Owners' Reviews

My 2001 Turbo 1.8 Beetle had 25k on it in 2005 when we bought it. Now in 2013 it has 170k. I have had 7.5 years of pleasure driving it. The usual timing belt replacement, a new battery and a couple other things is all I've had to do. It recently has a slow transmission fluid leak, which we will keep an eye on. Yes the light bulbs are a pain to replace, but my husband watched a youtube instruction video, so can do that himself now. Bulb is only $7.00. Synthetic oil of course. It's a 12 year old car and still amazing!

One awesome day back in 1999 I was surprised with the gift of a groovy little red new beetle! Drove that bad girl right out of the dealership and boy do I regret that day. This car is adorable yes indeed, but it's just a mask for it's many malfunctions within. I've had everything wrong and spent a fortune on the beast but yet every month no matter how pampered she is something else goes haywire. Recalls galore, electrical issues beyond repair, things just stop working period no matter how many times you revive them. I do still have my car but its only because I just can't sell it. Think I'll plant it in the backyard with flowers growing from within or maybe take the engine out and put in a BBQ grill instead! More reliable anyway. My honest opinion, don't buy this year (1999) if you truly want a New Beetle for your ride. I'm sure newer years should have less issues, well hopefully anyway. Unless of course you have tons of money you like to spend on broken things, then in that case this is the perfect vehicle for you. Go for it. But don't cry when your in the broke house with a cute car sitting in the driveway not working, cause I warned you. It's like dating the popular girl and finding out she's a skitzo freak. NOT WORTH IT!

I bought my 2012 Beetle in November 2012. I discovered that my windows only worked after 4 or 5 tries. VW of A got them fixed one year later. The car is wonderful in every way now. I have not seen a 2012 or 2013 Beetle advertised on TV, in a magazine or on the road, why? I have a silver Beetle with black rally stripes. I get a lot of attention when I go anywhere or park. Why no advertising from Volkswagen?

I bought my '99 Beetle in '99.. Had 7 miles on it. Still have it, and still driving it with no problems, other than a 13 yr. old car would have..Biggest expense was catalytic converter went last year. Had it replaced and we're good to go!!!! LOVE my car, and it loves me!!!! You take care of it, it takes care of you.. I'm 66 yrs. old with my 5 speed Beetle and loving it!! So do my granddaughters!! Probably will outlast me!!

I am looking into buying a 1999 Beetle.. I am reading these reviews & now I'm torn!! My review is just what I think just going by a test drive.. Everything seems ok... but just worried about after..(If I decide to buy)

I've had my beetle for years, doing a god job on maintaining it, etc. Yesterday I pulled forward out of a parking spot, heard a loud crack. Apparently I ran over my left light eye (lens?) cover. REALLY?? How does that fall off??????? Possible glue issues?? Recall? Dont feel like this should be my responsibility. So the lens isn't good to use anymore. Anyone else experience this???

I love this car. It is my first car, I've had it for two years and I do my best to maintain it. The worst problem I had with it was that the power steering reservoir went (thought it was the pump at first), replaced that and no issue. It has 170,000 miles and it still runs pretty well. It's a daily driver and I drive ALOT everyday.

165k . Just put wire and plugs with a coil pack but other than that rolling on.

I just went through blog and if I would have heard all this 18 months ago I would not have purchased my 1998 Beetle. it had a bad mass air flow meter on it when I purchased it that I diagnosed on the spot when I Bought it. yea it was a Total guess. because it was my first non American car. but with gas price's and the fact that the man selling it didn't know what the problem was so I got a great deal $2,000 but it had 188,000 miles on it. now at 215,000 I have only had to replace the M.A.F.S. along with regular oil change's. and a starter. so I'am happy with the gas burning Manual trans,bug that gets 34 MPG.

love the car one glitch with the radio but other wise it is great

bought this car in 2004 with 36000 miles, have had nothing major go wrong except for headlights went out twice and needed cv joints after 206000 miles, the key to this car is to find a good NON dealership mechanic that will do the work reaonable and do regular oil changes and it will go forever,,,, love my car. cosmetically the interior is rather cheaply made , the plastic knobs will break after time, but it still runs like a top

I bought my 2001 New Beetle New; while the warrentee was in effect, only some minor problems, after the warantee expired, so did the beetle, slowly, piece by piece. The handbrake broke, came off in my hand, the catalylic converter went out, 600 bucks, the timing belt had to be replaced twice, the clutch went out, the air conditioner went out, the seat upholstery split, water pump went out... the headlights and tail lights take turns at going out, the tail light assembly popped out of the fender, seems the clips or whatever keeping the tail light assembly in place just simply disintergated, broke, to replce the tail light assembly about 300 bucks...all these repairs were very, VERY costly. I pity the fool who buys, and owns one. The ONLY GOOD thing about the beetle is the VW advertising....Das Volks is German Engernerring.

I purchased my 2001 Beetle used, based only because it was cute and I had always wanted one since High School, big mistake, I had it for ony 6 months, and the engine completely went out, (it had only 54,000 miles on it), thank goodness for the extended warranty, they kept my car for a 1-1/2 months..ridiculous, it is now slowy falling apart, all the cheap plastic parts in the interior, glove compartment cheap handle broke off (replacement $200, because you can't just buy the handle),antenna rotted and snapped off, all the cup holders brittle and broken, the plastic covers over the seat adjustments, the cheap brittle plastic that sits inside adjustment, broke off. I have also replaced the plastic cheap emblem wheel covers at least 6 times, and gave up after two more fell of (at a cost of $30. each). Also the front lights and rear lights constantly going out at around $30 to $40 each time. The only positive thing I have to say, is alot of head room and width in the front seat. BUYER BEWARE!

mother in law sold the car to us this june 2011, 1998 red beettle 26k ,bad part she stop driving a few years back, so far driver side window motor $350.00, rear brakes,capiler $200.00,alarm system sounds at any time whem locked.#400.00 for plastic cover under the engine.no fun

This car is cute as a button but it's been my worst nightmare...after two months after purchasing at a used car dealership with 74K miles the engine went out!!!!!!!!!! I'm paying for a car that I can't even drive!

I have a 2001 Volkswagen and have had it for 3 years, I have had no real problem with my car. I do regular oil change and filter. I use only synthetic oil. I drive my car all winter, with snow tires and it is great. I really like my car and plan on keeping it for a while. Great little car.

it need a fuel pump

I love my little Beetle. She is perfect for me. I've never had a bit of trouble with her. She is by far the best car I've ever had.

Worst car I've ever owned and I've owned quite a few. JUNK!

Car interior is small. Cupholders do not work well for any drinks. No armspace. Brakes wear out quickly. Drive train takes a while to shift or pick up speed. The electrical system seems to malfunction randomly. Bulbs are often replaced. The engine gets extremely hot. The air intake system seems to always need cleaning. The suspension leaves a lot to be desired. I feel like I am intensely hitting every bump.

This car has always been my dream car and boy it wake me up from my dream real fast. This car will make you spend a lot of money if you're not careful. It's good for short distances but I would never drive my car from Arkansas to Texas. I've had so many problems out of my car since the day I got it. You know the old lingo "lemon" well my car is bright yellow and yes I did buy a lemon. It's a waste, and I'm so ready to at least attempt to try and sell my car or get another one. This is my one and only volkswagen and I don't plan on ever buying one unless. I'm in desperate need of a vehicle. Dont' waste your time.

Lots of problems with this car....a money loosing hole.....cheap plastics, transmission slipping already at 2000 RPMs ……(90000 miles on it) parts are expensive to fix....electric problems ...water pump died around 75000... now leak inside from the A/C flooded the carpet by the front seat…broken springs before 60000 miles ….the plastics masks under the engine keep falling…catalytic converter died at 70000…..brakes that squeak …radiator replaced due to corrosion…...overall bad purchase...stay away from this ....what German engineering?!!! An embarrassment ....made and assembled somewhere in the basement ……rushed design....did I mention….. terrible coverage...lots of dead spots......dangerous for ramps and changing lanes on highways….

I have a 2001 VW Beetle turbo 5 speed. I always wanted a beetle and finally got one. Has been nothing but problems unfortuantely. I love this car but its a money pit. Something always goes wrong even if its minor it costs a fortune to get it fixed. Now my beetle won't even start and were trying to figure out what the problem is. IT has a lot of electrical issues. I would NEVER suggest this car to a friend. I love the car but I hate it too. Its a love/hate relationship. Piece of JUNK!!

I really enjoy my 2003 New Beetle! It's super fun to drive (it's a 5 speed manual). I bought the car one year ago, it had 64,000 miles and it now has 75,000 miles. The biggest downer is that we've put a total of $1,300 for repairs (that includes the oil changes and 2 new tires-the dealer we bought it from paid for half of the amount). All in all, that isn't too bad.

This is a great little car. The 2.0L 5 speed has lots of power. However the electrical system overall leaves alot to be desired, from the CEL coming on intermittently to the dashboard and interior lights wacking out. I rated the body a 3 because if lights need to be replaced, the whole front clip has to come off. HASSLE!

I will NEVER buy a Volkswagen car again - this car has been the biggest financial burden of my life... I bought it used, I've had it for 6 years - it has 180,000 miles on it... it is absolutely worthless. I have a major repair on it every other month - each one costing at the very least $1000... the electrical system is completely screwed - lights and functions go out constantly. The tie rod ends wear out within months of replacing them. The plastic parts are literally falling off of my car and have been taped into place (lights, body, knobs, the sun roof)... It looks like a 30 year old car. I do not abuse the car, or treat it abnormally, I use it to drive to school and work... on the highway... I have it maintenanced regularly... there is no excuse for a car to be literally falling apart before the owner's eyes within ten years of being made. Completely pathetic ... I would never recommend that anyone waste their money on one of these Mexican built pieces of crap. German engineering my ass!!

I have a 2001 VW Beetle and am really like this sturdy little car. It has lots of style and does the job of driving me everywhere. I have no complaints. My car does not age...or ages gracefully depending on your point of view. I hope to keep this a while longer.

2001 1.8L Turbo. I commute 110 mls a day RT. Bought used w/ 80k mls, almost 140k mls now & although I had to do the major 100k ml repairs, I love my car! No it is not perfect but what car is? Has a few glitches here & there but it hasn't really failed me. Its such a cutie & quick as a bullet!

Good little car - we're at 96K miles, and still going; however, lots of electrical problems over the years (both windows, various front and rear lights, radio, etc); also an almost constant oil leak for the first six years until a non-VW mechanic replaced a simple seal

I have much love for Beetle!

We bought this TDI in 99 and at the time the bug had 10,000 miles on it. We had problems with the power window controls and the turbo during the warranty period and they were fixed under warranty. However, we experienced additional turbo problems and the repairs cost us over $500. We experienced problems with the front and rear lights. Getting the Rear lights fixed was very expensive. I was unable to fix myself because the space to work in was so tight..Cost over $100 to have a bulb replaced. We are not happy with the wear on the interior. Material is frayed and the plastic on the door handles is chipped.I am also unhappy with how much it cost to replace the timing belt - over $600 a pop. And they must be replaced every 60K. Having said all that - my wife loves the car which now has over 100K. We are delighted with the MPG 44+ and like the way the car handles and the surprisingly large storage area when the back seat is down. The only caveat I have is the cost for repair on any component of the VW - Any owner must find an independent repair shop to avoid the cost of repair at the dealership which can be 30% higher. We intend to drive this car for another 100K or until the wheels fall off Would we buy another beetle - probably not

I've enjoyed the beetle since new.Stylish in it's own way.It grows on you.Simple 2.0 Liter engine runs and runs. I wore out the clutch at 50,000 miles , replaced brakes now and than. I drive hard , the car does well.