Used 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle 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.
Great Value for the Price
Easley, 07/23/2018
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
If you keep in mind that you are buying a small, compact economy car, you will be pleasantly surprised - I am. Great visibility combined with quick reaction and maneuverability in (Los Angeles) traffic with exceptional fuel mileage and only normal expected wear and tear expenses make this a great value. Very easy to park. 5 speed manual transmission is very reliable. 33 mpg on open road. Uses a quart of oil each 1,000 miles based on design, I am told. Michelin Pilot A/S Sports lasted 51,000 miles. Replaced timing belt, water pump and plugs at 135,000 miles. Most parts are reasonably priced. Drive 1800 miles o/w or 3600 miles r/t for trip home each year, sometimes twice. The car is adequately comfortable for those road trips altho there is a bit of road noise. It holds the road well on Interstate roads at zippy speeds. The Monsoon radio has very good sound (remember, it is an economy car) but it would have been nice to have an AUX input or BlueTooth option. Was bumped/rear end 2x in traffic. Other cars sustained damage, the Beetle only lost the license plate lights (easy replaced). The 'soft-coating' on some interior parts starts to peel away but can be removed with rubbing alcohol. Based on car ads, it will return a good price if sold now. If you keep in mind that you are buying a small, compact economy car, you will be pleased.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Nostalgia--gotta love it
SpottedOne, 05/12/2002
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Due to a long drive to work and the fact that mom had a Beetle when I was a kid, I now own one too. I have had nothing but complete satisfaction with my Beetle so far. I'm averaging about 39 mpg. Some people are put off by diesel due to the smell and I gotta say, it's a different smell, but it is not as bad as what you might think. It is a bit louder, but again, not that of a semi. For anyone thinking about it, I would highly recommend taking one out for a drive and talking to your local dealer (or unlocal, I drove over 75 miles for mine) and doing some research. What it will save me in fuel cost a year, will make a couple of car payments.
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle for sale near you
3 of 24 listings
- GLS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,495115 mi away
- Turbo S 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,995262 mi away
- Turbo S 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $9,497334 mi away
See all 24 listings
Design flaw & auto trans went out at 50K
Not so good, 08/09/2007
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
The major design flaw in this car is that your hood will get chipped from flying rocks from normal traffic. Buy a bra on day 1 if you buy this car to avoid the body shop. Also the space for your gas pedal foot is too small for an male adult sized winter boot. Also if you have sun coming from the driver side, the visor is too small to block the light. My automatic tranny went out while under warranty (less than 50K) and would have cost more than twice what my 91 Dodge Dynasty automatic tranny that went out on the car before this one.
Our yellow nightmare
themrfreeze, 04/02/2010
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought this car brand new. It was okay at first, but the thing started falling apart after a few years. Numerous electrical problems, gauge cluster failure, constant problems with rear brakes seizing. Paint failed in places, and running boards underneath doors get dented easily. Stuff was coming loose and dangling underneath car. Due to its design, this car is very difficult to work on, and some parts are poorly designed due to the car's shape. We unloaded it before it hit 50k miles.
Great Reliable Car
VWfan, 07/07/2003
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I saw all of the problems others were having and felt compelled to speak up. My experience with this car has been fantastic, a few small problems, but nothing to put the car out of service for more than a day and nothing requiring a tow. The car is fun to drive, has way more leg and head room than any other in its class, and is good on the pocket book. All these people that have problems have failed to mention the standard 4 year 50000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. The car is well designed and the company stands behind their product, not sure what else you could ask for.
extreamly pleased
W. Bowman, 04/04/2002
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is addictive if one enjoys driving. Ouite and clean running with more room than you might expect. Excellent for the long runner and snappy for the sprinter.
So I bought another!
SilverBlur, 06/10/2002
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is my second New Beetle (I bought a 98 when they first came out). What a great car! Between the two (and there's not much difference beyond the engine) I have driven it from Washington to Los Angeles, from Florida to Nova Scotia, and 92,000 miles beyond. The New Beetle is par none one of the most comfy around-town and cross- country small cars. None of the aching back and butt you usually get after a few hours on the road. Well-placed controls, a full-size spare, and a Monsoon sound system make for an all around great experience.
Bad Bug
pwlowe61, 01/01/2013
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I guess the review will not help individuals who have already bought the biggest piece of junk I have ever owned. The car was a snap orange and have a good overall appearence. This car sat in the shop 19 of the first 24 months of ownership. I couldn't keep the electronics,transmission, turbo and anything else working. The last 2 years and $2300.00 of maintenance cost finally sealed its fate. 1100 for Timing belt change,450 for door latch which shut the car down in the middle of a 4 lane highway. 600 for alternator and whatever else it needed. I would run away from this car and I will never own a VW again. They look good, but are expensive to maintain.
My Killer Bee Rocks!!!!!
Robert Rittweger, 08/08/2002
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 1.8T GLS New Beetle a couple days ago from a dealership in Dalton Georgia. I Bought the yellow concept which they only made 2000 of. The concept has the ricarro seats they put in the turbo S, yellow and black seats, yellow stiching in the seats and wheel, and yellow wheel inserts.I recentaly blew away a 2002 Boxter while it was trying to pass me, boy they looked suprised. This is a awesome car for the money and would suggest it to anyone looking for a nice car that is sweet,fast,and reliable.
Mixed Feelings
eeyoremc, 03/31/2011
2002 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought the car used from the VW dealer in Manchester NH. Started off ok. But last week had to replace the coolant system which was about $500. Now THIS week car disengaged from gear while driving (clutch not pushed in) and first mechanic (not dealer) says I need a NEW transmission? It's only got 85K on it and I have never, ever needed a clutch or transmission in an of my manual trans cars. And I drive - often. Now at the dealer but I've now been without a car for almost a week and I'm disillusioned. This is my 2nd Bug, I do love them, but if it's the transmission it was a build issue for sure. Be wary.