High Mileage Turbo S Reliability

[Ms_Kady]

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking for a used Beetle and would really like a Turbo S. I've found a couple good deals, but they are higher mileage vehicles. For those of you with 75k+ miles on your TS's, how reliable has your vehicle been? Also, any major maintenance issues in that mileage range? I'm debating whether or not to get a turbo and stick with a non-turbo.

TIA

[Missladylinda]

75k or more isnt all that bad,Find out if its had all of it services done on it like oil changes on time and make sure its had its TB/WP changed and if you can get a carfax on it that may help.But like any make of car you can find good and bad,But everyone here will pipe in to make sure the Timing belt/Water pump has been replaced that is a BIGGIE on these cars..otherwise good luck on the search

[Beltaine]

Timing Belt and Water Pump are the biggies.

I wouldn't buy any Turbo Beetle over 60K miles that hadn't had this service done.

Once purchased, I'd go ahead and change the oil so I know it has an OEM-spec synthetic in it.

[newbie]

I bought mine with 109 and its at 114500 right now.... only problems
. had to replace starter
. DV valve is fluttering a bit right now.


I AM going to replace all vac lines shortly but only because I want too...

[70autostick]

If the price is right,go for it


Plus its a turbo s

[Ms_Kady]

Thanks for the input! How would I be able to tell if the timing belt and water pump have been changed if the service records aren't handy?

[Smileybug]

If you don't have the service records and no one can verify it, its best to just do it yourself so you KNOW that its been done. Its much cheaper to do the belt and pump then have the car overheat or the belt rip apart and cause engine damage. Something also to consider in the price of the vehicle...if it needs to be done, then I would take $800 off of the asking price.

[miffmole]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

...if it needs to be done, then I would take $800 off of the asking price.

That's an excellent bargaining point. Every salesman I've ever mentioned the tb/wp saga to had no clue that it was even an issue. Offer $800 less and explain why. It needs to be changed.

I've often wondered how many people buy used Beetles unaware and have them break due to a faulty wp/tb situation. As I've said before: I sure hope VW has saved a lot of money on plastic impellers, because they've cost Beetle owners a bundle.

[Ms_Kady]

I will definitely ask this question when looking at a TS.

I found one for about 6k that was cosmetically in good condition, but when I ran the Carfax, it had been in an accident with frame damage and an inconsistent odometer reading. Boo.

[smartchick2009]

theres a red Turbo S here in Valdosta, Georgia for sale. just saw it yesterday at Hodges. they want $7950 for it and it had 99k miles on it.... looked BRAND NEW

didnt ask any questions.. just lurked for a minute

[mloeks76]

It won't cost you anything but ask about the recall issues. Brake light switch and ignition coils. We immediately had problems with both of those when we got our Turbo S.
We bought our Turbo S without knowing about the water pump/timing belt. I am very glad I found this forum cuz we had that done very soon after getting it. I would have been devastated to have ruined an engine.

[Ms_Kady]

Thanks for the help everyone! I ended up buying an 01 Audi TT with only 58k miles for the same price as a Turbo S.