2001 Volkswagen Beetle TDI TDI

Summary:

Slug Bug lives on!!

Faults:

Glow plugs burning out have been a constant issue with this vehicle. Have had to replace several times. Dealership recommended to replace all four at once as one going bad will trigger others to go bad. Not true. 2 months after spending $300+ replacing all four plugs - one went bad again.

Air Mass Flow Sensor clogged - the part costs about $175 and very easy to replace. Replacement of this part made a huge difference in acceleration power. One comment - when this part went "bad" the dealership attempted to convince me to have the EGR Valve (approx. $1200 job) replaced/cleaned. This would not have solved the problem.

General Comments:

Very fun to drive! Very economical & versatile - can run both diesel and/or biodiesel (vegie oil)! Comfort level is great, but space really only allows for 2 people with luggage. Too crowded for any more than that. Great commuter car. Advice for Beetle TDI owners - Avoid the Dealership for repairs at all cost. Try to find a reliable private repair shop.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th July, 2005

30th Mar 2007, 08:00

Ya the diesel of the 2001 bug is slow, but I got the 2001 turbo and it is fast I bet a mustang the other day n I plan on to race again I do have fun with it, but the only problem is the MPG sucks I only get 17 your suppose to get 23 MPG.

9th Apr 2007, 19:47

I really get confused when I hear someone only gets 17 MPG with a Turbo diesel 2001 Beetle. I write down each fueling since 2 years, and I average 54 MPG per Imperial gallon. If you convert this to US gallons, this is over 45 MPG. I do a lot of highway driving. But summer driving is even more efficient: I average 58MPG (that's close to 50 miles per US gallon) from May to September. For a car this size, Volkswagen have the most efficient cars on the market.

2nd Jan 2009, 13:09

I have a 2001 VW Beetle TDI and it has a manual transmission. The brakes as well as the gas are very touchy. Also it is next to impossible to get the car going without killing it.

2001 Volkswagen Beetle LX 2.0

Summary:

Get a Mini instead

Faults:

Oil leak at 350 miles.

Engine blew and was replaced at 13,000 miles.

Gas cap lid opener froze inoperable in winter.

Misc. parts fall off car on regular basis.

Wheel bearings failed at 20,000.

High oil consumption.

Leaks oil like a sieve.

Interior plastic delaminating.

Electric window switches fell out at 30,000 miles.

General Comments:

We were really looking forward to this car. I've owned five VWs prior to this one and loved them all. What a dissapointment! It is a serious piece of crap. Bad build quality-period.

Too bad because it handles and performs reasonably well. When it works we like it, but we can't count on it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th May, 2005

15th Dec 2006, 01:45

You don't have an LX - it's either a GL, GLS or GLX.

2001 Volkswagen Beetle GLX 1.8

Summary:

Breaks down, but I love it

Faults:

Electrical Failure at 4,000 miles all the way to 10,000.

Brake Switch Jammed at 4,000 miles.

Air Bag went on at 7,000 miles, but went off.

Check Engine Light went on at 6,000 miles and had to go to dealer to turn it off.

General Comments:

I love my cute looking car. Its cute its compact its fast you can feel the acceleration when you drive it. Its good for the highway or pleasure trips. The brakes wear out after 10,000 miles. Its hard to stop! People in the back hit their heads a lot. They are very uncomfy back there and the dome design is HORRIBLE. The comfor level is so low! Nonetheless I love my car and if I lost it I would buy another one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 2005