2003 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Wonderful

Faults:

When first bought the drivers window let in a lot of noise at high speed.

The dealership fixed immediately for no charge.

If you take out the VW service pack, check when you take car to garage to make sure they know you have the cover; their computer systems do not tell them automatically and they may charge you for services by mistake and have to refund later.

General Comments:

Excellent car for both city and open road.

Great acceleration and power for motorway driving.

Easy to park with small turning circle.

CD player now fitted as standard a real bonus.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th August, 2005

6th Oct 2009, 01:52

Actually I want to buy this car!! But I've read too many bad things about it... SO NOW I'm not really sure!!

2003 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo turbo from North America

Summary:

Coping with my (girlfriend's) bad decision

Faults:

The windows malfunctioned two weeks after I purchased the vehicle. Normally, the two front windows slide down a bit whenever their respective doors are opened and then they slide back up once the doors are closed. My windows stopped doing that. They would bump into the convertible top, ruining them even more. It has been taken into the dealership nearly 10 times for servicing of just the windows.

I also chose to purchase the optional $900 CD changer hidden in the armrest. They somehow wired it incorrectly and the parking break, when applied, kept on cutting off the wiring to the CD changer. Eventually, the wires completely gave and the CD changer was no longer operative.

The rear cup holder got jammed and was eventually rendered useless when the service department tried to fix it. They ordered parts for it, but never followed up so we had to get it fixed elsewhere.

After about 8000 miles, the vehicle has some sort of electrical malfunction. It would not start and the sensors in the vehicle were not making any sense. I had to switch out a few fuses before it finally started again. I was in the middle of a road trip.

My most recent fiasco involved the service department (a different one). They were performing a factory recall when they broke one of my windows. They assured me that it would be restored back to factory settings. I clearly stated that that would include having the VIN number clearly labeled on the window as it is on all the others. He tried to reassure me, but when I got my vehicle back, the VIN wasn't there. Clearly, my vehicle is no longer in its factory settings.

General Comments:

I have purchased 5 new vehicles in my lifetime and I have never regretted buying a car, old or new, more than this one. Part of the blame rests on the service departments. The rest of the blame is on the vehicle itself. I have unsuccessfully tried the services of 4 different service departments. All have left me utterly disappointed.

The car is a nice ride and my girlfriend loves driving it. It's also very appealing and appropriate for her. Unfortunately, these complaints I have shared in regards to this vehicle grossly outweigh the little bit of joy it has produced over the year. At this point, I would rather have an upset girlfriend for a whole year than this vehicle for a month.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th August, 2004

2003 Volkswagen Beetle GLS covertible 1.8 liter from North America

Summary:

Not for city people parking on the street!

Faults:

The front headlights can be easily stolen by popping it out with a screwdriver. $350 to replace with a VW new replacement.

Passenger side coveritble top wing won't go down all the way.

Windows rattle when you shut the door.

Cup holder is very awkward.

General Comments:

Cute car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th July, 2004

9th Jul 2004, 16:21

Not surprised that your windows rattle. The clips that hold them in are a mass-produced defect on Volkswagens and should be recalled. This will eventually cause your windows to fall into your doors.

14th Sep 2015, 01:38

Not true!

VW New Beetle convertible windows sit ON TOP OF window stops, and are then clamped from the side to prevent such a thing from happening. I've replaced 4 window cables in our 2003 and 2005 Beetles combined. Even with broken window regulator cables, the window will not / cannot drop into the door.