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Used 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle Hatchback Consumer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars
101 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

A true gem

sunnygirl, 07/17/2008
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

After the purchase of our 99 beetle we have only been back to the dealership for oil changes, nothing else. We purchased the car through the CPO program and never looked back. This car is the best car we have ever owned, hands down!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Back to the future

LionJR, 06/25/2004
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Highly reliable, efficient, fun to drive transportation. It is very adaptable to carrying people, pets, and lots of tailgating stuff. Gets more looks than my neighbor's BMW. Great gas mileage. A good car to run around town or travel distances. Finding good tires has been the only challenge.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Lotsa small problems

joeynemo, 07/12/2004
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Fun car, a lot of Micky Mouse little things that fall apart; Cables, hoses, plastic bits. Everything is held together with plastic, while replacing normal wear and tear items the plastic just breaks during disassembly or reassemmbly. This car is not built to last very long. After 100k miles nothing major has needed to be done but it seems that is just around the corner. Has always burnt oil and has some hesitation while accelerating.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

I love my bug but some complaints

paul, 02/12/2010
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I believe as a VW lover you kinda don't worry about some of the problems/I have realized after owning 3 VW's that they have a lot of electrical problems and you would think they would get the hint and fix these problems. But...I bought my 99 bug used of course and it runs great/fun little 5 speed/love the dash/hate the dang cup holders/I agree with other review they stink due to not being able to get anything in the cup holders and when you do the holder comes off with the can!/and also it just feels like it should have a arm rest/but I have 2 kids and I'm surprised at how easy it is to get them in and out of the back/I do worry that it will tear up and I will not have anyone to fix it.

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4 out of 5 stars

You Pay for the performance of a VW

jay, 05/14/2009
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Bought it used with 40K miles. Have used it for commuting and drive it hard over two mountains every day. The speed, handling and torque is outstanding. Use V or Z rated tires for better handling. Great in snow! I average 36mpg with an automatic driving hard. Body still looks new. Needs extended sun visors!!! Now the negatives....from 92K to 135K was about $4K in maintainence-- exhaust;cat. converter; axle boots; plus the ENIGINE LIGHT at least 2 time per year at a cost of 3-400 each time! Now faced at 145K whether to keep to dump as I can still pass everyone on the road and go uphills at incredible speed and confidence. Plus--an incredible stereo and safety features for a 10 yr car

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Monday - Friday car?

li'l buggy, 08/25/2005
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
6 of 7 people found this review helpful

I'd like to start by saying I love VW Beetles, always have but my little bug has given me a bit of trouble. Is it the year? Is it the day of week it was built? I have had to replace the cooling system ($$$), oil pan, airconditioner ($$$), both windows due to motor failure ($$). And the little things...fuel door won't open from inside, and knob to adjust outside mirrors is broken. It is also expensive to replace the headlights (poor design). I'm wondering if I should get another Beetle, and if Volkswagon has made any improvements in these cute cars. I love the way the Beetle maneuvers expecially on curves and in parking lots. Love to share info with anyone out there.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Love-Bug

JerseyShore524, 05/16/2008
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Love my car! I can fit 3 adults (me included) and a car seat quite comfortably. It hugs turns and is quick as a bunny. German cars are really made better!!

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5 out of 5 stars

I love my yellow Beetle

tara, 12/06/2007
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I have to say my bug is running good even thought it has 137,000 miles on it no major problems yet. And this is the first bug I ever owned and I love it. Great on gas. But the light bulbs have to be changed every time one goes out. I just love my bug, it's a fantastic car when nothing goes wrong with it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great car

e, 09/30/2007
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I love my car. It's been great - it's got about 166,000 miles on it at this point, same clutch! Needs only the basic maintenance, nothing special. Fun to drive. Paint still looks great, still running strong. Will easily make it past 200,000. No doubt.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Good stuff

Robert94114, 04/21/2004
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I have not had any problems with this car. The only pet peves I have is the cup holders and the reverse takes so long to shift the gear on the automatic.

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