Faults:

Headlights - Replaced the right one once and the left twice. Difficult to figure out, but easy to do once you know how to do it.

Driver's side Window switch. Had to replace it. It rolled the window up, but not with a single touch like it was suppose to.

Wireless remote. I had to replace this. But have since found it to have periods when it works find and then others when it doesn't.

General Comments:

I have enjoyed this car. It is fun to drive.

Great head room. Comfortable seats.

Fairly good acceleration for such a small car.

The dash is unique and looks very smart especially at night.

Faults:

The only thing that has gone wrong is the passenger side window fell off track and the brakes were bad when I bought it. The dealer fixed the brakes at no cost and I am getting the window fixed soon.

General Comments:

I am a Volkswagen fanatic and this is my first Volkswagen. It is bright red with tinted windows and small children always want to touch it.

For a six year old car, it acts like it is brand spanking new. I can't say enough about the gas mileage or the handling. I zip along the highway with minimal road noise and at higher speeds the engine is very quiet and I don't even feel how fast I am going. In a bright red car, though, that can be a problem as it sticks out when cops are around. A friend of mine says it looks like a Skittle.

Faults:

Transmission linkage.

Shifter bucket and shifter works repaired and replaced.

Shift shaft rod replaced.

Shorted out mass air flow sensor replaced.

Cattier & levers replaced.

Replaced shift assembly. shift rods and replaced clutch disk pressure plate and release bearing.

All automatic window switches replaced.

Check engine light has come on so often I cannot remember the number of times. Most of the time the computer just needed to be reset/cleared.

Hood ornament (V.W. emblem came off)

Install replacement followers. Set to manufacturer's specs.

Struts replaced.

Replaced alternator.

Replaced battery.

Replaced starter.

Tabs that hold floor mats in place were replaced.

Window motor replaced.

All other repairs are in another file that I do not have access to at the time of filling this out, but there are more.

General Comments:

Based on my knowledge of German engineering and VW in particular, I bought this car. I never imagined the problems I would experience.

Last year alone, I spent more than $3000.00 in repairs.

Faults:

The weather seals around the windows have fallen off. Have been glued back 4 times.

The button for the emergency brake was reglued 2 twice.

The outside antenna has been wrapped in black electrical tape to keep any further lose of the original rubber compound on the base of the antenna.

Exhaust system needed to be reattached to car at 51,000 miles.

I keep a supply of window switches for the electric windows.

The transmission cable broke (manual) broke at 55,000 miles. The car was towed.

The front hood latch broke at 45,000 miles. I was unable to close or open.

The outside marker lights have literally fallen off when the plastic unit holding the light broke (left & right side).

The car burns a quart of oil every 3 to 4000 miles. First car that I have ever owned where I needed to carry oil.

General Comments:

My very first car was a 1965 Beetle. After that I had 6 other Volkswagen products. My 1998 Beetle is the last Volkswagen product that I will ever own. The quality on this vehicle is non-existent at best. Dealer service was the worst. All appointments were usually 2 to 3 weeks out.

The car is pained black and the quality of the paint is nothing compared to my other Volkswagens. My wife drives a 1996 Mercedes with over 100,000 miles. The difference between these two cars is like comparing the Chevy Vega to a Mercedes.

The car has been in the shop so many times for a check engine light that the mechanics just throw their hands up.

Going home one night at 65 mph on interstate 70, the entire car shut down and then re-started approximately 10 to 15 seconds later. Dealer stated that the computer must have re-set itself.

The automobile is coming off lease and I have purchased a 1998 Dodge P/U 1500 with 77,000 miles. The interior on this truck puts the New Beetle to shame. The truck is basic, rubber vinyl on floor and seats, it's a shame Volkswagen has allowed this to happen.