Used 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
Used New Beetle for sale
Fun, economical, but too many problems.
Kristi, 05/17/2007
2001 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have been a VW driver my entire life and never even considered anything else, but this car has been a huge disappointment. The electric windows malfunctioned twice, the trunk latch has had to be fixed twice, the sunroof wasn't draining properly so every time it rained I had 2 inches of water in my car, the back seat head rests are broken, the lens cover on the headlight pops off randomly, and I have an electronic issue causing a drain on the battery, so the car is dead and has to be jumped about half of the time. Our neighborhood mechanic couldn't fix it so we took it to the dealer, they had it two weeks and still were unable to solve the problem. We sadly will not be buying another VW.
Faster Than It Looks
Tim Bob, 04/07/2004
2001 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Our 2001 Turbo Beetle has been a real hoot since day one! Ours has special limited-edition Vortex Blue paint, which seems to get noticed a little more and looks great with its black leather seats. The 150 hp 1.8 liter turbo motor and 5-speed manual really gives the car some punch, to the point that it seems to surprise some other drivers with its quickness. It's especially responsive while at highway speeds and the need to pass or speed up for a traffic opening happens. Response is "right now" in any gear. There no real turbo lag. It's been reliable and is now at 40,000 miles with no major troubles. My wife drives it most and she loves it, too.
2001 Volkswagen New Beetle for sale near you
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- GLS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,500388 mi away
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Run don't walk from this car!
Angry VW owner, 06/09/2008
2001 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car from a friend who had won it. So, I was considered a 2nd owner, so I got cheated out of a 50K mile warranty by VW, even though my friend never insured or drove the car. Beyond that the car is plain and simple--JUNK! The catalytic converter needed to be replaced at about 52K miles, VW wouldn't warranty it. They finally did up to 100k by that time I had over 100K. The check engine light has been on forever, and the transmission is sketchy. The interior is a mess. Cup holders broken, seat fabric is torn, rear view mirror is a joke, not to mention the interior light. Trunk release broken and the fuel release door broken. Don't buy this car unless your are a masochist
I must have gotten the good one...
Stan Balog, 08/01/2004
2001 Volkswagen New Beetle GLX 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
2001 GLX "Sport" limited edition bought in 9/2002. In contrast to 90% of the reviews here, I have never had anything go wrong with this car. Not one thing. Three years of perfect servitude. My dealer could suck; I wouldn't know. Beefed up the turbo with a performance chip - this thing is an Audi TT with more headroom (6'2") but with a mushier suspension for those hard turns. Bought this as a winter car to complement my C5 Corvette, and it's held its own. Checked out this place to see whether to buy as it's going off-lease- all these other reviews made me think that I got lucky (maybe that's the 'limited edition' part?
VW Not Such an Honorable Manufacturer
Jon, 03/20/2008
2001 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
It seems like shop mechanics are a thing of the past. Nowadays they plug the car into a computer for $200. It's a great car, but the temp light has started to flash on and off. Well we took it in to get looked at and were told in a bright tone that we'd need to get the engine replaced for $8000. When asked why. Because you're loosing oil pressure? Oh whats causing that? Hmm.. Don't know.. Can you find out? Yes but then we'd have to get dirty and open the engine up. That'll cost you $4000. So you think the engine is stuffed? It might be, or it might last 10 years, can't tell. I don't know whose to blame! VW, VW dealers or the car. I think I'll buy a horse. I will never buy a VW again!
Looks are so deceiving...
ncnurse, 08/05/2011
2001 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought mine in March 2010 with 60k miles on it. She ran perfectly...for 6 months. The catalytic converter went out immediately followed by a wheel bearing. 2 months later the ignition coils and spark plugs went out. I've put around $2500 into this car, which I've dubbed Beelzebub since everything that can go wrong, has. The a/c went out at the beginning of this summer and now the gears grind when I put it into reverse. While the turbo is awesome (and the reason behind my 3 speeding tickets) the reliability just isn't there. I'm trading this car in a.s.a.p. because I refuse to put any more money into it.
Love my Bug
be, 06/08/2005
2001 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I adore my bug, buuuutt, it has had a few "bugs" of it's own. I have had 3 headlamps go (they are super hard & expensive to change out...even for mechanic). My window button broke with the window down of course. I took out my oil pan, which was my fault, but found out from mechanic they are "fragile" aluminum and low. Dealership service is way pricey (aren't they all?) My paint is chipping on the interior door panel. It has great pep even on long uphill (not your mama's bug!...I had one of those too.) Great air and heat system..not like old Bugs!! Lots of room...you could do ballroom dancing on the dash! Great safety features, bags on front & sides too, roll bar, drop away engine.
Don't use the word "engineered"
Keith Henson, 02/02/2003
2001 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Have been very disappointed in basics on the car. Headlights constantly burn out. Center brake light intermettent. Fuel lid operator failure. Dealer is great until after you buy the car, then arrogant, not willing to assist at all. Routine service items like lightbulbs are ridiculous. Can barely see fuel filter that requires regular draining, but can't reach it. Have to dissable the car to access items. Should never be able to use word "engineered" in referring to it. Just mechanical stuff slapped into a bug shape! Stick with Japanese.
Cute, but flaky
Katherine, 12/19/2008
2001 Volkswagen New Beetle GLX 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had the car over five years, after buying it used in 2003. Within 18 months, the alternator went out and had to be replaced, the clutch went out at 16,000 miles and had to be replaced (believe me, I do not ride the clutch THAT hard), the hoses had to be replaced twice, and the power windows both had to be replaced. Later, the blinkers and cruise control failed and had to be replaced (though it was always fun to flip the blinker switch and see what would happen. It would blink in some pretty spectacular random patterns, until it was fixed). It handles surprisingly well in the snow, but due to the myriad electrical and mechanical issues - I will not be buying a VW ever again.
Fast Fun Trouble
kate_9999, 06/02/2004
2001 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Love the ride...its a zippy little car and fun to drive, but I'm selling it as soon as possible. Its out of warranty and given the amount of problems that occurred within the warranty I'm not willing to risk my pocket book any further. Problems...headlights going out (cost $80 to replace), gas cap door broken 3 times, ignition key broken 2 times, rear brakes needed to be replaced at 20K...get real I don't ride the break, A/C problem $900 for a new fan, several recalls, hatch never worked correctly, service slow and you're waiting a month. Don't buy this car its fun but not worth the hassle.