1998 Volkswagen Beetle review from North America

I love my Beetle and hate to see what might be happening to it! I bought the car from Car Max. Bizarre things began happening to my car within months. The big stuff didn't start happening until 01/01 -- at the end of the traditional warranty period.

2000: The left front tire mud flap comes loose and wraps around the tire -- melting quickly. I had to get 2 co-workers to tear the flap off.

Power window switch is out and must be replaced -- twice within 8 months (3 months being winter).

Hatchback latch will not release because it has warped and has to be replaced.

Car stuck in park 2 separate occasions, had to rock the car back and forth several times to release.

Hood release falls on my foot while I am driving out of the dealer after the previous repair. I am charged for the repair $40! 2 weeks later the hood release lever falls off, but I am not charged for the repair. (FYI -- the hood release lever still falls off to this date. Just 7/03 my mechanic boyfriend could not get the hood to release. It took a lot of searching for the "right spot" until it finally opened.)

2001

Window switch replaced 2 times.

Temperature gage indicates the car is overheating when it is not.

A/C blows freon into the car through the vents.

Battery dies.

2002

Window switch replaced 2 times (FYI $30 per switch with labor)

Temperature gage goes off whenever stuck in heavy traffic on hot days.

Both light bulbs need to be replaced.

Brakes and rotors replaced -- 2 shops refused to do anything except a full replacement of the rotors ($600)

Gas tank won't open (4 times) -- have to flip the switch 5 or 6 times to release.

2003.

Fuel line (cheap fix -- Texxron & 93 octane -- for now)

A/C compressor is going out.

Overall, a pretty good car, but one of the worst dealers for customer service that I have ever dealt with.