1999 Volkswagen Beetle GLS review from North America

Battery failed at 24,000 miles, and then again at 30,000 had to be replaced by the dealer at an expense of $190. The design is so poor when the negative terminal is removed the engine computer loses critical programming that can only be recovered at the dealer. When there they actually have to remove much of the headlight assembly to get at it in addition to resetting all the computer codes!

The cars transmission bucks, kicks, and misses shifts. It holds onto a gear too long under moderate acceleration. The dealer refused to deal with it.

Many electrical problems - the car runs with the key out, the alarm sets without locking the doors, the radio stays on after removing the key.

Window switches failed on both sides, windows were stuck in the down position.

Burns a lot of oil, refill it every 2-3 tanks of gas or you will be surprised.

Paint is low quality, chips and scratches too easily.

Lots of features, nice looking, economical, roomy interior.

Resale falls like a rock.

Wouldn't trust it on a cross country drive, we have been stranded twice.

In our opinion there are too many other nice brands to buy to ever consider a VW or Audi. We will stick to Honda, Acura, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, or BMW.