Faults:

The clutch and the flywheel went at 26,000 miles-just 2,000 miles after the 24,000 warranty ran out. The Volkswagen dealer service center manager told me that it was because of the way I drove the car. He gave me an estimate of $1450 for the repair of this, along with the repair of the brakes, which he said needed to be replaced and that would also include a rotor-which I didn't think would be needed for a car with only 26,000 miles. I'm a 50-year old woman and do not drive recklessly, in fact, am told I drive like an old lady. When I brought the Beetle to be repaired at a shop (not a Volkswagen dealer-but a highly recommended professional repair center), the manager there told me that the part was defective-it certainly was NOT due to the way I drove the car. Volkswagen told me that there was nothing that they could do for me, since the car was off warranty. I had read articles citing the problem Volkswagen was having with the clutch and flywheel of these Turbo Beetles, sometimes going at 18,000 and 20,000 miles. I was dissatisified with Volkswagen just brushing off my complaint with nary a return letter (since I had sent in a letter to the customer service dept., describing in detail my car's problems).

General Comments:

Although I do enjoy the pick up and speed of the Beetle, the repairs and parts are very expensive. I will not purchase another Volkswagen, due in large part to the unreliability of major systems failing and having to be replaced at such a high cost, when the car is still relatively new.

Faults:

Outside fuel tank door broke twice.

Radio has distorted sound.

Needed new brakes and routers at 18,000 miles.

Defroster works poorly.

Windshield wipers continue to squeak even after being replaced.

Truck cover under hatch back fell off.

Check engine light goes on frequently even after having been serviced.

General Comments:

The car handles well, but has many problems. I can't wait until the lease expires in April.

I will never buy another v.w.

Faults:

The car was only a couple of months old when the right headlight stopped working. Then to complete the joke, a few days after the right headlight was fixed, the left one gave out.

Now the MIL light keeps going on and I was informed that I needed to get a coolant temperature sensor. The car is only a little over two years old and just over 25,000 miles, I don't think this kind of defect should be present in what practically is a new car.

General Comments:

I must admit that I bought the car because of the cute factor and did very little research on its overall performance. That was my first mistake. The car is absolutely plagued with electronic problems which I did not expect from Volkswagen.

Faults:

Unfortunately this is going to be a long and for at least me painful list. Lets start.

Trouble began shortly after purchase when the CD player gave up and had to be replaced, this was followed by the doors drooping and the the electric window motors going; twice no less.

However, the real problems began with the ECU/ESP system going hay wire. Fron 8500 km up to 16000 km the car was dealt with by the dealer, Dah Chong Hong, 8 times. These warning lights persistently came on which was accompanied by poor performance and a tow truck! So far this year the car has been "dealerized" for 2 months! To "fix" the problem the whole wiring loom has been replaced, the engine management system replaced, the throttle body replaced 3 times, throttle valve control unit replaced 2 times, engine speed sensor replaced, Brake pressure switch replaced, brake pedal switch replaced and ignition coils replaced.

This is aside from the problems of noisey suspension, parts of the interior trim falling off and the car being returned to me by the dealer with serious paint and interior fitting damage on two occasions.

General Comments:

This car is obviously cute and fun to drive; when it goes!

The levels of frustration and disgraceful backup mean I will never by from VW again. This being my fourth and last product from this manufacturer.

The backseats are a chiropractors dream come true and the boot can accomodate a few days shopping only.