Used 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Hatchback Consumer Reviews
Used New Beetle for sale
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3rd owner 98 beetle TDI
Hadyn, 12/14/2015
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
If you can buy one used these days, do it. I got mine for under 3k and it has 180k miles on it. I got it because I found it at such a great price and VW mechanic owned. I never expected I'd ever like owning a new beetle and just saw it as a cheap, clean car that gets incredible gas Mileage. Being 6'2" I usually would never have bought a car this small but I do have a good 6 inches of headroom between the top of my head and the headliner. It's not fast, but it's quick. The torque is a lot for that little bug and it really does get around. Overall I'm very happy with my second hand purchase and maybe I just got a good one by the looks of the mixed reviews here.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Rough around the edges but never one to let me down :)
koypond, 08/26/2013
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Bought this car to go back and fourth to university with. Its a pretty good little car for one person if you ask me, it drives smooth and is easy to maneuver. the interior is a bit vexing, but easy to accept given the lovable exterior :) would never wanna sell it! its become my partner in crime.
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle for sale near you
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- Base 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $2,495804 mi away
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It's worth the few flaws!!
kassidyheath, 08/02/2012
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
I bought this car last year with 100,000 miles on it, and throughout the additional 16,000 miles i've driven, the problems have been minor, few, and far between. I felt confident buying it with so many miles already on it because Volkswagen engines seem to be bulletproof. Initially when idling, the engine would have a tendency to overheat in the Florida summers but having a mechanic for a father and adjusting the cooling system there haven't been any problems since. The transmission is a little rough during acceleration and deceleration, but it's 14 years old. I rear ended a pickup once pretty hard and the truck suffered a lot worse than the Beetle! Very safe, love this car.
My very 1st Car !!!
jjnj, 02/22/2016
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
This car is a great 1st car . I'm in love with my Red Buggy! Having to refill the gas tank can be kind of hectic but it's a very cute and enough room for me and my friends to ride in comfortably. It's not for a group of 5 at all, I love the long dashboard and how I can adjust the seat just right so I can get comfortable. My car is 18 years old my parents bought it through a friend and when we got it , it barely worked now it runs as good as any car on the road today just needs tint and a paint job and she'll be back to good.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
11 years and still a great car
Pinky, 05/11/2009
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
3 of 3 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.
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!!
Do not waste your time on Beetles PLEASE
lylarose13, 11/21/2011
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
5 of 7 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.
Lemon
Paisley Jane, 07/08/2009
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I only had this car for 6 years, 2 of which it was only driven about once a month by my parents because I lived out of the country. Despite this, it had 1000s of dollars worth of repairs needed every year. One month after purchase it needed $1000 worth of repairs. The final straw came yesterday when they told me I needed $5000 worth of repairs to ABS system, some fuel thing, etc. I took it directly to Toyota and traded it in.
What a piece of Crap!
Bug Loather, 10/06/2004
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My wife just "had to have it". Bought it used (it was 2 years old and had only 12K on it). Ended up buying the extended warrenty for 1K cause the factory warrenty had expired and thanked my lucky stars for buying it. Lets see....problems included windows, battery, headlights (many times) trunk/gas release, rust, radio, interior pealing, door seals falling in and my favorite. The gremlin that lives in are car and rolls the windows down by itself while we sleep. STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR, DONT GET IT WET AND DEFINATELY DONT FEED IT AFTER MIDNIGHT!!!
The Money Pit
Diana, 09/05/2010
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
All my daughter wanted after she turned 16 was a VW Bug. We found one in Albuquerque, New Mexico where we are originally from and my husband drove it back to Texas. The night he arrived the clutch went out. ($2000) Repairs were delayed due to the engine hood latch broke and couldn't open it. It is now in the repair shop again with a busted oil pan which we are finding is very hard to find without the sensor hole in it. These are the major expenses that have incurred in the very short time of ownership. The little expenses are endless. I am so disappointed in VW I thought they were better car manufactures than this.
Excellent
brit_008, 09/30/2008
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love my bug! I've had it for almost 2 years. Never really had any problems. Except for the rear brake lights. In case other '98 owners didn't know, the brake switch was recalled on all 98 bugs. (lights stay on, etc.) my lights had been staying on and I searched it out and found out that's what it was. I'm the second owner, and the first never had any problems with it. So, I took it to my local vdub dealer and they fixed it right up. Never had any trouble since. Great car, love they way it handles. Very fun to drive.
Don't Waste Your Money
CalPolyJustin, 05/16/2003
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is a total piece of junk. So many things went wrong with this car that I almost lost track of how many times it was towed into the Volkswagen dealer. The driver side window motor had to be replaced twice, the headlights continually burned out, the coating on the interior door handles peeled off, it blew a head gasket, the radiator cracked, this piece of plastic fell off the dash, the radio had terrible reception, the interior (light beige) got dirty just looking at it, the buttons fell off the alarm fob, and it costs over $100 to have a key made. All of this happened with less than 60,000 miles on it.
Vroom, vroom, meep, meep, happy, happy!
littlefaith, 04/05/2002
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have really enjoyed driving this car. No matter how practical or luxurious another car may be, I never wish I were driving some other car. I just like the feel of it, I can't put my finger on it, it's like magic. The whole is more than the sum of its parts.
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.
Overall, A Good Little Car
punch_bug1020103, 05/09/2005
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
At first glance, I thought this car was cute, but would not perform well. I then proceeded to test drive it. There I got my first taste of it's "spunkiness". Its acceleration is a little slow, but it is adequate. The interior is very well designed, except for the cup holder's locations. I think the indigo glowing gauges are cute. The room from the front seats is quite bigger than one might think. However the rear seats are cramped. Mechanically, this car is designed well. I personally love the transmission, and it's gear ratios. I find that the ratios come in handy on hills when the car doesn't roll back for an automatic. Overall, I think that this car is great; it turns heads.
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.
Not all Bugs are bad
PalisadesBug, 10/25/2004
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Whats this headlight BS? I change my own! The bulbs cost between 8 - 15. And I burned out 3 in the years I've had the car. Yes, I know plenty of people with VW products. Some are nightmares, only made worse by incredibly poor dealer service. Even so, another New Beetle is a possiblity for me. The car has some great features, and the interior is comfortable, and capable of carrying quite a bit. Even with a Kayak on top I get over 30mpg. Try to do that in an SUV. The car is a personal expression. But be forewarned there are some genetic throwbacks out there who have adverse reactions to the little bug...screw them! Have fun, drive safe and alert...
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...
First and last VW
SweetStellarS, 12/26/2002
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my VW in Sept of 1998 and so far I know all the service department employees at 3 different VW dealerships in the area. I bought a lemon but the BBB didn't think so, they also thought that my extended warranty was good enough if anything broke on the car after the manufacture's warranty ran out. So far it has covered ONE minor thing, honestly it was a waste of $1000! My 1989 Ford Escort was more reliable! The bugs at the dealership now because I almost KILLED myself making a right hand turn when the vehicle completely turned off making me go straight into on coming traffic! You name it, I've had the problem! My advice, DON'T EVER BUY A VW!
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
Lease return or Purchase Offer???
B & J Buffington, 02/13/2003
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After reading others' experience with this car the decision to make an offer to the lessor or return the car will not be easy. There appear to be a substantial number of "lemons" in the 1998 model year. Problems since our purchase included a faulty A/C compressor, door regulator arm, and the battery.The lease "residual" is $13,400 and based on the current market valuation our offer to purchase will likely be roughly $9,000 (plus or minus $500). Like the Ford Focus this car has great engineering but inconsistent component quality and/or production assembly problems.
BEST car I've owned!
ManaGrace, 07/26/2003
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
I HAD to have it!! Now so SORRY!!!
Unlucky, 08/02/2003
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Problems that required replacement include headlight harnesses, door locks, window switches, air conditioning compressor and four batteries in less than five years (one exploded when I started the engine). The inside finish is peeling off, the radio is mostly static unless right in the city, the cupholders are pathetic and the VW emblems on the wheels have fallen off. I use only dealerships for my routine maintenence/service and they claim that my problems are unique. Each time I get ready to sell the car I have another $1000.00 repair bill and feel I must drive it a bit longer to justify paying the bill!!
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.
I like it, but would not buy one again
jnjhoughtailing, 10/24/2003
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought the car about a year ago, I hav ehad problems with the door, it wouldn't open. The windows latch is going to break off. The radio goes up and down without me touching it and I had to get all new brakes and rotators on all four sides. And some times I can't get the latch to work for the trunck or the gas tank. I love my car, but I would not buy another.
I Love THE VW!
Calley, 12/06/2002
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have my very own black one and it is great! i wouldn't want another car they are to cute!
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.
Fun car/Poor Qualty
Treva Hagstrom, 02/10/2003
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a fun car but has been towed in several times. Several Headlights 5-8 Many window regulars 5 Electronic key entry About $350. This car has had 3 Batteries. This can only be installed by the dealer.They have to reset the computer. This cost about $135. Several other people have had the same Problem. We are not happy with the qualty.
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.
cute but dont buy
Cheer Chick, 08/18/2005
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I loved this car when i first bought it, but then after I had it for a week it was back in the shop. I've had the transmission replaced twice on this thing. The light bulbs keep goin out and the window buttons always break. My window broke while it was down which was horrible. The dealer always is really expensive too. My brake light switch went out too and I couldn't move my car. This car spends more time in the shop then it does on the road! VW seriously needs to rethink some ideas on the Bug. My interior door handles are pealing and the cup holders stink. I can't even put any drink besides a can in there. It also needs more horspower. It has horrible acceleration! Don't buy a new Beetle.
My Red Bug
jbm, 07/26/2002
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is our third car. I drive a Cadillac Seville and the husband drives a Chevy Tahoe...actually it is our 4th car...we also have a 1973 Super Beetle Convertible. I have so much fun in this car. I don't drive it much...only 16,000 miles in four years. I'll keep it forever I guess.
Never buy a VW Beetle
naty4419, 11/08/2005
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased the Beetle as my very first new car! I loved the design, the color...but I had numerous problems with the car but I was not able to lemon law it. Do not waste your money on one. I ask Beetle owners what do they think about the car and the reply is always the same. They stink!
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.
Dracula
80sgirl, 04/18/2005
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As the title of the review states this car has totally sucked the money out of me. So far I have put $1000 in it, but it needs MAJOR repairs...Recently, the air bag light has come on and stayed (checked the code in computer and it disappeared, came back 3 days later, told could be electrical glitch). Passenger door lock switch needs replaced, the relase to shift A/T from park won't work, and now, no brake lights. I HATE this car now but loved it when I got it...It has been a complete NIGHTMARE!!! Major Electrical problems with VW's (read the rest of the reviews)...STAY AWAY or you'll be sorry.
207k still running
GJR, 11/25/2010
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
New Beetle Blues
KatyGrl1, 10/21/2005
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Never buy a first-year model. I made the mistake once and will not do it again. The VW Beetle was fun to drive but highly undependable. Little, silly things broke all of the time and all over the place. It guzzled oil as well. Don't be lured by the adorable body style and catchy ads.
I bought a stink bug
J. Lewis, 03/20/2004
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car with 22000 miles on it, it now has 52000. I have replaced both headlights twice, both power window switches, both power window motors, and both window regulators. The cooling fan has quit, two speakers don't work, the interior handles have peeled off, and if you're not a midget you will bump your head on the rattle infested roof.
Junk Mobile
Don't buy VW, 05/19/2006
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had nothing but problems since the day I bought this car. I had to eplace the battery three times. It get's 17mpg - which makes it a gas guzzler. The fuses actually burst into flames in the engine! My car always jerks when I take my foot of the gas. Every time I need to get the car serviced, I have to take to the dealer because they have the special tool needed to fix it. Garage mechanics won't touch the Bug, it's a waste of time to them, and they lose money from it. I'm waiting for the day the engine falls out of the car! I will never buy another VW again.
fun but there is a price to pay
johnblaze03, 08/02/2002
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was so excited when I picked up my black 98 Beetle from the dealership. However, this feeling quickly turned to frustration after multiple problems with this "car"... 1) car would not start--later determined the engine fan was running almost 24 hours a day, thus killing the battery. 2) "check engine" light came on, nothing determined to be wrong with the car at that time. Very frustrating problem that causes many headaches. 3) drivers side window would not come up, part took over 3 weeks to get in. 4) when I shifted to 4th gear, and odd clicking noise would come from the engine
Distinctive but problematic
Cara - Florida, 05/03/2002
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
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?
Happy Since I Sold It....
SFborn, 08/14/2002
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm so delighted I dumped this car. What a loser! I spent close to $9,000 to repair some suspension problem, the engine burned a quart of oil every 750 miles and Volkswagen would do nothing about it, and yup, I too had the pealing interior problem, the engine fan seemed to run all the time and the air conditioning vents broke. Got tired of trying to figure out what would go wrong next. Bought a Mercedes - smart move. I dumped this lemon while I could still get money for it - I suggest you do the same!
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!!
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.....................
Bugbug
Greta, 08/30/2002
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive, not enough power, dash too long.
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.
VW Bug
Francois, 09/01/2002
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great fun car, easy to drive and feeling of sportyness and safty
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).
About what I expected for $17K
vfr2fast, 05/08/2002
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Recently I've been driving a Focus. I like the Beetle so much better: the way it handles, the conveniences, its smooth acceleration and its look. I have had little annoyances with the Beetle: power windows failing, heating vent shut-off valve broken, power gas cap didn't release once, headlights burned out quickly, keyless entry not working (battery dead?), cassette player died. Other than that crap, I love the car.