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Used 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle Diesel Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
16 reviews

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Pros
Cons
3 out of 5 stars

Diesels require expensive maintaince

tool cat, 10/15/2016
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
38 of 40 people found this review helpful

I found out after the purchase that this TDI engine requires special oil that must meet the VW spec #505.01 which is very hard to find. Also the lower engine plastic guard must be removed every time just to change the oil. The filter is easily accessible. This engine (PD/BEW) has had some trouble with the camshafts. Which is why the special oil. Also the cam belt must be changed according to the schedule or you risk the engine blowing up do to the belt braking. Most other vehicle now use a cam chain instead of the toothed belt. It has plenty of power with the turbo kicking in. Mileage has been 40 - 43.5 mpg

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4.88 out of 5 stars

My Beetle

Spongebob, 01/10/2007
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful

This is the third Beetle I have owned since 1998. The improvements are obvious from the styling to the dropped outside mirrors for better visibility. This car isn't for everyone. It's for fun loving people who like a car that looks like no other, handles great, and performs flawlessly. it fits me to a T and I wouldn't even consider another car on the road today. It is unique.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

A Responsible Mode of Transport

W Benson, 08/22/2006
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful

This is a "poor man's Porsche." It is really fun to drive. It accelerates uphill like a scared rabbit (pardon the unintended reference to another VW model). Plus it is VERY economical on fuel.

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5 out of 5 stars

The True Herbie

MJ North Carolina, 06/24/2006
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful

This is the car I have been waiting for. It gets great gas mileage, a big car ride, and is so much fun to drive. I can go anywhere, do anything, and do it in style and luxury. I think the Japanese could learn a thing or two from the engineers at Wolfsburg in design and functionality.

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5 out of 5 stars

Ugly is only skin deep

Sue, 06/25/2006
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
15 of 18 people found this review helpful

This is our fourth VW and third diesel VW. We wanted a new Golf TDI but couldn't find one with the feathures we needed. The Jetta was bigger than we needed and we weren't attracted to the New Beetle. On a whim we test drove the Beetle and we were hooked. It handles very well, is comfortable for the driver and passenger (we rarely have more than two of us), and started off getting 43 mpg. Although we bought this to commute the 1 1/2 hours to work, we find ourselves using this car for trips and general driving around. We love it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Two in the garage

Bob Lykins, 03/28/2006
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

My wife and I can afford any type of car made, but we both bought new VW Beetle convertibles late last year, and we absolutely love them. I have a 2005 turbo, whereas my wife picked a 2006 2.5. The car is solid! It is amazingly quiet with the top up, and is extremely comfortable (I'm 6'3 and have more head and legroom than I did in my Toyota 4Runner!). We both get excellent gas mileage and we feel very safe on the interstates. I haven't had this much fun in a car since high school and college!

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2 out of 5 stars

Once and Done

never again VW, 08/07/2006
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Of all the cars I have ever known this by far was absolutely the biggest nightmare. If I added all my repair receipts I could have bought this car twice. There has been nothing mechanical or otherwise about this car that has not been repaired or replaced. I have had this car in the shop at least six times this year. I wish there was something good to say about this car since I have wanted to own one all of my life, but I guess the good Lord was trying to tell me something. Now all I want to do is get rid of it as soon as possible. That won't happen though until I get it fixed.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Fun Car

shawn, 09/07/2005
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

This little vehicle is extremely trust worthy, and gets 45 mpg regularly, just driving around with mixed highway and city miles. It starts at -30 degree weather, great car for your future kids to get to college on.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car

David, 10/01/2005
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

My Volkswagen Beetle is a very soundly built car, loads of fun to drive, and absolutely a fuel sipper. It feels like you're driving and riding in a much larger vehicle.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car

L. Bruce, 08/06/2006
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

I just bought my VW Beetle for my 120 mile round trip to work each day. It is already paying for itself. It provides great performance, fuel economy, and styling. The back seat is cramped but the front seats are very comfy. I got it with a 100,000 warranty, I will probably do that many miles in it in two years, and will then rate this vehicle again. So far, I love it! I plan to do 40,000 miles a year. This is the car for it.

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5 out of 5 stars

My office in trying times

Samwise, 04/25/2023
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I purchased an optioned out, 06 TDI for a fair price from a good owner in late 2021 It had less than 50k miles on it and was an upgrade from the minivan with half a brake system I'd used for doordash. Heinz (as he is called) has been the perfect vehicle for gig work on the side, even when diesel was 4.99 a gallon in the cheap markets. Yes he's had his fair share of BS issues with head and taillights but those can be fixed with a YouTube video. Shockingly spacious in the front for me, a 6'4" 275 pound male, and have fit 4 in it comfortably. These little cars are badass

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

The little one that could

Dr Richard Ray Shreve, 03/25/2018
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful

The handling, braking, road feel, engine performance (given regular fuel additives), & get up and go in comfort and safety are superb. Interior materials not so much, especially door panels and handles. Seating is comfortable after one learns to get in and out. For 2 people only unless in a pinch. Excellent mileage, 40 mpg but with higher priced diesel fuel. Repairs & parts at dealers are expensive. Powerful smooth running engine. Needs a new battery every other year or so. RR$, Ph.D.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car!

John E. Semken, Jr., 03/16/2006
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

I have driven my Beetle to Orlando, FL. It is great fun to drive, very comfortable, and gets great mileage - 43 mpg. I have had several people comment on the beauty of my car. It has plenty of power.

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5 out of 5 stars

2006 TDI Tiptronic

Brett F, 08/27/2006
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

We scrambled to find a TDI Beetle with package 1 options including sunroof, heated seats, and leatherette interior. My wife drives it about 420 miles a week and is averaging 36-38 mpg in mostly city use. The car got about 42 mpg hwy the one time we had it on the road at 65 mph with A/C on. The 6-speed auto transmission can be shifted manually or fully auto. It shifts smoothly and quietly and the 1.9L turbodiesel spools very efficiently. The ride is a bit stiff, but it is smooth. The seats are a bit of a pain to adjust but the controls work well. Don't expect the luggage room of an SUV, but it is good for groceries and weekenders. We liked it so much we went out and bought a 2004 manual TDI too!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

What a great little car

Ms. Shawn, 05/22/2006
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is fun to drive, gets great gas mileage, and is easy to park. People should take a closer look at this little shuttle, they would fall in love with them also.

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5 out of 5 stars

I fell in love with this car

Clawilli, 08/18/2019
2006 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My 2006 vw beetle TDI is the best thing since sliced bread as far as I'm concerned. Amazing performance & excellent fuel economy, one time I filled it up took only $15 & lasted for around 2 months + it will pretty much take u anywhere u wanna. On a side note they do had a few things that have to be babied but other than that perfection

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