Used 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
Used New Beetle for sale
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Lots to like in a small car + 47 MPG
rickf, 02/04/2009
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle TDi 2dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I see a lot of complaining about New Beetles in here, but reviews are created by the people who love and the people who hate the car. So you get either side... I have a 1998 Beetle that has 104K miles on it. Yes, it is 11 years old, yes it needs a little this or a little that, but honestly... show me any 11 year old car that starts every time even in sub zero weather, gets great gas mileage, and all in all is a great car. Take care of your vehicles and they will take care of you.
Don't Do It!
smn, 02/01/2014
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
11 of 17 people found this review helpful
I bought a 1998 Beetle, 5 speed manual transmission from my neighbor. They saw me coming! The car now has 112,000 miles on it and the control module, catalytic converter and ignition module all went out. It is going to cost me more to fix it than its worth. Don't bother with VW. The glove box and trunk release are broken. The clear coat has peeled off. Regretting spending $3K on this car. My Honda has 200,000 miles on it and runs like a top!!
11 years and still a great car
Pinky, 05/11/2009
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car when it first came out and now, at 105,000 miles, it still runs great. A few repairs here- and-there, but great overall quality and driving experience. The mileage remains consistent, the look is still classic and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.
Do not waste your time on Beetles PLEASE
lylarose13, 11/21/2011
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
I beg you. I have spent over 3000 and now need a new transmission (everybody seems to need these with these cars.) The car only has 70 K's and when I bought it only had 39,000. NOTHING BUT A MONEY PIT of problems and every time I turn around I see more and more people with the EXACT same issues as me to a, "t." Like others have said, it should be illegal to make a car this unsafe, and unreliable. Even though my car is older there are similar problems with newer models of this car. I can't think of a worse car to own then this one. Seriously.
If Only I Knew Then What I Know Now
foxdown07931, 03/05/2002
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle TDi 2dr Hatchback
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
Without a doubt this is the most problematic car I have ever owned. Out of service for weeks as electrical faults could not be traced down. Repeated visits to dealer to correct same problem. Seems like every four months or so we encounter a problem. Usually electrical in nature. These costs are on top of the routine maintenance costs which are shocking. For example, every 40,000 miles a new timing belt is required at a cost of close to $900, brakes $700,headlight bulb close to $100.
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