Used 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
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Volkswagen: KING OF UNRELIABILITY
I bought into the hype and really regret it. My 2001 NB Turbo is cute, but it's in the shop about 1 time every 2 months minimum. Headlights go out within 2 months of buying the car, radiator hose broke w/in 1 month of being new, battery just went dead b/c alternator was faulty, check engine light has gone on twice, door lock on driver handle pops out - been broken 2x, the center console latch broke, and this is all under 24,000 MILES!!!! VW service at dealerships are not all that great, I had an awful run in with the Boardwalk Auto Volkswagen in Redwood City, CA. Most VW Service Dealers are backed up with all the VWs that have problems.
Fast easy riding and driving Fun Bug
Each year the GLX has pleased us with the performance on long trips averaging 2500 miles. Cruises easily at highway speeds between 80 and 100 mph. Will go a lot faster but so will the police. Quick responsive steering and at end of long days feel like we have been treated to an easy ride. Visibility is great all around. Acceleration with the Turbo is a real safety feature in itself. Have had a few problems all easily fixed by family mechanic. Not a fan of dealer maintenance who seem to be way too expensive and eager to replace assemblies when an adjustment or a minor part is all that is needed.
- GLS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,500256 mi away
- GLS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,995411 mi away
- GLS 1.8T 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,900475 mi away
Nice looking but at a price
Bought the car because I liked the styling, the handling and the turbo engine. These good things about the car are lost in the inconvenience this car has brought me. Since I got this car four years ago, I have had five lightbulbs blow out - two in the headlights, two in the console and one taillight. The armrest has broken twice. Both power windows have malfunctioned. Plastic shielding has fallen out of the moonroof twice, one time falling on my shoulder. Worst of all, my ac failed right in the middle of summer, for my ac problem I went to an ac specialist who tested my ac for $0 while the dealership in Santa Monica wanted to test it for $200. No joke, these cars are very unreliable.
It's the little things
This car was not what I had hoped. The headlamps needed to be changed every two months, the gas door froze, then broke, the front console where the cups holders are broke. The a/c broke at one point due to a mechanical failure...a little piece of plastic broke inside the dash, ended up costing me $500 to fix. I've paid the car off and hoped to keep it until the engine died...but I think the inside will fall to pieces before that happens.
Do not invest into this car.
When I first saw the bug,I can admit i was in love. As a college student,I saved every penny to afford this awesome looking car. I had to have the GLX-Turbo,leather and the fin.To be honest this car is the worst car built on the market. I have had my beetle in the shop for recalls over seventeen times. I have the dealership programed into my cell phone it is that bad. I pay for my car to be in the shop, on average I am only able to drive it two weeks out of a months. I highly suggest not to purchase this car.Unless you like spending time at the dealers service department.
The inside/outside of it all
Interior needs much improvement. Can't set taller cups in cup holders and cup stabilizers keep getting lost and drinks spill over. I purchased it as 3rd owner. Would love to have a diesel with convertible top but the diesel smell needs to be controlled somehow. Michelin tires look good on it. Love the shiny finish.
Not so good this time either !!
This is my 3rd New Beetle. I owned a 98 and a 99 - both which had quality issues. I have been less than impressed with the 2001 as well. It seems that VW's quality hasn't improved much and it's customer service needs improvement. I will not be purchasing a 4th Beetle or VW at all.
Highway hazard
Headlights burn out very quickly. Brakes replaced at 30K. Alternator replaced at 24500-of course out of warranty. Less than 500 miles later the battery died. At 37K the alternator needs to be replaced again. Door to gas tank is now manual. While driving car will jerk, electrical system dies at any speed then resumes. This is very traumatic on the highway!!!
Beetle Madness
Wifey loves it! Clutch went at 8K mi. Dealer wanted to blame me. Roadside service provided damaged car but would not repair. Second clutch OK at 52K. Pieces fall off all the time. Cosmetic engine cover snapped in two in cold weather. Headlights fail frequently and cost $55 to replace due to stupid design of light housing. Front grille fall off all the time due to stupid design of fasteners. Interior: no illumination on half the dash so you can't operate the HVAC at night. Dash protrudes so your hand collides with it when shifting (it's a 5-spd.)
Like marriage - it's the little things
I still love my bug after 8 yrs, but there are definitely some little & not so little design flaws that cause $$ and growls. Frequent headlamp replacements costly. Plastic "butter tub" under front of car gets thrashed regularly due to ridiculous clearance (Replaced several, lost count. Also the oil pan went with it 1 time!) Paint and rubber continues to come off door panels. Anything interior plastic is subject to break/replace over & over. (Window & climate controls, cup holder, gas door cable) And I have replaced so many cheaply glued hub cab emblems that I finally gave up! The devil is in the details on this car. Dealer service is $$$. But all said I still love to drive this baby!
NOT FUN FOR LONG
I bought this car just over a year ago. I have never owned an auto with such poor reliablity nor have I dealt with a company that has such poor customer service. If you are thinking of buying a VW, I urge you to think again. I have owned many cars and none have been as poor in service as the New Beetle.
Mexican
Before buying, please consider: Abnormal headlight failure, 3rd brakelight never worked, VW emblems fall off optional $600 wheels, rear brakes fail at 24,000 miles, each key costs $200 - about the size of an egg, plastic falls off all the time, plastic under car - $300; parking light lens $107. Can't reach filter to drain water as required; car too low to use ramps, difficult to get in reverse, has timing belt on diesel???? Buy Japanese for half cost and get 4 times the life.
Not too shabby car
I am a travel therapist and use my car to commute. It is pretty good on gas and I love the moon roof. It also came with a sporty racing stripe design on the doors... cute! Even though 'she' is 7 years old, I still receive compliments on her. My husband likes the gas mileage but says that he feels like the guy on the Simpsons when he drives it (he's 6'2). It's also a great car for wives who have problems keeping their husbands from driving their cars. :0)
Sarah's Bug
Fun to drive but totally unreliable--Check Engine light stays on even after repeated trips to the selling dealer-- Interior: a niggtmare- plastic casings at seatbelt housing, temp gauge... have roken repeatedly after normal use
Great fun-to-drive automobile
I have been driving for more than two years and this is my favorite car. The authentic volkswagen sound, the internal computer, and the comfort level are amazing. The ECU could use some work however as it limits the revs and it changes the shifting pattern too often (due to adaptive transmission). The winter driving is ok as long as you do not give it too much gas, and you can even drop it down into 1st or second gear for better stability and torque. The flaws I do not agree with are the window motors, as they wear out quite easily. The O2 sensors go quite quickly as well, we have had the car for about 8 years and it has gone through over 14 O2 sensors. The handling is very good on turns.
Constantly breaks down
After owning this car for about 2 years, it started giving me problems. I spent over 2,000 dollars within 2 months on repairs before finally getting rid of it. I had to get 2 new batteries (the first one only lasted a year), new alternator, new valves and hoses, turbo cut off valve, battery fuse panel, alternator harness, ball joints, shocks, and new brakes and tires (brakes and tires were understandable, though). Right before I got rid of it, it wouldn't accelerate and wouldn't exceed 5 mph. The sealed system was also frustrating because you couldn't do simple tasks like refill the brake fluid by yourself. You have to take it in to a VW shop and pay for everything.
Burned by the BUG
Presently filing a lemon law suit. The car has been to the dealer more than 18 times: multiple areas of dash, etc. peeling, electric window would not roll up, would not go into reverse, rear brakes replaced at 24,000 - dealer said this was normal. Anyone else told this tale? Popping noise in front, radio replaced, rear latch replaced, glove compartment door cracked, heated seats burn your rear on 5 setting and settings 1-4 are hardly noticeable,and the list goes on. Dealer uncooperative; service department incompetent and unfriendly. Don't get bitten by the bug...run, run away.
A Continuance
Less than a year after my powertrain warranty expired, my OBD II inspection failed. Apparently my second intake air flow is screwed up (dealer said it'll cost ~$500 to fix). To top it all off three days later, my blinkers went out. It's not the fuses, I can tell you that much. I am not going to get my money back on this car. I'm only driving it until I can afford another car - which will be a few years. VWs stink.
designed like a mtd yardman lawn mower
i think the same people designed my mtd lawn mower. there idea was how bad a design flaw can we make so it will definately break. then all parts around that area will break as you work on it. finally sold it. had a party when it left.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
So far, so good
Overall, this has been a good vehicle. Strengths would be interior room for drivers and front seat passengers (I am 6'2" tall), adjustable steering wheel, shift smooth and quick, vehicle provides a good feel of the road. Stereo is powerful, CD changer was a nice little plus. Added the bra to the front to protect the white paint from stone chips, a must on this blunt-nosed little buggy. Colors of the dash are driver friendly at night, with purple and red gauges that are easy on the eyes. Remote controls for entry are a nice plus too. Sunroof feels almost like a convertible! Wide tires give good road feel, but a little road noise sneaks through.
Disappointment
Int. door lining peeling off, sunroof side strips both broke off no apparent reason, self air filter change extremely difficult, passenger side head light out before 30K miles, dealer stated 2-3 sets brake pads replaced on rear before replacing front ones, replacement remote key overly expensive, underside of front driver side head rest separated (why?), disconnect battery & to many things to reprogram, expensive windshield replacement, fog lens cracked & entire light unit replacement vs lens only, gas mileage should be higher for such a small car, & front arm rest latch broke early on & 24K warranty was a joke.
Great Car!
Tremendous value. I put in an InMotion stage 2 kit with chip remapping and injectors .216. I had to put in a VR6 clutch because of all the extra power. I had a few electronic problems (instrument cluster replacement, a few recalls). Best car I've ever had!
Buy Used!
I bought this car used and I think that makes a huge difference. I have (hopefully) avoided the pitfalls that the new owners did and my car is intact and in beautiful shape, inside and out. I bought some tires and got an alignment and some wipers, but everything else is going smoothly. I love the way it drives, besides how tight the clutch is. Everyone thinks it is the cutest thing ever and it is the first car I am proud to drive. I loved my 97 Golf, but I love this car even more.
I'm sold on the Beetle
The Beetle has been an unbeatable vehicle for me. As a college student, I needed something reliable and relatively inexpensive. The Beetle requires little maintenance and is fuel efficient. It even has enough space to move ALL my belongings between dorms/apartments, even running well hauling a UHaul across the country to move me to my first job after graduation. My Beetle now takes me around the city during the week and into the mountains with my bike on the weekends. I can't imagine driving any other vehicle.
Good, Solid Fun
My 2001 New Beetle has proven to be reliable, stylish, and economical. I get a steady 26 mpg in my dail commute. It cruises easily above legal limits showing it was designed to run German autobahns. Great seats - no bun or back aches after a day of driving. Excellent German engineering at a rock bottom price.
Fun Yet Pragmatic
Handles extremely well. It's not a sports car, but you're never lacking for power. Great gas mileage makes this a terrific commuter car for me. Even though it's a diesel, it isn't noisy. It has extra headroom (important for tall guys like me). Extras, such as the alloy wheels, carbon trim, side airbags, rear disk brakes, electic windows/locks are all standard features. Hey, it really is fun to drive!
Great fun, excellent performance
We recently purchased our Volkswagen Beetle GLX having previously driven a GLS for only a few months. What a world of difference! The interior is much nicer (leather, etc) and car just feels tighter. The seats are very comfortable and come with individual heaters (not that we need them much in Florida). The controls are easy to use and there is plenty of headroom and legroom (I have to scoot the seat forward and I am 62). The GLS had some trim problems (door latch, light bulbs, etc) but the GLX has none of that. Last but not least is the performance with the turbo. The car flat gets out of the hole when you want it to. Add to all that the fluorescent green color and you have one fun car.
Fun, Functional, but Not Perfect
I was thrilled when the New Beetle came out. I finally purchased a loaded used, 2001. I love driving it! The fuel economy is good, comfort is great, styling is nearly perfect, and the stereo is fabulous. Some small complaints that I have are the poor design of the cup holders and the peeling door handles. I have not had any mechanical issues, except the ongoing mystery of the temperature and oil gauges coming on randomly. They chalk it up to a "VW quirk" (this is my 4th VW and all have had some kind of quirk).
Bug is fun, but not practical
My husband bought me a 2001 turbo Beetle for Mother's Day. Although it's been great fun, having to get out of the car and pull up the seat every day, several times a day, to let our daughter out of the back seat quickly becomes a drag -- as does the five- speed manual stick. The performance has been good, although we had repeated problems with the ignition. The car would just turn over, and then die. This happened fairly frequently, but of course, not at the dealership. They didn't repair it. I'm trading it in for a VW Passat wagon.
Awesome Car!!
I love this car!! I have wanted one since they came back with it. It is very reliable for me and never have a problem with it. Everything works and my kids fight over who sits in thr front seat!
I Wouldn't Recommend This Car
Though I love the looks and the "feel" of this car, I have had nothing but problems with it, mostly due to the electrical system. Within the last month I have had to drop approximately $2000 into repairs and the car only has $82,500 miles. I would not recommend this car to anyone!
VW is great to me!
I bought it used but the previous owner only had a slight problem with the moonroof. I've put tons of miles on it and very few problems. Something got in catalytic converter, and a radiator support thing snapped when I hit a 35 degree angle at 40 and bottomed out suspension. Great reliable car! Never fails to start (if you dont run down battery), very fun to drive, doesn't burn oil, sturdy trans! Great car!
Love my used bug
Well this is my first VW I swore I would never buy or drive a bug, but I love my bug. I got real lucky I found her in the newspaper one owner a folder of her records oil was always changed on time, new timing belt, brakes, water pump new sensors all leather int stick turbo heated seats mirrors, only thing is high miles all highway 20,000, but with all the new parts and its in mint I jumped on it for $2,300 cash I replaced the cat did the work my self ordered one on line and the clutch, so I have like a new car, I love her shes good to me to, to everyone that had problems sorry maybe your car was made on a fri or mon, they say those are bad days so don't buy a car that was made on that day, thanx
I love this car
This is my first car, and its better than any other car i was looking for. its fast and stops very quickly. handeling is very responsive.
Perfect reliability and so fun to drive
Bought a 2001 New Beetle Sport 1.8T for my wife. I specified the 1.8T motor as I knew I would also be driving it very often. The power and reliablity of the motor has been great. The handling and comfort is well balanced. Compact enough to easily park and drive in traffic and the city. We've had it for almost 2 years and have not had one problem. My wife's friend got a Civic and has had several problems, so she's still so happy with the Beetle. The design seems timeless, too.
zippy, but little things go wrong
This car is fun to drive, lots of acceleration, great gas mileage and looks good. the finish details are plastic and aren't holding up well. I accidentally drove over a short parking curb and did $1.7K in damage -- the steering and cooling systems are behind the front bumper, so if you get in a minor fender bender, these things all get damaged. The service at Santa Monica dealership is TERRIBLE!!!
Luck of the Irish
I have not had one days trouble with my 2001 Volks New Beetle. My only complaint is that the door handles have peeled since day one. Now they are disgustly unsightful. When I brought it into the dealership I was told to take a hard towel and rub off the remaining coating. Satisfaction - I didn't get any.......as the song goes.
So fun it's crazy...
This car is so fun to drive. The turbo rocks - people expect you to putter along because you're in a bug and you leave them in the dust every time. It's incredible in bad weather. Right after I bought it, I was driving in a downpour that was so bad that people were pulling over and I didn't even need the wipers! The windshield is like an airplane and all the water just blows off, and the wide wheel base is really stable. It corners like a BMW. I love it!
My Best VW Yet!
I bought a 2001 Turbo New Beetle in October 2000 as soon as 2001 model came out and paid top dollar as there were no discounts. I have had the car almost 5 years and it has been the best new VW I have had - only 2 very minor problems with the electric locks & a dash light. Both problems were fixed right away without agrument. I have moved a few times so I have gone to 6 different dealers with a minimum of problems. The car is great, fun to drive, great looking and still gets a lot of stares. I would agree that the cup holders aren't good for tall drinks but I do not use them much. The car is great in the snow as I ski and take it to Canada, the only improvement - All Wheel Drive!
Fun To Drive and To Own!
I have had a few problems with the VW, but most were covered by VW. They replace the window clip, the trunk latch and I replaced the timing belt, brakes, and regular scheduled maintenance. I can't complain. In 5 years and 80K I have spent maybe 2K. That is in line with the cost of car repairs today.
Great car
The best car I have ever owned
Style versus Quality
My wife wanted a beetle ever since they released the new version. We bought a certified used, so had a warranty on it which has come in handy. Don't buy a Beetle without a warranty! We had 2 or 3 warranty repairs that would have been $400 or more. Now that it's out of warranty, we've spent about $1,500 on repairs that are quality issues, from leaking cooling systems to exhaust pipe cracks to window motors. The interior looks stylish but cheap and is cheap. The armrest, mirror adjust switch, and a cup holder are broken. Sun visors are worthless; back seat folds down to an odd and annoying position; glove box is too small.
Dealer and Reliability Problems
The car is a terrific idea. A small, peppy car with good comfort and good handling. Unfortunately, the dealer I bought it from is loaded with a bunch of slimey crooks. I'll never do business with Bob Lewis VW again. For example, the day I bought the car, the parcel shelf under the hatch turned out to be broken. Drove back to the dealership -- where they should have just placed another one in the car no questions asked. The new car delivery guy asks his boss what to do. His reply? Schedule a service appointment. After making a scene, they fixed the problem. Creeps.
Fast and Fun
Great room for two passengers. Car is comfortable running at about 90-95 mph.
BugabooX2
This is the second beetle that I have owned in a year (lost the first one to an accident) and I love it!! It's very safe and fun to drive! I love my heated leather seats...its nice in Vermont! The only complaint I have is the front cup holders in the standard! I cant even fit a water bottle in it!! Other than that I love it! Looking forward to the convertible model!!
In for a surpise
I bought this car, wanting a car with personality - and I got one. A bad personality. The car is fun to drive and is great to fit into places but it has its share of problems. 1st started having check engine lights come on (all the time!) for a "loose gas cap" then electrical problems that would come and go - chip in door latches "burned out" and the car would re-lock itself as I'm trying to turn it on, causing the alarm to go off. Then started having oil and gas consumption problems - that's just the main problems too! If you have money to keep up with the cost of VW repairs, then you could enjoy one of these cars.
SENSATION OF THE ROAD
I DROVE IT ACCROSS THE COUNTRY, FROM CALIFORNIA TO FLORIDA. THE PERFORMANCE, THE DRIVING WAS ABSOLUTELY AN EXPERIENCE, LOVED IT. THE CAR ITSELF WAS THE SENSATION OF THE ROAD. EVERYWHERE WE STOPPED SOMEONE WILL APPROACH US TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE CAR AND OF COURSE THERE WAS ONLY ONE ANSWER: WONDERFUL!!!!!
Art - evokes past, foretells future
VW seemed to solve lots of early-model assembly glitches. This 2001 virtually problem-free, compared to first problem- prone 1999 model. Mileage great - too bad diesel fuel often priced same as premium gas.
Fun, Reliable
I have the base 2.0 liter, GLS, 5- speed. No problems except for the power window holding clips, which were replaced under warranty. The car is fun, stylish, economical and reliable.
*Sigh*
I am a 17.5 year old male, who has been driving this car since I turned 16. I started driving it and really liked the ride. It was very smooth. The insides of the doors were peeling when I got it and continued to peel as I owned it for the next year and a half. I didn't like the looks that I got while driving it, most likely because I am a man. The cupholders are ridiculously placed, and the rubber things come out so the cups don't stay, when they actually fit under the clearance. I had to replace the brake light switch twice because it failed and wouldn't let me take it out of park. I was late to work twice. Also, a belt wore out towards the end. Overall this is a decent first car, but I am never buying another Beetle and probably not a VW either.