Faults:

Grounding problems - causes the check engine light and the other lights on the dash to light for no apparent reason (10+ visits to the dealer for this problem).

Rear spoiler - sometimes works, sometimes doesn't (may be related to grounding problems).

Window wwitches - replaced twice.

Hub covers - VW emblem is peeling off after 1.5 years.

Paint - lots of small spots where the paint shows damage.

Gas filler door - cable broke.

Seats fading - black seats are quickly going grey, one seat bottom replaced.

Starter interlock - car totally freak-ed out twice and lost programming to the special keys and would not run (dealer provided me with a three page instruction sheet to start the car if this happens again).

General Comments:

This is our second "New Beetle". The dealer gave us this one to keep us from exercising the California lemon law. I thought the first was just a "bad" car, but after having a second and speaking with several dealers and other "New Beetle" owners, I have discovered my problems are not unique. Consumer Reports also bears this out.

I regret not purchasing an extended warranty (first time I have ever said this). The car is two years old and I can only imagine what the repair bills are.

Many people have told me of the grounding problems with VWs. This explains a lot of the electrical problems with the car.

On the fun side, the car is incredible. The car is quick, handles well and is very fun to drive (with the addition of suspension package, wings and spoilers and aftermarket engine parts). It is unfortunate VWOA has not paid more attention to detail and fixed the dozens of small (but annoying) problems most "New Beetle" owners suffer with.

Faults:

Oxygen sensor, a very common problem with all VW's built around this time. I have spoken to a couple of independent shops, they agreed with the dealer, there was a very large problem with good O2 sensors, the fault of the company who builds the O2 sensors, not VW.

The above causes the engine light to come on.

Spark plugs, again, due to the O2 sensor.

Gas cap door tends to get stuck in the open position.

6 disk changer has a problems working in the winter months, probably due to the cold.

Sun shade for the sunroof was fixed (under warranty) twice.

The normal blind spot that exists in any car, is much larger in the Beetle.

General Comments:

In true German fashion, what the car lacks in power, it excels in handling and braking. This car is unbelievable in the corners. I recently won an autocross with Corrado's and GTI's.

Panoramic view of everything (except the blind spot). This car gives the impression of driving a minivan, the outward visibility is so good.

Attention grabbing, nothing short of a Lamborghini turns more heads. Not even my Porsche comes close.

Faults:

The sunroof gets stuck.

My headlights have blown twice.

The driver's window button broke.

The passenger's window fell off the track.

"Check engine" comes on once in a while, then turns off.

The trunk light will turn on in the display and the alarm will go off.

A button on the radio dial is stuck.

I have nicks and dents all over the car.

The paint has tiny rust spots that have been there since I bought the car in May 2000.

The hand-rest has a lock to open and store items. That lock is broken.

The rear view mirrors have a major blind spot.

General Comments:

The car has good performance.

However the manufacturer should really look into the smaller things that need improvement, especially the window buttons.

Faults:

The car is perfect! Everything works as it should.

General Comments:

The car drives like a Porsche. Handles great, likes to drive too fast and tricks me into thinking we are poking along, because it is so smooth and responsive.

The cabin is light and airy. I have the sun roof and it works perfectly as well.