Used 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle Diesel Consumer Reviews
Used New Beetle for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Gotta love the TDI, 1yr later still loving it!!
Long Range Customs, 07/26/2017
updated 07/30/2018
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
At 6'6", the little VW Beetle has absolutely the most comfortable seats my wife and i have ever been in for long road trips. A few years ago i made a 5400 mile trip in 84 hours flat, yes do the math on that one! I certainly was tired when i got to my destination and returning home but was no where near as sore as every other vehicle i have ever been owned! Gotta love the VW seats and interior design! The fuel mileage of the little 1.9L is incredible. At 80 mph for nearly the entire trip with severe side/head winds at times i still averaged 45MPG for the entire trip!!We typically see 42 city and 48-50hwy. I use light weight synthetic oils in the engine and tranny. I run my tires at their max on the sidewall giving me nearly perfect tread wear across the entire surface of the tires. My best tank was 760 miles on one tank! I spent a lot of time nursing it to the top both times. INCREDIBLE!! My only complaint however, is that VW used flimsy "Rivets" to hold the third member together that the ring gear bolts to in the little 5 spd transmission. A couple of the rivets flew out and punched a 3"-4" hole in the lower side of the transmission housing. At about 156k we removed the tranny to install a new clutch and much to our surprise we found the "inspection hole" they caused when they flew out. Costing us an unnecessary case replacement/tranny rebuild! We drilled out the remaining rivets and installed the recommended API bolt kit and all is good! It has absolutely ran like a swiss watch before and after that. Can't say enough about the little TDI beetles, love'em!! We liked it so much i am heading to purchase another one as ours was just hit in the front end by another driver and was totaled. All occupants we completely safe thanks to the Beetles design!! :{)
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Wake Up USA
capemaycruiser, 05/10/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
The VW Beetle TDI diesel, pervasive in Europe due to really high fuel costs and forward looking regulations, is a pleasure to drive, easy to maintain and much less stressful at the pump than a comparable gas burner. The high torque (and low rpm's) of the TDI makes it quiet and powerful on the highway while demonstrating the hill climbing strengths of a goat. And burning high cetane, low sulfur fuel or better yet a 20% blend of biodiesel, keeps the emissions low. In 18 months and 34K miles, my TDI Beetle has performed flawlessly and has been a hoot to drive past a bus load of school kids instigating a punch buggy frenzy!
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle for sale near you
Showing 3 of 32 listings
- GLS 1.8T ConvertibleMSRP: $7,895151 mi away
- GL 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,950154 mi away
- GLS ConvertibleMSRP: $7,990154 mi away
See all 32 listings
Electrical Problems
Burnt, 04/07/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
This car has refused to start on many occasions since purchase. Five times the dealership has tried repairs without success. VW representatives mouth the company line but never fix any problems. We are demanding the car be taken back and will file a lawsuit if they don't. Other websites indicate there are many electrical problems with VW cars and refusing to start is one of them.
bernie
jennychan, 07/15/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Beware the 40,000 mile service costs $1,000 ... they must have this VW confused with a porshe ... when you figure that added expense, you can wave goodbye to any fuel savings
TDI Beetle - best kept secret out there
AIXIZCYCLES, 07/06/2009
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
Having learned to drive on a 1962 bug, I have a certain affection for the Beetle. This new one does not disappoint and is uber fun to drive. Owing a new Suburban and also a HD bike, I use the Beetle for daily chores and business commuting. At 6'1" and 250lbs, I have plenty of room. I specifically wanted a turbo diesel, manual because a small car should be fun and involve the driver in the experience. Can't complain abut the 44mpg I am getting as well! I also have a grin on my face knowing that it does not meet current EPA requirements!!! Global warm this.
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.
VW Deisel Get Good Grades
Justiniandog, 09/18/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GL TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After getting used to the auto tiptronic transmission I love the VW New Beetle TDI. Smooth, powerful, and fuel efficient. With all the traveling I do, I fill the tank every 7=8 days and that's not a complete refill mind you. Love it...its a keeper.
the beetle is awesome
Linda Green, 10/09/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
awesome little car. very fun to drive. the mileage is great. it's very responsive.
People's Car?? Not this one.
Virginia&George, 06/03/2007
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Yes you change oil every 5000 miles, but you have to go to the dealer and buy SPECIAL VW oil?? To do any basic maintenance you need a degree in mechanics?! Even then, you may not be able to reach the fitting or part that you want to service because it is so cramped and difficult. Now after 3 years we have problems: (a) difficulty in starting cold engine in the morning, (b) things fall apart inside the cabin (ashtray, window controls, hand-brake knob, etc.), (c) when you start engine lots of white smoke is delivered by exhaust pipe.
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.
Absolute top fuel economy
Ernie Rogers, 04/04/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.)
Stay Away from the New Beetle TDI
Surface, 04/15/2005
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2003 5-Speed TDI. My expectations of VW quality have been all shut down. This is the worst new car purchased. 2 year old car that needs repairs all the time. Things that should work for years to come break, for example the gas cap release mechanism is a part of a large list of things. Gas milage of this vehicle is great, but what others do not tell you is that maintenance required for this car is horrible, Timing Belt Change every 40K miles required. Parts Sales person from VW told me that all the money you save on gas milage are spent on either repair or maintenance [TDIs mostly]. Have you checked VW reliability ratings? Search the web,you will be surprised that VW is in the Daewoo region!
Customer VW 1998 tdi beetle
John F McCourt 3rd, 12/27/2003
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GL TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Well Engineered
Igmandada, 01/29/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Roomiest of all Vehicles, Handles great!
otter63, 06/12/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GL TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm 6 feet, 6 inches tall, need lots of headroom. This is the only car, truck, or SUV in which I have ROOM TO SPARE ABOVE MY HEAD. Got the GL, as a sunroof would have eliminated the headroom. Surprising amount of "hip room". I have plenty of room to let my knees out to the side, without hitting power window or gearshift consoles. Got the diesel with the intent of running biodiesel, helping eliminate our dependence on oil, but VW says that will put my warranty at risk. Anyway, I'm AVERAGING 50 mpg with petroleum diesel. Best so far is 62 mpg - seems to be more efficient at 70 mph than 60.
I love my bug!
tweety76, 06/12/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its quick, its fast and its a heck of alot of fun to drive!
It's Got Go.
feedle, 10/15/2004
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle GL TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What an amazing, fun little car. I have a TDI diesel, with the Tiptronic transmission, and this is hands down the most fun car I've ever driven. Out of the gate mine has had a few minor hiccups (CD player stopped playing CDs on the fourth day, airbag system isn't working properly [diag. light]), but the dealerships I've dealt with have been quick to repair and cooperative. And, the fuel economy is AMAZING! 400-500 miles on a tank of diesel is "normal" for this car, and with some conservative driving, I've pushed it to nearly 600. A worthy successor to the "Beetle" name.