Used 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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Worst purchase of my entire life
I bought the car because it was cute, got good gas mileage, and I had always wanted one. Well, 3 years later and i've put around $22,000 into the car. First I started replacing minor things like the timing belt and the water pump, then the alternator, then the radiator, then the computer, then the air conditioning, but then i ended up replacing the engine, then the turbo, then the door, then the head gasket, then the transmission(as well as many many other things). This car has left me stranded on SO many occasions. I'm fearful to even drive this death trap. Please save yourself the heart ache, do NOT buy an older model beetle. The only reason I have held on so long is because my grandfather keeps paying to get it fixed, but this is not an inexpensive quick fix car. It will NEVER end.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Mixed Bag
This car is used for work purposes, and is covered in advertising. While I was nervous to purchase based on review it has turned out to be an okay car. I've had issues with airbag and check engine lights but there is a ton of information on the internet to help out with those issues. The car is fast and fun to drive, and has a lot of nice features for the cost. Luckily, knock on wood, my issues have been small and hoping for a few more years of reliability.
- GL 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,60036 mi away
- GLS ConvertibleMSRP: $5,950433 mi away
- GLS ConvertibleMSRP: $12,500642 mi away
Stay Away!!
WORST car to own! I have had it for 3 months and it has given me more problems than any other car i have ever owned! It is not worth your time and MONEY! omg. So many electrical problems and the inside is just falling apart! Don't let the cuteness fool you! Lesson learned here!!!!
A fun little car!
I LOVE my bug!!! I have flowers decked out all over it and it really turns heads! It is zippy and fun and the convertible top is great for Florida. I have had it in the shop for multiple repairs, but they've all been covered under warranty. The tires get bald quick, and the battery only lasted a year, though. Warranty covered a complete re-do of the electrical system, and a new top as the back window was falling out. The interior paint is so fun, but it does chip and that looks tacky. But I do looooove my car!! Also, with the Turbo engine, the mileage kind of stinks, and it requires premium fuel...
LEMON BEETLE
Bought this cute bug 6 years ago for my daughter. Has been in the shop more times than I can count. I've always had it serviced right on time either at a dealer or by a VW specialist and still have tons of problems. Main ones: - SUNROOF LEAKS - ruined interior! Have taken it to a VW dealer 4 times and an independent specialist once. Still leaks. Really bad design! - POWER WINDOW MOTOR - Replaced - Misc Buttons - pop off. Design is also really a 2-seater as the rear seats are virtually useless for anyone over 5 feet tall. My daughter wanted this based on looks alone. At least this has been a great lesson for her. NEXT TIME SHE'LL BUY QUALITY IN ADDITION TO LOOKS. AVOID THE BUG!
Super Turbo Fun Bug
Most fun car I have ever owned. Reliable, low cost, good economy and "QUICK"! 130MPH no problem. Great features and stable as a rock on a long trip. Even at "freeway" speeds -- HA AH! Put over 3,000 miles on it over New Years and was totally pleased. Great car. Very little fatigue and that's saying something for an old scudder - I'm 64 years old...
mb
What a pleasure to drive! Smooth, quiet, and very peppy. Gear ratio is great in traffic or on the highway. The ride is comfortable but I would not put anyone in the back seat for any distance. Lots of fun and perfect size for virtually every errand.
2004 VW Beetle GL Coupe
This is a great car for the small unique design. It is fun to drive and has great stability. It is very reliable. The only con is a minor electrical fault in the airbag system. The system frequently gave a false alert of having problems, without there actually being a problem.
Rattle Bug!
I've had this car in the shop three times for rattling in the interior. The hatch has been removed twice to fix it. When the car was built a screw was left in the dashboard which started to scratch against metal. After they removed the dash to fix it, they failed to hook up all the vents properly. There is still rattling in the doors, but I have given up that they will fix it. This will be my 1st and only VW. Where it that quality German engineering VW boasts about? Not in this car. Buyer beware!
Piece of Junk!
If you are thinking about buying a new VW Beetle, think again! This is the biggest piece of junk on the market! I have lost count as to how many times my car has been in the shop. It is in there right now because it will not start! They are cute and fun to drive but not reliable! I have had just about everything you can imagine go wrong with my car. I have had five oxygen sensors replaced, my CD changer replaced three times and have had several other issues. My Instrument Cluster went out and it is $300.00 to replace. The dealership charges $235.00 for a new battery! I just spent $300.00 two weeks ago to replace a bad Temperature gage. Do not buy!
this is not my 74' bug
The only car that I have owned that can compair to the performence that this little rocket has is my Mustang GT but with 31 mpg
Turbo S
Great fun to drive. Roomy in front seat. Turbo S interior styling is great.
awesome car
I bought a new Beetle as a gift for myself and i really love my car. Its peppy around town and gives me great mileage. I do have some gripes though (interior lighting) and automatic transmission. There are a few other gripes but they arent that serious. I do love the handling and the visibility at nighttime. Overall I love my car but i dont think i would buy one again.
New Beetle Turbo S
Everyone told me that it had limited cargo space ... well I was able to transport a new Toro Snowblower 2450 GTS for a friend 80 miles for a Christmas present ... Couldn't do that in any other compact car!!!
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!
a good friend to travel with
Its just a great car in more ways that one: great gas mileage, dependable - not a problem with it since I have had it - sporty and smart - handles great on the highway - I live in PA and it has been terrific in the snow - I am getting ready to purchase a second one. I travel long distances with it and not once have I been let down - I never worry about getting stuck in a bad part of a town I don't know with this car - vw knows what they are doing - drive one you'll see...
The PERFECT Car
This, I must say, is the best car I have ever driven, and I have driven quite a few. I LOVE the turning radius! And ADORE the fact that I can get in and out of tough parking places! I am personally not a performance freak, so this may not be for those who want dangerous acceleration. The great gas mileage is a huge bonus! And you can't forget safety! It has belt tensioners, dome roll-cage (convertibles have stability thing I think), six airbags, and anti-intrusion door beams, and more! If someone offered me a Corvette for really low, I'd take it...then sell it and buy a couple Bugs!!!
MY LITTLE "SWEET PEA"
I PREVIOUSLY OWNED A 1960 BEETLE AND OWNED IT WHEN I FIRST MET MY WIFE IN 1962. I LOVED IT AND HAD IT FOR 5 YEARS. MY WIFE RECENTLY DIED AND NOSTALGIA SET IN AND I NEEDED TO BE RE-CONNECTED TO THIS WONDERFUL MEMORY OF HER. I AM SO GLAD I PURCHASED THE 2004 BEETLE. IT NOT ONLY LOOKS GREAT, BUT I AM UTTERLY IMPRESSED BY THIS QUALITY MACHINE. IT OFFERS ME EVERYTHING I WAS LOOKING FOR AND MORE.
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!!
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.
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.
Nice bug baby!
Great fun to drive. Sunflower yellow is the best color. I am wondering why there are no ashtrays as a standard feature.
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.
Age of Aquarius!
This is my 2nd New Beetle Convertible. 1st was 2.0L Tiptronic...too little power. Went to 2004 1.8L Turbo 5 speed...When you accelerate in this car you feel like the front is lifting off the ground! The turbo made all the difference. Plus, the retro look in the aquarius blue is icing! I love my car!
Much more spacious than I thought
Beetle is one of kind. You do not need to mention VW Beetle. It looks so distinguish that it never losses in LA traffic. We all know that, but the most impressive thing is the interior space which is much spacious than I judged from its cute exterior. The fronts have the most head room, the back seats actually fit two teens with comfort. It is a fun car to drive, practical daily car and low cost to own too. How many car can offer all these?
2004 model is a winner
The 2004 GLS model is very fun and nice to drive. It's a joy to travel in. We like the classy design of the alloy wheels for 2004, and the now standard Monsoon Audio system. Handling in the curves is great, and makes one not want to put the car back into the garage at the end of the day.
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.
NB 1.8T automatic
very satisfied, auto tranny perfect, even w/ only 4 gears, the new tranny has 6 gears....
My dream bug
This is the most enjoyable car I've ever owned in my almost 40 years of driving. It is so stylish and although I like many other cars - nothing says 'pure fun' better than a bug and when you add the 'topdown' to it - it's the best!! I have a second car that I drive in the winter - so my BUG is truly a great toy for me!
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!!!
Love my bug!!!
Well, to be honest, I've only owned it for about a month and a half, but I have never loved a car like this one. It's just sooo much fun to drive. I'm just thrilled with the purchase of this car. It's a peppy little turbo and simply a blast.
Best Car
Best car that I have ever driven...period.
new beetle electronic problems
constant check engine light immediatley after purchase. Multiple dealerships were unable to ever find the problem. Volswagen ended up having to buy the car back under the "Lemon Law" but it was a real hassle!
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.
good looking poorly built
The car breaks down incredilby easily. My starter failed as did my airbags.
Step on this Beetle and it goes!!!
We purchased this vehicle used with 53,000 miles on it as a daily driver for my wife. She travels 46 miles per day round trip. We both love the car. It is easier for me to get into and out of than my 1997 Cadillac Sedan DeVille! I'm buying a convertible Bettle this year to replace the Caddy.
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.
To good to be true
As soon as I sat in that car it felt like home. The comfort in the drivers seat was perfect , I could see everywhere ,I felt as though I had perfect control of the car , everything was so handy for me that I couldn't believe it. Handles great, pick up is there when you need it, and I've only got the 4 cylinder automatic.To make a long story short, for me , this car has everything.
I love my SWEETPEA!
I just got my cyber green beetle about a month ago and it is the best car ever! This car is so smooth to ride in and has so many great features. It truly is like a luxury vehicle. I got the cream cloth interior but I would get leather if I could afford it. Beautiful car, this is my first car but I have driven many others especially SUVs. Nothing compares to a VOLKSWAGEN!
Turbo S named MAX
Great car. Fun to drive - lots of features. My first new car was a 68 VW Bug, so I can can compare and say this one has all the things you would have wanted if you could have afforded to modify it, plus it's much larger inside.
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;)
i love my beetle!!!
I absolutely love this car!
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.
My Second Beetle
This is the second beetle I have owned, my first was a 2001 glx turbo 5 speed, I then got a 2003 jetta gls turbo, but I missed the beetle so much I traded back to a 2004 gls turbo beetle...WOW what a fantastic car! I love everything about the beetle.
Orange you a fun car?
I've only had the car a month. It is a fun car to drive, and gets noticed. I ordered the Sundown Orange and it reminds me of a little hot rod. I had read reviews that the car was underpowered, but I have had no problems with pick-up or top end speed. All of the controls are well marked and easily operated. The GLS comes standard with alloy wheels, 4 wheel disc brakes, cloth interior and cassette deck. I added heated seats and a 6 disc player in the console and still paid under list. I've owned a lot of cars, both foreign and domestic and barring a major catastrophy, this is the best car I've ever owned.
I love my new beetle!
I enjoy driving my New Bettle it is so much fun!
Luv My Bug
Great performing car...lots of pep. We drive up alot of mountain roads and do great. I'm very comfortable in it and don't feel cramped like in the old beetles. I don't agree with Edmonds review.
Ethans Bug Forever!
I bought my VW about a month ago. My son just loves it. It's new name is Herbie. It's his favorite car in the world. I just love everything about it. It rides like most luxury cars I have rode in. It's very comfortable to drive. I'm a small person and I just love to ride and drive it.
I love my bug
I have never owned my own car. It has always been someone elses. Volkswagen has made me a VW driver for life. Car is comfy and so fun to drive. More room in the front than expected. I love it!!!
very good
I like it, it is funny looking and works well, plus its all convertible-y- ish