VW New Beetle (GL, GLS & GLX)

karnesjm · January 2000

Our 2000 1.8t NB is still doing great. Avg. 31 mpg (25%city/75%hwy cycle). I don't know how some of the mag tests show mileage as low as they do-must wring them hard! Back to dlr once for rattle (rear seat adjustment) and sticking hatch (lube gasket w/silicone gel) and all is well. Wish VW made provisions in US version for the Cruise indicator to illuminate. The NB gets more comments than any car previously owned-people of all ages love the NB. The people that ride in the 1.8t NB are blown away by the engineering and performance!

dhk · January 2000

Drove a NB GLX over the weekend, followed by a Jetta GLS TDI. Both were 5 speeds. Really loved the drivetrain and all the features of the NB; great fun to drive car. The suspension was softer than I expected, with a fair amount of body roll. On the other hand, squat/dive did seemed very well under control, and the ride was comfortable. I did notice what seemed like excessive wind noise in the NB vs. the Jetta; Wonder if any NB owners have complaints about excessive wind noise...or was I just going alot faster in the NB?

Last question, does it take awhile to get used to the seating position? It was very comfortable, once I got the seat up and the steering wheel adjusted, but still felt a bit like I was sitting in the middle of the car and couldn't see the front end at all.

govu · January 2000

dhk--

You'll never see the front end! On the plus side, it's not as far away as I think, so I always have plenty of room for parallel parking. Now that I'm used to the spacious dash, the inside seems HUGE and comfortable (as the owner, I never have to ride in the back...tee hee).

Considering my last car was an '86, my NB TDI seems incredibly quiet. Sometimes I can barely hear the diesel. Maybe you should slow down enough to keep the rear spoiler down next time.

kjaurelio · January 2000

Tom,

There are no other choices that I can think of. Especially if you want a three door with power. You can wait for the VW 1.8T GTI, it should be out soon. BMW dropped it's little hatch 3 series (not sure about headroom or power in that car anyway). I'm 6'2" and have a GLX w/automatic and the car is great. I have to have the seat almost all the way down so my hair (what's left) doesn't touch the ceiling (I have shorter legs for my height). If you fit well in the Beetle, forget other choices. My wife and I purchased a '99 Civic for me to drive (she was hoping I would stop lusting for the Beetle I had been talking about for over a year... I didn't). We lost some money, but four months later I had my dark blue/cream GLX! I have a great wife!! I had found a dark blue/gray cloth/auto I wanted when we got the Honda and would have saved a lot of $$ if we had just gotten the car I wanted to begin with. I'm glad we were able to get the GLX, nothing like having the ultimate Beetle!

mknight · January 2000

Tom, other 3-doors hatchbacks / coupe to consider:

Mercury Cougar V6
VW GTI GLX
Honda Civic Hatchback
Toyota Celica
Mitsubishi Eclipse
Honda Prelude

Note, the above is not an endorsement that these cars are any better, et cetera, just throwing these out there. I think the following might be even further down the list for consideration:

Chevy Cavalier Coupe
Pontiac Sunfire
Pontiac Firebird
Ford Focus
Dodge Neon

--Mike
99 VW Passat V6 manual

pccheng · February 2000

Just a word of caution for every NB owner. The oilpan, which is situated below the lowest point of the front bumper, is made of aluminum. IMHO, aluminum is not strong enough to withstand common road hazards.

Here's our recently distressing experience. Under normal city driving following a snowstorm, our 2000 NB 2.0L oilpan suffered from an unknown impact which cracked it. We have no idea what it was...we did not hear anything unusual hitting the underside of the car.

*ALL* of the oil leaked from the engine, and even topping it off barely allowed me time to get it to Jennings VW for service. They said that since it was due to road hazard, it would not be covered under warranty and would be $270 to fix.

We pointed out that the oilpan failed under normal city driving conditions, and that the use of aluminum for such a vulnerable part is a material flaw and thus should be covered under warranty. Jennings would not budge on their position.

I then called VWoA, and my case was handled in a very professional manner. Upon review, VWoA decided as a one-time gesture to cover the damage under warranty. However, I suspect they replaced the oilpan with another aluminum one.

So two take-home messages: 1) Be aware that road hazards such as speed bumps, potholes, and large chunks of ice may rupture your aluminum oilpan, and 2) VW is staffed by professionals -- treating them as such will help them understand your point of view.

Drive safely and enjoy your NBs!

- Paul

bostont · February 2000

I like the idea of the GLX with 150 HP instead of the 2.0L 115. However, you have to use higher priced gas for it and both my sister and neice, who own the GLS say they have no trouble driving up the long grades from Phoenix to Flagstaff, and that's pretty darn good.

dhk · February 2000

Paul: Glad VW covered you, sounds like you approached the situation very well and got a professional response. But IMO your "warning" may be misplaced. Many cars have had aluminum oil pans for years...from Escort to Ferrari. My daughter's 93 Ford Escort is one example. They can add stiffness to the block for reduced vibration and noise. To me, the alum oil pan represents impressive engineering; it certainly costs more than a stamped piece of sheet metal. If you hit something big enough to crack the aluminum pan, it may well have holed a sheet steel pan also. Many cars do have protective rails or shields underneath, to help the car ride up over curbs rather than hit the oilpan. Perhaps the problem is that the NB lacks these.

dhk · February 2000

Agree that the 2.0L engine is fine for all driving requirements. Heck, I thought the 90 hp TDI is plenty. Mature, rational people will go for these engines, save money and perhaps speeding tickets.

However, I made the "mistake" of test driving a 1.8T last weekend. I like the TDI too, and it will do everything I need, at 45-50 mpg, but not sure I can pass up that wonderful gas turbo motor.

horton174 · February 2000

Thank you both for the constructive suggestions. I have to see some other options for peace of mind, and the knowledge that I've exhausted the other possibilities. I'll try another one or two of your suggestions, but the more I learn about the NB, the more I'm sold on it.

I went an tested the Mercury Couger--'sahright, but eh...another headbanger. Went to a different VW dealership and tested the VW GTI GLX. Nice, but when I folded down the back seats, I couln't get back into the driver's seat! And so, that's that. So, tested the VW NB GLX again. Did the Rear seat Fold down test again, and, I'm pleased to say, there was no difference in the front seat room! Was able to get in and out same as when the rear seat is up. I don't bang my head on the NB either. The salesboy said the GLX models have a "rain sensor" that detects the presence of rain on the windshield and automaticly adjusts the wiper speed. I haven't read anything about this anywhere else, is it true? Or is this punk just trying to snow me?

The other thing I discovered at this dealership is that they are asking for a $1500 dealer mark-up on this car. They say other dealers are asking as much as $2500! For the NB GLX Automatic, with smoker's kit, front end cover, splash guards, and rubber floor mats. Plus 3% profit, destination charge, and 1.5% mfg advertising, I offered to pay $22,133--they laughed--I walked. Something funny about my offer? More advice?

mknight · February 2000

Your figure of $22,133 sounds about right for the car as you described it with 3% profit and 1.5% ad fee. It sounds like your dealer thinks he's in a high demand market if he's asking for a $1500 markup. I assume he meant above MSRP??!!

My first suggestion would be to call around to other VW dealers within say a 200 mile radius and make the same offer. Especially small town dealers that might not have as high a volume and thereby be more willing to deal.

My next suggestion would be to consider getting the car from a long ways away. I've heard of several dealers around the country that'll sell almost anything for $500 over invoice. Consider the difference in price between that and your best local offer and determine if the savings would be enough to pay for the trip to get it.

--Mike

mknight · February 2000

I know for a fact that the Passat GLX has the rain sensor, so the NB GLX probably does too. It's mounted in the rear view mirror under the suction cup.

--Mike
1999 Passat V6 manual w/ leather & luxury pkg

kjaurelio · February 2000

I don't have a rain sensor on my '00 GLX. Mine was built in August of '99, but I still have not heard of anything like that on the NB. I check out a couple other forums on other web sites each day (www.newbeetle.org and www.beetlebuzz.com are among the better ones). One thread that I've seen talks about the difference in sunvisors between the '99 and '00, of all things! I guess I have the '99 visors with the 'flip up' cover over the mirror. No rain-sensor talk.

I don't know where you live, but my dealer in Snellville, GA always has a lot of NBs in stock. Their web site is www.dwight-harrison.com. Friendly staff, but wouldn't give me the smokers kit for free (I use it for change). They charged me MSRP.

Kevin

kjaurelio · February 2000

Sorry, my dealers web site address is wrong in my previous post. It should read:
dwight-harrison.vwdealer.com (no www.)

Their web site shows 7 GLXs now (2 yellow, 2 blue, 1 silver, 1 black, 1 white).

Dov · February 2000

None of the NBs have the rain sensor. The Jetta GLX has it.

bostont · February 2000

Seems to me it would be fun to take your vacation someplace where they'd give you a really great deal on a NB. Fly there and drive home. Someone said earlier that there's a dealer in San Diego who gives good deals. Don't remember who though. That's something I'd be willing to do.

Peterun · February 2000

I have a 2000 GLX 5 speed . . . at about 700 miles, the car began to stall when downshifting and coming to a stop. Spent a week at the dealership, where the problem was duplicated. Throttle regulator was replaced, which did not correct the problem. Finally, the "brain" of the car was replaced . . .and the car no longer seems to stall. However . . .I find that the RPM's still plunge down fast to about 500 RPM's and then immediately bounce back up to its normal position of 800-900 RPM's. Is this a normal thing? Should I still be concerned? VW of No. America extended my warranty to 36,000 miles or 3 yrs. due to the problem I encountered. Love the car, of course . . but still a bit disconcerted by this problem. Any help will be much appreciated. Pete

bostont · February 2000

Am I wrong or do the 5 speeds seem to be having more problems than the automatics?

snowbird25 · February 2000

I'm thinking of buying a NB GLX with an Auto.

The question I have is about the VW Bumper-to-Bumper warranty - 2 years/24,000 miles. (It's the lowest in the auto industry) I know about the 10yr./100,000 Power Train warranty (sounds nice), but I'm mainly concerned about the 2/24,000.

There sure is a lot of very expensive stuff that can break besides the power train: ie: Computers, Power Windows, Seats, Dash Components, etc...
I'm a little frightened..

1) Can someone share their thoughts on this issue for me?

2) Does VW offer an extended warranty on just the parts that are not associated with the power train warranty and if they do, your thoughts on that. (most extended warranties include the power train) obviously, you would'nt need that in view of the 10/100,000 that VW provides.

Thanks for your response

chi1 · February 2000

Hi everyone,
I'm seriously consider buying a new bettle 2000 GL and don't know much about the price of this car !! Is it still "red hot " and dealer still want it way above MSRP or has the price come down lately ?? I've heard that it has come down, don't know by how much.
I live in southern california.
Your info. and advice is greatly appriciated.
Thanks again

bluespower · February 2000

I have to disagree with that.

After driving the 2.0L engine for over 1 year I am sick and tired of its sluggishness. It is also very loud for such small and underpowered engine.
Rumor is that this glorified-lawnmower is going to be discontinued which means the resale value would go down the drain.

The TDI (with 90hp) feels lively because it actually has plenty of low-end torque. Unfortunately it too runs out of breath on the highway. When longevity and fuel economy is concern go with the TDI. If you do not want to deal with the diesel or performance is important, the turbo gas engine is your only option.

BluesPower

bambam2 · February 2000

Chi1,

Since you are in So. Cal, try checking out carOrder.com's site. Their prices on New Beetles for California residents are extremely competitive. I just ordered a GLS last week for only $400 over invoice. From what I hear some people are waiting weeks or months for delivery on their cars through carOrder, but it only took them 2 days to locate the exact color and options I wanted, and I should be receiving my car any day now!

deboj · February 2000

re: the glorified-lawnmower remark about the 2.0L engine.

I took my 2000 GLS automatic w/850 miles to the dealer because the engine was sounding terrible during acceleration and idling (stops signs, etc.). It performs great, but is no where near as quiet as when I bought it. They, of course, thought I was nuts and told me there's nothing wrong with the car. I KNOW it was not this loud when I bought it a month ago. Any suggestions?

mzn · February 2000

Good question, snowbird25. In addition to seeing what advice you get here from the New Beetle crowd, I encourage you to visit our Finance, Warranty, & Insurance conference.

You can use the Search feature on the left menu bar to help you narrow your selection of similar topics. Please, keep us posted on what you discover!

carlady/host

cefurod · February 2000

What about the Ford Focus? It's a great looking car and fun to drive.

mylittlepudge · February 2000

I'm stuck between the two. I know the price range is different, but I plan on leasing. The NB's residual value is through the roof! But what's the word on the street between the two? Should I buy the Focus or lease the NB TDI (both will probably be the same payment)? I'm looking to have a new car by Mid-June. Will there be a possibility of haggling down from the MSRP by then?

fortman · February 2000

Well, I know I'm biased (own a '99 GLS auto), but here's a bit of info to think about: the Focus is a brand-new model and the Beetle's been around for a couple of years now. Perhaps not a big deal nowadays, but I don't recommend buying a first-year model or makeover for a car. Practice makes perfect. I say, though, get the car you really really want. Screw the cost.

viking7 · February 2000

Does anyone have any experience with the VW Carbon Fiber Trim accessory? How does it look? How hard is to install?

bostont · February 2000

Any of you out there leasing your NBs? If so, for how long and are you planning to turn it back in at the end of the lease?

snowbird25 · February 2000

Maybe this will help???

Yesterday, 2/20/00, I was at a friends house, watching him install carbon fiber trim on his 2000 GLX Beetle (1 week old)(Silver with Gray Interior). He bought the parts from VW and the console trim cost about $150.00 and the Dash trim was about $225.00. The trim looked O.K. but still looks like it was just stuck on over the original trim. The edges don't look right where they meet the old surface. FYI: There are a lot of tiny little pieces you have to put on.

Anyway...back to the story. He started with the console. He peeled off the 3M tape backing on the main piece and promptly stuck it on the concole crooked. YOU ONLY HAVE 1 TRY WITH THE 3M TAPE ADHESIVE!!!!! He tried to remove the piece but chipped the edge pulling it up off the console. He also scratched the console surface pretty badly. At that point, he called a friend that works for VW and explained his situation. The VW guy just laughed and said that when someone orders a new VW and wants the carbon fiber trim put on in the shop, they all try and get out of it because it is so hard and you only have 1 shot at it after you take off the protective tape. He then went on to tell my friend that VW would not give him a refund of any kind for the chipped piece and that because he had started the installation job himself, they (VW) would NOT complete it for him. He suggested that my friend go to a body shop to have it installed.

Anyway...I've already talked way too much...If you decide to get it, be REAL CAREFUL when you install it. And also...check out a car that has it already and see if you like how it fits against the original part of the dash and console.

Good Luck!!!

viking7 · February 2000

Thanks for the info, I'll proceed cautiously...if at all.

deenie2 · February 2000

The writer of #278 says that the TDI has no good top end. Well, I had my '99 TDI, all 90 horses, up to 105mph last week and there was still more pedal left. I'd estimate the top speed to be around 115, maybe 120. That's enough for most folks, I'd imagine. I'm getting 45mpg combined city and highway, and that's mostly city. I normally drive at 75mph on the highway, which is just keeping up with traffic here. The TDI is a well engineered product.

dbousson · February 2000

Hi,

Just wondering if anyone knows if Mexico was the ONLY place New Beetles are being built? Are they building them in Germany and if so, are they importing any from there into the U.S.?

Thanks for any information.

kjaurelio · February 2000

New Beetles are only built in Mexico.

dougsaar1 · March 2000

Just bought a TDI from Al Packer VW in Baltimore. They were reasonable in negotiation and we settled on a price of $18.2K which included a CD changer. Maybe it's me but I saw no difference in the pickup between the TDI and 2.0 gas model. With gas prices at $1.50/gallon, thought this was the way to go.

kjaurelio · March 2000

I don't want to offend anyone, especially the great folks at Edmunds, but once you have purchased your New Beetle, there are other web sites with more specific forums set up. I always visit this one, www.vwvortex.com, www.newbeetle.org, and www.beetlebuzz.com. Come join other discussion groups! You never know what you may learn.

mzn · March 2000

And then come back and tell us all about it! :-)

carlady/host

newsbeetle · March 2000

I just adore my 99 new beetle. But be forewarned: buy the manual, roll-up windows. My passenger side power window broke at 7,000 miles. The driver's side is now sticking before it goes all the way to the top. A friend had hers break too. I actually wanted manual windows but could not locate a GL and went for the GLS at the last minute. One positive note: VW was fantastic about replacing the bummer mechanism. They did it in three hours on a Sunday afternoon -- and the warranty paid.

newsbeetle · March 2000

Yes, it's true, the 2.0 engine is going to be replaced by the 1.8 Turbo in the future, my VW dealer tells me. The VR6 engine is said to be the replacement for up-market Beetles. Rumor has it that 6-cylinder Beetle may carry the GTI badge.

bostont · March 2000

Doesn't the 1.8 turbo require high octane gas? I know that now it has 150 HP, but I thought I read that you must use premium gas. Am I wrong?

dhk · March 2000

Bostont: The 00 NB owners manual says "unleaded premium" for the 1.8T. The sticker on my gas filler door says PREMIUM, although the numbers following say 91/87 which is a bit confusing. My dealer, and others on the various vw sites, said that the engine will run without damage on regular, but produce less power and fuel economy. I'll stick to premium.

Newsbeetle: Your advice to buy only the manual windows is kind of difficult, since they only come on the base model GL. And, manual windows can fail also; the mechanism is basically the same after all. Since VW fixed this so quickly under warranty, I'm surprised your warning people not to buy the car equipped the way they want.

Dan
00 NB GLX 5sp

kjaurelio · March 2000

I haven't heard anything about this. I know there has been rumor that the 2.0 will be replaced, but I think the 1.8T isn't it (maybe a 1.8 w/o turbo). There will be a V6, all wheel drive model coming out for Europe only based on the Beetle Cup cars.

mgr · March 2000

Got the settlement on my stolen GLS. Had it for 11 months, recovered my original price plus TT&L.

Have orders in on three vehicles, also looking at classics, but may have to replace with another beetle. Any word on the convertible?

mknight · March 2000

I know of one dealer who's taking advance orders on the NB convertible already. According to him it's confirmed as an official product which should be arriving about this time (March) next year.

--Mike

mknight · March 2000

Just a heads up to everyone that I was by the Robert Bentley site yesterday, www.rb.com, and they claim to have just released a new electronic manual for the 98-00 New Beetle which covers all 3 engines.

It's a CD with the documentation in html format so you can access it with a web browser, Windoze or Mac.

--Mike

zderf · March 2000

I can say the VW has had production problems on the NB power windows. I'm on the second NB ('99 and '00 1.8T GLX's) both had drivers side window "stick" off of the truck. Both were corrected post haste, but, the root cause remains. I will no doubt hear more about that as the 2000 NB ages.

Good luck on the maintenance manual for the 1.8T. Without a $375K ATE stand, you won't be able to trouble shoot the "fly by wire" controls. Very very complicated.

Other than whatever.... the NB is a relative value for the $$$ vs driving experience.

Zderf

dhk · March 2000

Zderf: Since the brand-new cars exhibited this problem, I tend to think the weatherstripping material used must be sticking to the glass after it sits for a period of time. I use my windows daily, wonder if that helps keep them free. Other than that, do you think silicone spray on the weatherstripping is a good idea to prevent future problems?

kjaurelio · March 2000

Anyone lurking out there from the Atlanta area? I'm (sort of) organizing a drive up to Helen, Ga on May 13th. Email me if you're interested (kaurelio@promina.org). I have six others (besides myself) that have signed up.

This will be a day to meet each other and take a nice drive to the mountains, maybe have lunch together and you can still do your own thing.

coute · March 2000

So. I test drove my first NB GL today, and though I want, want, want, I need to know what everyone else who owns one what they think of theirs. I thought the manual shifting was a bit stiff- what do you think? Does that improve as parts "settle in"? How is the pick-up-and-go in yours? Also drove a jetta GL, & it has so much more power, softer ride than the NB GL with the exact same engine. I need advice-I may sound pathetic, but will someone respond?

snowbird25 · March 2000

I own a 2000 GLS Turbo (Automatic), purchased in Feb/2000 with 1200 miles on it.

Here's my problem...

After driving it for approx. 20 minutes or so, when I come to a stop and let it idle, I can hear what sounds like a mechanical clicking sound, almost like a check-valve clicking. You can hear it while sitting in the car and if I put the car in neutral, and rev it up a little, it goes away. Then it comes back again after a few minutes of driving. It has done it during the whole time I have owned it. The noise remains at a constant level when it is clicking and it sounds like it is coming from the area near the shifter console. Although it must be coming from the engine area somewhere??? At first I thought it might be something like the ABS system or some other system. I have not taken it in to the VW shop yet. I'm hoping that one of you New Beetle Guru's might be able to help me first.

Let me know if you need more specifics about the problem.

Thanks in advance for your help!!!

VW New Beetle (GL, GLS & GLX)

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