Used 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
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The not too bad, the good and the great!
ruzzeld, 09/23/2014
updated 09/25/2017
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
86 of 87 people found this review helpful
This is/was our 2nd VW New Beetle TDI. Both 2003's. I can say that I've been very happy overall with both cars. The only downside is the maintenance expense compared to Toyota's. There has been zero unscheduled maintenance expense with every Toyota I've owned. BOTH Bugs: FUN to drive! More comfortable (I'm 6'3"). Great road trip car, for my wife and I with plenty of room for luggage with the back seat folded down. GREAT mileage (never less than 43 with everyday driving and up to 55mpg on road trips). We used it as a 2nd car and whoever had to drive the furthest that day.. WANTED the bug. Fun and cheap! Update: the beetle had great crash safety & performance. We were in an accident where a drunk driver pulled out in front of us & we hit him at nearly 70mph. We both survived.
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GREAT LITTLE SPEEDY CAR!!
JACK, 09/26/2017
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
24 of 24 people found this review helpful
I have over 160,000 miles on my little beetle and it still drives perfectly. Quick acceleration, can still climb to 100mpg in no time flat. Excellent steering and response time. I've driven it in rain, snow, sleet and sun and it does great. Only downside for us was the rear seats if someone is tall not a real fun ride but the front seats are comfortable.
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2003 Volkswagen New Beetle for sale near you
Showing 3 of 22 listings
- GLS ConvertibleMSRP: $4,922138 mi away
- Turbo S 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $6,195276 mi away
- GL 1.8T 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,900305 mi away
See all 22 listings
disposable car
ruizd, 06/14/2011
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
35 of 37 people found this review helpful
I bought a 2003 convertible beetle with 60k. one week after driving it i notice a hard shift, a few days after an oil leak was noticed. I took it a Volkswagen dealer and they did a diagnostic and confirmed what I told them, suggested that I do a transmission fluid check and it could fix the problem I said BS. I had read all the complaints about this car and my mechanic also told me that I should have never bought it, he pointed out the the transmission could not be serviced and all of the hoses are made of plastic that with heat they become brittle and break.. so I took my loss and bought a Honda accord. don't buy this car is disposable. I would never buy a volkswagen again..
Let Me Tell You What's BUG'n Me
steelfab, 09/16/2012
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
45 of 49 people found this review helpful
We bought our 03 Beetle with the 1.8L with about 50,000 miles on it. Within weeks it had an engine light on. I have battled the engine light, among other things, ever since. We changed an injector and a coil pack on the number 2 cylinder because of a persistent miss. This was after diagnosis of codes would not narrow the problem down. Immediately following it began cranking hard on start and not starting until the second attempt. First code said crankshaft sensor so we replaced that. Had to replace camshaft sensor thereafter to fix the problem. Next it threw a coolant system code so we replaced the ECT sensor. After that the thermostat. This car was a reliability nightmare. Never ever again.
Way better than expected
Mindy Mullen, 07/21/2017
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GL TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
25 of 27 people found this review helpful
I got this car used. Had to replace battery, tires, wipers and the little container for water bc it was sitting outside for 2 years. After that I have to say that this car is awesome! Even in Colorado snow it stays steady...of course I do have good all-weather tires. Sunroof is tight. Handles great. Fun to drive.
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A chuggy Volkswagen!
Briana, 03/15/2016
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
25 of 28 people found this review helpful
This is far the worst car I had! When I bought it at 151,000 miles, a few weeks later I noticed a lot white smoke coming out my tail pipe as I accelerate and it was chugging during that time. (Worse in winter). It faced a lot oil leaks and found out I had coolant leak too. I tried to get this oil leak under control after 3 repairs and still hasn't been fixed and spent slightly over $1,000 for that same oil problem. Oi! She was an oil eater! Until I finally got a tune up, that helped the chugging to stop, but then still got blue smoke coming out tail pipe. Not to mention, this is a turbo engine. My mechanic who specialize in European cars mentioned that turbo goes out every 75,000 miles. A turbo itself is $700 and labor? Probably $1,000. Eventhough, two Volkswagen dealerships told me I needed a new engine. Sitting in that driver bucket seat is uncomfortable. My lower back started to feel the burning and aching. The headlights are always loose, the rubber sealing doesn't reattach properly. The lightbulbs? They burn out frequently. My CD player skips or stops music for few seconds. I always had fast right turn blinker...even with all lightbulbs seemed to work. Too many problems! I'm not totally against the beetle, but she was a real BUGGER! Not buying VW again.
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Coil Packs, Coil Packs, Coil Packs.
Dozier450, 02/11/2009
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Purchased this 2003 Beetle with 39k on 12-31-08 for daughter. I've had to replace three coil packs, the 4th was already replaced when the car was purchased. VW had a problem with issue, but told me this car was not covered under the recall back during 2003. I was also told that I could take this car to the dealer and pay $100.00 to get the codes read and if I keep the receipts and if they ever do recall this issue, then I could send in for a refund. I decided to use the $100.00 code fee and purchase new coil packs. I did buy a code scanner off of eBay for less than $30.00, it reads and clears the Check Engine Light after you make the repair. This car has the 1.8T engine.
very happy beetle owners
cybergreen, 09/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
If you are going to buy a beetle, we recommend the diesel. Its worth the extra money! The reliability is worth it! The fuel is cheaper and we get 800 miles to a tank on a road trip. They are a bit more expensive to maintain, but in the long run you will get many, many more miles on your engine! The TDI resale value is fabulous. We are very happy with ours. Buy it to keep it for a long, happy driving experience.
Over Powered Go Cart
johnrushing, 03/18/2011
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I've owned my Turbo S for almost 6 years and have loved every minute of it. I love the power the little 1.8t makes and how smooth the power comes on. I left mine stock up until last year and then started modifying it. I love the look on Mustang drivers when a little beetle pulls ahead of them. The handling is great, like it's on rails, and the fuel economy is good. Before modifying the engine I got my best mpg of 32 mpg by driving no faster than 65mph and not doing any jack rabbit starts. With the mods I am still getting 29mpg. I plan on keeping the beetle and seeing exactly what type of performance the 1.8t has in it, have seen a few putting out over 350hp and still very drivable.
I love my convertible
CK, 07/01/2010
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
Looking for a fun car that's sure to get people's heads turning? The Volkswagen new beetle convertible is it! This is the best car I've ever owned. It is reliable, sturdy, gets great gas mileage. I've had no problems with it. I would highly recommend this car! If you're thinking you see a bunch of bad reviews--try it for yourself, it may surprise you with how great it is. That's what I did, and it was the best choice. Good job Volkswagen!
2003 New Beetle Turbo
iatros, 11/16/2012
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLX 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
16 of 19 people found this review helpful
I bought our 2003 New Beetle Convertible Turbo with auto 6 speed in June 2003 for my wife's birthday. We had to go to Arlington, TX, to order one of the first to come into the USA. My wife has loved this car! The handling and comfort are great, and she loves to leave the pickemup drivers standing at the lights. We don't drive it much, but one highlight was trip from Huntsville, AL, to Ashville, NC, in October. But I worry a bit. There have been several service issues, including one coil recoil. The latest service, with 57,600 miles, was the appearance of Service Engine light. Dealer wants only $2200 to fix everything!
My Horror Story
azuki, 03/20/2014
updated 09/21/2017
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
19 of 23 people found this review helpful
This was my first car at the age of 18. When I got my Beetle, it had about 72,000 miles on it, and not even 4 months after receiving it, the problems began. Immediately, my transmission died completely. My warranty company gave me a $4,000 check and voided my warranty after seeing the $12,000 repair bill. Then, the battery died. Twice. As did the alternator and air conditioning. My rear window also got stuck and that would have cost me 4 hours of labor fees just to get to the broken bits. It's not like I drove it a lot - over a course of 3 years I didn't even drive 10,000 miles. For the love of god, stay away from this car. It is one problem after another, literally every 3-5 months. Update: It has been two years since I got my new car. I have named it "Not Beetle," and have had zero problems with it. Turns out the secret of German engineering is to buy a Korean car instead.
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electronic issues
Heidi, 01/09/2010
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Very disappointed in the electronics of my bug - it has had so many "bugs". I've had the seat belt/airbag sensors replaced, various other sensors, the catalytic converter and every time I get in it there's seems to be some dash light that comes on indicating a problem. The car has 75,000 miles on it and is a lot of fun to drive, but I'm not recommending purchasing a Beetle because of the issues it has had. I've written a letter to the headquarters regarding the issues along with receipts from my repairs. Every time I take it to the dealer they want to charge $80+ for diagnostics. I'm at the point now that I'm looking to purchase another vehicle because of the problems I've had.
A good car, only for the first 3 years
Jane Doe, 07/09/2016
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
These fall apart. At 140k miles I've replaced/ repaired so many stupid things. Like what? The rear 3rd brake light seal leaks. This lets water into the trunk lock which sets off the alarm every time it rains. And, requires replacing if the trunk latch! The water pump and mini fold are made of glass reinforced plastic that doesn't stand up to prolonged hi temps. Both cracked and needs replacement at different times. Quite the unreliable car if you keep it more than 3 years
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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.
Don't be Fooled by the Hype
Jeff A., 06/13/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLX 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
The heated seats don't work like they have in the past. Dealer insists there is a temperature sensor in the seats to determine how hot the seat should be. Even with the air-conditioning on in freezing temperatures, the '5' setting does not work at all. Not impressed with the fuel economy in the cold months. Averaging 21-22 mpg in the city. Power windows have a tendancy to roll back down after you've rolled them up. Sluggish start after sitting overnight. There is a wind vibration inside the car if the sunroof is open and traveling less than 20 mph. Very annoying.
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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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!!!
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
My dream car
colinator, 06/08/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I keep forgetting that those cute guys aren't looking at me anymore, but the car!!! I use the car every day, and it got me through the blizzard and rain just fine. Now I am just waiting to use the best feature - skyline view, a little more often. The top goes up and down in a breeze (pardon the pun). Trunk space - there is enough for a trip to a shopping mall, but not much else. But that's what borrowing your friend's SUV is for anyway.
Horrible Car - Stay Away From This One!!
MJEPilot, 09/29/2002
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
HORRIBLE CAR!!! Poor ride and handling (shakes violently above 50mph), annoying click-click-click sound when stopped, embarrassing pick-up speed, horendous gas mileage. Main reason to not buy this car is Volkswagon Credit. Sent in payment every month, every month they would cash my payment check and then call me to tell me I never paid. I would have to pay my bank to send me a copy of the check to fax to VW Credit to prove it to them. You say "simple mistake by VW, probobaly only happened once or twice" - try eight times and others have told me of similar experiences. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR - poorly designed by poor people.
6 years of Reliability
Karlos, 06/22/2009
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
2 of 2 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.
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.
Poor build quality and transmission lets it down
ricochet65, 02/23/2011
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
2003 Convertible, lightly driven with 43000 miles. Transmission failed, due to what now appears to be a known problem with the "valve body". VW support extremely poor. This car looks nice but has been nothing but trouble: windows do not work correctly, have been fixed twice, roof gets stuck and VW fitter wanted $1500 to repair (it took me 10 minutes to snap the loose clip back on and cost nothing - so much for service. Everything is a hassle to repair - battery is over $200, bulbs cannot be replaced easily, airbag light cost $250 to temporarily repair. If you want the beetle style spend the money on a restored air cooled one, from when VW knew how to make serviceable vehicles!
You either get a good one or a bad one
Hope, 03/14/2020
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I’ve had my 03 turbo beetle for 3 years now and it’s gone downhill from when I first got it. At one point the a/c went out. Then it would randomly break down (about 3 times total) and now it has officially broken down and won’t start up again and no one knows why. Definitely be careful and get a mechanic to look under the hood before buying, it’ll save you a lot of time and money! However, I do love my little car and it’s very cute and compact but it wasn’t worth the stress it put on my shoulders!
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I bought it for the color and never regretted it!
Scott, 02/25/2020
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GL TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
OK, the end of the road is not that far away for "Lil Burpie" as New England salt and potholes are taking their toll, even though it only has 155,000 miles but I love this car. Always started no matter how cold, great defroster and heater in winter and A/C in the summertime...and the sundown orange color was the best VW beetle color ever! I've loved every day of commuting with this car. My biggest gripe? Replacing headlight bulbs is a real pain in the arse and 4.6 inches of road clearance might be OK on the Autobahn, but not on Massachusetts back roads (the oil pan is, I believe, the lowest point on the car....at least based on how badly I tore it up when I hit unseen debris at night!). I've owned a diesel Jetta and Golf as well, both good cars, but this car has personality!
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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.
Best Little Mouse that roared...
nicastepper, 11/03/2002
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Ok, first my bias. I have loved these things ever since Herbie hit the screen well, way back when... That said, when I purchased this car, I was looking for two things: a car that would handle well and have some power without too much cost in mileage estimates and a car that would be extremely comfortable for someone that has a hard time finding that in any car. The Beetle met both of my requirements and continues to do so after 5000 miles of 100 mile per day driving. I have seen several stories of people having quality problems with this vehicle but I have yet to see that in mine.
Fun to drive
BugOut, 09/16/2004
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
20 months with only a tail light to burn out. Never back to the dealer for any repairs. Highly suggest replacing stock air filter with a K&N for a nice performance boost. I averave between 27 and 30 MPG. The only option I got is the great sounding Monsoon system. With the back seat down there is plenty of cargo room. Trips from MD to FL, and MD to Ont. Canada were very comfortable. The car holds it's value well. A lot of fun and safty.
LOVE IT!
Boomhauer182, 09/09/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I recently just purchased a 2003 New Beetle Turbo S. I used to have a 2.0L, 115 HP, and decided it was time to get a boost. All I can say is that the Turbo S is worth every penny..the great thing is no one ever thinks that beetles go fast...but little do they know. It's neat to think that no one ever suspects the Beetle.
Beetle Convertible Punch Buggy
Berni, 11/06/2004
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 19 people found this review helpful
Great fun car with space for 2 adults and 2 children. Easy to open/close top. Lots of extras.
Is it a Lemon?
Chel, 05/05/2007
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with only 20,000 miles on it. My first car was the old VW, and ever since they came out with the new models I always wanted one. In the 13,000 miles I have put on it in one year, I have taken it to the shop 10 times. The manufacturers warranty has now run out (not due to mileage, but to age) and now I have to use the extended warranty I purchased from Carmax. But they don't know how to fix VW's so I must pay extra to take it to a dealer! (I was never informed of this!) I have had electrical problems with the windows, top problems where it wouldn't go up or come down at times, overheating problems (3 times!), now I am finished! I am trading in this car tomorrow!
Spend your money elsewhere
julianna33, 11/28/2011
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 10 people found this review helpful
From my experience with VW my car and others they are junk. They all break easily. I have had to repair so many things a 1K a pop 5 times at least. Not including maintenance things. The design so compact requires many hours of labor to remove and replace to get to certain things. Plus the headlight lens falls off and cost ALOT of money to replace which i have done twice now at $400 each lens assembly and its falling off again! Just a crappy car. My sister has a golf the transmission and engine are going. Other family members have toyota and honda and hey i have never seen a repair as stupid or as costly or as often as VW repairs are. Junkie cars and they say German engineering is the best HA
I love mine
Goodspeed, 10/28/2002
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The dealership has been amazing. So far no warrenty problems or anything at all. The car is flawless. It has a beautifully appointed interior with two tone leather, heated seats and sunroof. it has 180HP 6spd and is good for 6.6 0- 60. This car is no slouch
NEW BEETLE GLX CONVERTIBLE
DAVE, 05/05/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLX 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
JUST PICKED UP A GLX TURBO CONVERTIBLE THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TO BUY. I DROVE THE 2.0 NOT ENOUGH GET UP AND GO TO PURCHASE ONE FOR FUN. THIS CAR HAS LOTS OF ROOM, HANDLES VERY WELL AND IT IS A REAL LOOKER. THE ONLY COMPLAINT THUS FAR IS THE CONVERTIBLE BOOT COVER LATCH NOT THE BEST DESIGN, MADE OF PLASTIC AND SHOULD BE STAINLESS STEEL.
NOT CUTE!
bruintoo, 04/24/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Really a fun car to drive. The turbo engine makes a difference when compared to the normally aspirated engine. The 6- speed tiptronic shifts imperceptively. The body is rigid with nary a cowl share or twisting. The 10 speaker monsoon powered system is strong. The backseats are narrow but still usable. The same goes for the trunk. It's such a wonderful care that you almost want to forget that it's too cute.
Too many repairs!
lvnlyf, 07/23/2008
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'm upset about the repairs I've had to have done. First the door handle, then the windows, then the convertible top, then another window. The list goes on. The interior is not impressive either. The door handles' plastic coating wore through. The cigarette lighter pop out (I don't smoke) won't shut properly. They said they just glue them shut (!). It looks great from afar, but the quality isn't there. But what really makes me mad is the $$ it has cost me to repair all the stuff. Dont buy one! No matter how fun it is to drive or how cute it looks with the top down, you might be looking at a lemon.
Great Retro Car
DrGarfield, 10/19/2002
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GL TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The big (+) here is the TDI Diesel. I just finished a trip through the NC mountains and this car handled almost as good as my A4 Audi Quatro. The torque is amazing, pulling four adults up 15% grades in 4th gear at 60 mph is nothing to laugh at. This car is well balanced and the rear wheels stay right behind you where they belong. The car is solid and well built. It's a VW Beetle and should last for years.
blue bug
Blue Bug, 02/10/2004
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my convertible bug! However, the drivers window shattered due to a malfunction. Truly can't put alot in the vehicle but it's a fun car!
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
A nice Bug
Ally, 05/26/2006
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 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.
A kick to drive, but...
CAClaire, 11/19/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for fun, power & speed, & it delivers . However, there are drawbacks, some which aren't a problem for me (small cupholders), & some that are, especially the lack of sun protection on the side windows. Sunbelt residents beware. A really big disappointment - I just got back from a long trip that revealed APPALLING road noise! Forget using your nifty monsoon sound system unless you crank it up full blast, forget using your cellphone, forget a conversation with your travelling companion at any level lower than shouting. Bad, bad, bad.
Please do not buy - save yourself
lpdjam, 10/27/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has been in the shop over 15 times in 8 months. The roof does not go up or down most the time. The windows don't go up and down some of the time. The conv. top cables, motor, computer sensor. The roof and electrical system are a total mess. Not even to go into the airbag light going on and not parts available to repair at this time.
Its has a few faults but its about LOVE!
Beetleboy, 09/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have owned my aquarius blue convertible for 5 months now. I love the car. It is fun to drive, people notice you, young and old love this car. I had problems with my air bag light that won't go off and windows that will not go back up under the convertible top. It has been to the service dept several times for these problems. They are happening less frequent now. My dealership and service advisor have been great. They bend over backwards to please me. I finally broke the 30 mpg barrier after 4500 miles.These are little problems people have. This car is great to drive!! Oh, by the way, this is my 3rd VW and I will continue to buy them.
I luv tha Beetle
Michele Pitkoff, 09/13/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car . It is so comfortable to drive and fun to drive.
Buy a Bug!
michaels, 08/27/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my convertible! I have wanted to get a new beatle for a while and I am happy I purchased it. The tiptronic is a fun way to speed up for merging and the S or Sport Mode is nice for country drives. While the GLS isn't going to win anybody over who just HAS to zoom everywhere they go, this bug has got some pep to it. An overall fun way to drive.
NOT AS FUN AS YOU THINK....
cathybee, 09/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is the only car I have EVER wanted and after having it for a year, I will never own one again. I have had it in for repairs at least 20 times-- everything from a basic turn signal not working to the entire electronic system completing going. The driver's side window also malfunctioned---and when it was 30 degrees outside! Can you believe that for a car that's a year old? No thanks. Volkswagen can keep it.
Fiesty with no pick-up
zaharrah, 08/25/2003
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my care truely love it. If I had 3 things to change i would make the cup holders more accessible, increase the trunk space and the pick-up on the car. The engine is the same as the Jetta and due to increased safety weights the car goes 0-60 in 10 minutes! But I don't need the speeding tickets. I love everything else. Its a fun cute car.