Used 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
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Still Paying for Itself
driven, 12/25/2006
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GL TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This TDI was purchased with the intent of commuting. It returned 47 mpg the first two years of ownership but just 43 mpg since a new set of tires was put on at 60,000 miles. It starts right up in cold weather (as low as -8 F), handles well, and has more than enough power. The car is comfortable and has been dependable to date other than the repeated replacement of headlights (three in 65,000 miles). The interior has held up well despite the miles and three kids. I bought it as a leftover for $16,600 and it has proven to be very reliable. My uncle owns an auto 2002 TDI and gets 42 mpg. Mine is the 5-speed stick. I am looking for a second one for my teenage daughter.
Never again will I buy a VW New Bettle
Joe Acushnet, 04/07/2017
updated 04/13/2020
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this pile of junk at 78k. Within 6 months the timing belt broke, then the turbo went away. Thanks to VWs poor design with 5 valves per cylinder and a interferance motor it bent 18 valves. My machinist says that and the 2.0 are by far the most expensive car he works on and he sees lots of them. Worst car I have ever owned!
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2003 Volkswagen New Beetle for sale near you
Showing 3 of 25 listings
- Turbo S 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,995169 mi away
- GL 1.8T 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,997178 mi away
- GLX 1.8T ConvertibleMSRP: $4,900217 mi away
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Warning..do not purchase a new beetle
Robert, 01/08/2016
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
12 of 16 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car for my daughter in high school. Now I spend all my spare time trying to keep it running. Plastic motor parts crack and need to be replaced almost weely. I have replaced the anti freeze overfill tank and heater hose connections. The transmission is junk. Jerky and shifts hard. Dangerous to drive. Many electrical issues. Interior gets wet when it rains. To many issues to remember. Do not get ducked into the cuteness of the car. They are totally worthless vehicles
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Save your money!!
Heather Boyd, 11/22/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GL TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
12 of 17 people found this review helpful
This is the worst car that I have ever owned. Repairs are as follows: Headlights 2 times,Disc brakes and rotors (at 30000 miles), Check engine light on constanly(costing $90.00 every time) EGR valve,Air dam,Brake switch,Fuel line freeze up at 25 degrees. Not to mention the 24/24 warranty.Dealer is tired of me coming back all the time. Save your money!!! Also... At 50000 miles it will cost you $500.00 to replace the timing belt.
Worst car I've ever owned
Glenn Acheson, 06/08/2009
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car is the worst car I've ever owned. The transmission shifts hard when its warm - dealer says that's normal. When shifting from Reverse to Drive or vice versa, you have to wait several seconds for it to engage. Replacing the battery was a royal pain, not to mention expensive. Replacing one of the front headlights was even worse. Now one of the front lenses has fallen off... The front left turn signal fell out of place from some clip that's broken. Now the check engine light is on - who knows how much THAT's going to cost. Performance is wretched, even for a 4 cyl. Mileage is only 25 mpg hwy. My 6 cyl 2000 Taurus gets 28!!!