Used 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M) Consumer Reviews
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Coil Packs, Coil Packs, Coil Packs.
Dozier450, 02/11/2009
Volkswagen New Beetle GL 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Purchased this 2003 Beetle with 39k on 12-31-08 for daughter. I've had to replace three coil packs, the 4th was already replaced when the car was purchased. VW had a problem with issue, but told me this car was not covered under the recall back during 2003. I was also told that I could take this car to the dealer and pay $100.00 to get the codes read and if I keep the receipts and if they ever do recall this issue, then I could send in for a refund. I decided to use the $100.00 code fee and purchase new coil packs. I did buy a code scanner off of eBay for less than $30.00, it reads and clears the Check Engine Light after you make the repair. This car has the 1.8T engine.
A kick to drive, but...
CAClaire, 11/19/2003
Volkswagen New Beetle GL 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for fun, power & speed, & it delivers . However, there are drawbacks, some which aren't a problem for me (small cupholders), & some that are, especially the lack of sun protection on the side windows. Sunbelt residents beware. A really big disappointment - I just got back from a long trip that revealed APPALLING road noise! Forget using your nifty monsoon sound system unless you crank it up full blast, forget using your cellphone, forget a conversation with your travelling companion at any level lower than shouting. Bad, bad, bad.
Bugged Out!
MrEsquire, Desert Hot Springs, CA, 10/11/2022
Volkswagen New Beetle GL 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was given to my son for free by an elderly member of my church after he was hit head-on by a drunk driver in his 2001 Altima. He walked away with a bump on his head and 12 stitches in his arm...but he's fine. Anyway, the Bug has 155K miles, rides great, has new tires and an excellent AC for the 120+ degree summer heat. Because it was free, I hate to look a gift horse in the mouth...but I have to be honest. The car (as far as I can tell) is made out of plastic and flimsy fiberglass. Both interior door panels are falling apart and break if you even use them! The armrest broke...and I can't register the thing because of a check engine light (CEL)...which has to be turned off before I can get a smog check! I took it to a VW specialist last week to get a scan to see why the CEL was on; apparently, there is an issue with the EVAP Control System (incorrect flow and "large leak detected"). Also, an issue with the ECM (open circuit)...bottom line, is one thousand dollars to repair! The sad part is, the thing is fun to drive and runs pretty good...but there is just way too much plastic and it all seems to be breaking (in fact, the door handle broke off in my hand in two different pieces yesterday when I was closing the door!). My Dad bought his VW brand new in 1966...that thing was awesome. The folks who built the 2003 Beetle should hang their heads in shame and embarrassment! This thing, as I stated earlier was given to us "free"...and even at that, I don't want to put any money into it. Considering the above, I would NOT recommend this pile of plastic crap to anyone.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Excellent!!
Al226, 09/17/2003
Volkswagen New Beetle GL 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is amazing! I love it!