2001 Volkswagen Beetle from North America

Summary:

Good looking, but bad running

Faults:

I bought an 01 VW Beetle about 2 weeks ago.

I have to say, I noticed the crayon smell right away.. but I guess being blonde, I thought they waxed the interior or something.

My battery (so they say) broke the NEXT day I bought it.. but a different mechanic is telling me it's a Computer Chip. It's back in the shop again to fix this "battery" problem.

Either way.. VWs are nice, but run like junk. I don't recommend it at all.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th July, 2006

23rd Aug 2006, 20:09

Give the car a chance. 2 weeks isn't a lot of time to rate a car that is new to you. If you bought the car used, you take the chance of the auto being neglected by the past owner. Replacing a battery is just normal maintenance, just like oil change, brakes and so on.

2001 Volkswagen Beetle LX from North America

Summary:

Great design, poor quality

Faults:

The Car itself is a thrill to own, but the Beetle is made poorly. After owning 5 vehicles, this one for my wife, this one is poorly made. At 36000 miles the A/C control went out on the vehicle, est. $560 to replace, did it myself for $90. The cloth on the roof is falling down at 41000, apparently it was not wrapped around and will have to be replaced in entirely. And since we have had it, it is very easily scratched on the dash and front interior panels... Apparently they used a cheap plastic instead of a hard plastic and the whole panel has to be replaced, and I'm talking about a finger nail scratching the dash accidentally is permanent.

General Comments:

Great little car to own in design, Definitely give it a plus for accidents, have been rear ended twice by lunatic drivers at 15 mph and the bumper still looks like new. Though you need to watch the front when you park, the fog light / front bumper breaks easily. Only unless you are thrilled about the design, go for something that lasts.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th June, 2006

18th Sep 2006, 21:18

I agree, great design, fun to drive, but very poor quality. I have the same issue with the dash, just touching it will leave a scratch. Also, the door handles are peeling, and the headliner came down at 43000miles.

I heard there was a recall with the headlights from another driver, I have to look into this further.

I also had the problem with the fuel latch sticking. The dealer tried to take me for a ride to fix this one. It is easy to just reach into the side panel (in the trunk) and push/adjust/fix it yourself.

Find a good mechanic to do the stuff you can't, and stay away from the dealers, I've been to several. They have not been honest overall, they overcharge and look to pad the bills.

2001 Volkswagen Beetle GLS 2.0L Gas from North America

Summary:

Wonderful car with a price tag

Faults:

My check engine light would come on for a while and then go off. I finally took it in and the guy thought it was the thermostat. I got it replaced and some other general work done, ie. oil changed, fuel filter changed, oil filter changed, but it ended up costing me about $600 when it was all send and done. For a while, it would not start the first time I tried to start it. I had to wait for a while for it to come around. The shift boot is worn from driving from previous owner, the leather is cracked on it. The finish on the door handles are coming off. The arm rest in the middle is broken. The Audi/Volkswagen parts are not cheap.

General Comments:

This car offers a nice smooth ride. The suspension is great. The seats are comfortable. The manual transmission is user friendly. It is a two person vehicle. I always joke that it's either passengers or cargo. The dashboard is nice for setting things on.

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

Review Date: 28th May, 2006