2000 Volkswagen Beetle GLX review from North America
"Great concept, poor execution"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Interlock switch failed 4 times.
Rear brakes went prematurely.
Side air bag harnesses failed twice.
EPC system activated causing "limp home" mode.
Horn replaced twice, needs a third replacement.
Front valance (driving lamp) has been torn loose multiple times (low clearance)
General comments?
Great to drive, very comfortable and handles well.
Fast.
Low quality interior finishes.
I just returned our second GLX Turbo automatic to the delivering dealership on June 22, 2004. My wife refuses to take our of the garage. AAA just canceled us for too many tow truck events (4 in the past 12 months, maybe 10 in the last 3.5 years). It started with the 1999 GLX and 5 tow trucks within the first 90 days. It had 2 or 3 failures of the interlock switch which causes it to be stuck in park. It had numerous ECP light events which placed it in "limp home mode", stranding the driver every time. It was never sorted out, but nearly every electronic module on the car was replaced. VW bought it back without the lemon law thanks to our dealership. They ordered and delivered a 2000 replacement.. Supplying a loaner for the 100 day delivery time (GLX automatics were hard to come by back then).
At 12,000 miles the problems started with the 2000 which now has 38,000 miles. It has had 4 interlock switches replaced, a multitude of electronic modules, rear brakes, two side air bag harnesses (the seat must be removed and sent to an upholstery shop), horn replaced twice and is out again. The interior finishes are showing their age, and the front lower driving lamp valance has been ripped loose numerous times on driveways and such. Last Monday, it started the ECP "limp home" syndrome that plagued the 1999. That was the last straw...
The VW / Audi dealership has been spectacular... the only saving grace. They are currently preparing a straight up trade for a 2000 Cabrio (Golf) with a 2 year VW warranty. Its all the dealership... and that is why we will take another VW, but one that is mostly German in origin and assembly.
Recommended reviews
| Cute, but not reliable |
|
| Outstanding little car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.7 turbo gas Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 10 miles |
| Most recent distance | 38000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Beetle |
| Date of Entry | 25th June, 2004 |