14th Feb 2009, 19:46
I have a 2002 New Beetle Sport that I bought new in September 2002. It has been a mostly love, but often hate relationship. All but one of my services has been done by the dealership who sold it to me.
The leather driver seat cover had to be replaced after 3 months, and I was told it would be the only one they would replace under warranty.
The right rear tail light assembly somehow developed a short and repeatedly burned out bulbs, until after the fourth time, I told the dealer I would not leave until they fixed it.
The driver side window fell into the door on a 20 degree day and the loaner car gave me (after much protest) was a complete piece of crap.
The power rear hatch hasn't worked right since it was new, though I have repeatedly asked them to adjust it. I was told last summer they would fix it for $95.
I bought the long term warranty (good for 7 years) which has covered almost everything, except the $195 I was out for tail light repairs until they determined it was a faulty assembly. Of course they didn't reimburse me for the cash out of pocket.
In December 2008, I took it into my VW dealer for my 65,000 service and they recommended doing a fuel injection cleaning. Even with my occasionally heavy foot, it had always gotten great mileage, always between 380 and 410 miles per tank full (26.5 to 28 mpg). Still I thought it couldn't hurt since it was six years old. BAD idea. My highway mileage has dropped to less than 20 and I can barely get 340 miles per tank by short shifting and driving no faster than 70 mph.
12th Mar 2009, 18:33
I have a 2002 sport version of the beetle. It's been all fun with some minor problems. I'm coming up on 164,000 miles and still get 28 miles/gal. Synthetic oil every 5,000 miles. I have it serviced at a European car specialist -- never at the dealer!
15th May 2009, 11:32
My Volkswagen check engine light just came on again. I'm so sick of the problems with my cute little Beetle.
Last time it came on, it needed spark plugs. The time before it was some sort of sensor.
It seems OK to drive, I work far from home and a tow truck is out of the question - they'd charge me big bucks.
Love the car, hate the problems.
26th Jun 2009, 23:31
I have a 2000 VW 1.8 turbo Beetle with 97,000 miles. I bought for my granddaughter.
Every week it seems that something goes wrong with it. I've had it just about a year. It has been a total nightmare to me. I don't want to take the time to tell everything about what I've had to do. I kinda wish I hadn't found this web site, because I feel dumb and stupid that I ever bought this thing, so I know what most of you folks are talking about. As soon as I get this new A/C compressor on and working, I'm going to pass it off to another dummy.
22nd Dec 2009, 20:58
I have a 2002 1.8L turbo Beetle, I bought it used in 2006.
For the last 3 years I have bought new tires and general maintenance on it. Other than that, nothing at all. It has been the best car I have ever had, it has never failed or left me stranded.
The issues I have read on this website I have never experienced (and hope never to).
I went from living in Michigan to Arizona, so I went from nearly sea level to 5k above sea level with no effect to cars performance or stability.
The only thing I have ever had grief with this car is the fact that it is a yellow Beetle and I am a middle aged man driving it.
I use premium gas always, Royal Purple engine oil (full synthetic), after market rotors, brake pads (same rims), K&N air filter. So yes I spoil my car, but it returns the favor indeed.
I cannot say you are all abusing your cars, but I baby mine, and it is the best car I have ever owned.
18th May 2010, 00:43
Well I owned a 2002 Beetle 1.8t... I bought it certified pre-owned with only 5k miles on it... Oil changed regularly. Mobil 1 synthetic.. We rarely used it. Bought mostly as a 2nd car as needed. When we moved out her to Southern Cali, I started using the car daily.. And honestly, driving up and down the mountains was fun..
One day, while cruising 60-80 through the mountains... BOOM... Car shut off... I had it towed to the VW dealer.. Upon inspection, they diagnosed that a piece of sludge had clogged the oil pickup tube.. No warning light.. Nothing.. Engine was garbage.. Apparently VW is aware of this issue (apparent by numerous websites) and is doing nothing about it. For now the car sits on the side of my house til VW comes and gets it or until I fork up 4k to fix it..
8th Sep 2010, 05:06
Beetles... Bugs... Beetles...
My '01 1.8T new Beetle is 3 months shy of 10 years old. By then it should have around 180,000 miles. Has it been completely trouble-free? No, of course not, but it's been pretty good.
Outside from regular maintenance and wear-and-tear items, it's had the following replaced: cam chain tensioner, thermostat flange, a few vacuum hoses, MAF sensor, 0xygen sensors. Most of work was done myself so huge savings in labor.
Not counting registration, insurance and gas, my average annual cost is $620. I really enjoy the car and hope to keep it as long as it runs. I've taken it on many long trips.
25th Mar 2011, 11:04
I have a 2002 Beetle TDI 1.9, and the engine light comes on and stays on. I was told that it was something to do with the glow plug no. 1. I replaced it, and nothing changed, and I am getting 40 mpg instead of the 50 mpg that I was getting before the light came on. The car starts good in cold weather.
Bill.
28th Nov 2008, 00:29
My wife fell for looks of 2001 GLX 1.8 Turbo in March of 2001. Now, almost eight years later, it still runs wonderfully. We have changed the oil regularly. Only has about 55,000 miles on it but those are a 50-50 mix of slow around the neighborhood miles and high speed interstate race way miles where only a very few cars ever pass us going our way. It is a great around the neighborhood auto but even better on the highway. Prefer to drive it long distances because of its responsiveness, speed, acceleration, and ride. Believe it has more headroom than any other car on the market.
Have had it called back twice for recalls but no expense other than for the oil changes and gasoline.