VW Beetle?

Question

Currently I have a 89 honda civic, and its on its last limbs, i am thinking of getting a VW Beetle(Ive always wanted one), used.....

any insights on this car?? is it a good car??

Answer 1

If you can afford the upkeep of a foreign made car...go for it.
They do cost a little more for preventative maintenance.
I have a VW Jetta TDI Wagon, 2005 model, bought new.
Love it, but I did NOT buy it used, didn't want someone else's used headache.
Drove a beetle once, not bad, fuel economy average for size and all.
Check out crash ratings and etc. before finalizing your decision. Check insurance rates.
I believe side crash impact ratings are lower on the Beetle.
Be careful, take your time and test drive, check out information thoroughly about the Beetle models, then decide.

Answer 2

With any VW Golf/jetta/New Beetle, its important that you have a complete service history beforing considering the vehicle; the generation starting with the New Beetle (1998), Golf/Jetta (1999.5 models up) have had a history of various issues, mostly electrical. Its important then to make sure that the maintanance is been performed according to the factory requirements: they can be reliable enough, but don't take well to missed or late maintanance schedules.

At this point, the early models, 98-2000, would be due for a timing belt replacment by time or milage issues; make sure if it has been done that they have also replaced the water pump, engine cam/crank/intermidate shaft seals, fan belts and hopefully, the timing belt tensioner roller as well. If they haven't replaced all of the above, then there is a good chance that you'll need to replace one or more of the above before the next scheduled timing belt replacement interval.

The New Beetle also has had issues with additional costs of maintanance due to its shape; the engine sits very tightly in the frnt, with very little room to work around.. The headlights and tail lights both have to be removed in order to insert new bulbs and radiator grill and radiator damage are fairly common items due to low clearance of the body.

They are fun to drive; are quirky beyond belief and drive reasonably well. However, you need to balance the "cheekiness" of the vehicle vs. the cost of maintanance and usefullness.

To me, you can do better with the Golf or Jetta of the same year than with a New Beetle; I have no ask to grind here, just being realistic about the vehicle (by the way, New Beetles have a lower resale value than the Golf or Jetta) and you should know what you might be getting into before purchasing one.

In any VW, make sure all the recalls/Updates have been performed; power window regulator cables and connector hasps(window to regulator) are known to fail on models before 2003 and are a subject of a extended warranty for 7 years from the date of sale, unlimited milage. As a matter of policy, most dealers have automatically performed the update to prevent the failure of the units. In addition, stop light switches, headlight wiring harness (New Beetle only), coil pack failures, have also been known to happen. On some years, the ABS computer has been an issue also.

This does not take into account other well know trim issues; glove box door, console arm rest lid failure, door panel arm rest colour fading etc.

If you are not the type of person to take care of the vehicle by the book, then you might not be a great fit for a VW. The people who have the best luck owning a VW understand the German way of thought and work accordingly.

I hope this helps, a car nut.

Answer 3

get a Certified pre-owner bug if you can afford it, they put on a 2 year or 24k warranty on it. Spend the money and do a carfax report. If you really want a nice beetle look on VW vortex.com and see what other owners are saying about the year car your looking at. Now when you buy a VW maintain the vehicle right and it can last a long time, and for the people that say it is more expensive to have the dealer maintain the car I say no kidding OEM parts and trained technicians working on the car other then some back yard grease monkey, I'll pay the additional cost.

Answer 4

If you have a VW specialist in your area you can buy a modern second hand reproduction on the original design and there should be no problem with getting parts when replacement repairs need doing.

Past experience of the original Beetle shows very reliable, economical on fuel. If the modern replica design is as reliable can recommend.

Answer 5

Well sweetheart, it depends on your use, if its just you in the car most of the time its a good car, easy to park and with plenty of power to have fun, (although in the US not much possible to speed) if you always have someone along for the ride then I would suggest a 4 door like a Jetta or any other brand, I specialize in German cars, that's why I only speak of what I know, I could not recommend you on other brands. Good luck on your choosing journey...

Answer 6

They are not well known for reliability.

(Notes below copied from net)

purchased June 1998 I/ $1500.oo Master Guard Platinum Plus warranty

at 23357mi :
1) stereo problems (they replaced it) warranty covered
2) engine hesitating at takeoff (replaced engine control unit due to ROM fault) warranty covered

at 40000mi :
1) the battery has died out on me twice (needed jump start) NO warranty cover
2) electrical rob. with door lock/arming system (currently replacing something in my driver door) warranty covered
3) driver window control switch sticks up and down position (replace under warranty)
4) check engine light (replace vacuum hoses) warranty covered

the dealer, McKenna in Hunting ton Beach, CA, told me that the vacuum hoses were cracked and broken causing my check engine light to come on. I asked if he thought that this was peculiar being the car is not very old at all and he said "Nope." just like that..

I told him I thought it was very strange.

also my battery needs to be replaced at my expense ($140) after only 3 years!!!!!! i asked him about it being related to the short with the door problem draining the battery and he said "Nope, it's just an old battery that needs replacing"

i told him that USUALLY batteries last 5 - 6 years minimum these days.. no response from him.

they've had my car 6 days now and i asked about getting a loner car because my warranty provides for one after the dealer keeps the car 24hrs.. he told me that they had no loners and that if i was told that by the sales person when i purchased the car, i was lied to..

he told me that "ALL salesmen LIE" those exact words came out of his mouth, i couldn't believe it!!!!

thanks VW of America!!!!!!!!!!!

ps. mine also burns approx. 1QT oil every 1000-1500mi

Answer 7

Sounds like a door lock actuator. They are about 300 to have done

Answer 8

i have a 2000 blue beetle and i love it! the only problem i've had is electronic....(blinkers..electric windows)...but it was simple and cheap to fix...and for a car that is 7 years old....i'd say that is good! : ) good luck!

Answer 9

I have not heard a bad thing about the new Bugs, except that it cost alot to repair.

Answer 10

Like the Honda it's junk,only more so. They have very poor rating in everything. Find something better.