The weather seals around the windows have fallen off. Have been glued back 4 times.
The button for the emergency brake was reglued 2 twice.
The outside antenna has been wrapped in black electrical tape to keep any further lose of the original rubber compound on the base of the antenna.
Exhaust system needed to be reattached to car at 51,000 miles.
I keep a supply of window switches for the electric windows.
The transmission cable broke (manual) broke at 55,000 miles. The car was towed.
The front hood latch broke at 45,000 miles. I was unable to close or open.
The outside marker lights have literally fallen off when the plastic unit holding the light broke (left & right side).
The car burns a quart of oil every 3 to 4000 miles. First car that I have ever owned where I needed to carry oil.
My very first car was a 1965 Beetle. After that I had 6 other Volkswagen products. My 1998 Beetle is the last Volkswagen product that I will ever own. The quality on this vehicle is non-existent at best. Dealer service was the worst. All appointments were usually 2 to 3 weeks out.
The car is pained black and the quality of the paint is nothing compared to my other Volkswagens. My wife drives a 1996 Mercedes with over 100,000 miles. The difference between these two cars is like comparing the Chevy Vega to a Mercedes.
The car has been in the shop so many times for a check engine light that the mechanics just throw their hands up.
Going home one night at 65 mph on interstate 70, the entire car shut down and then re-started approximately 10 to 15 seconds later. Dealer stated that the computer must have re-set itself.
The automobile is coming off lease and I have purchased a 1998 Dodge P/U 1500 with 77,000 miles. The interior on this truck puts the New Beetle to shame. The truck is basic, rubber vinyl on floor and seats, it's a shame Volkswagen has allowed this to happen.
What can you say to an experience like this? I think VWs built in Europe or South Africa must be better put together, but it's still very disappointing for a life long VW fan.
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