1998 Volkswagen Beetle LX review from North America
"Fun to drive, but a nightmare to repair"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The glow plug light comes on after the car has been running for a short time. The dealer repaired it four times and each time it came on again as I was driving home from the dealership. It's still on three years later.
The turbo charger failed at four months. The car was towed in and was repaired - all covered under warrenty. Alas, it took five weeks to get the part in for the repair.
The protective cover under the car has come loose twice, both times immediately after having the oil changed. Apparently the cover must be removed to change the oil. The second time was during a 2,000-mile road trip, late on a Saturday night in the middle of Kansas. Two truckers helped take it off and the car ran okay without it. I've been waiting for four weeks for the replacement cover to come in.
General comments?
Parts availability is apparently a problem.
The electrical/wiring system has some annoying bugs.
Mileage is stupendous!
The car is a hoot to drive, lots of pickup and handles great.
Nice headroom.
Recommended reviews
| 1998 - Beetle Tdi 1.7 turbo diesel Very disappointing in every respect |
|
| A fun, cheap, reliable car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.7 turbo diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 15 miles |
| Most recent distance | 35000 miles |
| Previous car | Mitsubishi Montero |
| Date of Entry | 3rd October, 2001 |