1999 Volkswagen Beetle GLS review from North America
"A great choice. I love it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
"Gone wrong" to me means items that are not wear and tear parts one would expect to repair/replace at the mileage they failed.
1 copper seal ring at rear brake hose banjo bolt (the original was zinc and corroded out, causing brake fluid leak). Cost me 25 cents to fix.
Rear brakes do stick if not cleaned after the winter salt driving season.
Coolant leaks due to fatigued O-rings.
Brake light switch (twice; per manufacturer recall; free)
Window regulator clips (replaced for free by VW)
General comments?
The Bug is so much roomier inside than it looks from the outside. It is a great commuter car or long-distance trip car for two people (not because of the seating, but because of the luggage space the number of people is limited).
The seats are comfortable and I love the torque and fuel economy of the TDI turbo diesel engine. Take that, you Hybrids! LOL.
It has a low centre of gravity and (with upgraded shocks and struts) can be pushed around corners as if it ran on rails.
It is my everyday driver, I pull my trailer with it (loaded with gravel, fire wood etc.) and it still has the original clutch.
Whatever you do - never, ever, skimp on preventive maintenance. This is not a farm tractor diesel, but a precision piece of engineering. It needs fully synthetic oil and changing the timing belt at the specified interval is vital.
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| A wondrous car, fun, full of pep, and a joy to drive |
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| A very safe, modern and cute alternative to eco-cars |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1999 |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | TDI Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 82000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 235000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Volvo 940 |
| Date of Entry | 3rd November, 2008 |