2000 Volkswagen Beetle GLS review from North America

I could not shift out of park. Upon calling roadside assistance and being instructed of a rather complex set of "turn this, move that, press" instructions, I learned that it was due to my brake lights being out. The local dealer gladly fixed it free of charge. I have an extended warranty (Volkswagen's warranty on this model year was 2 year/24,000 mile), but it was never even mentioned.

Just recently, my driver side window came "off the track" while completely rolled down. Not a good thing to happen during a holiday weekend in a state where afternoon thunderstorms are daily occurances. Again, the local dealer (albeit 800 miles from the last local dealer) fixed the problem free of charge and without mention of a warranty.

The radio is extremely temperamental. It tends to "turn itself down."

Hatch doesn't always unlatch properly.

Fuel door is feeling really flimsy lately.

Overall, I love my Beetle. It's very fun it drive, if a bit rough, and certainly stands out, especially in its "Vapor" color. However, to its lack of power and cargo space, I certainly may opt for a turbo or just a larger cal in general next time.