1998 Volkswagen Beetle LX 1.7 turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

Fun to drive, but a nightmare to repair

Faults:

The glow plug light comes on after the car has been running for a short time. The dealer repaired it four times and each time it came on again as I was driving home from the dealership. It's still on three years later.

The turbo charger failed at four months. The car was towed in and was repaired - all covered under warrenty. Alas, it took five weeks to get the part in for the repair.

The protective cover under the car has come loose twice, both times immediately after having the oil changed. Apparently the cover must be removed to change the oil. The second time was during a 2,000-mile road trip, late on a Saturday night in the middle of Kansas. Two truckers helped take it off and the car ran okay without it. I've been waiting for four weeks for the replacement cover to come in.

General Comments:

Parts availability is apparently a problem.

The electrical/wiring system has some annoying bugs.

Mileage is stupendous!

The car is a hoot to drive, lots of pickup and handles great.

Nice headroom.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd October, 2001

1998 Volkswagen Beetle TDI turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

A lemon

Faults:

Window regulators, motors, tracks in the driver and passenger side doors have broken - glass falls off, windows fail to roll up and down.

Front hood latch cable has broken.

Rear hatch has been repaired TWICE.

General Comments:

I am not happy with the quality of the automobile, things are breaking that have never broken on other cars I've owned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th August, 2001

1998 Volkswagen Beetle Sport 2.0L 115 hp 4 cylinder, inline from North America

Summary:

Always reliable and fun to drive!

Faults:

The cassette player broke, but the dealer replaced it.

The plastic shield under the engine broke. I bought a new one and replaced it.

General Comments:

I recently bought this car from my father who bought it brand new. I've been driving the car for the last few months because my car died.

I've always owned and loved Volkswagens. They're very reliable, but of course all cars have their problems. I've been very lucky with buying this car because I know how it's been treated and about the minor problems in its past.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th August, 2001

10th Sep 2001, 13:51

It's amazing that someone can quote on a car's reliability after owning it for only 500 miles. It's also amazing that a 115hp car can get a 10/10 in performance.

2nd Nov 2007, 12:12

Um, have you ever driven a volkswagen with the 2.0 engine? It may only have 110 horsepower, but its torque disguises that well and the speed builds quickly, and smoothly, and the transmission shifts are pretty much flawless. That's how an engine with 110 horsepower can get a 10/10 on performance.

1998 Volkswagen Beetle from North America

Summary:

Nothing but problems

Faults:

The battery exploded when I started the car.

The motor in the passenger side window broke twice and the motor in the driver side window broke once.

A few parts in the engine having to do with emissions had to be replaced.

Twice the hose that brings the engine coolant to the engine got a kink in it.

General Comments:

I have had nothing but problems with this car since I got it. The first problem started about three months after I leased the car.

I am happy that I only leased the car and did not buy it.

I am looking forward to when my lease is up.

I've recently met another 1998 Beetle owner who has had similar problems.

Maybe it's because we got the car in the first year it was released?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st August, 2001

8th Aug 2001, 14:09

I love my 1998 VW Bug. She runs beautifully, and is a pleasure to drive. I did have a problem with the cassette player, which the dealer fixed, and the plastic shield under the engine broke when I was changing oil. Otherwise, she's been wonderful! If you treat a car with respect, you'll get many years of service out of it. Maybe you should try buying a car instead of leasing it. When you buy you treat the car well because it's yours! When you lease it's not yours so who cares how it ends up!

9th Aug 2001, 15:14

I have a 1998 New Beetle, also. Nothing but problems. I've had approximately 40 items repaired. I've talked to several New Beetle owners who have had similar problems. I think Volkswagen cut costs in the beginning, and we, the 1998 owners, are paying for their success.

In my opinion, they should issue new cars to us or refund our money.

16th Aug 2009, 22:06

Well my beetle is an 01, and I've had numerous problems with it, the check engine light is ALWAYS on, and the car jerks every time it changes gears, and not to mention my car reeks of crayon smell.. :-( The smell stays in my hair and clothes for the rest of the day, ugh.

1998 Volkswagen Beetle from North America

Faults:

Our 1998 VOW VI Beetle has an oil consumption problem, we fought a battle to have the engine replaced, hope the new one has had the problems corrected. Has anyone else had this problem with the engine in their Beetle?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 27th May, 2001

1998 Volkswagen Beetle from North America

Faults:

The dead pedal comes loose and starts to sqeek. The plastic bumpers scratch easily.

General Comments:

Cute and fun to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th October, 1999