2000 Volkswagen Beetle GLS from North America - Comments

Water pump first thing to go!

Headlights burned out 3 bulbs in the 38,000 miles I have owned it.

Door handles "peeling" (inside)

Material used for the cloth seats is very delicate!

Front lower bumper ruined on trip from a possum (too low to the ground), this broke lower bumper and broke both (very expensive) fog lamp brakets out.

Catilytic converter burned out suprisingly early.

Radio buttons are shot!

Fun to look at! A blast to drive! After 4 very reliable VWs I can't beleive they ever released or continue production of this vehicle. This is by far the most expensive VW I have owned!

Good for short trips! I recently drove roughly 2,500 miles in this car over the course of 6 days and it was OK for only about 1 1/2 hours into the trip.

So I have a 2000 Beetle with similar problems.

The inside of the door panel is starting to bubble/peel.

Two of my radio buttons are messed, and I hit a raccoon instead of a possum, and busted up the lower part of the front bumper, and I believe the part cost over $100.

I also have a transmission problem which is driving me insane. I have had the car for 3 years, and it has had the problem for all 3 years. It was under warranty when I first got the car and noticed the problem, and they, VW, said nothing was wrong with it.

After the warranty ran out however, the transmission was driving me insane. If you accelerated the car over 40 mph, then slow down to about 25 mph and hit the gas, the car feels like it is in neutral and then bangs back into gear. Well VW then tells me I need a new transmission. I finally decided to have the transmission rebuilt and $2500 later.. the transmission is slipping and they are saying there is no problem, and they can't feel it.

I am extremely annoyed and about ready to get rid of the car. I have heard of transmissions being a common problem in VWs, so beware if you plan on purchasing one... especially a Beetle years 1996-2000.

My car only has 80000 miles, which is average for a 2000. Also, my button on the drivers window doesn't click back up automatically, and now I'm afraid that the window regulator is going to go.

I also had to replace the battery, which was $100; good thing I know a mechanic, and he was able to put the new one in.

I was also told by my mechanic that my starter is going, and I can only imagine how much that is going to cost.

I am currently looking into Chevys.

Other than the transmission, I have not had any major problems, just normal wear and tear, but the transmission is a big deal. $2500 for a transmission and it isn't even FIXED!!!