Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Most popular vehicles
Popular New Cars
- New Acura MDX
- New Acura RDX
- New Audi Q5
- New BMW 3 Series
- New BMW X3
- New Buick Enclave
- New Cadillac Escalade
- New Chevrolet Equinox
- New Chrysler 300
- New Dodge Challenger
- New Ford Edge
- New Ford Escape
- New Ford Expedition
- New Ford Explorer
- New Ford F-150
- New Ford Focus
- New Ford Mustang
- New Honda Accord
- New Honda Civic
- New Honda CR-V
- New Honda Fit
- New Honda Odyssey
- New Honda Pilot
- New Hyundai Elantra
- New Hyundai Santa Fe
- New Hyundai Sonata
- New Hyundai Tucson
- New Jeep Compass
- New Jeep Grand Cherokee
- New Jeep Wrangler
- New Mazda 3
- New Mazda 6
- New Mazda CX-5
- New Nissan Altima
- New Nissan Maxima
- New Nissan Rogue
- New Porsche Cayenne
- New Ram 1500
- New Subaru Crosstrek
- New Subaru Forester
- New Subaru Impreza
- New Subaru Outback
- New Tesla Model S
- New Tesla Model X
- New Toyota 4Runner
- New Toyota Camry
- New Toyota Corolla
- New Toyota Highlander
- New Toyota Prius
- New Toyota RAV4
- New Toyota Sienna
- New Toyota Tacoma
- New Volkswagen Jetta
- New Volvo XC60
- New Volvo XC90
Popular Used Sedans
- Used BMW 5 Series
- Used Chevrolet Impala
- Used Chevrolet Malibu
- Used Chrysler 200
- Used Dodge Charger
- Used Ford Fusion
- Used Ford Taurus
- Used Honda Accord
- Used Honda Civic
- Used Hyundai Elantra
- Used Hyundai Sonata
- Used Tesla Model S
- Used Toyota Camry
- Used Toyota Corolla
- Used Volkswagen Jetta
Popular Used SUVs
- Used Acura MDX
- Used Acura RDX
- Used Ford Edge
- Used Ford Explorer
- Used Honda CR-V
- Used Honda Pilot
- Used Hyundai Santa Fe
- Used Jeep Compass
- Used Lincoln Navigator
- Used Mazda CX-5
- Used Nissan Rogue
- Used Subaru Crosstrek
- Used Subaru Forester
- Used Tesla Model X
- Used Volvo XC90
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Help!!!!!!
Pocahontas
Host
Pickups Message Board
FWIW
Thanks.
Luz
To mothertobe- Welcome to the Station Wagons Message Board! In addition to the feedback here, you'll also find some helpful information in Edmund's long term road test of their previously owned 1998 New Beetle. It covers the ownership experience between June 1998 through April 2000... with 24 articles. In particular, read the article for October 99 where there is specific mention of rear passenger space, car seats, and "loading up the little tykes."
Good luck with your decision, and please keep us posted. ;-)
Pocahontas
Host
Hatchbacks/Station Wagons Message Boards
Peyton Kramer in Hawthorne had a few (6 or so) '00 GLX's left, but not sure if it's worth saving a couple hundred (or G's?!) bucks to get last years model. Any suggestions?
In addition to the feedback here, you may want to check out Edmunds.com's Power Shopper. Good luck, and please keep us posted. ;-)
Pocahontas>
Host
Hatchbacks / Station Wagons Message Boards
Here's a list of the problems I've had since new.
Check engine light came on because of a faulty glow plug (a diesel component). Glow plug replaced and warning light reset;
A/C needed coolant;
Minor squeak in the rear seat latch;
Right window lift mechanism broke (cost: $330 to fix!);
All of the repairs except the window problem were fixed under warranty, plus all maintenance was covered too under the free factory maintenance plan. So my experience has not been too bad. The TDI gets great mileage so this is a bonus in these days of high gas prices. I recommend this car based on my experience.
Dana
I'm starting to get into the new car market and the Beetle is on my list. If I can't get this champagne color through the factory I will go with Batik Blue. Thanks to all.
My local dealership had a champagne colored beetle on the lot a few weeks ago. I thought it might have been an early 2002 car, but nope, its a 2001.
For 2002, VW is changing some of the stock colors. There will still be a blue, red, yellow etc., but I think the hues will be slightly different. You might want to check into that before you get totally set on having Batik Blue.
-susan
I'm mad beyond anything, I just came off the phone with her.
The cars direvers side window one again fell apart inside the door. So far she had following problems (36k miles).
All (I mean ALL) electric switches (AC, windows on both doors, radio,etc..) just broke. I broke the drivers side window switch by pressing it in order to lower the window.
The belly protector pan fell out in the car wash.
Oil pan (??) fell out in another car wash.
Drivers side window broke inside the door while lowering (twice), passenger side window broke too.
AC died twice, left wiper fell apart (arm disconnected from the rotating mechanism).
There were few more smaller problems.
What the h*** did VW do with this car.It looks so cute but is the biggest piece........
Then they wonder how come Honda is no.1 with their Civics.
Dan
I have a 2000 Beetle GL with automatic transmission. My teeenage daughters drive it now, and all I get to do is service it, and give it back. I got a complaint from them that the "check engine " light came on while I was out of town on a trip. I told them to make sure that the gas cap was screwed on tight, because a loose cap WILL cause the light to come on. Well, after that, it still stayed on. I came home, and found something strange....the little vacuum hose that connects the fuel pressure regulator to the intake manifold was worn out from the heat, and had just fallen off. It has a fabric coating over the standard 5/32" hose. A quick trip to Autozone, and I had a foot of hose in my hand, ready to replace it. I replaced the hose, and noticed no difference in the light, so I drove home. Once home, I looked around for more broken hoses, and as luck would have it, I found 1 more hose broken, and one more ready to break. Another trip to Autozone, and I got 4 feet of this hose, and started replacing it everywhere it looked bad. The car was hot, and I had to wait. One of those hoses goes to the diverter valve near the EGR valve...what a pain to change.
Anyway, the light still won't go out, and the best thing the dealer can tell me is that he can turn it off for $90.00, IF there is nothing else wrong. Those vacuum hoses can INDEED turn that light on, but I also know from personal experience that the computer will reset itself after a series of "cycles", or periods of time where the engine is started cold, and driven, and then allowed to cool off before repeating the process again. On my last car, it took about 3 days for the computer to correct itself.
I will keep you posted "when/if" this light goes off during the next week. I am sure that there are no more faults, as it once again runs smoothly and evenly. vacuum leaks cause misfire, and sooty exhaust..(both of which this car had until I replaced those hoses.)
Wish me luck,
Respectfully,
GSEREP1
- Anthony
Incredible.
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks / Station Wagons / Women's Auto Center Boards
Read the full story here: 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S, by Liz Kim. Thanks for your comments!
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks / Station Wagons / Women's Auto Center Boards
Please drop by and introduce yourself in Meet the Members.
Thanks!
KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs
Last week I test drove a Turbo S. The verdict:
Drive train - 1.8T, 180 hp, 6-speed, ESP: A+ (big grins all the time!)
Instrumentation - large speedometer, tiny tach and gas guage and no temp or oil pressure guages: F- (What were they thinking????)
Automatic spoiler deploying at 45 mph with a loud clunk
and retracting with an irritating whir at every red light: F-
("This is your brain on dope")
Slippery leather seats: D-
Overall: D+/C- Nice try, better luck next time. This is a shame, because with good cloth or sticky suede seats, a large tachometer and other guages, and a spoiler that deploys at 65 mph or so this could be a very entertaining car. As it is I would not consider buying one.
If VWA offered this drive train in the GTI I'd have written a deposit check on the spot. The GTI 5 speed transmission is stiff and clunky. The shorter-throw 6 speed is much improved albeit not up to BMW standards. It will be available on the GTI only with the V-6, which makes the car feel front-heavy and ponderous. I drove the Turbo S in Frederick, MD. The twisty back roads were still wet and perhaps just a bit icy. The ESP was great in these conditions. It was not noticeable, but kept the car stable at all times.
How much IS this WONDERFUL DEVICE? As a follow up to the previous post, I was able to find a dealership that checked and turned off the check engine light in about 2 minutes for free. I found that 2 vacuum lines were broken from underhood heat. I replaced them. One was to the fuel pressure regulator, and the other was to the air diverter valve. All fixed in no time flat for about $3.00 and my time.
I agree with another writer about the need for a MAJOR extended warranty plan. This car has the potential for being a giant NIGHTMARE. It is either one thing or the other.
Some other gripes that bug me. Rear Brake Pad life. It is horrible. I know that pad wear is primarily determined by usage, but 20 to 25,000 miles in stop and go driving is pretty extreme. I used the car primarily for freeway driving for the first year and a half, and I was able to squeeze nearly 48,000 miles out of the original set of rears. My daughters have not been so lucky because they drive in the city, and I suspect, a little more aggressively..(for sure). The dealers admit to the fact that the rears wear out faster anyway, but that is a bit severe in my opinion.
The fronts are bullet-proof. They still look good even after 72,000 miles. By the way, the front pads cost about $160.00 a set for the "ITT style" of pad. This style has a "sensor" embedded in the pad. If yours has wires on the front pads it is the ITT style.
The other style is the "FS3 type". It has no wires, and costs only about 30 dollars less. Very expensive for pads. I feel that the proportioning system is geared towards the rear, which saves the fronts. I was told that the were ALL like this.
My other gripe is the electrics. I have had an airbag module replaced at 53,000 miles. VW stepped in and fixed it after some negotiation on my part. NOW I have one cooling fan that does not come on. The small fan cycles normally, but the BIG one does not. I am sure that the engine is hot enough for it to come on. I suspect a bad motor. More money for sure.
I already have this car paid for, and I want to get some more usage out of it before getting rid of it. However, if it continues on this path, I will be forced to dump it real soon.
Thanks again,
GSEREP1
My 12.3" Big brake kit squeals sometimes.....
My wife thinks the Beetle is cute. What's your recommendation on it? Reliability (still) an issue? Bear in mind she is used to Honda's legendary reliability. BTW, does the standard Beetle security system offer passive arming and auto relock?
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Reliability - The only problems we've had is the sunshade breaking (replaced under warranty), a window switch breaking (replaced under warranty), the climate control light burned out (I bought a new bulb for $1 and replaced it myself) and that's all I can remember.
We have the 2.0L engine, and it's just alright. It doesn't get too great of gas mileage, it's loud, and not very powerful. However, it has a good amount of torque, and it's relatively cheap. Also, it likes to drink oil, and it seems as if most VW 2.0L engines do. VWoA issued a TSB on this problem, and it's being looked into. However, for 03 there will no longer be a 2.0L engine anymore.
For your other questions, I don't know. Check out VWvortex http://forums.vwvortex.com ,click on Volkswagen, then New Beetle. You will be able to find plenty of information there.
You may also want to copy/paste your question into our Town Hall VW Owner's Club Accessories & Modifications discussion. Someone there may be able to respond to your question. Good luck. ;-)
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards
Two trims (GLS, GLX, no more base GL)
Standard cold-weather package for all Beetles
Standard 17-inch alloy wheels for GLX
1.8Turbo for GLX only, no longer for GLS
No more Monsoon stereo upgrade as stand-alone option
No more grey interiors (includes cloth, leatherette and leather)
Initial launch was suppose to be April/May 2002.
The delay is related to two issues, the top and the automatic transmissions.
The final design of the car has been settled and the car is in prodcution.
VW/Karmann feel the top needs to be easier to "latch" at the windshield then it currently is, and a fix is in the works.
There is a shortage of automatics and this will lead to the car being launched initially with the 5 speed only. This was decided on to prevent any further delay in its' launch window.
Regarding the top, it will be a conventional top, with a glass rear window.
The turbo versions will get a top mounted speed activated spoiler much like the coupes.
The car will also be equipped with a "pop up" style rollbar, that will activate like the ones in the Mercedes Benz SL's.
The current New Cabrio (Golf based) is still in production but has been cut back to just the GLS and GLX models and only in automatic transmission.
It is also available in a limited palette of 6 colors.
As far as I know it will continue for a while alongside the NBC until there is no longer any inmterest in it. It will be available as a 2003.
Beetleenooz.
Dealer wouldn't budge on Sticker, something like 22.5K. What do you think? Or wait for convertible.
What do you think of Snap Orange, and they say it's limited, any numbers on how many is limited?
Dealer quoted their cost of Cd Changer installed is $490? Should I go for it, or can I find it cheaper and what does installation take?
Any other recommendations---Thanks?
I have a idea for you, how about you tell the dealer that you will buy the Snap Orange Beetle for MSRP IF they include a CD Changer, installed. This will cost the dealership around $200, save you some $, and still leave PLENTY of profit for the dealer. The VW CD Changer new is available in the classifieds on www.vwvortex.com for $200 to $250. Good luck, I am amazed that you would be converted from a Passat Wagon to a NB, make sure you are not buying on sheer emotion.
I have a idea for you, how about you tell the dealer that you will buy the Snap Orange Beetle for MSRP IF they include a CD Changer, installed. This will cost the dealership around $200, save you some $, and still leave PLENTY of profit for the dealer. The VW CD Changer new is available in the classifieds on www.vwvortex.com for $200 to $250. Good luck, I am amazed that you would be converted from a Passat Wagon to a NB, make sure you are not buying on sheer emotion.
BTW, the link to the classfieds is http://forums.vwvortex.com/zeroforum?id=48 (for Golf IV/Jetta IV classifieds). http://forums.vwvortex.com/zeroforum?id=50 (for NB classifieds). The G/J IV classifieds forum gets a lot more hits, and I believe that the CD changers are the same for both cars, but I will double check tomorrow as I have a GTI and a New Beetle.
Good luck.