1998 Volkswagen Beetle LX review from North America

I bought the 1998 Beetle used in 2002. Within two weeks the battery died and had to be replaced.

The key then had to be re-keyed to the satellite.

Then the engine light came on. The mechanic said that the brake light switch needed to be replaced.

The left fog light needed to be replaced.

Then the fan stopped working; the mechanic replaced melted fuses.

A headlight needed to be replaced; it took an hour's labor due to the fact that the headlight is part of the general electrical system.

The radio was playing, when it suddenly sucked in a cassette tape that was perched in the radio. The tape wound round inside and killed the radio. Radios weren't on hand, so the part took six weeks to order.

The battery suddenly went dead. The mechanic said that this had nothing to do with the radio draining juice, but that the battery was bad. The dealer replaced the battery for free, but I'll have to pay for the bizarre death of the radio.

The driver window switch, apparently plastic, suddenly broke with a loud bang while I was driving, practically giving me a heart attack. The window couldn't be raised; the part had to be replaced. The mechanic said I should replace the other window switch while I was at it. I heard that this is a common problem.

All this happened within six months of buying the car.

The car is cute and is fun to drive -- while it works.

I'll never buy another Volkswagon product.

These window parts and battery failures are part and parcel of the engineering and there should be a recall or a major discount on electrical repairs -- at all times, not just under warranty until the design problems are corrected.

I can't blame the dealer -- exactly. How can the Dealer be expected to absorb the costs of poor design. However, the Dealer needs to be up front with the car's problems. (Dream on.)