1998 Volkswagen Beetle review from North America
"It is the worst nightmare a lemon"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
When we first bought the car the previous owner had no problems whatsoever, so she claims.
First thing the Oil Pan had a crack and had to be replaced.
The lights flicker constantly.
The throttle Body had to be replaced.
Head lights and Brake Lights burnt out.
The car is now at the Dealer sitting waiting to figure out what to do with it. It has burnt out 2 ECM units and the ignoramus of a dealer put another one in and sent me on my way. The Electronic Control Module burnt out again and they want nothing to do with me.
Called VW of America they don't want nothing to do with me. I have to take the Dealer in Puente to Court to get the ECM replaced!!!
The problem is still not resloved with a new ECM now they want 3000. estimate to find the Short in the electrical system and a new harness might be necessary that would be about 5K.
General comments?
This car is very cute and drives very well and have always owned VW: Bug, Rabbit, Jetta and now a Beetle. Never have had so many problems. The cost to fix the car is just unbelievable. Everything has to be done at the Dealer and the Service Dept are the worse I've ever expereinced.
Hoping to find someone who has had this type of electrical problem with their beetle and hopefully find a solution to my nightmare so I can get rid of the piece of junk.
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| 1998 - Beetle Tdi 1.7 turbo diesel Very disappointing in every respect |
|
| A fun, cheap, reliable car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 9 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 700000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 9500000 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen Jetta |
| Date of Entry | 22nd September, 2005 |