Used 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
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Go Diesel
Purchased new. Average mileage has been 40, mix of highway & city driving. Have had problems with headlights burning out. Had to replace the horns. Have had to replace several brake light switches. Trans. won't shift if defective. So far engine & trans OK. Low fuel light is on all the time. $600.00 to repair. I'll live with it. Overall, I love the car. Good mileage, easy on tires and easy to do my own oil changes. We'll see how long the engine/trans last. Diesel should go 250,000 miles easily. I'm using Stanadine Fuel Additive.
Fun but Poor Car
Bought the Beetle in August of 2002 with 6 miles on it. 4 days later, the climate control went out and it was 6 months before they could fix, so we were with a broken moon roof. The oil pan has busted twice and the transmission won't go directly from park to reverse, without first droppin it into 1st then going slowly back to reverse. The dealer says nothing is wrong. The driver side seat had to be replaced and cost $500. The windows go up when you want them down, and the driver's door only opens from the outside when you ask it nicely. Other than that, I love the car. But I'm not sure the good cancels out all the bad.
Surprised By A Beetle
I did a ton of research before settling on this car. I am not disappointed. As soon as it was in my hands, my wife and I took a 1,000 mile trip. We left for a week and brought our two bags, overnight bag, my laptop w/ case, and Christmas presents AND our bedding for a cabin stay over New Year's. It swallowed all of this plus more from my wife's parents. All the while, it got 33mpg hwy. That's 478 miles of range on regular 87 octane. If you can find a TDI, get it. But this is and should be the #2 choice. The 2.0 liter motor is a revver. I never once thought it needed more power. With its full load, it pulled the Grapevine at 72mph easily. It is roomy and comfortable too.
My former dream car
I wrote a review titled "my dream car" about a month and a half ago. Ignore it! I sold this vehicle last week because of the multitude of problems. I had it in the shop 17 times in 10 weeks. You read that right, 17 times in 10 weeks. I litterly had the car 4 days a week because the dealer had it the rest of the time. I am now $1,162.16 in debt just from fixing the car and I am 19 years old. It was my worst nightmare. I replaced 2 ignition coils, the alignment went out 3 times, spark plugs, window cables, oil changes, O2 sensors that "a squirrel ate" through. Oh and VW did not cover it because it was not a defect in the car. Just for the sensor it was $320.00!
Love my Bug!!
This is the best car I have ever owned. It is fun to drive, has a lot of power for a small car and gets great fuel mileage. I wasn't sure that I wanted a diesel at first, but now I'm so glad I did. I visit the gas station once a month. This car makes me happy every time I get into it. It is also so comfortable to travel in. I love that you feel like you are sitting up very high. I never feel like I'm in a small car. I will be keeping this car for a very long time!