1998 Volkswagen Beetle from North America
Summary:
Great car to own if you live in a congested city
Faults:
Minor repairs:
Front headlights go out about once a year.
Engine light comes on if you forget to put the gas cap back on. You have to take it back to the dealer to reset it.
Side window got stuck and dealer replaced the control.
Sometimes hard to move it out of park into drive. You have to wiggle the steering wheel to get it to move to drive. Never had to call dealer regarding this though.
Levers on the side of the seat (to get into the rear) have come off and the headrest on the back needed repaired.
Side airbag punctured due to my trying to fit too much in the car.
General Comments:
Overall, I love my Beetle.
It has a bumpy ride, but the best turn radius I've ever had. I can squeeze into most city parking spots as well.
I love the dome as it gives so much room and makes you feel as if you are in a bigger car (except when you are in the back seat)
The rear seat folds down which allows you to cram a lot of things into it.
The 16" tires really hug the road making it fun to drive on the curvy Pacific coast highway.
Blind spots do exist - so watch out!
Seats and look are very comfortable.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 16th July, 2003
27th Feb 2011, 23:15
The reason all VW Beetle owners have so many electrical problems is because the wiring harness is the same one used in the Rabbit. You need to replace it with a new heavy duty harness and your problems are mostly gone.
I just bought a 1999 that the guy had so many problems with. He put it in paper the for $1300 with 80000 miles. It is a TDI 6 speed. First thing was to replace wiring harness and I went to the junk yard and bought a 1999 TDI donor car for $800.
I have driven this car for a year and had no problems so far.
Your comments were real good. Thank you.