2002 Volkswagen Beetle 1.8 Turbo review from North America
"My 1st V.W., probably my last"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Car was taken to the dealership after 2 months to replace faulty ignition coils. One month later was back again to replace "faulty" coils with, again, faulty coils.
Window mechanism/Pinch control problems since the start. Have been repaired or replaced 3 times. Each time the service department has told me there are not a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) out, that my car is just defective. There is a Class Action Lawsuit against VW as we speak, and a TSB was posted Sept. 2002 on the Window/Door Mechanism. Why do I know more about this than my service advisors?
General comments?
This is my first VW, and I was very excited when I leased it. My excitement quickly turned to disappointment within 2 months. I work at a car dealership and know what quality service is, unfortunately I don't know weather to blame VW or my dealership. Neither will own up to the problems, and I know I'm not alone.
Car is fun to drive, when it's running properly. Although the rear spoiler is so loud when it comes down. I have been told that it is within the normal noise range, although it was not that loud on purchase.
Recommended reviews
| Great gas mileage and very fun to drive! |
|
| Good car, flawed quality build |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | Manual |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 7 miles |
| Most recent distance | 1800 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Civic |
| Date of Entry | 17th September, 2003 |