Used 1999 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.
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.
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle for sale near you
Showing 3 of 4 listings
- GLS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,4601,078 mi away
- GLS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $7,5771,125 mi away
- GLS 1.8T 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $7,5001,309 mi away
See all 4 listings
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!?
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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!
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!
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
Love It
Songs, 04/18/2021
updated 04/19/2022
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car was my dream car along with a Mercedes but I really love the drive of it and also the fact that you get a really nice sized car that can be maintained easily and customized to your preference. The parts are easily available and not to expensive compared to other models and makes. I ended up trading it in for the other dream car Mercedes because the catalyst was removed and it sounded so loud. I could have tried AliExpress, EBay or Amazon and found sound deafening kits but i was buying gas everyday for short trips. Great car overall I had the bullet proof version it saved me a few shots great to cruise in. Police was saluting me in this car compared to my old Hyundai so it is a pristinely looking car. I remember once when I waved at them in my Hyundai and they told me to park there but in the VW they said welcome Ma! The Modern versions have better handling I presume but overall great decent first car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
"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.
good for the price
Cinders, 05/22/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was a 1999 leftover with only a few miles on it. I've been very happy except for the very, very squeeky brakes. The dealer, after a few visits, told me there's nothing they can do, breaks are fine, and gave me a pamphlet explaining why they squeek. The noise is so bad I can't drive with the windows open and I'm trading it in. Also, the side view mirrors are too high. I see that's been redesigned in the new models.
German Engineering? Yea right!!!!
goingback2, 09/10/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I don't even know where to begin...At 10000 miles a brake light switch went out not covered under warranty! Then at 25000 battery went dead and thanks to VW for the special size, that was a nice $200 bill(again not under warranty). I have battled with the power window switches that are tempermental, the auto door lock at 7mph that works half the time, the driver's side window that doesn't want to go up, the gas door that won't latch and have I mentioned the horrible rattling and vibration at any speed over 25mph? The interior pieces are notorious for falling off. This car turned to junk after 6 months of ownership.
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.
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.
if only i had known.....
jocko, 02/21/2002
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
i bought the car with 7k miles...it now has a shade over 15k build quality is very poor...glove box door hinge came loose without any trauma..power window switch broke and cruise control went out. lower engine cover panel came loose after 6 months of driving, just replaced a faulty brake light switch now the solenoid that controls the gas cap door needs replacing....this car is truly a piece of crap....
Cut My Losses
Crazy for Buying, 01/14/2006
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought a 1999 Volkswagen Beetle for my daughter and the car was OK for 50,000 miles. Then it started having major repair bills. It overheated and cost $1,200 to replace the heads, after which it still did not work right. New brakes cost $300. We had to replace three headlights at $45 each. The motor kept giving her trouble. We spend another $1,200 on it and then it died. We put in a different motor had all kinds electrical problems. Eventually the car caught on fire and was totaled. Don't buy this car unless you want a money pit.
I'LL NEVER BUY ANOTHER VOLKSWAGON AGAIN
joeydee, 01/05/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
THIS IS THE MOST UNRELIABLE CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!!!I HAVE BEEN TO THE SHOP A COUNTLESS NUMBER OF TIMES FOR EVERYTHING FROM MINOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS(POWER WINDOW REGULATORS,RADIO MALFUNCTIONS,FAULTY TAIL LAMPS) TO MAJOR ENGINE PROBLEMS(UNEXPECTED ENGINE THRUSTING DUE TO A DEFECTIVE THROTTLE BODY AND THE CAR JUST NOT STARTING- UNKNOWN CAUSE).
Fun. downside: window/lock switches.
jjd, 09/04/2003
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The only crticism of this fun-to-drive car is the window and lock switches were of poor quality. The difficulty in changing headlamps is a myth (even the owner's manual tells owners to take it to the dealership--I got a $53 estimate to change it). I found a procedure on the inernet and changed the passenger side headlamp quickly and for $7--the cost of the bulb.
No longer a dream car
Vy K., 04/03/2019
1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Growing up, I’ve always wanted a beetle so when I finally got one, I was ecstatic. Yes, the car was 19 years old when I bought it in 2018 but the first few months with it were great. Then things stopped working like my speedometer, fuel gauge, automatic clock, temperature display, etc. The most upsetting part is every time I fuel up, it’s $40!! Not sure if it’s because there are problems with my car, but it’s ridiculous how much gas goes into this tiny car. Besides those issues, the steering is great and I can fit into basically any parking spot.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value