Faults:

Radiator had a small leak when I got it.

AM radio reception is spotty at best.

General Comments:

This car has amazed me with its reliability, willingness to perform, awesome handling, and tons of interior space.

The seats offer adjust-ability, firm support and side airbags.

Coupled with a manual transmission, the car is peppy and extremely fun to drive for a 2.0L.

The factory paint (red) has wonderful durability of shine, and the galvanized steel body is amazingly tough.

The 6-disc CD changer coupled with factory head unit and speakers is great on long trips, and has a good sound for a factory system.

The trunk doesn't look big, but it's actually very roomy. I had all my camping gear in it, and didn't even have to fold the back seat down.

All dashboard controls are intuitively placed, and the 2-tone dashboard lighting looks very stylish.

This car has a lot of little extra touches, that make it fun, like the little flower vase by the steering column - talk about different!

Overall, the New Beetle retains the "out of the box" element of the Old Beetle, coupled with modern power options and comfortable, amazingly roomy interior.

Faults:

Has anyone had this happen?? The Engine in my car fell out of my VW Beetle TDI, 25 miles after I had it serviced for the timing belt on my way home!!! The car only had about 50,000 miles on it at the time. It looked like someone sliced it right off the mount on the drivers side and it fell and hit the axle. I was amazed that I was not hurt when this happened, since I was driving at the time. The timing belt work was about $800. It was approximately another $5000+ to fix when the engine fell out. Nice huh?? Of course I was told it was a fluke. Some kind of freak thing and nothing that could have been caused by having the timing belt replaced. But it seems too coincidental to me.

This car has been nothing, but problems since I purchased my 1998 VW Beetle TDI used in 2001 with just under 35,000 miles on it. I thought it would be a neat car to own. It has been a complete nightmare. I know everyone at the Dealership on a first name basis because I am there so often for repairs. Since I have owned the car, I have replaced the drivers side and passengers side window regulators twice. The window motors have been replaced. I have had to replace the emergency brake cable, twice. I have had to fix faulty backup lights. I have had to fix a faulty a/c compressor. I have done the mass airflow sensor. And these are just a few of the Many things that have happened. I have never had these kind of troubles with any other car. I should have kept my Oldsmobile. It was ten years old and still going strong... what a big mistake I made purchasing a VW.

General Comments:

Has anyone else had these troubles with their VW Beetle?

Faults:

When we first bought the car the previous owner had no problems whatsoever, so she claims.

First thing the Oil Pan had a crack and had to be replaced.

The lights flicker constantly.

The throttle Body had to be replaced.

Head lights and Brake Lights burnt out.

The car is now at the Dealer sitting waiting to figure out what to do with it. It has burnt out 2 ECM units and the ignoramus of a dealer put another one in and sent me on my way. The Electronic Control Module burnt out again and they want nothing to do with me.

Called VW of America they don't want nothing to do with me. I have to take the Dealer in Puente to Court to get the ECM replaced!!!

The problem is still not resloved with a new ECM now they want 3000. estimate to find the Short in the electrical system and a new harness might be necessary that would be about 5K.

General Comments:

This car is very cute and drives very well and have always owned VW: Bug, Rabbit, Jetta and now a Beetle. Never have had so many problems. The cost to fix the car is just unbelievable. Everything has to be done at the Dealer and the Service Dept are the worse I've ever expereinced.

Hoping to find someone who has had this type of electrical problem with their beetle and hopefully find a solution to my nightmare so I can get rid of the piece of junk.