Used 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Hatchback Consumer Reviews
Used New Beetle for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
If your not a mechanic don't buy the Bug
Not a mech don't buy, 08/20/2009
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Windows failed out of warranty, rip off repair. A/C quit needed new compressor, condenser and expansion valve, I put them in. Front wheel bearing right side went bad, I put new one in. Lights fail alot hard to change both rear and front lights. Parking brakes cables stuck from rust, I replaced. Rear brakes wear way too fast, calipers go bad for no reason. Water pumps fail randomly, I replaced that. Beetle needs may parts redesigned for reliability. Simple things cost too much, center of hub caps emblems fall off cost 30 dollars way too much for nothing. Gas door gets stuck, adjusted alot to make it work right. VW engineers have no clue on design for easy of maintenance nor reliability.
One Happy Beetle Owner
petra, 09/08/2008
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had her for 9 years now. Try to take good care of her. Change my oil every 3000 mi. Do all the other stuff too. Bottom line, for what I need in a car, this one is perfect and I shall drive her for another 10 years at least.
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle for sale near you
Showing 3 of 4 listings
- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $2,495471 mi away
- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,7501,174 mi away
- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,9992,448 mi away
See all 4 listings
Love My Bug
TTopper, 05/21/2002
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my bug during the Beetle Maddness of 1998. I've owned it for 4 years and have really enjoyed the experience. This is my 5th VW, and this one hasn't disappointed. The car is roomy, spacious, good on gas, handles well and great on a long trip
Never buy another
bonerrick, 12/16/2009
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
first, this car sets so low to the ground that I scraped the bottom and broke the oil pan, 2x. costly repairs! Then the it overheated and the timing belt, pump had to be replaced, another costly repair. The windows don't work, especially in winters. The door doesn't open on the passenger side and a rock hit the windshield and put a big round crack on the driver side. Now, the check engine lights comes on and when I put it for diagnosis, it says that a valve is going in the wrong direction. What next!!!! the door lining is falling down on me when I drive so have to use duck tape to keep it in place. never will I buy another german made car, made in Mexico...
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.