2004 1.8 T auto?

[mikeriv]

I all I have aquestion.
I have the chance to pick up a 2004 1.8T Beetle Conv. w/automatic 35000k miles for a decent price...my question is......are these automatics worth buying or are they problem prone?

Any info will be appreciated.
Thanks Mike

[kaiser]

it's a crap shoot on vw autos.

[mikeriv]

hmmm, Is there anything good about them?

[DZLBUG]

Originally Posted by mikeriv

hmmm, Is there anything good about them?

About the autos? No. Any 01M automatic is a ticking time bomb, especially after 100k. Mine is shot at 158k miles, but it has been on the decline since 110k. The only reason it didn't go sooner is that I rack up a lot of highway cruising miles.

The heaping pile of fail that is the 01M is expensive to replace and difficult to repair. It has numerous design problems, and even when it is working correctly it is one of the worst automatics I have ever driven. Sloppy shifts, slipping, very overactive on locking and unlocking of the torque converter. It is a true basket case of a transmission.

Do yourself a favor and wait it out for a 5 speed. There are lots of them around and it is a buyer's market.

[mikeriv]

Thank you...I think Ill pass on the auto

[Fl_bug]

Originally Posted by mikeriv

Thank you...I think Ill pass on the auto

Go for the 5 speed!! They're easy and pretty darned reliable if you ask me!

[beetlekid]

dont just hold out for a 5spd just go all out and get a 6spd TS haha

[sledge0001]

2004 New Beetle Convertibles use an 09G transmission. 6 speed Tiptronics. I went through 1 transmission in under 24K... Luckily the dealer covered the expense of a new tranny.

Drive it cold and hot... If the tranny shifts weird or hangs don't even think about it...