Hello,

I was wondering if someone in the community has had experience owning a 2000 VW Beetle. My gf is thinking of getting one, but she keeps reading reviews about having electrical problems and maintenance issues with the New Beetle.

If someone can share their insight on how Beetle reliability is and if there are ne known issues with Bettles from 99-02.

Thanks.
-Ash.

 

shite...a lot of them had ingnition problems.

 

My friend's wife has a beetle...I don't remember which year. But her brake lights went out on her and he found out there was a recall or something about it.

 

I had a 2001 NB. My car "broke down" once in the 3 years I owned it. I think it was related to some engine coil recall, can't remember. The whole car shook violently when I applied the brakes. I was lucky to be able to drive home safely. Anyway after visiting the shop for that problem I didn't have any other problems since.

The technicians broke my headlight attachment though, and when one of my headlights fused I couldn't change it. sigh ...

 

i hear they're crap, and to avoid them

 

They are nothing but trouble.

 

Yep, the coil pack issue was a big one (audi were affected too), and alot of people have said they would never buy another new vw because of it...

Check out the forums at http://www.vwvortex.com/index.html

 

Consumer Reports has the New Beetle on their list of used cars NOT to get.

 

Thanks for all ur feedback guys. After all the feedback ive recieved from you and other, I think well be looking at some other make and model for her.

Cheers...

 

The wife is dying for a Beetle. A turbo beetle I mean....

 

heard its best to stay away..

 

I understand that the 1.8T's roof spoiler makes some annoying racket when activated.

 

Thats her favorite part, the spoiler.

 

I loved my bug when I had it. Then again I only owned it for 3 years.

 

Funny I never activate mine manually, but its supposed to automatically open up when you travel above 90mph. I rarely do that

 

For some of ppl, if u don't own a beetle, just don't fukin bs here.

My gf got a 01 beetle, it has never got any problem for 4 years.

so pls expain what does that mean---- "nothing but the fuckin' trouble" u mentioned?

 

Spelling this out for you Mio, anohka has to weigh your ONE experience with the New Beetle (which just so happens to be a positive experience) versus experience which probably encompasses more than one driver's experience with them (most of which seems to be negative).

So as a prospective buyer, which way would you lean?

 

for some odd reason my sister almost got a new 04 or 05 yellow one. even sat down with the salesman but they wouldn't come down much so she went and got a Element EX.

She said the turbo Beetle was "pretty peppy". I've drove a regular one(not the diesel) wanna talk about a DISAPPOINTMENT. I had to floor it to get on to I-75. and still I had a Kenworth blowing his horn and right on my back window.

So if she's gonna get one make sure she gets the Turbo one.

 

beetle is getting old and gettin on my nerves.

 

To be more specific, CR is quite damning on the reliability. Aside from the article referenced, I looked up the VW Beetle reliability records on their webpage; the electrical systems for VW Beetles is far worse than normal for all models built in 2002 or before. That impacts the ratiings for the "power equipment" as well. They also said the A/C malfunctions a lot, and that the body hardware is substandard. They also note the body integrity is not very good. Other than those minor items, it is cute as a button, and creates waves of nostalgia.

According to their ratings, the car cleaned up its act for 2003 or 2004, but before that, the car is a seething morass of problems, according to them, and they do not recommend it.

Having had a VW Jetta start tossing its electrical cookes at 50,000 miles with huge, huge expenses and massive management problems, I wouldn't touch a VW product until they clean up their electrical act. Electrical problems are pretty common in VW products, but aside from my general slamming, my comments about CR ratings are pulled from their webpage.

While I don't trust CR for commentary about driving "feel", I do trust their findings on safety and reliability.

 

Your sister got the one good one made that year. CR's statistical averages indicate that her experience is the exception.