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VW New Beetle (Pricing & Information)
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Comments
Was wondering how your cars are handling the icy roads and winter weather. Please be speciofic about what you have. Thanks Sukh
Its really fun to drive, and I expect it to be super reliable and efficient like my former car, a diesel Rabbit. I recommend getting a trunk CD player (Car Toys installed mine for about $300), and Dave Matthews Band CDs.
Good luck and hope you enjoy your new car.
Dana
There are a few, but I recall Mountain States VW on S Colorado,and there is one in Thornton as well but I can't remember the name.
The mountain states guys seem to be getting a lot of shipments in, and while I have not put a deposit down (they want $2000) they keep calling me when something close to what I want comes in. The ONLY option I have seen them put on is window tint, and they will significantly discount it if you tell them you do not want it.
Jim
carlady/host
For those of you who have been following Edmunds' long term review of their 98 NB, you'll recognize several nagging early production problems that seem to crop up time and again. Think "trunk rattle." For us TDI owners, there's the dread Check Engine Light/glow plug relay problem. I've been harvesting information about beetle problems and fixes, and I've posted it all as a new beetle FAQ: http://web.nwe.ufl.edu/~true/newbeetle/nb-faq.html
Among other chunks 'o knowledge, I have links to a database of dealers charging MSRP, as well as links to as many NB aftermarket shops as I could find.
--Mike
Here in Denver, we've been getting light but steady snow for a few days. Our NB ('99 gas/5speed) handles it just fine. Just like any other fwd car .. too much gas in the corners and the front tires spin.
About the only complaint is that the car gets dirty quite easily! The extended fenders (esp in the rear) are always covered with snow/mud/slush. Am looking into getting the body colored mud flaps to minimize this.
Other than that, nothing much to report. Enjoy your NB!
http://www.detnews.com/1999/autoshow/index.htm
The NB is the North American Car of the Year, as announced at the Detroit Auto Show!
************************
New Beetle specifications
January 4, 1999
Auto: 1999 New Beetle, world premiere Detroit. A new turbo engine model.
Make: Volkswagen
Model: New Beetle
Specialties: Volkswagen's darling with a much peppier engine than the New Beetle that stole last year's show. A 150 horsepower sports version of the New Beetle with a 1.8L, V5 turbo, in-line, gas engine.
Specs: Wheelbase: 98.9 inches.
Cost: $19,000
Source: Auto.com
The turbo engine in the NB will be a 1.8 litre 4 cylinder engine, similar to what is available in the Passat and the Audi A4.
The VR5 you refer to is basically the VR6 engine with a cylinder lopped off. It will be normally aspirated, with a displacement of 2.3 litres, and available only in Europe (for the time being).
I think the confusion is that both the 1.8L turbo and the 2.3L VR5 make 150HP.
Am just da messenger...
In any case,this is still great news for folks waiting for the GLS/GLX Bug...
Cheers!
http://www.auto.com
and see the "funny"(?) Beetle 1.8t "V5" report..
What do you think?
carlady/host
Christmas present? Yep! '99 NB TDI in bright red. Lovin' it (when I can crowbar my wife out of the car so I can drive it for a few minutes). Just filled the tank for the first time; $11.50 for three weeks of driving (43MPG).
Let me update some of the stuff here:
1) If you check my post #172, you'll see I've owned a lot of VW's. I can say one thing without hesitation: VW ALWAYS has problems w/a new model or major redesign. Hang in there and keep after your dealer (or call VW USA). Most of them want you as a customer, and they'll make you happy. VW USA definately will.
2) VW Dealers: I've had great luck with them. However, DON'T PAY A PENNY OVER MSRP. Dealers make money selling cars. Dealers also have a lot of incentives to sell you a car that's actually on their lot, especially if it's been there a while. Rictra1, on my PC I can make you an extremely official looking invoice which will clearly show that I paid $8000 for my TDI (it was $18000 w/destination, a little under MSRP), and I can make the dealer add a spoiler and sunroof at no charge. Bottom line: DON'T TRUST ANYTHING A DEALER TELLS YOU UNLESS YOU CAN VERIFY IT FROM ANOTHER SOURCE. You may not be able to find a Bug for UNDER MSRP, but you shouldn't pay a penny more , either. Don't give in to your need for a Beetle. Stick to your guns unti the dealer offers a fair price (MSRP or less).
3) Finding Dealers: My local dealers here in SE Connecticut (Valenti VW and Langan VW) have over 60 '99 GLS gas models between them, lots of colors, and a few TDI's thrown into the mix (color selection is poor on the TDI's). Try http://www.cars.com for a good dealer search function which lets you specify how far you're willing to drive. You can also go to www.edmunds.com and use the "autobytel" feature to get a low price quote from a dealer "near" you (could be up to 50 mi away, maybe more in some rural areas).
4) Availability: This is FOAF (friend of a friend) data, but it didn't come from a car dealer. Leather upholstery and sunroofs are going to be made "later this year". Leather WAS being made, but they stopped due to quality problems. If you find one, it's one of the first '99 bugs off the line. According to my source, "later this year" is defined as "whenever VW can make enough of the GLS and GLS TDI to meet current demand, and not before." Could be a long wait.
Sorry I got so long winded. I'll have to come back more often.
Will be negotiating the deal today.
$1995 for wheels = $399 for 5 wheels (if he gives you an alloy spare) or $498.75 for 4 wheels. You can get some VERY nice aftermarket wheels for these prices. Check out tirerack.com.
$795 CD: You can get this for less than $300 and install it yourself in 5 minutes.
$395 tint: I no idea what this should cost.
$795 cloth/paint guard = 1 can of scotchguard and a wax job? Check prices at a local detailing shop!
$795 LoJack: I no idea what this should cost.
--Mike
The LoJack price sounds about $150-$200 high to me (but I haven't priced it in a couple of years).
Havent given up, however. Another dealer, another $500 depo, another waiting list. I've found out that if something doesnt work out, its because there is a better deal around the corner. Sweet!
Mike
Let Joe at www.lvdi.net/~sushiman/index2.htm know about this dealer, he is compiling a list of all dealers and what they charge. His list is up to 131 now. He calls his site Bug Heaven. Anyone to pays that high a price for the Beetle is nuts, now that supply is starting to catch up. Good choice on your part to wait!
Good job to all you who resisted the slimy aftermarket offerings by your local dealers. Here's a good double check for you: if you can't go to Edmunds or Cars.com or Kelly Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com/) and find the option listed as a manufacturer's option with Invoice and MSRP prices listed, THE DEALER'S RIPPING YOU OFF. If he won't sell you the car without that garbage, walk away.
I did find one good dealer extra (once upon a time). The dealer worked with a company called Dynaplate. Basically, for $800, the detailer sold you a paint, vinyl and fabric protectant package. My first thought was that it was another classic scotchguard, armoral, and turtle wax rip off. Then I read the fine print. It turned out that you got 12 coupons to bring your car in and have it treated, but not more often than every six months. And they washed and cleaned the car before they did it. They offered a complimentary free treatment on delivery. I liked their work, so I gambled on the package. It turned out that I got six years worth of semi-annual detailing at about $67 apiece. So they're not ALL bad deals.
All you who ask if the NB is worth the wait, I can only answer with a resounding YES!!!!!!
The one thing I can say to all considering buying a Beetle(or any other car): Never fall in love until you drive it off the lot.
www.lvdi.net/~sushiman/index2.htm
We tried not to be too emotional about the car - there were others makes we wanted as well (this car is for my wife, and she needed something that gets good gas mileage).
It's a fun car, to be sure. Patience will be rewarded in the end.
Now the only thing I won't believe is the performance numbers. I think they're conservative. The NB sure FEELS peppier than 10 second 0-60 times.
For those of you who've read the Motor Trend article, has anyone tried their "old traditions die hard" test with your NB. I haven't, but my record was 10 in a Super Beetle. Since I got a good belly laugh out of it, I'll leave it at that and try not to spoil the fun for anyone who hasn't read the article but wants to.
And by the way, on winter driving, the record for Connecticut so far is: Winter Storms (including snow, ice, sleet, and freezing rain) -- 0, New Beetle -- 4. What a car! It handles as well in the slop as my Explorer.
I took mine yesterday. Red GLS with black interior. All options, no leather. Leased for 159 a month, 2600 down. I love the car it drives great it looks even beeter. The dashboard is fantastic.
Dan
The above link is the site of the Maternity Ward where several NB owners have posted photos of their newly adopted NB's. And, mine is there too. His name is HOOTER. I bought mine at Gerald Jones VW in Augusta, GA. I paid MSRP and $400 extra for the CD Changer installed. I was not on a waiting list. I emailed dealers a week prior to Christmas of my intentions to buy and several responded. My dealer in Augusta responded that they had a bright blue coming in which they swapped with another dealer. No one was on a list for it and I bought it on 12/24/98.
It is so pleasant to drive. I wish it got better gas mileage -- my Lexus LS400 actually gets a wee bit better city mileage (22 mpg). The Lexus does beat everybody starting from the traffic light and it would be nice if the NB did too. Guess I will have to wait for that new 1.8 Turbo later.
carlady/host
After two weeks, it didn't sell so we wholesaled it to the V.W. dealer.
Now, I don't know what model it was, but it was a gas version with an automatic. It was (and probably still is) red.
I decided to take it for a spin and found myself liking the thing! Hard to admit...
At first, it is a wierd thing to drive with the long dash and high ceiling. Nothing at all like my beloved 62 bug though.
Now, if I didn't sell Hondas and was in the marketplace, I still probably wouldn't buy one. I am not convinced that VW is bulding a car that will hold up long term. That remains to be seen.
But, still...I was impressed, and I can see why others are buying!
You ARE getting soft!!!
Interesting though that the first owner decided she didn't like it after only 1,500 miles and bought an Accord. I wonder what she owned before the Beetle. Any idea?
Also curious that your dealership wasn't able to sell it. What was it priced at? Maybe Beetle lovers wouldn't think to look at a Honda dealer. Any thoughts?
Pam
I think I know where you're going here. But one person trading in a New Beetle for an Accord is still just one data point. How many NB owners love their cars? Lots. And someone who really wants an Accord shouldn't be buying a Beetle--they are cars serving different niches. Anyone who needs to regularly carry backseat passengers will not be pleased with a NB.
Considering that used NB's are being sold for the same price (or even more) than brand new NB's, I would rather wait for my own than purchase one that's already been driven around.
You see... I'm also drawn to the New Beetle because of it's charm and character. But I'm not so pulled to it that I'll rush out and buy one. I'm afraid I would be just like the lady Isellhondas was describing. I think it's interesting and cute, but I'm unsure about's reliability and longevity. That's why I'm curious about why she traded it in so soon, and what she owned prior to the Beetle.
I would hate to buy one only to be so disappointed after a couple thousand miles that I went right back to a Honda. I'm currently driving a 1996 Civic Hatchback and thinking it's too small for me. Although a Civic Hatchback is a far cry from a New Beetle, it at least gives me an opportunity to own a small car to see how I like it. And it cost me a lot less than a New Beetle would, so I shouldn't be out too much money if I decide to go back to a Sedan.
Basically what I'm doing is watching and listening. I'm on an information gathering mission. If I tend to put more emphasis on negative comments than positive, it's because positive comments are easy to find. It's the negative ones that are less common and deserve some investigation.
Pam
Why are you so sure that your New Beetle will be very dependable? I don't know much about German cars since I've owned Hondas for so long, but I thought Audi's are better cars than VW's. I could be wrong, though. Plus, 45,000 miles really isn't much. Most any car should be worry-free for that long. How about after 75,000 miles or 100,000 miles? That's the test.
I also like the looks of the new 1999 Jetta - looks like a baby Passat. But, again, I would have concerns over quality and reliability. I've heard many bad things about Jettas.
Have you ever owned a Honda? Or have you always owned German cars? What else have you owned in the past?
I, too, was impressed with the NB's safety ratings. But it still comes down to reliability and quality for me. I guess it's a trade. Besides, it's not like a Honda is going to blow into a thousand pieces on impact!
How long have you had your Beetle and what color it is? Another thing I wonder about is the "new wearing off" and getting tired of the unique styling. Some days I think they're cute and charming; then some days I think they're just goofy.
I wonder what the reasons were that the lady bought the Beetle. I imagine as long as I waffle so badly about it, I better not buy one.
I beg to differ. My 2 1/2 year-old son gets toted around in the back seat of our NB every day. In fact if you ask him which car he wants to go in, he says, "I want ride in red car!" with a huge smile. He's actually got more leg room than in the back seat of my Explorer. And the person strapping him in can STAND (ok, bent at the waist, but your legs are straight) in the back to do it. Couldn't even do that in our Caravan!
However, as a 6'1" adult, I don't think I'd want to routinely take long trips in the back seat of one. But even I don't get uncomfortable on the ten-minute hop into town.
And I also agree that anyone who has traded in a NB already bought the car because of "Beetle Lust" and not because he really assessed what he wanted in a vehicle.
No arguments from me on that one. I saw a NB with two child seats in back, and neither child looked uncomfortable. But I'm 6'2". I've ridden in back for short drives, which was fine. But there is no way you're going to be toting around a (happy) family of 2 adults and 2 tall teens.
I'm not worried about the backseat because it will be several years before I have to worry about 2 tall teens. I love the car.
In light of things you've posted in the past, I took your note to be critical of the NB in a "See, another person bought a Honda instead" sort of way.
I apologize for misinterpreting what you said. I'm glad you're checking things out; it's too bad that this is a lousy medium for guessing someone's inflection and (therefore) meaning.
I have a bright blue Beetle GLS 5 speed with gray cloth. This car is very well designed, I like the front seat room, the way the controls are laid out and the general feel of it. I went to the dealer to test a new Jetta and decided on the Beetle after a test drive. It has a very high level of fit and finish, equal to any BMW, Mercedes or Audi I have owned. It just makes me smile whenever I drive it or look at it, this car is a keeper. I drive my vehicles for a long time usually 150,000 miles or more, my Range Rover has close to 150k on it and still runs great, my 92 Mercedes had over 200k and purred like a kitten, I had no trouble selling it before I was transferred. I like what VW has done with their models lately, thats why I had VW on my list of cars to check out this time around. After really evaluating what this vehicle would be used for the Beetle fit the bill perfectly and I saved several thousand dollars to boot.
If you really have to have a NB for the above situaton, you need three: One for the adults, and one for each teen!
And no, as the guy who would pay for the cars and the insurance, I certainly DON'T advocate that! If I had that kind of money, I'd be posting on the Rolls Royce or BMW 7-series board, not here.
(Can I have the last word? Please, oh Please, OH PLEASE!)