2000 Volkswagen Beetle review from North America

I purchased the Beetle late Fall 2002 from a Ford Dealer who bought it at an auction. It was originally leased for two years by the previous owner. (Smart lady, she turned it in) In late Spring, six months later, the car had trouble starting. Would start and stall over and over, but not when I took it to the mechanic. He said they have a history of grounding problems and the problem should get worse, which will allow it to happen for him, when it is in the shop. I can drive the car for 1/2 hour and park it, return 15 minutes later and it won't start. At first it would stall 2-3 times. The record is starting and stalling or cranking and not starting for 12 times in a row. But this is intermittent still, and won't do it for the mechanic. I am frustrated because I've had it in the shop a half a dozen times after it has stalled and it won't do it upon inspection. (Of course!) There is no Specific Answer on what is causing it, THANK GOD I bought an extended warranty from the Ford Dealer, much to their dismay... After reading all these problems, I will NEVER buy a VW or "preowned" car again. I did some research and contacted the original VW dealer that did the warranty work on this car. Sure enough, it had warranty work on the Sunroof, CD changer, rear trunk lock and a starting problem, where they replaced a "cluster". All in the first six months of ownership. Too bad the lemon law doesn't apply to purchasing used cars-shame on you VW!

Electrical problems.

Grounding problems.

If you buy a used one, buy the extended warranty, you're going to need it!

Despite all this, it IS fun to drive and it's cute. But I can't say it is worth it.