Used 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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The Bug I Had To Have
Meillasdad, 04/03/2004
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I kick myself everyday for buying this car. It was so cute, that I didn't think before purchasing. It has given me problem after problem. My interior is peeling too. I have replace countless sensors. I now have a EC... sensor going bad. My gas cap release only periodically works. The paint chips easily, however, it still looks really nice with red colour wax. I needed a new throtle assembly last month, $1000 installed. I have put $3000 in three months. Time for new car, eh?
Not sure if it is worth the money!
irishgirl0503, 05/14/2004
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's a fun car to drive. I took it in for a recall today because the brake light switch is out.. Thankfully there is a recall on this. The dealer was great, fixed the problem in about 30 minutes. The over all quality of the car is good. Mine has over 80k miles on it and I have had no major problems. The interior on the other hand is a different story. The door handles are peeling, the little knob on the emergency brake has fallen off.. the window switch on the drivers side has broken, & the glue that holds the trunk latch in place came loose.. other than that I love my car!!
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle for sale near you
Showing 3 of 5 listings
- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $2,495676 mi away
- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,7501,060 mi away
- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,9951,618 mi away
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BAD PURCHASE
BAD PURCHASE, 06/29/2004
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In the shop every 2 months and the dealer can not even fix it. To replace the headlight one dealer quotes you $150 another $50 since you can not do this on your own. The engine seized 2 1/2 years after buying it and the dealer tried to make me pay for it even though I bought the extended warranty. Brought it in because the window wouldn't roll up and then the dealer broke the other window. Brought it in to do routine maintenance and told them don't touch the breaks. When left dealer brakes squeeked. You get the picture. I can go on and on and on.....................
garbage
Beetlehater, 07/27/2004
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had so many problems with this car. My air condition stopped working a few times, my window buttons fell off, headlights were always shutting off. The customer service was also pretty bad. Also its an embarrassing car for a guy to be driving. I thought the car was cool when I first got it because it was new and a fad. As the years went on started to loathe the car and hated when people would ask what I drove.
No Major Complaints
Derek71, 09/21/2004
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Considering my experience with VW as well as that of friends who own one, I'm not so sure I'd buy another. I say this because it depends heavily on the individual car you get. I have had almost no trouble with my Beetle which is rapidly approaching the 6 year mark. My complaints are limited to minor frustrations. The lightbulbs burn out rather frequently and cost $75 to replace. You try getting at them yourself. Also, the tapedeck is junk. Even when you use CD or AM/FM the tapedeck decides to engage and tell you "No Tape". Yeah, thanks for the update. I replaced the automatic window switches myself ($40 part + a screwdriver to pop it off).
Perfect
Bug Lover, 07/30/2005
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Volkswagen! Sure I have had a few problems with it, you have problems with every car. I highly recommend VW and I am currently searching for my newest addition, a Bug Conv.
I Love my Bug
Laura, 08/02/2005
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I fell in love with my Volkswagon Bug when I drove past it one morning. I went out and test drove it, and it was beautiful! It is a five speed and has a nice take off. Everything changes so smoothly. The large dash is something to get used to but you dont even notice after a bit. I love the large windows and everything is within reach of the driver (stereo, air hazards) This is a car for a woman looking for a little bit of cute fun!
First Year = Bad Idea
megriley, 01/31/2006
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
1998 was the first year Volkswagen decided to bring back the Beetle. I loved this car, but it had so many things wrong with it. Big things from problems with the fuel injectors and throttle settings, to little things like window control buttons falling off and the interior peeling. It was very frustrating. I love VW, which is why I recently upraded to an '06 New Beetle. It was probably our own fault for buying a car the first year they made it, but for a first car, it seemed like the right price and right "style" for a 16 year old girl. I would recommend that you DO purchase a VW New Beetle, but I would also recommend that you purchase a different year, as the problems associated with 1998 models are plenty.
Constant Problems........
ccinsf, 03/22/2006
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wow, where to begin? POTENTIAL BUYERS BEWARE!! My Beetle's factory installed radio had a short in it. The dealer couldn't diagnose it properly, so I've purchased three batteries for the car and a new old stock radio on eBay. The alternator went at 26,000 miles (out of warranty). The exhaust manifold deteriorated, catalytic converter died, spark plugs keep dying causing 3 out of 4 cylinders to work (happened twice- replaced plugs twice), and the gas cap release has been replaced twice and still does not work. Also, the interior of driver's side door is peeling behind the interior handle. The gearshift cover has fallen off (it has been re-glued twice). The speakers in my car have shorts. Last but not least, the wheel's metallic paint has peeled off
Awsome Car!
The pocket rocket, 04/17/2006
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My mom bought my 1998 Bug a few years ago. She bought it used and fell in love with it as sonn as she drove it. It is awsome. She has now sold it to me and has gone and bought a 2002 (used) turbo sport. We call it the pocket rocket becuase it is so fast and fun to drive. We have five VWs (2 Bugs, a Golf, Jetta, and a Eurovan) and we love them all. They sometimes have small problems, but never anything bad. We will buy VW probably for the rest of our lives.
RUN AWAY!
mo, 08/15/2006
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for the worst possible reason: IT LOOKS CUTE. No sonner had I bought it than things started to go including the battery, a fan, the a/c system, the stereo, the windows, and the reverse gear. This list goes on an on, and everything is EXTRAORDINARILY expensive to fix. I made a quick decision because my previous uber-reliable Honda Civic was stolen, and I rue the day I bought this car every day of my life, particularly when I'm sweating in the summer without the $1,600 it would cost to fix it. Everything that could go wrong has. Don;t buy this car. I will never buy a VW again.
Worst Car I've Ever Owned
Kincaid, 08/31/2006
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded this car in two years ago, and still keep thinking about how awful this car was and felt a need to warn others. It was cute, fun to drive and a real conversation starter, but the quality was TERRIBLE. I would drive down the street and pieces of the car would fall off (both on the exterior and interior). The car was three years old when I sold it because I couldn't afford the maintenance. I spent over $2,000 in an eight week period on various repairs and the dealership still didn't think they had solved one of the problems. This was an emotional purchase because of memories of my father's 60's Beetle, but a VERY EXPENSIVE trip down memory lane. I will never buy another VW ...
Love the Look, Hate the Repair Bills.
paige, 09/26/2006
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the look of the Beetle, it looks like a smiling face. I however, am not smiling anymore because of the numerous repair bills, including replacing the tail, head, and brake light bulbs all of the time. I have replaced the auto window switches numerous times. I have had my car for 8+ years and I expect to replace and repair things, but this car is nickel and dimeing me to death! It's a horrible feeling taking your car somewhere and not being sure you will be able to get back home. I had to replace a plastic component in the gear shift that broke and I could not get out of third gear, then some months later, a gear shift cable broke and I couldn't get out of 2nd gear. Time for a new car!
Bug
JR, 11/16/2006
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Volkswagen Beetle is a car with good room, power, gas mileage, and design. It is fun to drive and easy to park, which is a real plus in city driving and living.
More trouble!
John, 04/06/2007
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Early on we experienced electrical problems, rattles and other issues with this car. We should have sold it! Now, we are replacing the clutch every year. We are now on the fourth clutch for this vehicle. It's going this time!
1998 VW Beetle Hatchback
onexrn, 04/15/2007
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Thoroughly enjoy driving my VW Beetle, drives like a dream, hugs the road nicely. Would like to see better mileage. I get only 19mi/gal.
meh
cantcomplain, 05/25/2003
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this car for my 16th birthday. It was the car I always wanted...cute, fun...until you drive it. It had 30,000 on it when we bought it. Since then, we've replaced both window switches, both O2 sensors, radiator and engine mounts. The check engine light pops on periodically. We didn't recieve a maintenance record with the car. I don't think we would have bought the car if there was one. It's an electrical attrocity. If I've learned one thing, its not to buy a prototype.
Doooon't buy VW's any car !
Jaysohn, 05/25/2003
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Engine stops anytime everywhere.... Nobody knows why it happens even dealershop guys. I changed every parts except flower vase, but it still keeps asking my money for changing some parts.
A Bug that will bug you ...
J Thomas, 06/05/2003
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Consistent problems mark this car. Electrical system required a major investment to get the car running again. The air conditioning went out annually requiring finally another major investment to fix. The power windows go out almost as often. The back hatch rattles periodically as the wiring harness in it slides around. Seals came down from around the windows. The two dealerships that serviced the vehicle were inept at fixing problems and bent on creating reasons to jack up the cost of repairs. They seemed to be distinctly dishonest. (In contrast to the dealers for my BMW or Chrysler.) I have vowed to never buy another VW.
Moose's VW 411
Knoxville Moose, 06/05/2003
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had an amazing experience in the 98 Beetle. It's my first car and is an excellent option for the teenage driver. It's incredibly safe! After being rear ended in a nasty collision that left a Stanza totalled, both passengers in my car walked away without a scratch. The car took quite a hit and was driveable; however, it is especially hard to repair because of the build of the car and it's low level. The Beetle has rarely failed me or even let me down in the least. It's fun, it's safe, it's reliable, and it gets the attention of the opposite sex;)
4 years of HELL
gallagherx, 06/22/2003
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has subjected me to numerous problems over the past four years (excluding the horrendous problems posed by the dealership!). The passenger side window falling into the door driving across Canada! The headlights have burnt out numerous times and the cost of repair is outrageous.
98 New Beetle
vwfarris, 06/26/2003
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sturdy, fun to drive and responsive. The NB is a pleasure to encounter amid the overdone body styles. It has fairly serious lack of quality in the electrical components. Switches, coils, fuse blocks and fans are of less than acceptable quality. If you can do these repairs or have a trustworthy technican available you will love it.
Slug bug
Francis greskovich, 03/01/2020
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this 98 bug from lordstown Oh in 2014. later finding out it started out in Sacramento .CA 161000 miles. Dome light never worked. High beam on drivers side never worked. However. The car is 22 years old and starts every morning 5 speed. Just keeps going and going and going. Cruise control doesn t work. The heating system in these had problems. The heater core is a fortune to replace. But. My experience is a very good car
It’s deja vu all over again! 🌺
Marsha Via, 05/18/2022
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love it! It’s perky, and much bigger inside than I thought, and I was pleasantly surprised by that. I bought it with only 137,000 miles on it for just $500. It had been sitting in a field for about a year, but everything on it works well and with a new battery it passed inspection! Haven’t had to do a thing to it yet, and the way it runs you’d never believe it’s 24 years old! I’m having fun driving a 5-speed again, and road trips are a blast.
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Great Fun Reliable Car!
Becky C, 05/10/2025
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car! Gets high safety reviews! Mine is 1998 & I ordered it new. I just spen $5000 on it to get it going again after sitting in driveway for 9 years!! I’m so happy to have it back! It has great mileage & a great engine … no major problems ever! It has 218,000 miles on the original engine. Only downside was always the interior door handles & window buttons. But there are some after market solutions for the door handles. I love it & I may buy another one!
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our 98 Beetle
ourlibby, 06/22/2012
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
We like our's, runs great, good on gas, inside is a joke ! But for a good sound,,, take off the muffler just run the cat :)
Lemon
1998 new beetle, 07/13/2010
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has been a lemon since we purchased. We have spent over 22 thousand dollars in repairs. As we speak the car is broken again. We spent more in repairs than we paid for the car. I called the corporate office for Volkswagen, their comment was that they could do nothing about. The car has been broken down ever few months apart from the lat. Each visit is always 1 or 2 thousand if not more. I would not take another one of these cars if it was given to me.
woo hoo!
gogoguerilla, 09/16/2002
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I think the bug is the ULTIMATE road trip car in that it's just a blast to drive... it has its quirks, but so do all cars.. and I prefer to see these "quirks" as "character"... It's a great car for med-long commutes as well as sporting arond town.. as aforementioned, it's also done a few long hauls with me with no major problems. it's a car that you instantly make a part of the family... i would recommend it to anyone who's not in dire need of tons of trunk space, but loves an airy, roomy, comfy, super fun car... i'd definitely also consider doing some upgrades, too (i.e. performance chip, exhaus improvement, etc.)
pure waste of money
monkey mike, 02/16/2003
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Worst excuse for a car I have ever seen. Interior is cheap and everything breaks (glovebox latch, power window buttons, etc) plus the seats fade really quickly. On the mechanical side, this car is a nightmare. Power window on drivers side went out, and the window actually shattered inside the door panel. Took a month to get a new regulator in. Engine makes popping noises that the dealer can't figure out how to remedy. Check engine light keeps coming on. Trunk button on inside of car does not actually release the trunk latch. I guess that will fully break pretty soon. Also, the interior of the car is full of rattles and squeaks.
Gotta love it!
Lost in LA, 05/12/2006
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The new Beetle is the best piece of design to hit the road in many years. It has good build quality, great handling, but unfortunarely a despicable dealer network. This is my 5th "Golf" platform VW. And each time I swear I'll never buy another because of the dealers.
This car has been reliable as ever
Michael, 02/22/2016
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has been so reliable from the start of purchase. The engine runs great and the only time I have problems with it is when you have to fix what needs to be fixed.
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