2002 Volkswagen Beetle GLS from North America - Comments

2002: One assembly defect was found a week after purchase. The rear window defogger had a bad ground. Cost: $0, it was under warranty.

The impressive parts about this car are its retro-style, and the high level of fit and finish.

First impressions was that the car was built very well, and precise. The problem with high tolerance design is that it requires more maintenance.

The car handles crisply and exact with a good center feel. It has very little pitch in the turns and gives a feeling of confidence. The lightweight engine and wide wheelbase gives the car decent weight distribution.

The manual five speed shifts smoothly with good weight behind the throw.

The interior is very comfortable for the front two passengers. Head room is excellent for tall people. The seats are very firm and supportive, especially for long trips.

Visibility takes time to get use to because the dash board is like sitting at a giant table.

Maintenance on the beetle is difficult. The layout under the hood is hardly form follows function. For a simple oil change, plan to spend the entire afternoon removing several panels and dodging radiator and condenser hoses to get to the oil filter. Good thing the oil change interval is at 10,000 miles when using synthetic oil.

This car is fun to drive and a pleasure to own. It will take extra maintenance for the German car, but it is well worth it, if one is a fan of European cars.

10,000 mile oil change interval? geez.. wish I could do that with my Celebrity (probably could, but don't wanna risk it ;)

For $30 I take my VW Passat to the dealer for oil changes.

Parts cost over $20 to do it myself and then I have to bring the oil to a recycling station, after struggling for 2 hours lying on my back with debris and oil dropping all over me.

SO WHY BOTHER???

My thoughts exactly. Oil changes are no bargain for the do-it-yourselfer. I take my VW to the dealer for $33 (Passat V6). It's just not worth the trouble.

Any one advertising an oil change for $14.95 is inviting you to a disaster party. You'll get what you pay for: A sub-standard oil filter, cheap oil, an under-educated or self taught mechanic who WILL screw up the job and if your really unlucky, pick up the car wrong and damage the rustproofing underneath.

I've always taken my VW's to the dealer and they usually run strong for 200,000+ miles!

I neglected to inquire about maintenance when I purchased my new 2002 GLS TDI (automatic). I spend $50.00 every 10,000 miles for the oil changes. I complained about the cost until someone pointed out I really saved $10.00.A gas engine would have required 3 oil changes at $20.00 each to my one.

The fuel injection pump went out, roadside assistance was very helpful. A wrecker was sent to haul the car to the dealer. It was covered under warranty and the dealer provided a new rent car for 4 days while my car was repaired. All charges were paid by VW.

I am unhappy about the scheduled maintenance. You have to take it in every 10,000 miles and the cost is $200.00 up for what appears to be mostly checking items. I have 44,000 miles and paid about $600.00 for scheduled services. I like the car, but I will get something else next time because of the maintenance cost. I had a 2000 Toyota 4-Runner with 63,000 miles and spent zero on maintenance cost, other than oil changes and that was what I expected.

Timing belt is required at my local dealer for replacement with the 40,000 mile service. The cost is over $500.00 and is not listed in the book then. I went out of town to another dealer who did not require it because it's still a fairly new car. Like I said watch the maintenance.

Beware of the tires that come on your car, I have never thought to question how long they will last. I had to replace the tires before 40,000 miles because they are lower mileage tires.

Four people I know have bought one after seeing mine and they all like them.

My wife has a 2003 Beetle and has had the VW dealer change the oil twice since purchasing it. After each change, I noticed oil leaks on the garage floor. Why are they occuring?

Bo Schimers.