After reading the 5 bad reviews for this car I figured it was about time that someone give a good review. Besides some "oversights" by the dealership when we bought the car it has ran like a top without any issues. The small "oversights" were easily fixable... a nice chunk out of the right front tire, the lack of power to the 12V outlets and the previous owner had installed his own stereo system which he/she also removed before trading in. Upon removing they cross wired one speaker and didn't hook up the other one. Most assuredly the problems with the 12V outlet being the fuse was caused by the previous owners lack of stereo system knowledge. In any case, besides these few things we have had absolutely no problems with the car.
I bought this car for my wife as a gift. She had wanted one for some time and this particular VW was extensively equipped with some really cool features (leather, monsoon, spoiler, eyelids, tinted windows, sunroof, moonroof, etc...) I myself am a bigger guy at 5'10" 240 lbs. and was pleasantly surprised when we took our first 3+ hour trip. The only complaint that I have (and it is minor) is that the seats do not recline. The car has ran great, the service that we have received has been top notch and the electrical problems that we were promised to have by other dealerships haven't even glimpsed themselves into the picture.
If you like these cars don't be scared by a couple bad reviews. There are literally thousands of these beetles out there and a handful of band reviews can be caused by any number of things.
We both love this car and wouldn't do anything different. The gas mileage is great in a high fuel cost economy and the sporty look and feel makes the car an absolute blast to drive.
I just wanted to say, I can't imagine why your seats won't recline... They do about everything (up/down/back/forth) and they should recline by rotating a knob on the side of the seat, where the back meets with the bottom. Just check out the user's manual...
I just purchased my 2002 turbo sport beetle for my 15yr old daughter, I love the car but I am concerned that this beetle may be too fast for her. This beetle will fly!!!
Yes, the seats do recline. I've always found the knobs on the seats a little odd, but once you mess with them you can get the seat in any position you like.
And for the commentor, I have the 2002 Beetle Turbo and it is probably way too fast for a teenager just starting to drive.
Only because with the turbo, you can be going 80 and it feels like 60 at the most, it rides so smooth you can't tell you're speeding.
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