Used 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle Consumer Reviews
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cute but problematic
I loved my bug but now it's gone due to a leak in the roof of the car. Apparently there are drains in the roof that clog easily and with nowhere to go, the water leaks into the car. The dealer and the regional manager say that drains and the need to clean them out is common knowledge. Ever hear of this? The car had numerous problems from the beginning. I went to two different dealers for service and at both locations the car came back with new problems including scratches to the interior paint, wires being switched (trunk and gas latches) and several other annoying issues. Careless and frustrating service and constant problems, my bug is gone!!
My engine Blew...VW wouldn't help!
I loved driving my car until one day my engine destroyed itself. The manufactureer sugests that normal oil should be fine a a turbo engine. But I PAINFULLY found out that synthetic oil is the only oil that is supposed to be used in a turbo car. The normal becomes so thick that is is as hard as tar and is causes blockages! this cause the engine to stop AFTER it has broken the pistons and destroyed the valves! I know 4 people who this has happened too!
- GLS 1.8T ConvertibleMSRP: $7,895179 mi away
- GLS ConvertibleMSRP: $3,500194 mi away
- GLS ConvertibleMSRP: $4,900205 mi away
drove it, bought it, love it.
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.
My Bug
Originally purchased this car for daughter, as it will be pd by her 15th d'day. Beautiful car. A real looker. Silver/Blk rag. Fun to drive especially w/top down. We have had a blast in it.Have had several problems with mine though. Part craftmanship, part dealership. Lots of breaking parts!!! Overall, I like the car , just tired of it ALWAYS being in the shop!!
VW Beatle TDI
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.
Turbo S
Great fun to drive. Roomy in front seat. Turbo S interior styling is great.
My Beetle
I have always heard good things about VWs. When the new beetle came out, I could not wait to own one. I finally was able to purchase one last Jan, and I have nothing but good things to say about my car. Not only is it stylish, but it was also a reasonable price. Your car should be a reflection of you, and my bug is truly that: cute, little, and full of great surprises :)
Money!!!!!!!!!!!!
I bought this car brand new and I haven't even paid for the whole thing and already without maint. I have spent $7,000 on repairs. I drive 3 miles each way. My back window has stop working after 2 years and they told me $1,000. It wasn't covered under warranty. All I want to say is think about it first.
The New 5-speed Diesel Beetle
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.
Great Car, Poor Volkswagen Quality
When I first got in my Beetle I smiled but after 1200 miles I had a frown. The front seats bolsters had premature wear on them!! I took it to the dealer they replaced them under warranty, but they are still showing some wear. The ride is smooth, it handles great(it is a little heavy) I love it. I am noticing that when you open the door and the window lowers a 1/4 inch it somtimes hangs on the roof when I close the door.
Don't want to give her up
I bought my VW used in 2007. It had 6000 miles on it though it was a 2004...I loved it as soon as I drove it, about 100 miles from my home. I have had to repair a rear window mechanism which was expensive but in the 12 or so years I've had my car, I've not had much go wrong. Engine, transmission, brakes, A/C, heat all work, the radio isn't great and CD player isn't working but it's been a good car. I'm older and we drive for hours to visit my grandchildren and the manual transmission is annoying on the 405...my only reason for wanting another car, VW of course but with auto transmission.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
VW BUG CONVERTIBLE
The only disign problem I have with the convertible is the windows catch on the roof when the doors are opened.
Yet another lemon New Beetle
The worst VW I have ever owned. Hideous number of electrical problems with multiple trips to the dealer for air bags, engine indicator lights, turn signals and so on. Transmission died a few miles from expiration. I actually pulled to the side of the road, called the dealer on my cellular phone and reported the problem and gave them the mileage a told them the problem occurred UNDER warranty. The timing belt broke, roughly a 300 buck fix, but it took out all but 2 valves. Cost over 3,000 to put back on the road and then more problems with the exhaust and gaskets. Now the turbo makes a funny, and not ha-ha, noise and I am looking at my fourth set of tires. Will never own another VW.
A bug in the Bug
We bought our beetle looking for a fun car that we can take the top down. I've had the sports cars, the expensive convertibles, and even a 74 beetle. If you want a car with the hot factor, get a beetle. If you like to turn heads, this is your car. We have the mellow yellow. The bad part I'd within 48 hrs, we have already made a list of things to ask our VW dealership about. (rear Windows, weather stripping, a couple extremely small rust spots) but I haven't lost hope in the car considering it is my dream ride,
Mellow Yellow
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.
Absolute top fuel economy
Don't believe "experts," EPA on fuel economy. The TDI outperforms any other on the highway. My mileage: 52.5 winter, 57.1 summer, at 65 mph. Nobody can touch that, even a 5-pas. hybrid. (Except VW Beetle, Jetta, Golf manual TDIs) I drive 800 miles on one tank, any day of the year, any place. I drove Provo, UT to Fresno, CA and refilled in CA for $25. Eat your heart out, Prius. These TDIs have power. Handling is very smooth. You want something that needs improvement? Okay, the body style is just not as good as the old bug, but not bad for German engineers. (The original people's car was designed by Penin Farina, Italian, the best that ever lived.)
Why this is my last VW purchase
After owning many VW's and with a lifetime of great memories I've got to accept the fact that VW's have never been reliable and I've spent waaay too much time and waaaay too much money for those memories. The final straw happened today; I received a Warranty Extension notice in the mail about the transmission valve body in my convertible. WOW!...VW finally admitted there has been a problem and they were going to fix it. WRONG! I was out of the warranty window by 2 months - but they could repair it for $2-3k! VW lost me forever. I wish I could recapture the time that I've wasted fooling with VW's. Unless you want to spend a chunk of your life hanging out in garages with mechanics - stay away!
First car!
Since having this car, I have had it for two years now, I have really liked it. It was my first car. It took me a while to find the car that I did and I'm glad I found it because it is in good condition. If you find one that works well and drives good then I think it's a great car but if you find one that has a lot of problems and doesnt seem to fit the price then I recommend staying away from it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
my darling beetle!
I will never own anything but Beetles!
Customer VW 1998 tdi beetle
The car has been one of the better vehicles that I've owned and operated and have put on a lot of mileage. The fuel efficiency is very good and the beetle has been very reliable.
Mine
This is a very good car. It is fun to drive in. It is le bome.It's sooooooooo cool. It doesn't waste almost any gas. I like the color silver/metallic and black.
Like to Worry About What Will Break Next
My VW Beetle's air bag sensors keep breaking, making them inoperable. I have had this problem repaired twice, the automatic top repaired three times, window regulators, clamps and motor repaired for a total of four times, and seat release replaced twice. The radio hisses, never fixed as it is a "design flaw." All of the windows rattle so badly the car sounds like it is falling apart at times, never fixed "design flaw."
Sick of Dung Beetle
This Beetle is the worst car I have ever owned. The cup holders, the window regulators, the air bag light, the check engine light, replaced several headlights, the convertible top, the console lock, and the transmission. These are just a few problems with the car. THe transmission will not shift and the VW dealership wants 6,000 to fix this. I will never buy another VW again. The dealerships act like nothing ever happens with these cars but everyone I talk to has these problems. Also a design flaw regarding the battery and seatbelts. Battery must be replaced by dealership. Beware!!!!! Very cute car but not reliable at all. It is a piece of crap there for a dung beetle!
Love my 03 buggy
Love the car. A little slow without the turbo.
I finally got one!
I have wanted a beetle for 19 yrs and I finally have it! It was worth the wait. I love the way it handles and the ease of just dropping the top. I think everyone should have one excellent de-stressing tool. : )
I LOVE MY SLUG BUG
I LOVE THE NEW BEETLE. IT'S THE FUNNEST CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. WOULDN'T GIVE IT UP FOR ANYTHING, UNLESS ITS A BEETLE CONVERTIBLE!!! IT'S GOT A TON OF HEAD ROOM AND VERY ROOMY REAR SEAT. MY DAD IS 6'4" TALL AND RIDES COMFORTABLY IN THE BACK SEAT.
Cyber Bug
I bought this after having two bugs a 2000 TDI and a 2002 GLX...really wanted the turbo but i took this little bug for a test drive and fell in love... it handles great :)
vw lover
This is such a sweet little car. Feels really solid and handles like one of the really spendy models. there's a ton of value here. This is the kind of car that you hang on to for years. The quality you would expect from a vw.
love bug
I love my beetle, and would keep it for the rest of my life. It has never given me any problems. I can rely on it to be my best freind and never has let me down. I did not have to spend a Penny on it so far... Never had any problems specially with Windows or airbag or others mentioned by other reviews.
Happy Bug
After 6 years and 65,000 miles we still love the car. Great fun in the summer with the top down. No mechanical problems yet, a trouble free experience.
Exterminate the Beetle
To anyone looking to lease or buy this adorable decieving automobile. THINK TWICE!!! Not only did I pre-order it 6 months in advance it has spent at least 6 weeks in the shop for various different things. From the day I recieved it May 1, 2003 it has been nothing but problems one being very dangerous in fact life threatening. It is currently being procesed under the New York State LEMON LAW. Yes you heard it here folks a big fat ( adorable) LEMON.I had VW's in the past and were a loyal lover of the beetle. Now I think I need to get a big fat can of RAID. Feel free to e mail . Kattkat24@aol.com
Buy a New Beetle! You will be so happy!
I have been very happy with my New Beetle. If I could buy a new car agian I would buy a new beetle again. The only difference might be a convertible. There are so many different surprises in the features. It says "limited cargo room" but come on! It's a 2 door car! I am impressed about the amount of room in the car. You can also let the back seat down which greatly increases the amount of cargo room. Baby car seats also fit well in the back seat because of the anchors build into the seats for that very reason. I love my car!!!
VW Turbo GLS-Bad Resale Value
excellent power, but continual mechanical problems which will cause lots of trips to dealer for repairs. Sold vehicle due to continual problems & resale value was extremely low... Car was purchased for $23k and the best bid out of 9 wholsalers was $16. If you purchase this car, you had better plan on keeping it for 4 years or more to offset low resale.
good fun
Great fun to drive and decent mileage. After driving a Mazda Rx-7 for 15 years, the backseat of the VW convertible looks roomy to me. Unfortunately getting in the back seat can be a problem. The handle to lift up, which causes the front seat to push forward allowing entry to the rear is designed so most people attempt to pull it out before lifting it up. The handle then breaks off. One of the handles had to be fixed before I took delivery of the car, and then has broken twice since then (even after total replacement), before I could warn people to "lift" the handle and not to pull it out. The "retro" look is great!
My Orange Bug
I have a Snap Orange Beetle. All I get is people staring at me. No major problems. Rear hatch lock would not unlatch and a non-heating passenger mirror. Can't complain though. Dealer fixxed me right up.
LOVE THIS LITTLE CAR
I am a PROUD new owner of a used 2004 VW New Beetle convertable. I LOVE IT! So far so good. I have 'dressed' her up with lashes and lipstick, she is fast, smooth, comfortable, roomy, and so very nice to look at. I have read the reviews about this cute car, and I see that a few have had issues, maybe the issues have been taken care of before I bought it, I did have to take her in as the check engine light was on, they fixed it, and she is running smooth. there also was a severed wire under the driver seat, fixed that and now the airbag light is off. I hope to keep her a good 10 to 15 years, and trade her up for another.
proud beetle owner
I absolutely adore this little car. Not much rear room but perfect for one or two.
IT'S A TON OF FUN - SOLID PERFORMER
BOUGHT AS CAR FOR WEEKEND FUN, IT HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY GREAT. BACK SEAT IS FINE FOR KIDS. HEATED FRONT SEATS ARE EXCELLENT. 5 SPEED MANUAL TURBO PROVIDES PLENTY OF PUNCH. MONSOON SOUND IS ALSO EXCELLENT. I GET MORE SATISFACTION FROM DRIVING THIS BEETLE THAN MY OTHER GERMAN CAR (BMW). IF YOU WANT TO GET AWAY FROM DRIVNG LARGE SUV TYPE VEHICLES AND WANT TOP DOWN FUN, DON'T MISS THIS TRYING THIS MODEL. YOU WON'T BE SORRY.
Love my Bug!!!
I had been waiting for the NBC since the New Beetle came out years ago. This is a peppy little car! Does it handle like a sports car? No. However, it handles great, it's comfortable to drive and has plenty of front seat leg room.
Hate This Bug: Buyer Beware
This was the car I always wanted. Although parts of the first two years of ownership were fun, overall this is the worst purchase I have ever made. I will NEVER buy another Volkswagen! I've owned this car for 4 1/2 years. In the last year, my bug has been towed into the dealership 3 times because it will not start, and I've shelled out $3,000 in repairs. I've had the seat handles replaced multiple times, the trunk will not open on the first try, the headlights short out constantly, etc. To date, I've had the following replaced: throttle body ($800), front airbag sensor ($450), alternator ($500), windshield ($350), front grill ($500). I know the bug is very cute, but don't buy this car!
Well Engineered
Still having the honneymoon effect with the beetle, however, we are exceptionally pleased with our 03 GLS TDI 5M. First fuel tank at 43 MPG mostly around town. Very smooth driving and top rate handling & braking. Very easy and fun to drive and gathers speed much quicker than we anticipated. Speedo shows 70mph and it feels like 60, I keep thinking it must be wrong. We love the sunroof and so far very glad we purchased it. I cannot keep the wife out of it. G. Miller
Best Car
Best car that I have ever driven...period.
the anti-midlife crisis mobile
had bugs throughout the 60's. 2 vans, 2 bugs, and a ghia. one got chopped into a baja. then i bought an american car. ...got screwed! then i started buying japanese, reliability was amazing, but got bored. wanted a beetle when they first came out, but didn't feel the waiting lists were worth it. Well, i finally got around to buying a turbo bug... ...wow handling, pep, comfort, all first rate i like the car, and i like the way it makes me feel when i drive it. no pretense, and i live in the land of pretense.
A luxury car!
I love my car! It is so well built. I feel very safe while driving it. It is one of the few cars on the market that has gone through a positive evolution. My dad had one when I was as child, and I'm now 43! I consider my Beetle to be a luxury car despite its reasonable price! I have never received so much attention while driving a car. It gets many second looks, and positive compliments. Little kids often wave to me out their back windows while riding with their parents. Everybody seems to have a story about a Beetle they once owned or rode in. It is a car with allot of history behind it.
FUN DRIVING IN THE WIND
VERY SMOOTH RIDING AND SHIFTING . WE HAD A 2001 BEETLE AND THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE. IT IS A FUN CAR TO DRIVE AND HAS A LOT OF PEP. WE HAVE A 1.8 TURBO CONVERTIBLE. THIS IS A CLASS CAR VW YOU HAVE COME BACK.
my new beeeeetle bug!
candy apple red with after market wheels and porsche rims. its a very nice LOOKING car, very sporty, easy on the eyes you know... one of the things i love the most is night driving in it. get a little sleepy at night driving for long distances. two things strike me : one, the lights, absolutely ILLUMINATE the road. its wonderful. the other is, the actual build of the car. when playing music, it actually feels like the music surrounds you. its very easy to get things in and out of, as the seats dont just move forward, they actually LIFT UP and tilt forward. easy to hop friends and children in and out. maybe car seats some day too;)
Sassy
I wouldn't trade my VW for anything. The only problem that I'm having with my little topless bug is that other people are jealous that they don't have one, too.
Cute Car!!
So cute with and without the top! I love it and I think I might keep it forever!
only a bug
i love my convertible bug. i have had 3 bugs in my life. a 72 convertible that was really hard to get worked on so as much as i hated to i sold it. then in 2001 i bought a new bug and then in 2003 when having the oil changed in my bug i bought a 2004 convertible bug - mellow yellow. i haven't had alot of "without" top time yet since i bought it end of fall early winter but i'm looking forward to summer fun. i am counting on this being my last car.
Beetle Cov. 1.8T 6 speed auto
I think the 2004 Beetle Cov. has a nice ride and has good room for it's size. The power top is one of the best made in any price range.The 1.8 turbo has good seam less power mated with the 6 speed auto. The a/c can handle any thing you throw at it and the wind block helps keep everything calm. The things I would change a larger pass through the trunk (cant get my golf clubs in),some kind of help reaching the seat belt in front seat (they don't stay on you shoulders very well) and can they make the door not sound like you broke it when you shut it! All in all I like most things about it and would buy it again (I have had six new Bettles).