need some advice - trade in my 04 nbc for what?

[c2d2]

I have a 2004.5 (with the cd player) NBC. I have been having the exact same problems described in this thread (http://newbeetle.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3727) for OVER A YEAR (since January 2005)!

I have taken it to 3 different dealers more times than I can remember and have had pretty much everything related to the roof in any way replaced. It always seems fixed for a day or two, then it starts happening again. And a few times I have not been able to get the flaps to go down, so I have had to manually close the roof (which of course then requires a trip to the dealer).

I just got back from yet another dealer visit where they told me they found the problem and fixed it (car was in the shop for 2 days). Well, it worked fine at the dealer and then when I got it home it wasn't working again (argh!!!). It is obvious to me that no dealer I have taken it to knows exactly what the problem is.

I just can't keep doing this. I have decided that one way or the other I am selling my car back to the dealer. I will lose about $1000, but it is worth me not having the complete frustration of having a convertible with a permanently broken roof.

I really loved my NBC before this issue. :( Hubby thinks I should buy a 2006 NBC since it doesn't have the flaps, but I am sort of afraid to buy a NBC again after my experience with this one (my first VW).

What do you guys think? Should I risk it and get a 2006 NBC? Or should I just buy a Camry or something (boring, but reliable)?

[Oyveychris]

Stay VW and buy the new GTI! It's not a vert, but it beats the heck out of a Camry! Sorry about your probs, and good luck!

[kcfoxie]

I'd say an 06 would be a good bet. It's nothing like your current one. Nothing at all. New engine, new interior, new dash. Its allll new. :)

[ViningsGal]

I'm getting an '06 NBC in 2 months (so happy!) and I was amazed to find that they did away with the flaps on the '06 model. Sales guy said it was because so many were breaking - due to people sitting on the back.

[Billsbug]

Sales guy said it was because so many were breaking - due to people sitting on the back.

HUH?! :confused: :rolleyes:

[ViningsGal]

The sales guy said people were sitting on the back of the seats, up by the flaps. His reasoning, not mine! I thought the 06 looks a little exposed without them.

[dnyed]

Our '05 has no flaps, and I think it looks great!

By the way, no problems, one year. ;)

[Billsbug]

Maybe, but how do u keep the pythons out? :confused:

[dnyed]

We do a complete "walkaround", looking for cats, dogs, small animals, birds, bombs, terrorists, pythons and Jimmy Hoffa, each time before entering the NBC.;)

[Billsbug]

:cheese:

[ducati]

The only issues we've had with our '05 NBC (purchased August 2004, 20k miles on it now) are:
1. fuel gauge never showed full after a fillup; this seems to have been fixed after our 20k service.
2. we had an odd surge when coming off the throttle at full boost; something was up with the DV, this was fixed around 8k miles under warranty.
3. rattling from the convertible top. Thanks to the .org, we have an appointment for tomorrow morning to install new latches to fix the problem.

We're thrilled with the car. The only unscheduled trip was for #2. The top is incredibly quiet and well-insulated. Driving top down is a real pleasure with the very far forward windshield arrangement. I very much prefer this open-top experience to that of the new EOS, which has a much greater windshield rake and consummately less "open" feel.

The new 2.5L engine is an interesting engine; VAG has a long history of 5 cylinder engines. My sis has one in her Jetta, and it has a nice growl. I'm not sure how they drive in the NB as compared to the 1.8T that we have, but it should be enough poke to have some fun.

If you liked your NBC experience (when it was working), go for a new one. FWIW my dealer was thrilled the flaps were removed in '05--he said they had MANY problems with the flapper cars, and the flapless have been very good. He's terrified of the EOS.

[kcfoxie]

No doubt he's terrified of the Eos, it's their FIRST hardtop convertible. It's going to be a service nightmare for them, which is why we're waiting to trade Jetta V in for an Eos sometime around 2010! By then, the "flaps" issues, if any like the beetle had, will be resolved.. and in general, any issues relating to the model should be resolved.

[c2d2]

Thanks for all the advice.

I really love the way my 1.8T drives. I was out in it last night and I just love how fast it is on the acceleration. If only the stupid roof would work!!!

dnyed - that is one hot looking car!

Yeah, I have never had anyone sit up on the flaps! I have only had someone sit in the back seat twice in the two years I have owned the car.

Maybe this weekend I will go test drive a 2006 and see what I think. I would like to see how the new engine compares to my 1.8T.

*sigh* Once bitten twice shy, I guess. I am still a little gun shy. I guess that is what happens when you get emotionally invested in a car.

[Billsbug]

I really love the way my 1.8T drives. I was out in it last night and I just love how fast it is on the acceleration.

You're un-modified NBC is 'quick', not 'fast'...;)

[KingKong]

"It's nothing like your current one. Nothing at all. New engine, new interior, new dash. Its allll new"
Wrong!

The engine is new.
But the interior and the dash are the same.
They added chrome rings to the vents, changed the armrest, revised the cupholders and the dials have a different design.That's it.
Not a new interior at all.

I have a 2005 NBC, no flaps.
The car was great for a few months. Then within the 1st year, it needed a new transmission, new iPod conncector (It took 5 months to get it), rear view mirror, and finally a new top.
It has been back to the dealer over and over again for electrical, windows and roof problems.
I love the car but it has just been too much for me. (even though my dealer is great)
I called the BBB and filed for the lemon law. I will have an answer from them in a couple of weeks.
I am now contemplating a Solara convertible . I really like convertibles.
I know the Solara is more "boring", and the Bug was my dream car since I was 9.
But I did own a Camry for 12 years with zero problem.

And I think I am beyong trusting VW ever again...