2000 Volkswagen Beetle GLX 1.8 turbo

Summary:

The last VW I will ever own

Faults:

Grounding problems - causes the check engine light and the other lights on the dash to light for no apparent reason (10+ visits to the dealer for this problem).

Rear spoiler - sometimes works, sometimes doesn't (may be related to grounding problems).

Window wwitches - replaced twice.

Hub covers - VW emblem is peeling off after 1.5 years.

Paint - lots of small spots where the paint shows damage.

Gas filler door - cable broke.

Seats fading - black seats are quickly going grey, one seat bottom replaced.

Starter interlock - car totally freak-ed out twice and lost programming to the special keys and would not run (dealer provided me with a three page instruction sheet to start the car if this happens again).

General Comments:

This is our second "New Beetle". The dealer gave us this one to keep us from exercising the California lemon law. I thought the first was just a "bad" car, but after having a second and speaking with several dealers and other "New Beetle" owners, I have discovered my problems are not unique. Consumer Reports also bears this out.

I regret not purchasing an extended warranty (first time I have ever said this). The car is two years old and I can only imagine what the repair bills are.

Many people have told me of the grounding problems with VWs. This explains a lot of the electrical problems with the car.

On the fun side, the car is incredible. The car is quick, handles well and is very fun to drive (with the addition of suspension package, wings and spoilers and aftermarket engine parts). It is unfortunate VWOA has not paid more attention to detail and fixed the dozens of small (but annoying) problems most "New Beetle" owners suffer with.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th December, 2001

5th Aug 2002, 19:32

I have a 1998 New Beetle, 2.0 liter - 5 speed and I have not had any major issues with the vehicle. I am very particular about my vehicles and I have owned worse. I owned a 1992 Honda Civic which was no prize and a 1986 Mustang GT which was pathetic. I have found that most people run across Lemon vehicle in their lives, but the dealer or manufacturer can make the situation intolerable. The only issues I had with my New Beetle stemmed form the 2K worth of damage the servicing dealer caused during one of the "free maintenance" periods. I normally never let anyone touch my car, but VW's free maintenance allowed me 2 years of "trouble-free" motoring. Unfortunately I had to take VWOA and the dealer to arbitration to fix my car. I finally got my car fixed, but what and ordeal and VWOA was totally worthless in support and customer service. I may or may not ever buy another VW, but I admit they are a strange group of folks. I am still dumbfounded by the companies sales practices and service after the sale. It is amazing they are still in business, but Enron and WorldCom stayed in business for some time also.

2000 Volkswagen Beetle GLX 2.0 gas

Summary:

I would like more power, but, every car I own falls in that category

Faults:

Oxygen sensor, a very common problem with all VW's built around this time. I have spoken to a couple of independent shops, they agreed with the dealer, there was a very large problem with good O2 sensors, the fault of the company who builds the O2 sensors, not VW.

The above causes the engine light to come on.

Spark plugs, again, due to the O2 sensor.

Gas cap door tends to get stuck in the open position.

6 disk changer has a problems working in the winter months, probably due to the cold.

Sun shade for the sunroof was fixed (under warranty) twice.

The normal blind spot that exists in any car, is much larger in the Beetle.

General Comments:

In true German fashion, what the car lacks in power, it excels in handling and braking. This car is unbelievable in the corners. I recently won an autocross with Corrado's and GTI's.

Panoramic view of everything (except the blind spot). This car gives the impression of driving a minivan, the outward visibility is so good.

Attention grabbing, nothing short of a Lamborghini turns more heads. Not even my Porsche comes close.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th October, 2001

2000 Volkswagen Beetle GLX 1.8 turbo

Summary:

Needs improvement

Faults:

The sunroof gets stuck.

My headlights have blown twice.

The driver's window button broke.

The passenger's window fell off the track.

"Check engine" comes on once in a while, then turns off.

The trunk light will turn on in the display and the alarm will go off.

A button on the radio dial is stuck.

I have nicks and dents all over the car.

The paint has tiny rust spots that have been there since I bought the car in May 2000.

The hand-rest has a lock to open and store items. That lock is broken.

The rear view mirrors have a major blind spot.

General Comments:

The car has good performance.

However the manufacturer should really look into the smaller things that need improvement, especially the window buttons.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th September, 2001

25th Oct 2001, 19:01

As the owner of a 2000 Beetle since October of 1999, I must say, the negative aspects of this review are not the norm. I've been involved with VW Clubs for many years and know a couple of New Beetle owners. I love my Beetle, and just wanted share that not all are like this. The scratches in the paint? C'mon, all cars scratch. Rust spots on the paint? The majority of the car is plastic, buy some rubbing compound.

2000 Volkswagen Beetle LX 2.0 gasoline

Summary:

This car is the love of my life, don't tell my husband!

Faults:

The car is perfect! Everything works as it should.

General Comments:

The car drives like a Porsche. Handles great, likes to drive too fast and tricks me into thinking we are poking along, because it is so smooth and responsive.

The cabin is light and airy. I have the sun roof and it works perfectly as well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th May, 2001