2001 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 1.8 turbo from North America
Summary:
I will NEVER purchase a Volkswagen ever again!!!
Faults:
My turbo has gone out three times in 7 months.
My gear shift went out on me in the middle of a long drive.
The leather seats are uncomfortable and are beginning to tear.
General Comments:
I like driving the car cause it just glides as I drive, but having the car less than a year and having to spend more on parts and labor than my monthly payments is not worth it. I can't wait to sell my Volkswagen.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 1st September, 2008
2nd Sep 2008, 06:48
My first turbo equipped car is my 2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible -
I love the power & performance of the turbo engine, as well as the exceptional fuel economy.
Turbos do run hotter and therefore should be maintained diligently.
I change my oil every 3000 miles or every 6 months (whichever comes first) and only use full synthetic oil.
You also should always let your turbo cool a bit before turning off the engine.
1st Sep 2008, 22:39
I'm sorry you have had a bad experience with your Beetle. My wife looked at them in 2001 and neither of us felt they were as practical or well-designed as the Golf, Jetta or Passat.
I never buy turbo cars because the turbo increases engine temperature, oil temperature and overall stress on the engine, even if they have an intercooler.
I think VW went through a period of poor build quality much as Toyota is currently doing, but the new VW's appear to have once more regained their reliability and quality. I'm impressed with the driving characteristics of the Golf and Jetta, but was not overly thrilled by the Beetle. It is basically a fad car designed to recapture the old Beetle, which nothing really could.