Used 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
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BEST car I've owned!
I bought my car used with 64,ooo miles. It now has 88+ and its still kicking! I have only had everyday normal wear and tare problems with it.
Distinctive but problematic
Yes, like the others, I have loved driving my Bug and the comments I get from others. I have experienced similiar electrical problems with the car as well as some others so be on the lookout! So far, at 36,000, I have had to fix the following - both power window switches, both O2 sensors replaced, replace 1 headlight, have 1 foglight that needs to be replaced, a seal crack that caused all the power steering fluid to drain out. Still waiting to hear from VW to see if they will cover any of repairs for O2 sensors as all other model years except 1998 were covered for this under a recall. Not sure if I will get another one or not.
- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $2,495369 mi away
- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,7501,013 mi away
- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,9001,749 mi away
A typical experience
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.
great car...horrible electric system
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.
207k still running
cant believe its 12 yrs old. Held up great, but, so many repairs and each was very costly,$400-$800. Fun car to drive, but too many simple flaws that were too costly to bother fixing, ie:gas cap not closing. and breaking of same parts-bargain price, but too costly to maintain after a few years. Although many parts still original and reliable car, ends dont justify the means.