THSCC Forums

My daughter loves the New Beetle. Has since they came out. Now she wants to buy a used one. I got the impression that there were some real issues with the first ones. Lack of parts and support in US. I would assume that must have improved. How about some ideas on which years or options to get and stay away from.

Thanks,
Chevy Guy

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http://www.greywinds.com

I always read the user reviews on http://autos.msn.com/ , pretty good beed back there so I'd look at the user feedback. Kelly blue book has some user reviews as well. As for consumer reports, anything electrical or power related, sucked across all years for the new bug. It also took a hit across all years for body hardware and general squeaks and rattles. You can take that for what it's worth, some folks don't like CR because they seemed biased aganst any thing US made.

just my 2 cents here....

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Rodney

'08 Bullitt mustang, CAM 7
Autox VP '09-'10, President '11-'12, interim President 2nd half of ‘14
proud recipient of the Bowie Grey service award '12
Now just a guy driving a mustang....

Whose daughter is she? Can't be yours?

To me, from what I have been reading, the 4th generation VWs (Golf, Jetta, Bug) seem to be a low point for VW overall in terms of reliability. Case by case results may vary but there has to be a reason VW was ranked so low overall in terms of reliability over the past 8 years or so.

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1997 BMW M3 Sedan

You should read in other places

Most of the issues that are reported by places like that dont differentiate between big or little problems. MK4 VW's had issues with non critical areas, like window regualators and other little electronic gremlins. Mechanically the MK4's are very durable, not being affected by any of the so called sludge issues that some Audi's and VW Passats had.

Now as for parts availablity for a New Beetle, again not sure where you looked, but short of a mustang or SBC there are few other brands with as much aftermarket support as VW.

The very early new beetles only came in the 2.0 4cly, while later they added both TDi and 1.8turbo versions

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91 Jetta GLI STS/DSP 111
85 Porsche 944 ASP 11
http://www.blackforestindustries.com

Even then if that is the case that means that many other brands dont have big OR little issues. Regardless of this fact if you are buying the car for someone that isnt necessarily "enthusiastic" and just wants transport, all of those little things are eventually going to piss them off. Of course if they like the car overall they may be able to look past that. Who knows.

I know I look past the annoying rattle from somewhere in the dash on my car because i like it so much. I wouldn't put myself in the status quo when it comes to cars though.

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1997 BMW M3 Sedan