Used 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
Used New Beetle for sale
6 years of Reliability
Karlos, 06/22/2009
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is one of the best and most reliable car I have ever owned. Special Ordered before the big gas crisis. I can count on my hand how many times this car has been to the dealer for unscheduled service. First 100 miles the waterpump failed and was replaced without any hassles. Second time was due to the city of Chicago not posting any hazard warning for street work, destroying the bottom oil pan at 40,000 miles. The other times for regular wear and tear over the span of time.You will not be disappointed.
German Engineering?
julse520, 07/13/2012
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLX 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought this as my first car thinking I was being smart by buying something with good fuel econemy and reliability. I love to drive the car when it's working properly.For the first two months or so, she provided me with all of that until one day, during rush hour traffic, the car lost ALL power completely. After that, car SLAMS into gear. Now, the car likes to do that randomly in awful places. The turbo lag on a hot day is ridiculous. I feel like I'm going to be killed sometime soon. And also, all the plastic finishes in the interior break. Car is made extremely cheep. Oh yea, german engineering? It's made in MEXICO if that explains the awesome reliability haha
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle for sale near you
Showing 3 of 26 listings
- GLS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $8,950159 mi away
- Turbo S 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,995200 mi away
- GLS ConvertibleMSRP: $6,500268 mi away
See all 26 listings
A nice Bug
Ally, 05/26/2006
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The pros: Fun with top down, people love to look at it, reliable, zippy power, vinyl no dead cows to sit on, windsheild is not in your face, lots of head room. Some things that disapoint me: The stupidly short sun visor that doesnt even cover 1/4 of the window to block the sun from the side. I had to get one of those kids sun shades that suctions to the giant side window. The seats are not made for long rides or if you have any kind of back trouble. The pedals are high so if you are tall, its hard to get comfortable. I still have trouble adjusting to the seat, doesn't go back far enough. The back seat is for kids only, it has no comfort. I like the car overall but the comfort is poor. Not it is not for old people.
Beetle Review
PilotRicky, 09/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive. Still gets smiles. Two airbags replaced already. One time check engine light kept coming on...was some module problem. Front turn signals have repeatedly messed up, (started blinking way too fast), dealer has never resolved the problem. Well built car, lots of fun. Needs the VR6 engine and all wheel drive to make it what I really want.
Not a Satisfied Customer
Margarita06, 05/18/2004
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 2003 new beetle in Dec. of 2002.I rated this car so low because there was a malfunction in my vehicle that caused it to "melt down"&almost caught on fire.This happened after a year of driving my car.After taking it to the dealership, they said that because the"melt down"is considered a fire, it voided the manufacture warranty.My insurance co.determined that the cause of the incident was due to a manufacture's defect.After reporting this to Volkswagon America,I was told that there was nothing that could be done.I was not satisfied with the reliability of the vehicle and there is a chance that this can happen to other customers.