So what do you 06 guys think?

[SPIRU]

Of this engine?

[8BUG]

:) Hi ! Thank You for this Discussion Area. I really like the 2.5 L 5-Cyl. Lots of Torque! Cool, growly sound too. Have 1600 miles on her now, just used 500ml or half a liter of oil during this part of break-in. Thanks, Andy

[beetlebaby]

Thanks for the info, Andy. How do you feel about the gas mileage?

[8BUG]

:) Hi ! It has been very good. AVG. 28 mpg lowest. 32 mpg highest. I live in a flat, coastal part of South Carolina. So hilly places may not get this kind of mileage. But, I have not turned the AC off since the day I picked it up. I expect 2-3 mpg more with air off, an avg. I usually gain in winter months. I have 2100+ miles now, I broke motor in carefully as per manual. But now I get on it, love the growly sound this motor makes! Thanks:) Andy

[ASurroca]

Interesting. Did you get this mileage from the car's display, or did you crunch the numbers yourself. I mention this because those displays sometimes are off by a few percentage points. Even if it's off by, say, 5%, a 26.5 - 30.5 MPG range is hella impressive. :bigthumb:

[mjd1001]

What do you mean by display?

I'm thinking of buying a new 2006 Beetle...does the car come standard with one of those "trip computers" that keeps track of your average miles per gallon and estimated fuel range?

I didn't see mention of that feature on VW's web site or in the brochures.

[8BUG]

:) Hi, there is not a trip computer on the New Beetles(New Jetta & New Passat do). But the car is so cool, it will hardly matter!:)

[cplenz]

I drove 2000 miles in my NBC on the 2.5L I5 through Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado, all freeway at speeds around 60-80. I got 28mpg calculated consistently. Not more! In town, I get 22-24 at best. Not exactly earth ****tering - but hey, between that and my TDI Golf, I still average 42 in city. BTW, gas mileage seems to be independent of Top Up/Down on the NBC - which is strange.

[8BUG]

:) Hi ! The Boulder, Co Chamber of Commerce says their elevation is at 5,340 ft. My elevation is not even 40 ft.(sea-level is best for mileage & power) And not one noticable hill the 25 miles each way to work. So worse mileage should be expected higher you are. Especially with the robust gearing VW gave us. If not in 5th gear(man)or 6th(auto) I would not expect much in fuel mileage. But, at least great gearing for hills!:) And 205/55/16 Michelin Energy+ Tires help, 8BUG is Base, no options. Just Monster Mats, Trunk Mat, and Chrome Tips. Keeps weight low.

[philtog@aol.com]

I love the car...I'm worried that they'll come out with a turbo version of the 2.5 that will scream and I'll have to trade this one in. I'm in Florida and I've been averaging 24 mpg around town...not too bad. Got 1000 miles on her, and I stopped by here to see if I could find out how to change the oil myself. I don't want to wait to 5,000 for the first oil change. Any suggestions?

[Otto the egg]

Having driven NBs with all the available engines (2.0l, 1.8t, TDi and the 2.5)... I must say that I really like the 2.5 It feels as torquie as the TDI, meaning it scoots off the block, and has enough HP to keep up with the 1.8... Simply beats the 2.0 in all areas. Too bad it is too costly to put the 2.5 in Otto.. I guess I am stuck with the 2.0 for a long time.

[Concept1]

We are getting horrible milage on ours. Only about 16 to 18 mpg with a 50/50 mix of city and hwy driving. If we knew it was going to be this bad we would have waited the 6 months for a diesel. I can't believe how bad it is.

:mad:

[8BUG]

:( Sorry to hear so bad mileage. I wonder if something wrong? I honestly have not got a tankfull to get less than 28mpg. This is what I do. I have 5-speed manual, rev to 3000rpm 1,2 gears decide if I can go to 5th gear yet if I can I skip right to 5th. Like 4000rpm in 2nd I think will allow me to go to 5th. Or like at 40mph shift to 5th. I have those 205/55/16 Michelin Energy Plus tires run 35 psi all around. ANd put some premium gas in it once in awhile helps keep fuel injectors clean. No extra stuff in trunk. Top gear is best advise I can give. But your numbers make me worry something is wrong. What do you think? Just trying to help.:)

[beckwheat75]

I live in southeast georgia and no hills may be the difference, but I am getting around 31 mpg here in town. I thought that I was doing something wrong like running the AC. I did not know that was good gas mileage. I haven't had it on the interstate very much but I plan to take a trip soon.:)

[RealTater]

as an obsessive beetle owner (first new car) I've calculated my gas milage at around 22. I'm in east tennessee and suffer from
lead-foot so I'm not surprised at the milage. Still beats the 12 I get out of my jeep!

[ch2000]

I just bought my first NBC and I am averaging around 28 mpg. So far I love my NBC , I am just waiting on new performance parts to come out for it as well as a body kit. I have driven several 98-99 models and I really like the new 5 cylinder.

[dr427]

We are about the same (28mpg). 60/40 highway/city driving. We have 650 miles now on the odometer.

There is just no comparison on the 2.0L vs. our new 2.5L. We really wanted a 1.8T when we bought the 2.0L, but premium fuels costs (before they went through the roof) stopped us. Since the 2.5L used Regular we took the plunge. The 2.5L really rounds out the New Beetle and makes it feel like a sports car for us now. Before the 2.0L was fun and handled great and had decent acceleration, but now...WOW! :D

[vdubbugman53]

i like the 1.8 a lot better i just test drove the 2.5 the other day and i was not that happy with it. yea it beats a 2.0 but i hope someday they put the 2.0 T in

[baobaobeibei]

:cool: :D :D :cool:
We are about the same (28mpg). 60/40 highway/city driving. We have 650 miles now on the odometer.

There is just no comparison on the 2.0L vs. our new 2.5L. We really wanted a 1.8T when we bought the 2.0L, but premium fuels costs (before they went through the roof) stopped us. Since the 2.5L used Regular we took the plunge. The 2.5L really rounds out the New Beetle and makes it feel like a sports car for us now. Before the 2.0L was fun and handled great and had decent acceleration, but now...WOW! :D

[ursabug]

Moonie has about 1K miles on her at this point. The mileage has been in the mid 20s thus far (it isn't broken in yet, IMHO).

I like the smoothness of the power - I miss the swoosh that our 1.8t had, but Moonie seems to have lots more pull without as much torque-steer as Red had.

I hope the mileage for those who've had issues gets better. I hope it works out very well for you.

[ducati]

Ursabug: what mileage did you generally get with your 1.8T?

My wife averages about 25mpg with her 1.8T... 20k miles on it now. Not as good as I had hoped. I keep telling her to keep her "turbo foot" itch in check :D

Just wondering. It sounds like the 2.5 gets a bit better mileage than the 1.8T.

[cjh47]

This 2.5L engine sreams!!! I had the 2.0 in both of my other NB's, and this car just wants to fly. I can see a ticket in my future. :)

[JuggBug]

:werd: It's a hot little engine aint it????? :heart:

[mikedoolin]

Just bought a salsa red NBC. Getting about 28-30 om the hwy, a bit less in the city. Also have a 2002 Golf, which gets about 40 mpg hwy, 27-28 city, but we are selling that. I expect a convertible to get somewhat less mpg than a comparable coupe. I've had lots of converts - three Triumphs, a Cabrio, a couple of Chevys, three Vettes - and they were all like that. It's part of the price you pay for the extrå fun and the heads turning when you drive by! If we can average high 20s I'm happy. And we get to put the top down too!:) http://www.newbeetle.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif

[shellbug]

Unfortunatly, I am lucky if I get 20 mpg :(

[dunno513]

I love the design of the 06 over the previous models. Especially the front grill design. Not to crazy about the back, but its all about how it looks from the front anyways.;)

For all those that passed up the option to wait and buy a TDI for barely a grand more than a gasser, sorry for your loss, especially with these prices.:D

[Grover]

I absolutely love my TDI too. I have about 200 miles now. I am so glad I got a TDI/DSG. The other thought I had was that if VW isnt going to sell the TDI engine anymore than the '06 TDI will be the ONLY year with a TDI AND a the new body style! Sounds like possible collectors item to me!:D

[Beeble]

Yep, the TDI is just great. At just over 5000 miles, I'm averaging 38 mpg in town. We like it so much we just bought a used Jetta TDI wagon. You leadfeet can laugh all you want, but this thing is very peppy and any advantage you might have in speed or acceleration I will make up while you're fueling up. Getting only 20-25 mpg sounds like a gas guzzler to me these days. Wanna hear about my diesels? I can talk about them all day and half the night.

[bockegg]

I absolutely love my TDI too. I have about 200 miles now. I am so glad I got a TDI/DSG. The other thought I had was that if VW isnt going to sell the TDI engine anymore than the '06 TDI will be the ONLY year with a TDI AND a the new body style! Sounds like possible collectors item to me!:D
I'm considering a NB TDI vs. the NB 2.5. The 2.5 is less money and the dealer said that they will deal on the 2.5 but not on the TDI.
Suggestions?

[Beeble]

I'd ask "why do you think they're so eager to get rid of the 2.5 and won't haggle on the TDI?" And I'd answer "Because gas is over $3.00/gallon and headed upward for the forseeable future; because diesel is less than regular and gives 30-40% better mileage; and because people are starting to wake up to the benefits of diesels just as VW is going to stop importing them for a year while they change over to a new enging type."

It's a perfect storm right now, so dealers know they can ask full price and get it. Know what? It's worth it. I bought my Beetle TDI and didn't even consider that I might haggle for it until I was driving it home. I knew I was getting a good value even at list price, so it didn't occur to me to offer less. We got $1000 off the Jetta because it was used and the dealership was having some kind of credit union promotion on used cars. But the same principle applies.

You'll have a ton of fun in the 2.5, but you'll pay dearly for it. You'll have 1,995 lbs. of fun in the TDI, and you'll save a ton of money on fuel.

Your choice.

[Grover]

Yeah what beeble said. I ended up getting my bug for about $22,400 but I ordered him way back in Jan. I know that if I went in today, I would expect to pay FULL MSRP. After driving Grover for 700 miles, I would Gladly pay ful price any day. This by far the BEST car I have EVER had period. Yep, it's a VW and I fully expect to have some problems along they way. I cant wait for em. I used to live fixing my '66 and '68 bugs and I know I will love fixing Grover. Treat yourself and get a TDI if you have the means. If you are even thinking about a TDI at all then you will proabably regret getting the 2.5 later on. I test drove the 2.5 for 3 days and although it was fun (very zippy), it just didnt have that lovely diesel sound. There is nothing like driving through my 25mph school zone in 3rd or 4th and the engine is pretty much at idle and not straining in the least! Oh yeah- the DSG transmission is AWESOME and you cant get it on the 2.5.....
Ok- I got way too into this post....Sorry...I do believe I am addicted....

[bockegg]

Yeah what beeble said. I ended up getting my bug for about $22,400 but I ordered him way back in Jan. I know that if I went in today, I would expect to pay FULL MSRP. After driving Grover for 700 miles, I would Gladly pay ful price any day. This by far the BEST car I have EVER had period. Yep, it's a VW and I fully expect to have some problems along they way. I cant wait for em. I used to live fixing my '66 and '68 bugs and I know I will love fixing Grover. Treat yourself and get a TDI if you have the means. If you are even thinking about a TDI at all then you will proabably regret getting the 2.5 later on. I test drove the 2.5 for 3 days and although it was fun (very zippy), it just didnt have that lovely diesel sound. There is nothing like driving through my 25mph school zone in 3rd or 4th and the engine is pretty much at idle and not straining in the least! Oh yeah- the DSG transmission is AWESOME and you cant get it on the 2.5.....
Ok- I got way too into this post....Sorry...I do believe I am addicted....
What's the DSG transmission? Also, so do you think that the $21,800 is fair for the NB TDI loaded with everything incl. heated seats, sunroof, Serius radio, etc.

[bockegg]

I'd ask "why do you think they're so eager to get rid of the 2.5 and won't haggle on the TDI?" And I'd answer "Because gas is over $3.00/gallon and headed upward for the forseeable future; because diesel is less than regular and gives 30-40% better mileage; and because people are starting to wake up to the benefits of diesels just as VW is going to stop importing them for a year while they change over to a new enging type."

It's a perfect storm right now, so dealers know they can ask full price and get it. Know what? It's worth it. I bought my Beetle TDI and didn't even consider that I might haggle for it until I was driving it home. I knew I was getting a good value even at list price, so it didn't occur to me to offer less. We got $1000 off the Jetta because it was used and the dealership was having some kind of credit union promotion on used cars. But the same principle applies.

You'll have a ton of fun in the 2.5, but you'll pay dearly for it. You'll have 1,995 lbs. of fun in the TDI, and you'll save a ton of money on fuel.

Your choice.
I agree totally. However, diesel seems to be the same price as premium unleaded here where I live, which would counter the better mileage. But, that may be because there is only 3 gas stations in my town. Does kerosene still work in VW diesels?

[Grover]

What's the DSG transmission? Also, so do you think that the $21,800 is fair for the NB TDI loaded with everything incl. heated seats, sunroof, Serius radio, etc.

DSG is direct shift gearbox. Basically a manual gearbox that is shifted by the computer. It has 2 clutches and you also have the option to manually shift.

I do think that is a good price if it is a package #2. Mine is a package #2 which includes everything except sat radio. Check out the Vw site to see what the different packages are. Edmunds.com will give you a good idea of what the price should be around.

Do NOT use kerosene in the newer TDI's or for that matter the older non PD tdi either. Kerosene woould be way too thick to inject at the pressures these engines run at.

You should do some reading over at tdiclub.com

Great site to understand the DSG transmission is
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/dual-clutch-transmission.htm

[bockegg]

DSG is direct shift gearbox. Basically a manual gearbox that is shifted by the computer. It has 2 clutches and you also have the option to manually shift.

I do think that is a good price if it is a package #2. Mine is a package #2 which includes everything except sat radio. Check out the Vw site to see what the different packages are. Edmunds.com will give you a good idea of what the price should be around.

Do NOT use kerosene in the newer TDI's or for that matter the older non PD tdi either. Kerosene woould be way too thick to inject at the pressures these engines run at.

You should do some reading over at tdiclub.com

Great site to understand the DSG transmission is
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/dual-clutch-transmission.htm
Good info. Do these cars shake a lot? My diesel was very, very loud and shook me till my hands were numb at idle speed.

[Grover]

Good info. Do these cars shake a lot? My diesel was very, very loud and shook me till my hands were numb at idle speed.

There is a little shaking at low engine speeds. With the windows closed and at speed (even a little) i cant even tell I am driving a diesel. Just sitting at idle and not in gear I dont get any shaking.

I used to drive a 78 Peugeot 504 diesel and that thing shook the hell out of me so I do know what you mean.

[bockegg]

Last question. Is there any wisdom in letting the TDI run while going into the convenience store or filling with fuel for 5-10 min. (instead of turning it off like a gas engine) like the diesel rig drivers do?

[Grover]

Last question. Is there any wisdom in letting the TDI run while going into the convenience store or filling with fuel for 5-10 min. (instead of turning it off like a gas engine) like the diesel rig drivers do?

From what I have been reading the answer would be NO. You might idle for about 30 sec if you JUST pulled off the freeway but other than that nope. ALL further questions will incur a $5 charge:D

[jsapero]

I traded a 2003 Turbo S in on my 2006 NBC. I think this car has great performance, and I'm getting great mileage as well (don't actually calculate it though). I have the five-speed and drive pretty hard, so it's great that i'm still doing well in fuel consumption. The low end torque is good, and I find it much easier to start from a rest than the Turbo S, which needed to be revved pretty high or it bogged on the clutch release. It does have a more "engine-ny" sound than the Turbo S - like comparing a 60s v-8 to a newer one. There's more "burble" and less whine. You can hear that its a less sophisticated engine. It's still VERY easy to break traction on take-off though. It is a little noisy on first start, but it only lasts as long as it takes for the garage door to open.

The Turbo S had more torque and power when accelerating from cruising speeds while in the higher gears, but quite honestly, it's rare that I feel like I gave up any performance. While the extra 30 HP was nice at times (freeway on-ramps, the oocasional min-drag race), I'm getting just as good performance in this car in most driving situations. Perhaps I should say that there aren't many instances where the extra HP came into play, so I don't really miss not having them. My only complaint is that the cooling fan whine is quite loud. Evidently, there was a switch from two small fans to one big one, so it makes more noise. Not really an issue though.

Differences in old vs. new? I did like the two-tone black and grey interior in the old car, as there is just too much grey everything in the 2006. The Turbo S seemed to have a firmer ride, but I think part of this is due to the fact that the seats in the NBC are a different design that is not as firm and supportive, and I'm also riding on 16 inch normal aspect tires, rather than 17 inch low profile tires/rims (getting a set of Kahuna 17 inchers this week - will report back). And I do miss that Turbo S script on the trunk lid.

Otherwise, the car is great. There's very little noise with the top up, the satellite radio is great, I love the ease of using my ipod with the special port, and the smile on my face is very wide on cool desert nights with the top down.