Used 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
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Bugged Out!
MrEsquire, 10/11/2022
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car was given to my son for free by an elderly member of my church after he was hit head-on by a drunk driver in his 2001 Altima. He walked away with a bump on his head and 12 stitches in his arm...but he's fine. Anyway, the Bug has 155K miles, rides great, has new tires and an excellent AC for the 120+ degree summer heat. Because it was free, I hate to look a gift horse in the mouth...but I have to be honest. The car (as far as I can tell) is made out of plastic and flimsy fiberglass. Both interior door panels are falling apart and break if you even use them! The armrest broke...and I can't register the thing because of a check engine light (CEL)...which has to be turned off before I can get a smog check! I took it to a VW specialist last week to get a scan to see why the CEL was on; apparently, there is an issue with the EVAP Control System (incorrect flow and "large leak detected"). Also, an issue with the ECM (open circuit)...bottom line, is one thousand dollars to repair! The sad part is, the thing is fun to drive and runs pretty good...but there is just way too much plastic and it all seems to be breaking (in fact, the door handle broke off in my hand in two different pieces yesterday when I was closing the door!). My Dad bought his VW brand new in 1966...that thing was awesome. The folks who built the 2003 Beetle should hang their heads in shame and embarrassment! This thing, as I stated earlier was given to us "free"...and even at that, I don't want to put any money into it. Considering the above, I would NOT recommend this pile of plastic crap to anyone.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
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- Reliability
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Worth a look
Rhino, 07/12/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The wife always wanted a new beetle and now she has one. I made her get a black Turbo S.(LOL) Ok, now the review. Smooth shifting 6sp. Power band on the turbo S is great, no big bang just a good stream of power. Interior leather is great. Exterior is nice. I wish it was more different than the other beetles. I do like the exhaust tips. Dash seems way to big but you get use to it. Cup holders are a big problem. I like the route 44's from sonic and they will not fit right. We have a three year old and getting him in and out is not as bad as one might think. MPG could be better but my wife drives the car like she stole it.
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle for sale near you
Showing 3 of 24 listings
- GL 1.8T 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,99028 mi away
- GLS ConvertibleMSRP: $6,888489 mi away
- GL 1.8T 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,997645 mi away
See all 24 listings
bug
Bettine, 12/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
love this car great to drive and can carry lots with the hatch down! only draw back I've found is the placement of the cup holders you can't get anything bigger then a soda can. thinking they need to think about those big gulps from 7-11
VW NEW Beetle 2002
Tina Bonham, 07/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Fun car to drive. So far it's been very dependable, no problems with mechanics or other. Easy to drive. The drive of this car is very comfortable and solid. It is not noisy in the interior when driving on the highway. I have enjoyed this vehicle. I will have it forever, probably~ it's a classic!
lemon beetle
verna portugues, 04/19/2009
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have spent over $8,000 trying to get my beetle to stop jerking without avail. Now I have to spend another 6,000 to replace the transmission. And I still owe on the car. the beetle is a pretty car but not worth the hassle.