2000 Volkswagen Beetle GLS review from North America

Oh geez. I love my Volkswagen, I really do. But here's what's happened over the past year and a half... I keep all my records :)

1. Check Engine light on within first week at 68321 miles. Took it in, and it was the throttle body and cruise control. Fixed at no charge.

2. Check Engine again at 69210mi. This time they fully replaced the throttle body.

3. Check Engine AGAIN! Throttle Body for the third time. This time at 71516mi. Free under warranty.

4. Replaced Brake Light Switch under recall... no biggie, at 78822mi. Also had them tighten the shift linkage as it was becoming increasingly difficult to shift into gear and I was sometimes honked at when trying to start (at a light for example).

5. Catalytic Converter making all kinds of horrible noises from 74000mi. VW dealer told me several times it was nothing to worry about or to put premium gas in it once. Not necessary on the 2.0 SOHC, but I did what I was told.. to no avail. When I kept coming back, they rolled over and replaced my catalytic converter under warranty (with about 600 miles left to the 80k warranty on the cat).

6. One day I tried to turn on the car for the first time that morning, and it made a HORRIBLE sound and I smelled burning so I turned it off and had it immediately towed to the dealership. Mileage: 83661. The Spark Plug housing had actually gotten so hot that somehow it managed to melt the plug. And they tried to make me pay for it even though it was covered by warranty. On this day, I fought with them, paid the deductible, and cancelled my warranty for a pro-rated refund. Thanks guys. Their response? "This happens often to Fords." Well I didn't buy a damn Ford.

7. At 88000 miles, the water pump broke. I wouldn't have even known if I didn't take it in to have my mechanic change the timing belt. Even buying all the parts myself and going to a cheap guy, it ended up costing me close to a grand for this repair including the timing belt. And the car itself isn't even paid off.

I love my Volkswagen. I feel so good driving it and it takes turns like a champ with its rigid German engineering. I have customized the car to my liking and would not give it up unless it were to start costing me a lot for items which are not generally expected to go wrong.

I have zero trunk space with the things I keep back there, sub woofer, 6 disc changer and all kinds of car care stuff. My backseat is for luggage, or I use my Mercedes which is a phenomenal car.

Stock stereo system is great. Shape of the car makes for an excellent music experience (but you absolutely MUST add a subwoofer).

Like anything else, if you're good to it, it'll be good to you. My only regret is not buying it new.