10th Feb 2004, 19:08

Unfortunately I don't think there's any merit in comparing a 1964 Beetle and a 1999 Beetle.

They're made by the same company, but they are two totally different cars. From my experience, they also don't usually appeal to the same types of driver.

11th Oct 2007, 13:14

I too have had similar problems with my '99 Beetle. The dealership was nothing, but a part changing schemer. They told me that before they could fix my a/c they would have to replace the throttle body ($700.00). Then they called and said that my control panel was bad and that it would have to be replaced because they couldn't get it to come on. Now the kicker, they said that my compressor was bad and it would have to be replaced as well! I asked how he checked the compressor if the panel was bad and he became a mute! I will never buy another vw, not because of the driving experience, but because of the bs I've had to deal with keeping it on the road!

21st Aug 2010, 23:05

I was considering buying a 1999 VW Beetle. The model I do not know. The owner says she must sell or trade. The price is $1,500. She did say it stalls or turn off sometimes. I read the previous comments, and now I'm having second thoughts. The car looks good for a '99, but I never drove it yet. The comments both good and bad are consistent. That's why I need the voice of an experienced owner. Is the cheaper car, the expensive car in this case.

8th Dec 2010, 12:20

At above: $1500 is awfully cheap for a new Beetle, it stalling could just be fuel hoses (that's what caused my Horizon to stall), not too pricey of a fix if you go to a garage.

However I've heard that these new Beetles have bad build quality and with the computers in them I'd suggest avoiding them and buying an older, cheaper but better made car.

The new Beetle is an example why VW shouldn't make their stuff in Mexico.

2nd Jan 2011, 10:14

I am looking for my first car, and I really want this one, but with all the problems that I've read about, I'm having second thoughts.

4th Apr 2011, 08:50

Well, like all used cars, you have your ups and downs, I'm thinking of trading my 2004 Monte Carlo SS for a Beetle.

I spend way too much on gas and insurance. They say my car is the highest rating there is on insurance, and the Beetle is half what I pay now for full coverage, and the Beetle does 50MPG and that's something I wish I can get on the Monte. Don't get me wrong I love my car, but it costs too much. Here I only use prem gas and it cost $1.40 a liter here in Canada.

So I'm looking into trading it at a dealership, so we shall see how that goes.

5th Apr 2011, 19:12

To anyone considering buying a Beetle, please don't!

Many, many, many costly problems and design flaws, and just not reliable, as they are always in the shop.

Especially avoid used ones if possible.

Just look at the reviews on this site before buying, please! It's actually shaped like a lemon!

To the person considering trading their Monte Carlo SS for a Beetle, please don't, you will regret it!

The extra you will save on fuel and insurance will not make up for the costly and frequent repairs and maintenance required to keep this car running. As well, I'm sure the 2004 SS Monte Carlo is a lot more fun to drive.