VW New Beetle (GL, GLS & GLX)

wfreeman · November 1999

Ordered Silver TDI on June 30. Picked up same on November 2. (Paid MSRP)
On November 4, during first road trip, the car broke down 70 miles from home. Called VW road side assistance and was towed back to dealer. Wasted 5 hours of day off.
The front axle was not tightened properly at factory and "dropped". It tore a "boot" that holds lubrication. TDI will be in shop for 4 days awaiting replacement boot.
I am not happy. Sales person is very blase about the whole thing so this must happen a lot.

Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions?

karnesjm · November 1999

Our 2000 1.8T is doing great. 1K miles and able to drive a little harder-wow! Took a road trip last wknd and averaged 33 MPG on the Interstate @ 70 MPH- we are averaging 27 in mixed cycle. Al Johnson VW-Volvo in Dalton, GA has treated us great!

elainebear · November 1999

I would lay this blame partially on the dealer itself. All cars come from the factory not 100%. I know this sounds bad but the dealer (upon arrival of the car) should inspect the car and align and tighten what needs it. For example most cars come to a dealer with alignment problems and part of prepping the car involves doing little tune ups so this kind of thing doesn't happen. When my sister bought her NB, we got a tour of the place she purchased it from including the maintainance area. The had a ton of new cars being given a once over. To me that is part of the dealer's job. Maybe at your dealer this is common but I haven't hear this anywhere else. I hope I shed some light on this terrible situation.

mzn · November 1999

Have you been following the long-term road test of our 1998 New Beetle? Please, take a look and then share your experience with us.

carlady/host

dspratte · November 1999

I've looked, but can't seem to find any online.

hrpreo · November 1999

We just got our new 2000 GLS TDI Yellow Beetle. It IS a great automobile and not just a cute car. We got 49 mpg of the first tank of fuel. Our's is a 5 speed with the factory installed CD.

Only caution is be careful pulling up to curbs. Pretty low clearance!

We bought our car for sticker at Zimbrick in Middleton, WS. Excellent dealership!! Talk to Robin Hellrood

REO

govu · November 1999

I took my silver TDI out for a little road trip this weekend, and found that in and around Chicago it still creates a bit of a buzz. For the first time I had to answer questions about the car and got waves and smiles from a few Porsche drivers (as they blew past me).

I even got to tail an Audi TT for a stretch...that was great.

400 freeway miles and I hardly noticed. I love this car!

veloce76 · November 1999

Just bought a used 99 GLS w/7,800 miles last week. What a blast to drive. One problem has developed...the turn signals only blink 2 to 3 times then stop (light stays on, but doesn't blink). Has anyone had this problem? Thanks.

kjaurelio · November 1999

I went to a hockey game last friday night. On the way home I wanted to see if the sunroof would close when I hit 95mph, well, I got up to 105 and still nothing. Then I remember reading in the manual that if the 'roof is 'tilted' it would close ~95mph. I couldn't get the roof to tilt up, then I remembered you have to slow to 75mph to 'reset' the spoiler (I have a GLX). After I reset everything, I tilted the roof up and went for it! At 95, I could tell the air was rushing over the car differently (must've been the spoiler) and then the roof closed automatically. COOL! :-) I LOVE my car!

gentlegiant · December 1999

Anyone have any response to the new Consumer Reports 2000 buying guide? The NB is their highest rated small car, but they do not recommend it because the reliability is deemed to be below average. Thoughts? (I take delivery of my 2000 Silver TDI on Wednesday).

gentlegiant

zderf · December 1999

Judging from my expereince with our 99 GLX Turbo, and now our 2000 GLX Turbo, reliability could be a long term factor. Looking at Automobile Mag's GLX and Autoweek's GLS, they've had some issues as well.

Hard to say tho. Looking at Edmond's '98 long termer, they've had no problems. If you like the car, roll the dice and go forward.

I don't see how CR could have enough long term data to draw a position as yet, but they are often correct.

Feeling Lucky?

Zderf

govu · December 1999

If you're getting a silver TDI, you should be! I love mine.

I would agree with zderf here--on what is CR basing this? VW has had problems, but the quality is now much improved. Apart from a few scattered incidents (sorry about your luck, zderf), I have heard nothing but praise from other NB owners, especially with the TDI. Buy the car!

jtaim · December 1999

If you're considering a new 2000 NB, I wouldn't let all the negative reliability stories get you down. The NB started production for 1998 and it's expected that certain bugs have to be worked out at the plant. I'm confident the NBs being built now are put together a lot better than the ones last year and the year before.

dhk · December 1999

I was a little disappointed to see that in CU also. They don't make up the reliability data though, it's based on the annual reader's survey sent to all their subscribers each fall. So, the data was based on '98 and '99 cars. A few quality/assembly problems would cause less than average rating, since most new cars are now very reliable..ie, about one problem reported in first year with average car in their survey. Personally, I don't think this means a thing concerning long-term reliability; believe that will continue to be fine.

cookw · December 1999

My 2000 NB with 8500 miles on it has been using one quart of oil every 2000 miles. Is this normal?

k273 · December 1999

My 1998 2.0L NB hasn't used used an ounce of oil yet, with 24000 miles (38000 km) on the odometer.

I've had a few other problems with it though, the latest one being starting the car in cold weather. I had the car towed to the dealer, where they replaced the battery and the car works just fine since then. The original battery was found to provide 7V instead of 12V. While changing the battery they also found an electric drain of 180 mAmp somewhere in the car, but it didn't last long enough to locate its origin. I was told that a drain as high as 180 mAmp would empty the battery overnight. So, it seems that for extra fun, this electrical problem is INTERMITTENT! I had the car checked once more since then, but the battery drain was found to be normal at around 30 to 40 mAmp. Right now, I'm wondering if the alternator might not be the culprit in this battery problem and I would like to ask if anyone experienced any problems with their electrical system on 2.0L NBs.

Another annoying problem I'm having with my car is that the gas hatch refuses to open in cold weather. It's pretty embarassing when you're running almost out of gas and when you're afraid to pull too hard on the wires in the trunk, for fear of pulling the wrong one. Anyhow, I was told by the dealer told that it was merely a problem of water freezing inside the lock and that lubricating the lock with some vaseline would prevent it. Well, let me tell you that it didn't! So, once more, I would like to ask if anyone out there experieced the same problem with the gas door and how they had it fixed.

While I had my car serviced, I asked the mechanic at the dealer what were the most common problems they had to deal with on the Beetles. He said that according to his experience, rattles were the most common and also the most annoying problem on New Beetles. They're apparently quite sneaky and difficult to locate. I for one got so used to mine that I'm not noticing them anymore.

xvwx · December 1999

I OWN A 2000 NB TURBO AND I READ THE OIL STORY LAST WEEK AND CHECKED MY OIL AFTER 2500 MILES. IT WAS ABOUT 1/2 A QUART LOW AND I ENDED UP PUTTING TO MUCH IN OUT OF CONCERN. I'VE READ THE BAD STORIES ABOUT THE NB BUT IN ALL HONESTY ITS BEEN AN EXELLENT EXPERIENCE OWNING THE NB. MY CRUISE/C INDICATOR DOES'NT COME ON BUT THATS IT.

beetlefan · December 1999

Our 98 Beetle was a passive participant in a three car accident and our car was totaled. Our car was hit hard on the right front drivers side, the air bag in the seat went off, and my wife and her mother walked away. The body shop at the VW dealer told us that our car gets the award for the hardest hit on a Beetle that he's seen since they came out. Thank you VW for constructing such a crash worthy vehicle. For that reason alone, besides the fact that the car is so damn gee-whiz, we are going to buy another one.

mzn · December 1999

I am thankful that your family was not injured. I hope others fared as well.

The New Beetle has excellent safety features. It's too bad you had to find out the hard way!

carlady/host

gotnads · January 2000

I am an avid follower of the VW Beetle monthly update. It seems the new way to do the update is to not do it at all. Where is November's update? It is now January and the new guy has not produced the update. Can his rear and get somebody in who can do the job. I am going to buy NB TDI and until I do I am watching Edmund's closely.

Crack a whip over that slacker's head!

mzn · January 2000

gotnads, I know that some changes are in the works concerning how reporting is done on long-term test drives. Have you had a chance to read this notice about the schedule changes?

carlady/host

gotnads · January 2000

And obviously it is not being adhered to. There is no mention of the possibility that the updates would be 2 months behind. This is not an improvement in the information your website offers, but a BIG step down from what it used to be. If the updates can't be done on a regular, reliable schedule anymore why bother to do them? This way Edmunds could be a run-of-the-mill buyer's guide and readers would not expect any more from you.

fordbuyer · January 2000

Just a note of caution FYI. We had a 98 Beetle which we loved, which was unfortunately involved in a major car accident in Sept.'99. The Insurance agency of the party at fault{ we were broadsided} picked up the tab for the repairs and for the rental, thank goodness, because we waited for parts to arrive for NINE weeks. VW up through the corporate levels were contacted, and we were repeatedly told that the parts were on backorder, and were being shipped from Germany. Nothing we did affected this situation. We were on the verge of hiring a lawyer to get our car back, when the parts appeared. We were told that VW 's Beetle is in such demand that all parts being manufactured were slated for new cars, and spare parts were very hard to come by. Total damage was over 6k, and when we finally got our car back, it needed to go back for continued repairs 4 times in two weeks. We gave up and traded it in. It's a shame... we loved that Beetle, but could not handle the stress of waiting over two months for parts, and the risk that it may need unattainable parts in the future. Hopefully the situation is improving, and we wish all beetle owners better luck than we had. It's a great little car otherwise.

bug4peg · January 2000

Hi everyone - I've had my 2000 GLS turbo automatic (yellow :-) for 3 months now, and 3200 miles. By most standards, time for an oil change. Here's my question - has anyone gone the "Jiffy Lube" route? My dealer told me to wait until 5K miles, and to come to them, and my husband suspects that's because they cover the maintenance at this stage ... but my dealer is an hour out of my way. Thoughts??

lilbug · January 2000

Help!!!! My NB 1999 (Lime Green

) has a small problem with the rear hatch, I have only owned my car for 6 months and I love it except for this small problem, I have to unlock the hatch 3-4 times before it will open!! Is anyone else having this problem? Also my dealer said to watch for a recall on this, anyone know anything bout this?

icabod1 · January 2000

New engines need a bit of break-in time, and I would expect that some oil would be used up for the first couple thousand miles as the piston rings and cylinder walls wear themselves down so that they match. So I wouldn't be worried.

mknight · January 2000

5000 miles is the recommended oil change interval for all new VW products. Don't change the first crankcase full of oil early because it's a special blend "break-in" oil they put in at the factory.

Oil changes are covered for the first 24k miles, so you get free changes at 5k, 10k, 15k, and 20k. There's probably an air filter change in there too, and free tire rotations at 10k and 20k.

--Mike

elainebear · January 2000

I have heard dealers try that crap before and I don't believe it. I say 5000 is too far to go without an oil change (or three months whichever comes first). If you really want your oil changed you can do it... and do it as often as you like. No harm will come to your car.

dhk · January 2000

I don't know what "break in" oil is either, or where the factory would get it. Agree you can change it whenever you want to, but I don't think the 5000 interval (or six months) is too long. VW and all the other manufacturers wouldn't specify this interval if they thought it was harming the engine or compromising the 10 yr/100K warranty. Today's lean-burn engines and improved oil just doesn't require the changes like we've been taught. New MB's come with a time/temp monitoring system which turns a light on when its time for an oil change; I've read these routinely go 10K miles between service indications.

mzn · January 2000

Friends, ask your favorite mechanic about break-in oil. Almost every manufacturer is using a special initial blend oil in new cars. Those first miles are hard on your car's lubrication system and it needs all the help it can get.

It's funny about the 5000 mile oil change. Manufacturers went crazy trying to design cars with a longer period between changes because they thought their buyers would be attracted by that. The only problem now is that the customers don't believe them!

carlady/host

tbrodie · January 2000

While shopping for a NB, I read all of
the threads I could find here.

I've since bought one and *really* like
it. Needing an automatic, I initially
was searching for the turbo with an
automatic, assuming the turbo would
make up for any additional performance
loss from that auto trannie.

The turbo really moves but it wasn't
as smooth as let's say a Saab turbo with
an automatic. I only drove it twice but
the neck snapping acceleration was uncontrollable
with the automatic. I'm sure the turbo
is fun with a five speed, but having had
hand surgery twice, I dared not get a
five speed.

I was surprised, however, how well suited
the automatic was to the 2.0 engine.

ANYWAY...I had read here about cruise light
problems and thought I'd share what I
learned.

The VW docs are translated from German
and not localized for different markets.
For some reason, VW does not include the
cruise light for the US market but does
for Canada. When you start the car,
you'll note that the cruise light doesn't
come on and go out like the other lights.
There just is no socket behind the light
on American market cars, or so two
service managers have told me.

bostont · January 2000

I don't own a NB yet, but hope to in the near future. However, as for the oil change interval, you that get Click & Clack in your newspapers know that they recommend oil changes every 5,000 miles even if the manufacturers say 7500. I own a Rodeo and that's how often I get my oil changed.

mikesnb · January 2000

Dose anyone have trouble with the cupholders rubbing there right leg??.....I've test drove a yellow 1.8t GLS twice and both times it bothered the heck out of me? Can these things be removed or will I have to cut the left one out????

Peterun · January 2000

Almost new year 2000 GLX 5 speed. Runs like a perfect champ, except for one hitch: When coming to a stop, stepping on the clutch and allowing the rpm's to drop, sometimes, rarely, the rpms plummet fast to a low level and the engine stalls. Very disconcerting . . cannot duplicate at will. Anyone have any ideas on this? All help is appreciated. I have an appt. at the dealership tomorrow. Love the car . . but this problem is a real danger. Pete

kjaurelio · January 2000

mikesnb,

Try adjusting your seat (up/down, forward/backward). I had a problem with my knee touching the dash and just found a different position that is still comfortable. I sometimes notice that my leg is touching the cupholder too, but I can adjust the way I'm sitting and I'm alright (I'm 6'1"). The cupholders do come out if you want it to, just turn it (I think to the right).

bwmail · January 2000

I've had my 2000 GLX into the dealer twice now, the first time the gas hatch would not open, they replaced the whole latch assembly, works fine now but sits a little too high, I'll be back for an adjustment. The rear hatch has also not opened 50 percent of the time with the remote. They've adjusted it and said should be fine. It isn't. Still does not open on occasion. Going back for that too. Otherwise... love the car, well worth the wait!
Brian Waz

bwmail · January 2000

I've had my 2000 GLX into the dealer twice now, the first time the gas hatch would not open, they replaced the whole latch assembly, works fine now but sits a little too high, I'll be back for an adjustment. The rear hatch has also not opened 50 percent of the time with the remote. They've adjusted it and said should be fine. It isn't. Still does not open on occasion. Going back for that too. Otherwise... love the car, well worth the wait!
Brian Waz

lilbug · January 2000

Brian- Just curious when you took your car into the dealer and he adjusted the rear hatch did he say anything about a recall on it?

My problem is every time I take it to the dealer, the hatch works just fine, so they keep telling me that there is nothing wrong with it!! I really don't understand why it never works for me, but always for them!

Other than that the car is wonderful, I cant wait to see how it does in the snow as it is snowing here right now!!

govu · January 2000

Since I have a TDI, I can't really call it a gas door cover. Mine froze shut (*%&# freezing rain) a few weeks back and hasn't worked right since. I'm getting a whole new assembly put in next week.

deboj · January 2000

On January 4th I replaced my 16 year old S-10 Blazer with a 2000 NB GLS automatic. Since my old car was soooo noisy, I'm having a hard time judging if my NB is running properly. It has only 500 miles on it, which is still in the breakin period, but the engine seems to be louder now than when I first brought it home. The noise I'm obsessing over is when I accelerate -- my husband even says it's got the trademark putt,putt sound like the original Beetle, but I told him it wasn't supposed to sound like the original Beetle. Also, the day after I brought it home the check-engine light came on and stayed on. They said it was a bad sensor connection and it hasn't happened again since they fixed it (the old Blazer check-engine light was on for the last 9 months that I owned it, so that was the LAST thing I wanted to see on my brand new car).

Am I just being paranoid now?

I guess what I want to know from other NB owners is how would you describe the engine sound?

BTW -- I love my new car.

Thanks for any feedback.

gentlegiant · January 2000

Hello, all. I started the thread about reliability, but I went ahead and bought a great silver TDI. I'm at 1,300 miles, and I must say I love the car. Average 42-44 miles to the gallon--and that is in a Minnesota winter!

Problem: when I checked the oil, I discovered that it had used 1/2 a quart. I called the dealer, and the service department said this was normal for the TDI engine. Since this is my first diesel, I don't know whether this is true or not. Any advice? Thanks so much.

gentlegiant

kjaurelio · January 2000

Topic 146 talks about the TDI engine. I just poked my head in there and I saw a website address that specializes in diesel engines. You may find better info there.

Congrats on your Bug

btw - my wife grew up in Minneapolis, but we live near Atlanta now. 23 this morning...brrrr

Kevin
'00 GLX

mgr · January 2000

Havent posted in a long time. My 99 GLS auto has been great. Only problem, airbag light has come on twice. Dealer fixed. I added some upgraded floor mats and had the alloy wheels chromed. Looked Great! Evidently, a little to great.

Took her to the dealer for a little paint touch up. I've had the car for 11 months. Stolen! My wife was(is)devistated. She said she doesnt think she can drive another NB again without thinking of hers.

We have looked at M3, Kompressor, TT, Boxster(btw, 15000 between oil changes), but to no avail. I saw a green GLX w/ leather yesterday. I still think this car is a winner. If I can get her back in a NB, I think she will see that it is the best car for the money, also.

bostont · January 2000

Lilbug, did you try your Bug in the snow? Again I don't have one but am monitoring this site for future ownership. My sister lives in snow country, she has a 2000 GLS, her husband drives an Infinity (big black thing). They went out in the snow in his car and barely were able to turn around and get home without going into a ditch. They got in her bug and plowed past all the big cars stuck in the snow. She says it's great and loves it. It's her first "fun" car.

lilbug · January 2000

Bostont, Yes I did drive my bug in the snow and it was amazing!! It handled quite well, I am very happy with it, I am so glad I didn't go with anything else. With my old car(Chevrolet Cavilier) I was always running into curbs and stop signs and up on road dividers etc. And I thought that was going to happen. To me it seemed as though there was no snow and it drove perfectly!!! We did just get an additional 18 inches yesterday and its horrible here. I will admit though I haven't been out in this snow yet, cause I am scared of the other drivers, you know you cant trust them!

laturj · January 2000

Losing a NB is a bummer. I am curious, did it get stolen at the dealership - did they use the keys?? etc. We are very attached to our "98 and plan on keeping it for a long time, but ... a turbo would be fun.

hope it works out

jl

mgr · January 2000

jl

Yes, the keys were in it and they had just finished the work. The dealer pulled it around for a wash-up... gone. We had planned on keeping ours for a long time, also. It was a really great car. Oh well ;-

lbross · January 2000

I have a 1999 NB GLS with beige leatherette interior. I would like to install the same armrest that the newer models have. I have spoken to three dealers in the central Connecticut area, all of whom say that VW does not offer an armrest kit. I find this hard to believe since the armrest is now standard on the GLS model. Any suggestions?

horton174 · January 2000

Hello, I'm new. Maybe someone here can help me. I am nearly obsessed with the idea of having the NB GLX (automatic). But, my better half made me promise to come up with three choices. Trouble is, as you know, I can't find any other car that comes with nearly the same number of do-dads as standard equipment. Most are not even available options on other cars. Many of you have already done the shopping around, so can you suggest some serious alternatives for us to at least feel as though we've maintained some objectivity. Please refer to the profile for other considerations, and thank you.--Tom.

bostont · January 2000

I don't understand this "need" to have 3 choices. If you love a car then buy it. I fell in love with my Mitsubishi Eclipse at first sight and tried the 3 choices thing. Didn't do any good and I loved that car until it was knocked out from under me by a red light runner. I want a NB and I intend to buy one as soon as my lease on the Rodeo runs out.

VW New Beetle (GL, GLS & GLX)

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy