for a Bright Blue with black or grey interior and automatic(at another dealership). Should be here in 60 to 90 days. Should give me time to sell the Avalon myself.
Good luck selling your Avalon on your own. I would be upset with the dealer's offer, too! I would like to hear how you like the NB after you get it and have owned it for awhile. Will it be your primary vehicle? I'm very curious about how owners like the NB once the "new wears off" - if it has the staying power.
Yes, it will be the primary car. The test drive was impressive. I was surprised that there was not the drop off in power between the automatic and manual tranmissions as I thought there might be.
I've made this type of change before. Went from a Mercury Grand Marque to a Ford Festiva. Loved driving that little car!
And, I agree, Dana. I dont need anything to make me feel older.
I decided on a '99 GLS TDI several months ago, and I thought it might be useful to some to hear about the troubles in overpricing and short supplies that still exist. I'm in Portland, OR. No dealer in town will sell for less than $1500 over sticker--no negotiations. I called every dealer in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Small dealers in Eugene and Corvalis, OR didn't charge a premium, and allowed me to get on waiting lists without a downpayment. Unfortunately, after 3 months they had received NO TDI's. Carter VW in Seattle was the only WA dealer that didn't charge a premium--got on the TDI waiting list (#14!) with a refundable $500 deposit (though they only got 7 TDI NB's last year). Another (evil) dealer in Seattle began charging "only" MSRP (they had been charging $1500 over until they couldn't sell any more). Got on their list too (#5), but they too had received NO TDI's as of late Dec.
So began the national search. Called a few in Wisconsin (where I have family) and they said they could easily find a TDI within a few weeks and they didn't charge extra. (But how to get a car from WI to OR?) Stumbled on a dealer on the internet in San Francisco. After a few e-mails back and forth, they came up with a white GLS TDI with alloy rims available now---on their lot for $250 BELOW sticker! I've signed all of the documents and the vehicle is now mine. They'll ship it via truck for $425 to my home next week. I'll post again after I receive the car to let you know if anything went wrong with this internet/phone deal. By the way, the dealer is (www.ronpricemotors.com), and the salesman, Mike, posted photos of my car at www.ronpricemotors.com/daren.htm.... Take a look. So far I've had excellent interactions with this dealer (compared to the evil local and regional dealers--who often try to sell me a used TDI for $21000 or simply say "We're getting as much as people will pay!")
One last thing. I really wanted one with all the options---leather and sunroof, though as we all know they're not available. I'd been calling VW (1800DRIVEVW) weekly for updates. Lastest info is that leather has "always" been available, just in extreme short supply due to "quality issues". This is more or less confirmed by my asking every dealer I talked to about leather NB's--rarely one would tell me that they had one or two with factory leather since production started. The 800 number people still keep saying the same thing about sunroofs--"sunroofs should be available later in the '99 model year." When, I ask. "We have no production date, but the should be available in the '99 model year." I think they've been saying this since production started. Sorry about the long posting, but if anyone is new to this and trying to find a NB in a short supply area and won't pay extra---don't give up. I'm not sure I'll ever buy a VW at a local dealer in the future, though..... Good luck.
Just thought I'd mention I drove by my local VW dealer here in Augusta Maine and they had 6 or 8 New Beetles sitting on the lot. They never had more than 1 or 2 for the longest time. I don't know if they are discounting off MSRP yet, but they might be, since they don't appear to be moving off the lot very fast.
My dealer in Dallas showed me an invoice. There is about a $1200 mark up on the GLS w/ auto trans. He also told me that they make the real money on accessories. Every VW on the lot gets tinted windows, Lo-Jack & 6 pack CD. Other dealers are adding door edge guards, wind deflectors, spoilers, and who knows what else.
Oh! Had a co-worker telling me about a black NB that was paint to look like half an eight ball!
There have been a number of dealers selling over sticker, but VW threatened to pull thier dealerships/discontinue shipments if they did not keep to sticker here in Denver.
Now as MGR said, such dealers are trying to make thier money on adding (largely useless and highly over priced) accessories.
Many dealers here in Denver now sell with no extra's except occasional window tinting (which is highly recomended here anyway). Deposits can range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, but there seem to be NB's sitting on lots now.
Jim, where in Denver was this? I bought my '99 NB GL from McDonald Motor (formerly Continental VW) and every one on the lot had the following accessories:
Tint Clear Bra (actually, a polyurethane coating applied to the front of the car)
Most had a CD installed as well, and some (the rarer colors, mainly) had alloy wheels and special dash treatments added.
We bought a Passat from Gebhardt in Boulder last spring, and I had a casual conversation with the salesman about Beetles (exploring options don'tcha know, since the Integra is self destructing), and he said they get sticker, and usually don't add a bunch of junk on. He also said if you order one (rather than buying off the lot) you definitely won't pay over MSRP.
As I said that was last spring so I can't imagine the situation would be worse now what with NB's being more plentiful.
Comments
What I meant by crunchiness was the opposite of smootheness. When I change the position of the lever - with the light clutch fully depressed, of course - I feel through my hand the gears or some other mechanical parts in the car going crunch, crunch. I've seen crunchier shifting, on say the Escort, but I've seen smoother too, on the Eclipse.
About the long dash, I instantly got used to it and it's actually a feature I appreciate very much in this car, along with the unbelivable head room (I'm over 6'2" and that's kind of rare). I think interior room in a car, like in a house, is something of a luxury and I'm really looking forward for car manufacturers to build roomier cars in the future - like they did in the past, remember that car in Titanic? With the NB, VW proved that roomier cars mustn't be larger or thirstier. kudos
Robert
Lately, with all the bumps and potholes I have to drive over here in Montreal, some rattles developed in the trunk area, presumably somewhere inside the rear door or hatch. I read some posts on other NB forums concerning this problem, so I know I'm not the only one having to deal with it.
That hatch surely sounds to me like a weak spot in an otherwise very good car - some people have trouble closing it, some other get rattles and some find the electronic lock mechanism to be malfunctioning. Has anybody out there found a way to fix these rattles for good? My 5000-mile service is due in a couple of weeks and I would very much appreciate some information or advice on solving this annoying problem. Thanks in advance,
Robert
If you are feeling or hearing crunching in the transmission, something is WRONG.
I hate to be blunt, but it's either the machine or the operator. Have someone else test drive the car and see if they also experience this crunching. You can also ride along and listen for it at the same time. If both of you are crunching the synchronizers, then odds are, it's the transmission.
BTW, all NBs have cable actuated shift linkages. VW does seem to improve them every year, I don't know how they do that....
Bruce.
we have the same problem with our trunk rattle at 3000 miles. where else have you read about this? We think it may just need to be tightened because we put some fabric in between the lid and frame and the rattle went away, as if the lid was now a tighter fit. We are going to get it looked at on Dec. 1 and will let you know.
by the way, we don't have a crunchy problem with our 98 transmission.
To laturj. Thanks for the feedback. The hatch not closing tight enough does make a whole lot of sense. I read somewhere that people had problems closing the hatch - and no it wasn't merely because the car was airtight, but because the some part of the lock was misplaced or misadjusted. In order to fix this problem they had to raise the lower part of the lock I think, so that it would cling to the upper part more easily. Your problem sounds to me like it is the opposite. That part of the lock might've been adjusted at Puebla too high and you might have to lower it a bit for a tighter fit. I for one tried putting some fabric as you suggested (a thick wool cover at that), between the hatch lid and the frame, but that didn't do it for me - sigh!
Another potential rattle-generating spot in the hatch that I read of, would be the jiggling gas struts or else the hatch hinges themselves (!?) Check them out too, just in case. Oh yeah, and before I go, you asked for other NB forums. Well the best I found so far are the one on "The Bubble Car" site, this one on Edmunds and another one linking to Peter Schmidt's New Beetle Adventure. Search for the name "Peter Schmidt" with your search engine, his is one of the most interesting sites on the NB - replete with information - although it's maybe not one of the most user-friendly ones. There are some other forums as well on the VW New Beetle Webring, but I kinda lost touch with them. If you do find some other interesting ones, please let me know.
Okay, I'll keep you in touch with any developments with my rattles - and there are bound to be some at this point.
Robert
As passionate as I am about the NB, I am starting to wonder if I will be satisfied with it in the long run.
My wife also finds the headrests in the '99 to be very uncomfortable. They don't retract into the seat all the way like in the '98. I read somewhere that a couple had the same complaint and they switched the headrests front to back and it solved their problem. I don't know if they have a '98 or '99, but it doesn't look like you can do this with the '99 to me (not enough clearance to the rear window).
Someone reassure me...want one...need NB...wife not cooperative...save this man...losing hope...must be a driver...drivers wanted...
However, I did test drive the NB 98 stick shift gas engine a month or so ago. My immediate observation is that I was uncertain as to where the exterior boundaries of the NB are. I wonder if present owners have had any difficulty in parking the NB in a tight spot and maybe having bumped the bumper into whatever. Also, how does it go with parallel parking too? How long does it take to have a good feel for where the front and rear bumpers are while sitting in the drivers seat?
Rich
How is everyone liking the looks of the NB after owning one for awhile? Do you still love the looks or are they wearing on you? It's such an unusual looking car that I'm wondering if owners will get tired of it.
I just can't help it! ;-)
carlady/host
Robert
PS It's a fact, the 98 NB have a rod-type manual transmission and the 99's a cable-type one. Is there any difference between them, besides the cable being smoother than the rod???
Having just read all the posts, let me take a few moments to add my opinions (no, carlady did not just give me a nickle... they're probably not worth that much anyway). Here goes.
1) Convertible NB's: There's an article on the conversions in either Car and Driver's November edition or Road and Track's December edition. Can't remember which. Their verdict: it's a lot to pay for an NB convertible. Wait for the production model.
2) Before you decide what vehicle is right for you, ask yourself what you want it for. If you're a one car family, then all-around utility has got to be your primary consideration. If you have more than one car, I don't think you can beat a NB for around-town or commuting use (I don't think I'd routinely want to make the 7 hr drive to my parent house in one). But it's affordable enough that most people actually CAN have multiple cars if one's a NB. After driving an Explorer and a Grand Caravan around for a while, my wife and I are aching for something that doesn't drive like a bus.
3) For the "boundaries" of your new NB, try this. Go to a bike shop or sporting goods store and pick up a couple of those hi-visibility orange flags on fibreglass sticks. Strap or tape them to the corners of your car, making sure that you can see them from the drivers seat. Practice parking in your driveway or on your street until you can "feel" where the bumpers of your NB are. Just one thing: PLEASE don't make your NB a laughing stock by doing this anywhere where you will attract an audience.... But it does work.
One last word of warning: the vehicles I have owned/operated since my 18th birthday are, in order: '71 Super Beetle, '81 Gas Rabbit, '88 16v GTI, '92 Corrado SLC, and an Explorer. OK, so I slipped on the last one (for the VW-challenged among you, all the others are VW's). I wouldn't exactly say I'm biased, but you could call me a dedicated VW guy.
-- Bwummer
Just got a '99 NB GL in bright blue over the weekend - 5sp, tinted windows, CD changer. As Bwummer suggests, this is a second car that my wife will use for her 25 mile (one way) commute each day here in Denver (the primary vehicle is an Expedition). Observations:
1) Our two kids (10 and 12) fit reasonably well in the back seat. No, we're not planning to take long trips, but to go to the in-laws (a 2 hour drive) it should be adequate.
2) The seat and steering wheel adjustments are first rate! I'm 5'11", the wife 5'3", and the ability to change the height of the seat as well as the tilt/telescoping steering wheel means that each of us can have a comfortable fit.
3) Color - obviously, a subjective issue. Originally, the wife wanted yellow. When we went to the dealer, we saw a dark blue that looked nice. However, the wife thinks the NB looks best in bright colors (blue, yellow, green), so we compromised on the bright blue - black interior.
Will keep the list updated as experiences accrue.
So, thank you. And lurkers? Come and be seen. :-)
carlady/host
"Hidee ho from Alaska...
Hi all,
Well, I took EPIC in for her 5000 mile check. More like 6 months, because she had not yet hit 5000. Any hoo, all went well, but I had a few surprises. The night before I took her, I went to my Dad's 70th bday, and backed out of my sisters drive, the snow was too deep to go all the way in, and when I backed out, she said, you broke something, I got out and sure enough the black piece of plastic guarding the oil pan was broke in half. Well, I put it in the back of my car to show the vw dealer when I went in the next day.
I was very pleased with the service I got. Efficient, and very friendly, no free wash, but then it is very cold right now, and that would be stupid. They removed the decals off my car without a hassle, I just told them that they had been peeling since last summer, and if they are not going to stay on any better than that, I wanted them removed, now I know I am out the cost
of the decals, but the car looks much better than with them peeling. THey did not charge me for the removal, and I am glad, because then we would of
been head to head on that issue. They changed the oil, and filled the washer fluid, which was not low, my husband is very attentive to my car.
When I was leaving, I called my husband to see if he needed anything from the big city, he asked me if I had them show me the plug for the block
heater, as they told us that was installed as requested when we bought it, but my husband was very frustrated trying to find the cord. Anyway, the guy looks and looks, and not a cord to be found, so he took it in the shop right after lunch, and installed it presto fasto, and I was gone. He said the lady was probably supposed to tell us that would not be in stock until winter,
and we had to come back for it. All in all, the service was grand, and they are sending my broken piece to me for my husband to put back on no charge. Although he thinks he may wait for spring, because if it hangs down low enough to be drug off in a little snow then we would be replacing one every day. Ha.
As for EPIC and this grand ole winter we are having, he gets along like a dream. Like a little cloud floating through the world. I have had a very near miss with a Moose, and a Suburban, neither my fault, but Epic fought hard, and came out ahead, the braking even without the ABS, just smart pumping shifting down, and going hard to the otherside of the road saved us from the Moose. As for the Suburban, he did not look behind him before he backed up. And he was coming fast, I goosed it, and away we flew like Santas
sleigh to safety. Our little back road is last to be plowed, it snowed 3 days ago, and we are still plowing through the powder as if on a snow machine, and she just goes like a trooper. I love this car. Everyone in their big ole cars, and 4 wheel drives worry about me, and I in return worry
about them.
As for Christmas trees, I broked down this year and bought a fake one. With all the beetle killed trees in Alaska on the Kenai Peninsula, we are trying to save all the live little trees so they can grow up and be big ole nice ones, any hoo, I don't want to buy a fake one then repeat next year, so I bought a big ole 7-1/2 foot fake one, and the box was huge, but it fit in my little car so excellent, just shoved the front seat forward, and leaned it to the dash, and in went the giant tree box. I did not lay down the back seat, because by then trunk was very full of stuff like winter be preparedess stuff...shovel, coveralls, firestarter, etc. THis is a great car, and we are all very blessed to have one...
Well, Hi, and back to reading the digest, you are all great. Have happy holidays, and remember to share a smile with someone you don't know.
Bug ya'll later,
Linda J. P.
*Between you and me this feels like an addiction*
*The heart that loves is always young*"
There just went my last doubt...looks like I'll be joining the club come February(ish).
Dana
I finally got to drive a couple of NB's. I had been looking for a TDI, but I drove a 5 speed and an auto GLS. As it turned out, I liked the auto much better, and that leaves out a TDI (not offered here with an auto). On the bright side, my wait will be reduced considerably, as the GLS's are much more abundant than the TDI's here in Colorado.
I found the power level of the Auto a bit less than the 5 speed, but it was still great for around town use. Also RPM's are considerably lower at highway speeds on the Auto when compared to the 5 speed. Both handled very well.
It was the really long clutch travel on the 5 speed that made me decide on an auto. I found that I had to put the seat so far forward to be able to get the clutch pedal to the floor, my knees were bumping the dash. I know that this is partly due to my build, and that you really don't have to go all the way to the floor to completely dissengage the clutch, but I found the auto more confortable for these reasons.
So now I await a 99 GLS Auto with alloy wheels and a CD changer from my local dealer. I will hold out for the gray interior, but several body colors are ok by me.
Jim
Thanks for everyones input. This is the first time I have used this type of forum to gather info about buying a car.
That's quite a switch from an Avalon to a NB. Have you been unhappy with your Toyota? Isn't the Avalon the one above the Camry?
Richard
Well... The NB being a step up from an Avalon is DEFINITELY a matter of opinion!! Not mine!!
Above link will take you to Motor Trend's 1999 Import Car of the Year Award to none other than the VW New Beetle. Congrats!
Also, found a dealer who will sell me a green GLS with no add on to sticker. Will let you know when I get it.
They had given me a ballpark figure for my trade. But when I got there to close the deal, well, they had exited the ballpark altogether. I had endured their "extra add on charge" and "we put that on all our cars", but I could'nt endure this. I told them to call me if they could get closer to the original deal. Well, they called, and we struck a deal, only to find out they had sold the NB I had put my deposit on.
I still want a NB. And I do think it is a step up from the Avalon; but then my daughter also tells me I need to grow up(never!). I just wont buy it from this dealership.
I see quite a few bright blue ones around here. I think they look good. I've never seen a dark blue one, but I think it would look good. I don't like the silver because it's just too boring.
Just out of curiosity... How much did you pay for your Avalon? And what year is it? How much did they offer as trade?
My 1997 Avalon stickered for over $35k, I paid a little over $30k. They offered me $17,500. It has 31,000 miles, but other than that, is in excellent condition.
I put my name(and my money) on the waiting list for a Bright Blue with black or grey interior and automatic(at another dealership). Should be here in 60 to 90 days. Should give me time to sell the Avalon myself.
Dana
Good luck selling your Avalon on your own. I would be upset with the dealer's offer, too! I would like to hear how you like the NB after you get it and have owned it for awhile. Will it be your primary vehicle? I'm very curious about how owners like the NB once the "new wears off" - if it has the staying power.
Pam
Yes, it will be the primary car. The test drive was impressive. I was surprised that there was not the drop off in power between the automatic and manual tranmissions as I thought there might be.
I've made this type of change before. Went from a Mercury Grand Marque to a Ford Festiva. Loved driving that little car!
And, I agree, Dana. I dont need anything to make me feel older.
Mike
So began the national search. Called a few in Wisconsin (where I have family) and they said they could easily find a TDI within a few weeks and they didn't charge extra. (But how to get a car from WI to OR?) Stumbled on a dealer on the internet in San Francisco. After a few e-mails back and forth, they came up with a white GLS TDI with alloy rims available now---on their lot for $250 BELOW sticker! I've signed all of the documents and the vehicle is now mine. They'll ship it via truck for $425 to my home next week. I'll post again after I receive the car to let you know if anything went wrong with this internet/phone deal. By the way, the dealer is (www.ronpricemotors.com), and the salesman, Mike, posted photos of my car at www.ronpricemotors.com/daren.htm.... Take a look. So far I've had excellent interactions with this dealer (compared to the evil local and regional dealers--who often try to sell me a used TDI for $21000 or simply say "We're getting as much as people will pay!")
One last thing. I really wanted one with all the options---leather and sunroof, though as we all know they're not available. I'd been calling VW (1800DRIVEVW) weekly for updates. Lastest info is that leather has "always" been available, just in extreme short supply due to "quality issues". This is more or less confirmed by my asking every dealer I talked to about leather NB's--rarely one would tell me that they had one or two with factory leather since production started. The 800 number people still keep saying the same thing about sunroofs--"sunroofs should be available later in the '99 model year." When, I ask. "We have no production date, but the should be available in the '99 model year." I think they've been saying this since production started. Sorry about the long posting, but if anyone is new to this and trying to find a NB in a short supply area and won't pay extra---don't give up. I'm not sure I'll ever buy a VW at a local dealer in the future, though..... Good luck.
--Mike Knight
1999 Passat GLS-V6.
Oh! Had a co-worker telling me about a black NB that was paint to look like half an eight ball!
Now as MGR said, such dealers are trying to make thier money on adding (largely useless and highly over priced) accessories.
Many dealers here in Denver now sell with no extra's except occasional window tinting (which is highly recomended here anyway). Deposits can range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, but there seem to be NB's sitting on lots now.
Tint
Clear Bra (actually, a polyurethane coating applied to the front of the car)
Most had a CD installed as well, and some (the rarer colors, mainly) had alloy wheels and special dash treatments added.
As I said that was last spring so I can't imagine the situation would be worse now what with NB's being more plentiful.