Used 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
Still gets a big smile
Andi S., 03/04/2002
GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
27 of 27 people found this review helpful
We've had the car for about 18 mos, a little over 22k miles. Not a single bug (no pun intended) with it in all these miles. Fuel economy is outstanding at 45 mpg overall (as low as 39mpg in NYC traffic, 52mpg highway). I can fit adults in the back seat for short trips (like taking client to lunch last week). Great fun to drive, and definitely does NOT fit the profile of the traditional diesel. If you've never driven one, you should try one out.
Ode to Jerry
Greta427, 11/16/2009
GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
34 of 35 people found this review helpful
This car is not for anyone who can't handle a few (well okay, a lot) of quirks. Having driven this daily for three years and put 100K miles on it in that time I would describe this as a reliable car. Word to the wise all VW's have a timing belt, if it blows, chances are so will your engine :( I loved this car. It was super fun to drive, had lots of zip for a 4 cyl and with low annual maint costs. Keep up with the maint and you will have little to no serious issues. I would highly suggest replacing the timing belt sooner than recommended just in case. Overall, my beetle, Jerry was very dependable with few "real" problems. Check engine light was always on due to fault O2 sensor.
Eh...
Jon, 04/07/2009
GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
17 of 17 people found this review helpful
A really fun car for the first few years; peppy engine, tight suspension, solid feel. however, since then I've had recurring problems with the ignition coils, O2 sensor and coolant system. maybe it's a poor service department at the dealer where I've been taking the car, but I've noticed a drastic decline in performance (acceleration) and fuel economy. plus, don't let the size fool you, these cars are freakin' expensive to fix!
My Bug
kay burges, 03/31/2015
GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
29 of 31 people found this review helpful
327,000. Miles running strong yes you definiately have to stay on top of maintaining your bug just like anything you own and when in need of replacing something inside that has broken , ebay is your best option if your a do it yourself person but overall I love my bug 49 mpg on this economy it's the bomb diddley
At 168k, here's hoping for 200k+ miles
ThunderBunny, 02/23/2010
GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
This review is for an '01 1.8T New Beetle (Auto), GLS trim with 17" rims, sports suspension, leather (heated) seating, steering wheel & shifter, and sunroof. At 50k miles, the ECU was chipped to 1 BAR. Now at 168k miles I must say my NB's been an excellent vehicle. The only items fixed under warranty were coil-packs and a MAF sensor. I replaced the Cam Chain Tensioner, 2 Oxygen/1 MAF sensors, valve cover gasket and a few hoses at 154k miles. Otherwise, everything else works! (Knock on wood!) I guess I'm lucky as the NB is not rated highly for reliability. But with my other cars, I do my own maintenance/repair and follow the scheduled maintenance very closely. Hope it'll go beyond 200k miles!
Never ever again will I buy a VW (any)
davemoon22, 01/21/2012
GLX 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
24 of 27 people found this review helpful
1st Beelte had a bunch of issues (a/c, batteries would never last over a few months, oil leaking - had to do a major repair, then sold it). Second, a 2001 with 70k, has had more issues than I can possibly recall. I must have spent over 7k withing a 9 month period. Ridiculous. The major problem I have is with the dealerships. They'll diagnose something is wrong, you get that done, the car still has the same issue and then they will tell you "Oh, well, then, it must be something else" Replace driver's seatbelt buckle, both windows regulators, cam shaft adjuster, turn signal relay, inner tie rods, valve cover gasket, pcv hose, door latch and list goes on: all major $$$ repairs.
Fun and economical
Dan & Karen, 09/03/2005
GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
We bought our 2001 Beetle GLS 1.8L Turbo Hatchback a year ago and have had no problems with it, whatsoever. It's not as comfortable as a Cadillac but it's still comfortable, even on long trips. It's excellent on fuel, fast, and fun to drive (a modern and improved version of the classic Beetle). We enjoy waving to other Beetle owners on the road (sort of a cult thing). We also have two large artificial daisies in the vase on the dashboard which complement the car. Overall, we highly recommend this car for those who want something different, economical, and fun to drive.
VW Not Such an Honorable Manufacturer
Jon, 03/20/2008
GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
7 of 7 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!
2001 VW Beetle GLS TDI
Green Bean, 07/23/2002
GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
Great little car. Gas mileage is unbelievable! 45+ MPG!
Never buy volkswagen again
Tina, 10/31/2009
GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I had so many problems with my car this year alone. Anything that could have gone wrong with it it did. I had to change the whole transmission in early january, then in the summer i had to change alternator alternator belt speed sensors and connector and battery. I will never buy a used vw or any vw ever again. All my expenses were more that $3000