Overview & Reviews
Volkswagen revives a legend using retro styling touches wrapped around Golf underpinnings.
User Reviews:
Showing 41 through 50 of 86.00-
If Only I Knew Then What I Know Now - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By foxdown07931 - September 3 - 6:23 pmWithout a doubt this is the most problematic car I have ever owned. Out of service for weeks as electrical faults could not be traced down. Repeated visits to dealer to correct same problem. Seems like every four months or so we encounter a problem. Usually electrical in nature. These costs are on top of the routine maintenance costs which are shocking. For example, every 40,000 miles a new timing belt is required at a cost of close to $900, brakes $700,headlight bulb close to $100.
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overall a good car - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By bigd - July 3 - 10:00 ami bought the car used with 58k for 10k. My mechanic at 60k changed the belt for 600 bucks.The maintenance cost are high at the dealer.The Dealer replaced the headlight assembly 425.54.The fuel door was sticking so back to the dealer. Total parts with labor 204.30.I also had to change the battery about 75k.The bulb or light for the a/c panel doesnt work either at night.Also a new set of pads front and back 80 bucks and 4 new tires from discount. Basically this is a very good car.I have put 42k 1yr the car with no problems.It does handle very well.I have heard stories of people going over 100mph but mine just wont quite get there.
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Distinctive but problematic - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Cara - Florida - June 25 - 10:00 amYes, like the others, I have loved driving my Bug and the comments I get from others. I have experienced similiar electrical problems with the car as well as some others so be on the lookout! So far, at 36,000, I have had to fix the following - both power window switches, both O2 sensors replaced, replace 1 headlight, have 1 foglight that needs to be replaced, a seal crack that caused all the power steering fluid to drain out. Still waiting to hear from VW to see if they will cover any of repairs for O2 sensors as all other model years except 1998 were covered for this under a recall. Not sure if I will get another one or not.
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My Red Bug - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By jbm - June 19 - 10:00 amThis is our third car. I drive a Cadillac Seville and the husband drives a Chevy Tahoe...actually it is our 4th car...we also have a 1973 Super Beetle Convertible. I have so much fun in this car. I dont drive it much...only 16,000 miles in four years. Ill keep it forever I guess.
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A typical experience - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By debug - May 7 - 10:00 amI love this car, its so fun. Use it as a 3rd car -about to sell it since its hard to get a car seat into the back. Window switch problem, peeling door handles (no lotion here!), badly designed cup holders, had MANY headlights and harnesses, plus electrical problem I had to go to war over...defective killed the battery within 48 hours. They told me I should "drive it more!" (how, since it was always dead?) After calling VW and causing a scene at the dealer they finally diagnosed the problem. It is cute, fun, very good pickup. I still love it after all that. Good design, German-style steering. And it fits my 64" spouse.
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Its sooooooooo cute - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By beeralert - April 8 - 10:00 amBought this car almost 3 years ago and I want to hug it every day. This is TDI GLS version with an automatic transmission. Suprisingly good acceleration off the line (even with the automatic). I test drove a 5 speed and as expected the performance was more lively than the automatic.....but the automatic is good. Aside from regular oil changes (synthetic only) and a new set of front brakes, there have been absolutely no mechanical problems. (I think the TDI engine is bulletproof). I would highly recommend this car. I am getting about 530 miles out of a tank of gas (with a heavy foot).
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First Year = Bad Idea - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By megriley - March 19 - 3:56 am1998 was the first year Volkswagen decided to bring back the Beetle. I loved this car, but it had so many things wrong with it. Big things from problems with the fuel injectors and throttle settings, to little things like window control buttons falling off and the interior peeling. It was very frustrating. I love VW, which is why I recently upraded to an 06 New Beetle. It was probably our own fault for buying a car the first year they made it, but for a first car, it seemed like the right price and right "style" for a 16 year old girl. I would recommend that you DO purchase a VW New Beetle, but I would also recommend that you purchase a different year, as the problems associated with 1998 models are plenty.
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Mooses VW 411 - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Knoxville Moose - March 2 - 10:00 amIve had an amazing experience in the 98 Beetle. Its my first car and is an excellent option for the teenage driver. Its incredibly safe! After being rear ended in a nasty collision that left a Stanza totalled, both passengers in my car walked away without a scratch. The car took quite a hit and was driveable; however, it is especially hard to repair because of the build of the car and its low level. The Beetle has rarely failed me or even let me down in the least. Its fun, its safe, its reliable, and it gets the attention of the opposite sex;)
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A Bug that will bug you ... - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By J Thomas - March 2 - 10:00 amConsistent problems mark this car. Electrical system required a major investment to get the car running again. The air conditioning went out annually requiring finally another major investment to fix. The power windows go out almost as often. The back hatch rattles periodically as the wiring harness in it slides around. Seals came down from around the windows. The two dealerships that serviced the vehicle were inept at fixing problems and bent on creating reasons to jack up the cost of repairs. They seemed to be distinctly dishonest. (In contrast to the dealers for my BMW or Chrysler.) I have vowed to never buy another VW.
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Love it even with problems - 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
By Monifa - February 15 - 2:00 amLove the car. Had a bunch of electrical problems with the door windows and trunk. Very expensive repairs. I had a accident in it and was extremely safe. The accident could have been deadly in another car. Fun to drive, great handling. Dream car forever!
