2005 Volkswagen Beetle from North America

Summary:

Although it sounds like a bad idea, it's actually a HORRIBLE idea

Faults:

Both automatic window motors... twice.

Tail lights, turn signals, brake lights multiple times.

Transmission went soon after the 40,000 mile warranty was up.

Trunk would not open properly (1 person would have to be holding the release, while another was opening it).

Probably more, but I blocked them out.

General Comments:

This car sucks.

Every time I looked at my car, something broke, the lights always went out.

It was decent on gas, handled fairly well, and had its own parking spot at the dealership to get serviced.

This car was an electrical nightmare.

The transmission going out was the icing on the cake. I took a huge hit financially due to the no warranty running out.

The dash area was enormous, which left 0 space in the back seat.

If you have a ton of time and money, and like the style of the car enough to buy it, go right ahead... you have been warned.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd January, 2011

24th Jan 2011, 15:40

It's shaped like a lemon, and is one as well!

It's a really cute car, but stay away from it, you have been warned! These are very unreliable, and give a new meaning to the word "junk".

24th Jan 2012, 11:53

I experienced everything you state.

Transmission just outside of warranty was very expensive.

Lights constantly going out, blinkers, etc... I had to replace the 2 headlight bulbs, holy cow what a job. VW wanted $170 to do the job. Only took me 5 hours!

Convertible roof liner comes loose, needs special holding clips.

Front wheel bearing.

My daughter drives it now, part time when she is out of college. So with almost no use, it's gotten to be a better car, as long as you don't use it.

2005 Volkswagen Beetle from North America

Summary:

Do not buy..

Faults:

Costly problems. Transmission shifts alone, and the dealership could not pin point problem until out of warranty... Now that it is out of warranty, they say it needs a new transmission. Do not recommend buying Volkswagen.

General Comments:

Shifts on its own.. report it and write on paper, because they will deny anything until out of warranty, so they can charge.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th January, 2011

2005 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 from North America

Faults:

Well let me begin, 2005 convertible BLUE.

It all began with the back windows; roll them down and clicking and snapping, but would not roll back up! Cost $500 each!!

Then the transmission; grinding, jumping clicking. The dealer says NO PROBLEM found, cost of a new one $5000, wow!!

Then the CD player, CD error, still doesn't work. Cost for a new one $500.

The headlights get so cloudy you can't even see with them at night, and this car is garage kept and NEVER NEVER washed at a car wash, only hand washed.

Newest problem; the truck lid came crashing down, leaving a nice cut to my wife's head!! Seems the gas shock seems to pop off.

We trying to move this thing out.

General Comments:

This car needs serious help.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th August, 2010

2005 Volkswagen Beetle turbo from North America

Summary:

Junk

Faults:

What a lemon, the check engine overheat alarm goes off all the time for no reason. The dealer has worked on a fix 7 separate times! Still does the same thing. I have heard the same complaint from other owners. Anyone up for a class action lawsuit?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th October, 2007

12th Dec 2007, 11:35

I have had 3 new Beetles and also had a 1970 model years ago. The New Beetle is a gigantic step forward, but still has many annoying problems. Multiple problems with warning lights, cd players, cup holders, door lock, etc. All of these things seem to be small things, but they ruin the overall quality feel of the car.

It drives great, gets moderate gas mileage, and has a great stereo system. This will, however, be the last one I buy. I think Volkswagen is sacrificing overall quality to keep the price low.