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Used 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
79 reviews
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1.75 out of 5 stars

Why I regret buying the 2005 Volkswagon New Beetle

javidiaz, 05/19/2012
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GL 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
40 of 44 people found this review helpful

I made the huge mistake of purchasing a 2005 Volkswagon New Beetle last year. This was a used car meant to be a small retirement gift to myself, and a year later, after 4 visits to the mechanic, $2500.00 dollars in repairs and a looming transmission problem, I am now faced with having to trade this blue nightmare in for a more reliable car. Any smile I had on my face was wiped off by the pure unreliable nature of this vehicle and what this year of driving what I consider the worst vehicle ever made has been to me. I have owned Ford, Dodge, Honda, and never experienced a poorly engineered vehicle until I drove the 2005 VW New Beetle. Heed my review and stay away from these cars.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Fun in the sun : )

that 70's girl, 07/17/2010
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful

Purchased this car from a dealer as a 2 year lease turn in. From the minute I saw it, I was in love. It's a real head turner. This is my 4th VW, bought a new '74 Beetle for college and 2 Rabbits after that. Pure fun to drive every where I go, people comment on what a cute car it is. have had check engine light issues but I have my BIL reset until it goes off again. I like the Turbo when it kicks in on the interstate. I can keep up with just about everyone. Minor things can be annoying but I don't care. I bought the car for fun and it delivers every time I drive it :))

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2.5 out of 5 stars

Fun in the sun, but stormy reliability.

bugawff, 04/05/2008
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle Dark Flint Edition 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Traded in my Volvo s60 for this cute top down car. Thought German car would be better than Swedish. Have had the car in for speaker, gas lid, windows, wipers, etc. Everything seems to be falling apart. Had the driver side window fixed about 5 times, they can't seem to get it right. One day on low gas my gas tank lid wouldn't click open, good thing I was close to a dealer and they opened it for me, but couldn't fix it at the moment had to wait 2 weeks for that. Gas mileage is ok, could be better. Trunk space you can't even fit in a beach chair. AND if you are thinking of taking friends with you for a fun ride hope the ones sitting in the back are kids, small kids.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Fun Car to Drive

Linda , 05/07/2008
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful

I purchased this car on a whim and never regretted it! It is a fun car to drive and people are always coming up to me in parking lots and asking me how I like my convertible." I don't like it", I say, "I love it!" Every time another New Beetle convertible passes me the driver will wave and I will wave back. On the more practical side, the car gets about 26 mpg around town, and around 30 on the highway. I have been able to fit an entire JV football team defensive line in the car, and during lacrosse season the pass- through to the trunk allows for long stick defensive players' equipment. The New Beetle handles very well in snow and ice, a must for New Hampshire drivers!

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Fun but won't buy another!

k8t, 08/25/2010
2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T 2dr Convertible (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful

Bought car used with only 6k miles at wholesale price, these are way too over priced brand new. PROS: fun to drive, ICE cold AC good mpg. No engine problems, replaced breaks at 45k miles. I totaled this car with only 50k miles, t-boned red light runner going about 45 mph and airbags went off even with airbag sensor on (recall), was uninjured and car kept me safe. CONS: cd player went out, gutless with AC on, a few electric issues, drivers side headlight and tail light had to be replaced 2x in 3 years and its a HUGE pain. Biggest problem was back window not rolling up or down, its a $800 fix since they have to remove back seat. Fun but won't be buying another when I get paid by insurance!

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