Good and very bad. No more VW's for me..
$250 to replace the battery.
Most recent problem windows don't work. I need to replace both registers.
Poor engineering in the placement of the battery, requiring four hours of labor.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 20th January, 2006
Fun, Spunky, relatively reliable and just a driving smile
Replaced Automatic Window roll down switches as driver side weakened and broke at about 15k.
Constant fault warnings in the car display (seemed like bugs in the electrical fault system). Was forced to replace Speedometer which housed this system. This lessened the intermittent (check car) faults, but also reset the odometer forcing a sticker on the door sill saying the mileage difference (Car Max didn't like this when I wanted to sell vehicle).
Loved the car, how it looked, how it drove.
Didn't get particularly good mileage for a 2.0 Liter V4 engine (around 30MPG).
Mechanically (engine transmission etc.) it was very reliable overall, only one issue with window switch noted previously.
The vehicle fault system was a mess, definitely felt like it was a design that was still in development (constant car check fault warnings etc. maybe once a week). Just be driving and the odometer lights (check car etc.) would light up like a Christmas tree. Replaced odometer which housed this system (under warranty) and it lessened the faults (one every couple of weeks) but didn't stop them.
Have to watch the dealers, my preferred dealer near Downers Grove IL was great, but I went to one in Chicago for an oil change and they told me I needed $1500 worth of repairs (then checked with my dad - former mechanic) and none of those things needed fixing, nor were broken. Watch who you go to.
I'm convinced that later models fixed the electrical fault system problems and will probably get another bug, I liked it so much.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th November, 2005
I too have a 2000 Volkswagen Beetle with the crayon smell. I have had the material under the carpet replaced. I have had the carpet and upholstery cleaned, but still smell crayon, just not as strong. Any suggestions? When I contacted dealership of this problem, they said they had never heard of it?
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 17th October, 2005
"When I contacted dealership of this problem, they said they had never heard of it?"
This is typical VWoA and VW dealer behavior. Deny, deny, deny... It is their M.O. to not stand behind their product.
My only and best suggestion would be to sell/trade the car for a more reliable vehicle.
Fun to drive, roomy, great sound system and did I mention fun?
Nothing 'wrong' yet.. I have to admit I was a BMW mechanic and am probably more suited to understand and maintain German cars than lots out there, and I am picky. I have had over 60+ cars (to include 3 Beetles, 2 Campmobiles, 3 Rabbits, and a Jetta) and 25+ motorcycles and enjoyed most every one of them, mostly the German and Japanese. My last car, I swore I'd never buy a GM product again.. was a 96 Olds Achieva which was fine for 4 yrs then the electrics went wacko..etc..
The Beetle is not for everyone. Although it has that cute appeal, you must remember that although fairly well-built, it's not a BMW and not designed for herds of family and door slamming jumping around like a lunky SUV. It was designed (by Hitler, actually) to transport you from point A to point B in modest comfort and economy, and still does. Anyone having repeat problems, thinks an oil light coming on means stop at the next convenient time, wonders why the wiper blades are etching their windshield, and who cannot maintain or troubleshoot anything themselves should probably trade it in on a Ford or a bicycle. I love mine. Nuff said.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd October, 2005
8th Dec 2010, 11:15
Next time replace the battery yourself, if you trade in your old one for another you'll pay just $30 and no labor.
At a local garage I was told it'd cost over $100 to replace the battery in my Horizon (the batteries under the hood right on top, where most batteries are), even the mechanic suggested to go elsewhere for a battery.