Faults:

There is an odor of stagnant water. This is the exact smell you get from a bio-film that develops in compressor air lines or in water lines where there is stagnation. It comes through the air vents and is not from the carpet or mats.

Faults:

My headlights blew out every 5 to 10,000 miles. dealer replacements for warranty.

At 18,000 my trunck wouldn't close a faulty latch. dealer replaced for warranty.

When i'd let down power drivers window, both windows would go down. dealer replacement for warranty.

General Comments:

This car was the most fun to drive vehicle that I've ever owned.

The cabin was very spacious.

This was a real eye catcher.

Faults:

Some noise (like a cricket) from the interior plastics when passing a bump or hole.

General Comments:

This car is very reliable.

The fuel economy is unbeatable (4.9L/100 KM)

The acceleration is very good although there is a normal short lag caused by the turbo.

The car is very quiet on the highway and the handling is very good.

Faults:

After reading the 5 bad reviews for this car I figured it was about time that someone give a good review. Besides some "oversights" by the dealership when we bought the car it has ran like a top without any issues. The small "oversights" were easily fixable... a nice chunk out of the right front tire, the lack of power to the 12V outlets and the previous owner had installed his own stereo system which he/she also removed before trading in. Upon removing they cross wired one speaker and didn't hook up the other one. Most assuredly the problems with the 12V outlet being the fuse was caused by the previous owners lack of stereo system knowledge. In any case, besides these few things we have had absolutely no problems with the car.

General Comments:

I bought this car for my wife as a gift. She had wanted one for some time and this particular VW was extensively equipped with some really cool features (leather, monsoon, spoiler, eyelids, tinted windows, sunroof, moonroof, etc...) I myself am a bigger guy at 5'10" 240 lbs. and was pleasantly surprised when we took our first 3+ hour trip. The only complaint that I have (and it is minor) is that the seats do not recline. The car has ran great, the service that we have received has been top notch and the electrical problems that we were promised to have by other dealerships haven't even glimpsed themselves into the picture.

If you like these cars don't be scared by a couple bad reviews. There are literally thousands of these beetles out there and a handful of band reviews can be caused by any number of things.

We both love this car and wouldn't do anything different. The gas mileage is great in a high fuel cost economy and the sporty look and feel makes the car an absolute blast to drive.