Used 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
After 5 Years of Ownership
I was shopping for a WRX when I spotted the new Reflex Silver New Beetle Sport that had just arrived at the VW/Subaru dealer. Having stepped out of a Lincoln MKVIII, it took some getting used to, but I learned to lov... make that really like the little car. The major disappointments were harsh ride quality; having the driver side window motor suddenly quit (warranty); a short in right rear tail light assembly requiring 5 dealer visits for bulb replacement in 1 1/2 months (warranty, after $80 in repairs); and having a defective "leather" driver seat cover replaced (with another defective one)((Warranty, 1 time only).
2002 VW Beetle Still Fun to Drive
Drive it. You'll like it! Stiff and European driving performance. Great visibility. Simple design and easy to use controls and knobs. Smart and practical. Sunroof is nice to have, and not windy but noisier of course. Plenty of room for six footers.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- GLX 1.8T 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,644268 mi away
- GLS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $3,950284 mi away
- GLS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,295375 mi away
it's mediocre
So I bought the car and initially it ran fine, but over the two years I've owned it, things have begun to break down. The passenger window screeches when I roll it down, it gobbles up oil and gas. I have to put oil in it every 3 wks or so its a rare occasion when the engine light is off. It's an automatic, but the transmission shifts very funky it lurches sometimes and lately has been making weird noises when idling its fun to drive when it puts out but unfortunately that is becoming less and less. It seems like 1/2 the ppl who own a beetle love it & the other 1/2 absolutely hate it! I think I'm growing to be the half that is displeased don't be fooled don't buy the car because its "cute"
Its the 'Little Things"
I purchased this in the end of 2000. Although I find it adorable, this model still needs a little 'tweaking'. I have had problems with the windows (passanger side broke), fuel tank lid, ignition, radio/cassette, oil is used up fairly rapidly and the oil sensor never went on. Will be taking it in for an 'oil consumption test'to see what is up. If it werent for the little 'glitches' this car would be perfect! Its just the little things. I'd still buy another one, but a Turbo.
Yellow Lemon
THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF JUNK, built in Mexico not Germany My wifes car, but I paid for it and fixed it Expensive - Waited 4 months, and paid ABOVE MSRP Unreliable – Spent more time in service center than on the road. Electrical problems (windows, radio, seat) Overheating/cooling fan short Transmission problems AC problems (not fun in Texas summers) My favorite was broken drivers door handle If you buy a car for Looks not reliability then you deserve this car