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Used 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews

3.7 out of 5 stars
93 reviews

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Eh, it's ok

whitney1313, 07/08/2010
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My 1998 bug now has 72,000 miles (bought it with 5,000 miles). So far, I have replaced the timing belt, spark plugs / wires, window regulators multiple times, alternator ($$$$$$$), wheel ball bearings, taillight (twice). The list is endless. Some of the parts that have been replaced are normal wear items, but even my mechanics have said that the car shouldn't be doing this with only 75,000 miles. Also, about every interior trim piece is sitting in the back seat. If you do buy one, be prepared to take the three layer door apart often to fix the window problems- they're notorious.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

great car...horrible electric system

luvmybug...sometimes, 04/20/2002
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had this car since it came out in 1998. Overall the car is alot of fun to drive, powerful and handles great. The only problems have been electrical.The front headlights are defective and the power window regulators were disigned poorly. I would definitely buy this car again but would get manual windows and a 1999-2001 since I think they have less electrical problems.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Runs great...BUT

l8dybug, 05/23/2002
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I haven't had any of the electical problems mentioned in the other reviews. My complaints are about mostly cosmetic problems. The interior door handles are peeling...I'm told it's from the lotion I use (?), the antennae is getting corroded, the gas cover has broken 3 times, I've had to replace the pegs on the hatchback twice. Also the doors are causing nicks in the paint on the front fender. Irritating little things, but overall I like the car.

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2.5 out of 5 stars

Bug of my dreams?

bob, 07/19/2010
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've always wanted a bug, found the one i was looking for but as soon as i took it home everything went wrong. electrical problems, engine problems, right window wont roll up. to think this car is cute your totally wrong. major regret

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4 out of 5 stars

A typical experience

debug, 07/15/2002
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this car, it's so fun. Use it as a 3rd car -about to sell it since it's hard to get a car seat into the back. Window switch problem, peeling door handles (no lotion here!), badly designed cup holders, had MANY headlights and harnesses, plus electrical problem I had to go to war over...defective killed the battery within 48 hours. They told me I should "drive it more!" (how, since it was always dead?) After calling VW and causing a scene at the dealer they finally diagnosed the problem. It is cute, fun, very good pickup. I still love it after all that. Good design, German-style steering. And it fits my 6'4" spouse.

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