Faults:

O.K. Here we go. Started having electrical problems with car within first year. Trunk open indicator light would come on whenever it would rain. The car would recognize the trunk as open, drain the battery and trigger the alarm. Spent first night running out to the car every half hour to turn off alarm. Neighbors not too happy. Brought to the dealer 3 times within first year for this problem. Each time they told me it was fixed and the next heavy rain the same thing would happen. The dealer did not believe me because by the time I brought the car in the trunk latch would dry and problem was gone. I had to convince the dealership to hose down my car to prove to them that I was not crazy.

Malfunction indicator light started to come on after 1 year. Dealer told me it was a problem with the oxygen and carbon dioxide receptors. First 2 times they were replaced was it covered. Following 2 times I paid out of pocket. Finally 2 years later car recalled for receptors. Parts covered this time. And a year later still having same problem. I drive around with light on now. I just ignore it since apparently it cannot be fixed.

At 2 years the battery exploded. Yes exploded. Went to start the car and boom, acid everywhere.

Both passenger and driver's side window knobs broke. I went through 2 summers not being able to roll down my windows. Which is horrible since the air conditioner sucks. Thank God I have a sunroof.

Side view mirror knob broke. Talk about blind spot.

Gas tank flap broke. Discovered this at the gas station when flap would not open. The flap is still not fixed. It actually does not close now.

Headlights and tail lights keep burning out.

Seat covers are horrible. Car interior gets filthy and the fabric is poorly made. The first time I took my car to be detailed the attendant told me to not let my dog in the car anymore. I don't have a dog.

At 57,000 miles I had to replace the catalytic converter. I was told by my mechanic it was covered under warranty, but when I called the dealership they told me 2 years 24,000 miles. Well they lied. It was 8 years 80,000 miles. Words of advice: always call Volkswagen of America before you bring your car into the dealer.

There are several other things I could mention, but I don't want to get petty. So I'll cut myself off.

General Comments:

There are many things I have learned in life: 1- You can't always get what you want. (sing it with me) 2- Never trust a man. 3- The grass is not always greener... but the most expensive lesson I have learned is don't buy a Volkswagen.

Faults:

My check engine light came on after driving the car 300 miles. It remained on for four months, and went off after $700 expenses: 2 dealer diagnoses which turned up nothing, spark plugs replaced, new ignition wires, and a leaking valve.

Excessive oil consumption discovered after driving 500 miles. Ongoing issue, which VW claims is normal in technical bulletin 1701 (2001). Car consumes 1 quart per 1000 miles and has to be checked every three weeks.

Interior door handles, parking brake finish worn.

Transmission died from sudden 'internal failure' at 67K. Repair cost 3000, with a clutch (75% worn at this point, according to the mechanic) thrown in for another $500. This occurred 2 months after a major service, and a replacement of the starter motor (500).

Battery dead at 58K miles.

Tire rims damaged.

Grid in front is a lousy piece of plastic which has cracked twice from a tiny knock in a car park.

Power mirrors have never worked.

Locking system started mistiming immediately after transmission replacement. $250, and could have been more.

Piece of plastic on a vent broke off, so that no AC will come through that vent anymore.

Trouble with trunk latch in past.

General Comments:

I like the drive and style of this car, but it was by the far the worst car I have ever purchased. One year of ownership cost me nearly 6K and the car has spent more than a month in repair.

VW USA told me the 100K power train warranty doesn't cover the second owner, so I had to bear the transmission costs myself. The dealerships were all hostile and the customer service is awful.

My Beetle is an utter nightmare, and I would never buy VW again. I am currently selling it (since I am deep in the hole with repair bills already) and will buy a Scion.