2001 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 1.8 turbo from North America

Summary:

I will NEVER purchase a Volkswagen ever again!!!

Faults:

My turbo has gone out three times in 7 months.

My gear shift went out on me in the middle of a long drive.

The leather seats are uncomfortable and are beginning to tear.

General Comments:

I like driving the car cause it just glides as I drive, but having the car less than a year and having to spend more on parts and labor than my monthly payments is not worth it. I can't wait to sell my Volkswagen.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st September, 2008

1st Sep 2008, 22:39

I'm sorry you have had a bad experience with your Beetle. My wife looked at them in 2001 and neither of us felt they were as practical or well-designed as the Golf, Jetta or Passat.

I never buy turbo cars because the turbo increases engine temperature, oil temperature and overall stress on the engine, even if they have an intercooler.

I think VW went through a period of poor build quality much as Toyota is currently doing, but the new VW's appear to have once more regained their reliability and quality. I'm impressed with the driving characteristics of the Golf and Jetta, but was not overly thrilled by the Beetle. It is basically a fad car designed to recapture the old Beetle, which nothing really could.

2nd Sep 2008, 06:48

My first turbo equipped car is my 2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible -

I love the power & performance of the turbo engine, as well as the exceptional fuel economy.

Turbos do run hotter and therefore should be maintained diligently.

I change my oil every 3000 miles or every 6 months (whichever comes first) and only use full synthetic oil.

You also should always let your turbo cool a bit before turning off the engine.

2001 Volkswagen Beetle 1.8t from North America

Summary:

Awesome

Faults:

No problems with our Beetle so far to speak of!

Yes the interior is junk, but no one or car is perfect.

We purchased an extended warranty but have yet to use it.

The car runs great, and too many odd cool features to mention.

Great interstate car! Will absolutely haul butt.

Am very worried about future break downs. All I hear has not been good, but we love it so much I don't know what I would trade it for.

One bad ass little beetle! GLS 1.8T light blue vortex with black leather seats.

General Comments:

Can't believe how fast this docile looking little car really is!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th June, 2008

2001 Volkswagen Beetle 1.8L turbo from North America

Summary:

Good, overall

Faults:

Had to get a new O2 sensor.

Brake light recall.

Inside lights don't turn on and off with car door (have yet to get fixed).

Inside paint/interior peeling.

General Comments:

I am now 20 years old, and being the 18 year old I was, I bought the Beetle merely based on its looks. I reviewed the car online, and saw the bad remarks, yet skipped them for the love of the car.

I bought the car for 10k, and for the price I'd say I got a great car. I've put about 500 in the car since I bought it 2 years ago, and had small problems with it since, nothing crazy expensive and nothing seriously out of the ordinary.

The ONLY real problem I've had with the car is the DEALERSHIP. Having taken the car to the dealership to get my recall on my brake light taken care of, I proceeded to pull out of the parking lot, and about 5 miles into my trip back home with my new brake lights, I noticed for the first time since I bought the car that the check engine light was on.

My mom and I took the car back in to the dealership, where they charged us 115 dollars to hook the car up to a machine to see what was wrong with it, and proceeded to tell us that my bug has over 3k worth of problems that I must get fixed. HA.

So we called the GM of the local VW, and he proceeded to tell us that the problems that had shown up on the printout for my car could all have been due to a low battery. He turned the check engine light off and 3 months later, I still have yet to have a problem with my car.

I can't say that I am COMPLETELY happy with my bug, but I have had no REAL problems (knock on wood) with the car, so I hate to bash it. But due to the hassle I've gone through with the dealership, parts and maintenance, I'd never buy a VW/Beetle again. I think next time I'll invest in a Honda.

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

Review Date: 3rd June, 2008