2002 Volkswagen Beetle GLS review from North America
"Well worth the $20,000 price tag, it's built like a Mercedes or BMW"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Someone read-ended me on the freeway a month after I got it. It took the 25 MPH accident very well, it just needed a new bumper, plastic bumper cover, and rear tow hook cover; costing $1500.00.
I took the car to Jiffy Lube at 4500 miles like the manual recommended, it burned about 1 quart after 3000 miles (I think Jiffy Lube screwed me), VWoA said that it was normal for all 2.0i's.
General comments?
The 2.0i is a little sluggish in its stock state. I installed a Neuspeed P-Flow ($260) and a Neuspeed ECU P-Chip ($200). I like the look of the new European models, so I installed the front euro markers ($60), and euro emblems ($70).
I took delivery of the car with the Monsoon sound system upgrade ($400), which is a excellent upgrade from the stock system. The Monsoon systems has a 200w amp, and 8 speakers over the stock 6, but still no CD changer which I hear will come out later in 2002. Another package I ordered was the Luxury Package, containing black Leather seating surfaces, 16 inch alloy wheels, and a moon roof. As far as audio upgrades, I installed a Sony XM satellite radio, which is awesome!
Recommended reviews
| Great gas mileage and very fun to drive! |
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| Good car, flawed quality build |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0i Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 15 miles |
| Most recent distance | 8500 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Civic |
| Date of Entry | 29th January, 2002 |