Used 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle 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.
Never Again
vw99, 06/09/2008
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought the car used from a VW dealership, said it had been checked out and was in great condition. 6 months later came in for extensive engine repairs, have been back to the service department at least 4 times a year since then for random electrical failures. Check engine light is on at least once a month for no reason, I go in and pay $90 for them to turn it off. Have spent over half of what I paid for the car in repairs and that is with taking it to cheaper garages instead of paying the ridiculous prices at the dealership. It is very cute and fun to drive but extremely poor quality and the most unreliable car I've ever driven. Do not make the same mistake!
Great.....at the begining
Aryn, 02/17/2005
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
At first I loved my bug, and now I still love the way it looks. I haven't had any major mechanical problems, but my headlights went out and I took it to Tires Plus and they had the hardest time trying to put new headlights in and didn't get them fixed the first time so I had to go twice. I also have never had all of my break lights work, even 10 minutes after they are replaced. The trunk release has not worked since I bought it. And I can't go over 60 without it reving to 3,000 rpm. So gas milage isn't what you would expect. The worst thing is the cost of maintenance! But after a year and a half I am still attached, that must say something.
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle for sale near you
Showing 3 of 6 listings
- GLS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $8,888918 mi away
- GLS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $7,7501,173 mi away
- GLS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $2,4001,186 mi away
See all 6 listings
More room than you think
Collin, 05/14/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
People think this car has nothing to offer on the outside, but all you have to do is take it for a drive and see just how much headroom you have that you won't find in other cars. Plus what is truly amazing is just how quite and and deceptively fast this car feels. You'll find yourself driving down the highway thinking you are going 70mph when in actuality you are going around 90 or more. And when it comes to a quiet ride, it is amazing. Its nice riding and quick responsive when turning or switch lanes. This car handles just like a little sports car and as such i find myself driving it that way. Take it for a test drive, you will not be disappointed at all.
I love my Beetle!
Jenni, 04/26/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Before I had a Beetle, I thought they were cute, but not for me. When I saw one at a dealership, I thought I would just check it out. Love at first site. Good looking, sporty, fun, and safe for my kids, just what I wanted in a car!
I have gotten my money's worth!
Emilee, 07/12/2008
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought my bug used on Ebay for $6500 with 75,000 miles on it. It now has $130K miles and is still going strong. I have maintained this vehicle and it only broke down once when some board fried out and cost me $238. The AC Compressor did go out and the dealership quoted $1200 to replace it. Instead I bought a compressor on Ebay for $200 and my mechanic put it in for $200 and its been working fine. It seems like the headlights and brake lights go out a lot and are very expensive to replace. Poor design that allows water intrusion. The trunk latch and gas cap latch stopped working at 100K and the alarm has never worked right. Minor issues overall! I still love it & would buy another.
Fun Car / Not Reliable
m_dsdrc, 09/24/2005
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love the design of the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle. It's the cutest car ever made. But it is poorly put together. What ever is made of plastic in that car is going to break. I have had to replace all the window switches in it. And now I cant use my CD player because the plastic switches on the radio have broken. My flex plate in the engine craked and had to be replaced. The actual part only cost $36 but it ended up costing me $800 after labor. So it's not that the parts are expensive is the difficulty to replace things in the car. I had to also replace my alternator, air conditioner, and the window units. My fuel door will not open from the inside If they would just fix all these minor problems it would be an exellent car!
1999 new beetle
Mark, 01/02/2016
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
I had just bought a 1999 new beetle but my problem ,it takes long to start the engene .you start several times but the engene doesn't pick up immediately .can I say it the fuel pump ,Air mass flour , battery wires . Please whoever is there and experience d the same pls I need your advice.Mark
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Love this bug
tb, 09/07/2007
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love my yellow color bug. No problems, fantastic on gas. I love all the features on the car. My car is a 1999 VW Bug. I love how the inside dash board lights up blue at night. The seats are really comfortable. When you get on the highway it really responds fast. The car has been mantained.
Never Again
JJ, 12/22/2004
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This my LAST VW. I have electrical problems galore. Now the headliner is coming off and some of the leather on the driver's door is coming unglued. What terrible quality for a German car, and VW won't stand behind their own work after a measly three years. I am going back to the Japanese cars. They know how to make quality and stand behind their products.
No trouble at all
Tara, 04/22/2008
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have a yellow bug for a year now and I have no trouble with it yet. I just love the bug. It has a lot of miles on it and I am afraid one day the bug is going to give up so I am thinking of selling it and getting a Volkswagen Cabrio.
love bugs
mssktty18, 02/09/2004
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its wonderful fun to drive,You don't have to worry every week about filling your gas tank.its great!They drive quite and run wonderfully.
Don't miss the repair shop
Robinowitz, 09/12/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
There was no greater fan of this car than me. I waited breathlessly for six years after seeing the prototype to buy it and loved it from the get go. Then all hell broke loose...literally. The whole A/C system had to be replaced at 2 years ($1200), the passenger seat lift lever broke off at 6 mos., the interior roof's compartment door broke off within 2 months, the locking fuel tank door broke around 2.5 yrs, the locking mechanism started doing a freakdance and a year after replacing the A/C system, it went out again. Had to dump it for the reliability of a good ol' Nissan.
Very frustrated!! Don't buy
fjklajdfkdl, 09/17/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
7 trips to the repair shop, with 9 problems and it only has 26,000 miles. 3 window problems, 3 dead batteries, oxygen sensor, air flow meter, rock shield on underside of car rips off when you go over speed bumps even at a slow speed. Driver's side mirror blocks your view of other vehicles, especially at 4 way stops. I love driving the vehicle, but just too many problems.
Great Car
psfriend, 04/22/2004
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been the best that I have owned....very clever design features, loads of headroom (I am 6'4" tall) and good handling...excellent reliability. I would recommend this make/model for folks who want a fun and relatively inexpensive mode of transportation.
Don't make a mistake!
NissanOwner, 10/15/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a waste of money and time! This car was a problem from the minute I got it (new). As have others, I could list a long list of problem parts which were replaced. They never could fix the howling sound that came out of the A/C - from the first time it was used. Obviously VW knew they didn't have a reliable car when they only offered a 2 year warrenty. I'd never buy a VW or Audi again.
New Beetle
rosey, 03/08/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Lots of little things go wrong with it.....power windows, hub caps fall off, signals don't work, leak in cooling system. Poor warrenty.
WOBVW Review
walter baumert, 06/09/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My bug is wounderful and would keep it if I had another larger car. The only problem that I find with this VW is the take off at a light or stop sign. Just not enough get up and go.
Not quite sure
MeeToo, 03/20/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought this bug with 24K miles on it. teh previous owner kept excellent care of it. I've had it a month and the window regulator needs replacement...$317.00. As I look through the records, she had some things fixed which weren't mentioned...sunglass case didn't close, windshield leaked, passenger mirror didn't work. The transmission (auto) takes 2-3 seconds to grab, which the dealership says is normal. Difficult to believe. Car is a lot of fun to drive, had a Civic before. BUT, not sure if it is built very well...my Honda went 150K with only one 'mechanical repair' besides maintenance. Next time, I'll buy a HONDA!
So disappointed
Andrea, 08/01/2005
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLX 1.8T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was bought with 32,000 miles. It now has 56,000. Let me put it this way, I will never buy a VW again. I hope this will help some poor soul from making a $5000 dollar mistake. That was $5,000 dollars in repairs. Too many to list. Worst was mass air flow sensor and fuel injectors. Who ever heard of replacing fuel injectors!?
Love the body, HATE its guts!
kmad, 03/16/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is constantly running out of oil. Just had to put in 2 quarts yesterday. The door locks work only when they want to and the AC doesn't seem to be a cold as it should. Trying to work with the service departments can make a person go bald. (from pulling your hair out). They actually told me that my car was using up oil because oil in the US is different from oil in Germany so I need to check it often and add oil as needed. They estimated 1 quart every 800 miles. If this were true I'm sure VW would be importing SPECIAL German oil for VW owners, put an outragous price on it per quart and make a huge profit on it. My car only has 40k miles on it!!!
Exellent Car!!!
nubugman, 09/30/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I don't know what these other people have done to there car, but I have 90000 miles on mine and very few proplems. I had to replace the window regulator at 84000 miles and it only cost my $100 plus 1/2hr labor. Other than that is has run perfect. Fun car to drive.
DON'T BUY!!!!
had enough, 03/17/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Spend way to much time in the shop. Some problems kept coming back over and over again. The color of yellow was a good color for this car.
Shaped like a lemon, too
Kurt, 02/27/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Oof the greatest disappointments I have ever had with a vehicle. 1 alternator, 1 brake master cylinder, 2 power steering pumps, 2 fuel tank senders, 2 window switches, 1 radio, 1 lower radiator hose, 2 cooling fans and 1 fuel door actuator and oil consumption of 1 quart every 3000 miles which, according to VW, is within specification for a car with 22k miles on the clock. The only saving grace is that the lease is up in a few months. Kurt
Not What They Used To Be
Rebecca, 03/05/2006
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 4th Beetle and my favorite thing about the new Beetle is that the heater works. Here's a list of things that no longer work in the car; drivers side window no longer goes up and down, tape player stopped working, antenna fell off, passenger side window motor had to be replaced (as well as driver's side, but still doesn't work because the button broke off), side view mirror button broke off, trunk doesn't latch, hood latch occasionally doesn't work, locking gas door no longer locks, A/C no longer operating. This is unbelievable considering I am the only driver of this vehicle and am no kid. Also, most importantly its oil consumption worrisome at best.
I AGREE WITH ALL OF THE ABOVE COMPLAINTS
SYR, 05/09/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF S... THANK GOD HAS A WARRATY COVERAGE. AS SOON AS MY WARRANTY IS UP, I'M SELLING IT.
excellent car
luke m., 11/11/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
no problems got 50,000 mil. now what a car. Get it. No problems at all. Just small break problem but that`s my own fault for buying cheap breakes.
A Great Little Car
happyowner, 09/30/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my red 1999 GLS 5-speed used with 17,000 miles on it. The car has been nothing but reliable. I now have over 61,000 miles on it and it continues to drive and run flawlessly. Nothing has broken on it other than two headlights. The bulbs cost about $7.00 and are easy to replace once you figure out what you're doing. Everything works, none of the switches have fallen out or broken and the power windows work just fine. The air conditioning works great. I guess some cars are lemons, but mine has been every bit as reliable as my wife's Honda Civic (she sold the Honda and bought a Cabrio).
VW New Beatle
gilandis, 01/02/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have has several problems with the vehicle. The most recurring problem has been with the windows switches. They have been replaced three times; two under warranty and once at my expense. The battery needed replacement after 3 years.
Fun Car...with lots of problems.
ytaK, 05/18/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The VW Beetle is, without a doubt, a fun car to look at and drive. I love seeing the smiles on other peoples' faces as I drive by. That's not the only reason to drive a car, though. Just six days after buying this car, I stalled out in a parking lot. After 3 days of arguing with the manager of my dealership and the service department, they finally figured out that the air flow meter was nonfunctioning. Both power window switches broke within 6 months. The cap to the parking brake fell off just a few months ago. The A/C doesn't run cool enough, and makes a loud squeaking noise, which no one can seem to correct. This poor car is falling apart piece by piece.
Stay Away
iinsic, 04/08/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I made the unfortunate decision to buy this car based on it's design. Build quality has been horrible. I have had to replace window reg., 2 window switches, 3 O2 sensors, had an oil leak, replace a rear brake caliper at 40K miles (!?), now the air conditioning does not work. Fun to drive, terrible to own.
A Mexican car with plastic fenders.
GaryinVT, 04/16/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Leased my New Beetle new. I've only had a few problems (gas gauge and oxygen sensor), but the after owning it for a while I can tell everything was built to the minimum standard. If you've ever had a Honda or Toyota you would laugh at this flimsy thing. Thankfully mine is just the 2.0 liter, as the turbos and diesels need a new clutch every 20- 30k miles.
A Great Little Car
HappyOwner, 09/30/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my red 1999 GLS 5-speed used with 17,000 miles on it. The car has been nothing but reliable. I now have over 61,000 miles on it and it continues to drive and run flawlessly. Nothing has broken on it other than two headlights. The bulbs cost about $7.00 and are easy to replace once you figure out what you're doing. Everything works, none of the switches have fallen out or broken and the power windows work just fine. The air conditioning works great. I guess some cars are lemons, but mine has been every bit as reliable as my wife's Honda Civic (she sold the Honda and bought a Cabrio).
I love this car
sammyjack, 01/24/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I have ever driven for the money. Mine even has heated leather seats, which are so nice. I even bought the car used, and it is in great condition.
LOVE MY BUG!!!
VW LOVER, 06/24/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY VW BEETLE....SURE, I'VE HAD A FEW PROBLEMS WITH IT, BUT WHO DOSEN'T HAVE ANY CAR PROBLEMS?? MY WINDOW BROKE BUT THEY REPLACED IT & ALSO WENT AHEAD & REPLACED MY OTHER ONE, BECAUSE THEY HAD A NEW, IMPROVED MOTOR FOR THE WINDOWS. I LOVE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD & SEEING PEOPLE LOOK & SMILE AT ME!!! I WOULDN'T TRADE MINE FOR THE WORLD.
Amazing Car
BeRocketMan, 07/03/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is one of the most trustworthy cars I've ever driven. The only downside is that it's rather low to the ground and can cause problems on bad pavement, but you will have that with any low car. Overall this is an excellent car!
Don't Be Fooled By Good Looks
bobk, 02/11/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned two older Beetles (63-69)and a 91 Jetta. As you can see I like VW's. I fell in love with the New Beetle's looks and overlooked its flaws. After 66k miles I have to admit I made a huge and costly mistake. Problems include 2 blown headlights, both power window switches broken, passenger power window won't go up, uses alot of oil, dead battery while driving, replace starter and moisture in oil. I've found out since that these are normal problems for New Beetle owners. During all of this VW won't do anything!
Run away now. Don't buy
joe smith jones, 05/12/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is complete garbage. The vehicle seems to be in the shop more then out. If it wasn't that my wife loves the style,it would be gone. I wildest dream is that I wake up one morning it it was stolen from my driveway. No such luck.. Even thieves don't it. I have had problems with the diesiel engine, more times then I can image, replaced AC, power windows at least two times on each side, along with numerous other patrs. brakes lasted 20000 miles. Service has been horrible at best. Want to make lots of money, open a trustworthy VW shop in Baltimore. The best I could do for this vehilce is schedule it for a crusher at a local junk yard.
Could ANYTHING else break on this car???
T., 05/16/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I purchased this car, I was under the impression that Volkswagon made reliable cars. Not the case. I have spent thousands of dollars in repairs in the last six months. I have had a new oil pan, power window mechanisms, power lockes replaced, air flow something or other, fuel injector corrected, exhaust system replaced, vanity mirrors light mechanism had to be replaced, on and on and on. Just when you think you are past the repair slump, something else happens! Now, I am dumping this car and buying a Toyota again!
The car is cool!!
ldfuller, 02/21/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've wanted a Beetle from the first time I heard about them. I got my wish. The only problems I've had with the car were not because of manufacturing it was because the dealership sold me a car that had been damaged and repaired. I absolutely LOVE my Beetle. Everyone should drive one. Okay not everyone, Just me the PRINCESS :D
My Yellow TDi Bug
Manu/nothias, 06/12/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDi 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Lots of head turning, and a fast bug with 49 mpg. Could not have asked more. Have some interior youth defaults, fixed on the newer models. 83000 miles and still going like new. Love passing on the left lane, and seing the SUV stopping for gas. Love that Bug even if I did not really want one, was the only TDi on the lot.
No where to go
Slugbug flu, 09/21/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Problems from the start. The gas cap will not release. Battery died just after 2 years old. Dont ever jump start! A/C fan is dead. Starter dead. Brake cover fell off as did the mirrow button. Now the car has been in the shop 5 times for a over heating problem that they cant even seem to fix. The car has been a problem from the start. I have so many other things just no more room. VW hirer better engineers.
Best looking car ever
cpapakon, 06/30/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No problems until 30,000 miles Everythings works like new. Awesome car.
liked it in general but several problems
cchrissyy, 01/30/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I enjoyed driving the beetle because it was responsive and comfortable. However, we had reliability probems literally from day 1 until the last day, when we picked it up from a service apointment and drove it to be traded-in! I would have kept it longer but we outgrew it- afetr 4 weeks of a baby riding in the back, enouh was enough! we needed a 4-door.
Save Yourself
Thomas Davis, 11/05/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLX 1.8T Turbo 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The reliablity of this model is far below expectations, requiring over $5,000 of repairs in the past 4 years especially exhaust windows and amenities and gear shift/gear train. Stay away from this lemon!
don't buy!!!!!!
nothinggood, 07/27/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I will never buy another VW again, something is always going wrong with my car!!! Don't buy one!
It's horrible!!
lucy99, 12/01/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDi 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just like every other Beetle owner i've talked to, I have had nothing but problems with this car. Besides the horrible designs on the inside (cd changer in the trunk, cup holders unreachable, giant blind spots in every corner), i find new problems every day. After slightly over 3 years, we had to buy a new engine and there's been even more problems since we got it. There has been too many recalled parts to even count. The dealers are horrible and have broken more stuff than they have fixed. I just traded in this timebomb for a reliable toyota and will never buy another VW.
Owners found short love affair
Terry Poole, 12/22/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car started out as a gem. The problem experienced are the same as most bug owners( window switch, window track, mirror knob, dead battery, trim coming off, abnormal tire wear, The worst being it burns oil and intermittantly runs hot. The dealers cant seem to correct the the last two issues.
Bought mine used and no problems
Bananarama, 12/22/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
bought my little GLS used with 40000 miles on it, and no problems to tell you about...As stated in other reviews, the cupholders need work, needs a bigger windshield mirror, and the 2.0GLS needs a 6 speed tranny...the 5 speed revs at 4000 rpms at 80 mph, sounds like the engine is going to blow!...All together, a very fun, reliable, gas worthly car to drive.
"I love my bright yellow beetle!"
Holly Fry, 08/17/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My first car was a 79 volkswagon bug, and now I've moved up in life to the 99 volkswagon beetle. I love it! Like my 79 it is a lot of fun to drive, but it has so much more room than the 79, more get up and go, and a lot smoother.
ode to a new beetle
lansing, 12/30/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
While it was love at first sight, the affair turned out to fade with higher maintenance costs than my second wife. The Dick Dean has a shabby, little practice of adding 10% more to the overall price as a 'market adjustment", which since cured me of ever buying a VW from them again. Their only saving grace is their service department, which treats customers as if they matter. The only problem with the service department, is I see too much of them. After 32,000 miles, every thing on the car started falling apart, or needed replacing at $92/hour. Now that the romance has faded, I will never fall in love again with anything on the lot at Dick Dean VW.