1998 Volkswagen Beetle GLS review from North America

3 weeks after buying car from a police officer, the check engine light comes on. It has came on 3 times in 4 weeks and was reset each time. It was reset about 1 month ago and has not been on since.

Taillight burns out at 112,000 miles.

Turn signal burns out at 113,000 miles.

Loud rattle from the cargo area in back noticed at 107,000 miles.

Shift nob top broke off at 107,000 miles.

AI hit a raccoon going about 40MPH and it did over $2,000 dollars in damage.

Cruise control only works sometimes. It works randomly.

The overall value of the car if very good. The engine has plenty of power along with the 5-speed manual transmission. The engine and transmission are sound and run great. The problems I can report though are all electronic. The check engine light comes on sometimes even when there is nothing wrong. A taillight and turn signal have both worn out in the past month.

A loud rattle is noticable coming from the hatch. I don't know what it is. My only thought is that the 6-disc CD changer is rattling. The sound system is great although the rear speakers are muffled and the sound is very poor coming out of them.

I recently hit a raccoon going about 40MPH. The raccoon somehow went through the bottom grill, hit the radiator, overheated the engine, and then somehow hit the air conditioner! It was over $2000 in damage.

The suspension squeaks sometimes and the cruise control works only when it feels like it. I have to hit the hatch release button at least 2 times in order for it to open.

Both of the back-up lights went out at the exact some time. Had to replace them.

Overall the car is a good value, although the repairs and electronic problems are galore. I'm glad I purchased it for I love VW, but I think a Honda Civic would have been a smarter purchase.