Used 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
Used New Beetle for sale
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Manual transmission goes out at around 60k miles.
VW lover, 08/21/2022
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
These cars are a cheap thrill. It's cute, fast and puts a smile on my face and everyone else's also. However, having said that, do NOT buy an automatic BEFORE a 2010 model. As you will read here, and elsewhere, every automatic transmissions before 2010 is defective. They WILL go out on you anytime around 60K+ miles. It will cost way more to fix that than the car is actually worth. After I discovered that fact, I found and bought a 6 speed, MANUAL transmission, which does not have this defect. Tubos are also much faster and get better gas milage. It takes premium, btw. Most of the interior body is cheap, super thin plastic. After 20 years it's going to have problems. It's going to have cracks, scratches, tears, etc. Mine only had 60K miles on it and was in ok condition, but it has lots of little broken stuff, like the cloth door liners coming off (glued it back on with superglue, cracks in the plastic doors and interior (did a little fiberglassing and spray painting. Looks fine, no one will notice it's not perfect.) The top leaks a little but I live in Phoenix where it only rains around 5 days a year, so I don't care. CD player doesn't work, CDs are history. I use a bluetooth speaker with my phone. I paid $7K for it and I've spent $3K on it since buying it last year; new tires, tune up, oil change, minor engine parts. I'm only the third owner and have Carfax history. It's silver, with black interior and top. Fast, cute, fun. Insurance is $78 a year. Worked out with me with lots of research, luck and acceptance that it will not be anywhere near perfect, but close enough for me.
drove it, bought it, love it.
poppy doing, 12/27/2003
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
i'm 48, retired, and this is the least expensive car i've ever purchased since getting out of school. i still have and love my v-8 landcruiser, but i drive the beetle as much as possible --- more fun for the buck than any vehicle! i thought it might just be the 6-speed that was so much fun, so i considered trading for a 350z or an rx8 --- drove both ---no way! beetle is more comfortable, roomy, smooth, and makes me feel smart for saving so much money. it's clearly not the best performer you can buy, but unless you have a need to race everyone on the road, it's satisfying. this is a great car and an unbelievable value.
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle for sale near you
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- GLS 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $9,39969 mi away
- GLMSRP: $6,950153 mi away
- GLS ConvertibleMSRP: $6,900205 mi away
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VW Beatle TDI
doctour, 10/22/2003
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The TDI is a great performer and a wonderful car for everyday and for traveling. My wife and I are very happy with the 40 miles per gallon, and we've really enjoyed the trips we've taken in it. I've been driving Mercedes for the last 15 years, so this was a real change, but I'm glad I made the switch. We've had very few problems and none mechanically.
The New 5-speed Diesel Beetle
jsbach2, 11/01/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
The 2004 5-speed stick shift VW Beetle diesel has gotten me 52.1 mpg, average is 49.0 highest of any car I have owned. And more fun to drive than the 2003 4-speed auto model which never got over 40 mpg.
Mellow Yellow
rttinc, 05/07/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is so fun to drive and gets lots of attention. Its a happy car and makes people smile. I especially like that you can lock everything so if you want to leave the top down to run in the store, you can have security. It is as fun a car with the top up as down.