2002 Volkswagen Beetle review from North America

Engine blew at 3 years 36,000 miles - exactly two weeks after I bought it from the original owner. The dealer said, and I quote, 'I can't tell you what happened because there's a 1 liter soda bottle's worth of shrapnel inside what remains of the engine...' They didn't seem concerned, or surprised.

It was all pretty unexpected. I'm picky and would have bolted if I'd suspected anything was wrong with it, but when I test drove it it ran great - was in great condition - had consistent service records, and had low mileage. Should have been a no-brainer. The day before the engine blew I was sitting at a gas station with my boyfriend and heard a new noise, one that I know wasn't there the day before, a slight knocking. I thought I was being paranoid and that it must be bad gas... but I distinctly remember thinking that, though I'd never heard a rod knock, that sure sounded like one. On the freeway in the fast lane at 10PM the following evening that was confirmed... luckily I was able to coast to the shoulder.

Let me just first say that I have really enjoyed the way the car has driven (when it has), it's comfortable and fun - and let's be honest - they're adorable and that's part of the allure.

But seriously. I have never spent this much time at a dealership/repair shop and this is the newest and lowest mileage car I've ever owned. I'm on a first name basis with the service schedulers and I've been there enough that I'm going to qualify for free service loaners in the next couple of months - that's scary. Still, so far I've gotten away pretty easy I think, considering I own a Beetle: I've replaced the same headlight three times, a taillight more than once though I lost track of exactly how many times, the engine, and judging by the creak in the front end there's something expensive brewing there as well. I'm running away before it bursts into flames.

Sad - cause I really could have loved this car... get it together VW.