Overview & Reviews
The Volkswagen New Beetle was the cute car that started the retro-futurist design craze. It was a modernized version of the legendary VW Beetle and struck a chord with consumers who had grown tired of standard conservative car designs and had fond memories of the "Bugs" from their youth.
But that was 1998. As more than a decade passed without a major redesign, the New Beetle started to seem like a retro version of itself. With sales dropping steadily, VW decided to discontinue the New Beetle after the 2010 model year. A redesigned model, just called the Beetle, debuted a year later.
Shopping for a used New Beetle is pretty straightforward. It didn't change much, so you can shop mostly on price and mileage, though paying attention to engine availability through the years will likely be useful.
Most Recent Volkswagen New Beetle
The first-generation Volkswagen New Beetle was produced from 1998-2010. It was initially only offered as a two-door hatchback, and the convertible showed up for 2003.
Although the New Beetle was based on the Golf platform from the late 1990s, it had less interior space than today's Golf (and the '90s Golf for that matter) as well as most other compact hatchbacks. The front seats were roomy, but the same couldn't be said of the back. Trunk space was tight in the hatchback and even tighter in the convertible. The convertible came with a power-folding top as standard.
Models up to 2005 used the GL, GLS and GLX designations to reflect the various trim levels, as well as a standard 115-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual was standard on the Volkswagen New Beetle, with a four-speed automatic usually optional. A 100-hp 1.9-liter turbodiesel was also offered (the TDI trim) until the end of 2006, when it failed to meet new emissions regulations.
Until the last few years of its lengthy life, turbocharged gasoline engines were a big part of the New Beetle's trim lineup. Sold from 1999-2005, the New Beetle 1.8T was powered by a 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder, which put out 150 hp. From 2002-'04, VW included the Turbo S trim in the coupe lineup. It was equipped with a retuned 180-hp version of the 1.8T turbo engine and a six-speed manual transmission. For 2006 and thereafter, the only gasoline-powered engine available was a 2.5-liter five-cylinder that produced 150 hp and was coupled to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.
As the years wore on, Volkswagen added a few features like satellite radio, but changes to the equipment level were light, as the car was pretty well-equipped with items such as air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and in later years, heated seats.
Volkswagen released several special-edition models, though, including limited-edition colors and trim packages. For 2002, VW added a Sport edition, which essentially was a 1.8T with a five-speed manual, 17-inch wheels and a leather interior.
In reviews, we found that the Volkswagen New Beetle excelled at what it was built for -- cruising and being seen in. It was a good choice for young singles or retired folks who only rarely needed a backseat, but other hatchbacks were far more practical. The original base engine was pokey and unrefined, so finding one of the turbocharged units would be a wise idea. The subsequent five-cylinder offered just as much power as the previous turbocharged engines and was more efficient, but wasn't as energetic and sapped some fun out of the Beetle. Those interested in the convertible should be aware that rearview visibility is poor with the top up or down.
User Reviews:
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Diesels require expensive maintaince - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By tool cat - March 28 - 6:21 pmI 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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Just a cute car, not worth it! - 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
By shannon - March 27 - 1:33 amFor once in my life I wanted a cute car. I got it. Used 2005 GLS lt Blue with a gray top. Yes, I got thumbs up and smiles from perfect strangers. It fit my personality to a T. I made it through the 1st yr, then the back side window broke. right after the warranty ran out! $600 to repair! The other window broke late 2008. Ive just dealt with it. The top has now messed up and as I was was hand washing it I saw the top material has pulled away from the back window, water leaking in! Grant it I have 94,000 miles on it. They just dont make them like they used to. I decided its time for a GOOD car and bought a 2010 Kia Forte Coupe. Yep still FUN, but worth it!
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it is a shame VW doesnt care - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By scarabo - March 15 - 10:00 amnone
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Dont do it............ - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Kozso - March 2 - 4:30 pmLooking to buy a VW Beetle? Dont do it! We have had our Beetle for 1 1/2 years. We bought used with 60,000 on it. Shame on me for not doing my homework. It has been a nightmare. OK, it is fun to drive, gets 43+ mpg and we have put 50,000 miles on it. But the frequent costly repairs out weighs the savings at the pump and the fun of driving it. VW has an electrical issue. I get the thing fixed, and try to sell, but another indicator lights pops on: check engine, ABS, brake pads - you name it, it has been broken. At this rate I will never get rid of it.
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Buyer Beware - 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
By heartbroken - January 17 - 11:50 amMy beloved dream car has an engineering flaw that apparently comes to light after 60,000. The auto transmission becomes erratic clunking into gear, screeching off, staying in 2nd gear. After months and hundreds of dollars of investigation and fixes, the only cure is a valve and electronic trans. replacement to the tune of $4000-$7000. VW will not admit to any problems or pay for a fix. The government car safety website (safercar.gov) has 28 complaints registered about this issue. I would not recommend any VW product to anyone-new or used.
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Highway hazard - 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle
By raediem - December 8 - 2:00 amHeadlights burn out very quickly. Brakes replaced at 30K. Alternator replaced at 24500-of course out of warranty. Less than 500 miles later the battery died. At 37K the alternator needs to be replaced again. Door to gas tank is now manual. While driving car will jerk, electrical system dies at any speed then resumes. This is very traumatic on the highway!!!
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Poor quality - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By tracy - November 1 - 10:00 amI love my bug unfortunatly since the warranty has expired: I having a variety of problems. The electric window on the passenger side failled. The onboard computer is now having problems again after having been replaced under warranty. The cost for changing of a headlight was $500.00 ( an internal problem ) One of the headlight burned out again 3 months after replacement the other one after 6 months. The molding on the back window is falling off. Volkswagen has spent massive amounts of money on advertisements to make us forget about their not so good reputation. It appears to me that they are still unable to build a car without problems.
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Up In Flames! - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
By diannr - September 27 - 12:46 amBought our 2002 TDI in December for our daughter. Two weeks later we discovered it had a messed up transmission. Counting on fuel savings over the next 5 years, we spent $3500 to have the transmission rebuilt. There were alot of rattles in the interior but we planned to address those after recovering from the trani. expense. Last weekend the brakes failed while parking, proceeded to smoke from the rear then caught on fire! A total loss for us however the salvage yard is scoring a good engine. Apparently firewalls work from both directions. I would not recommend this car!!
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I Cant Hear You - 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Doc - September 1 - 4:26 pmThe poor Beetle suffers. Its gas mileage has been less than I expected, lots. Wind noise? Try wind tunnel! What about the power top, eh? You have to manual twist your wrist off! Trunk? Forget it because the top gets in the way. Leg room in back, not if I drive. Take my car, please! Next time Ill get a Honda, Saab, or the Nissan Z.
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No trouble at all - 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Tara - August 31 - 2:03 pmI have a yellow bug for a year now and I have no trouble with it yet. I just love the bug. It has a lot of miles on it and I am afraid one day the bug is going to give up so I am thinking of selling it and getting a Volkswagen Cabrio.
