New Owner Questions

ellemmeff · #1 (**permalink**) 06-16-2011, 09:23 PM

Hi everyone!

I am the new proud owner of a 2008 beetle convertible! I got it with only 28,000 miles.. and it's in pretty much perfect condition. If you're in the mood for an entertaining story: I used to have a red 2001 beetle up until a few years ago.... but it was in a flood (saddest day ever). I thought maybe it would work after the flood, but I started driving it, and the windows went up and down on their own repeatedly, the trunk popped open.. oh and the sunroof opened and closed repeatedly, too. Needless to say, that beetle was totaled due to the flood and I bought a navy blue Scion XB ("the box")... Then my Scion was hit really badly 3 times. Two of those times I wasn't EVEN IN THE CAR! The other time I was behind a huge truck and they reversed into me. Each time, the person that hit me told me they swear to god they didn't see my Scion.. I blame it on the shape of the car, and the color. So, after fearing for my life each time I drove that car from then on, I decided to go back to a beetle. I'm SO happy to have a beetle again! And it's a BRIGHT RED convertible... now everyone sees me!!!!

Here are my questions:

-Overall, have you guys heard of/experienced problems with an '08? I know that some of the older models seemed to have issues with the flaps/wings and all that, but are there any issues specific to the '08? I think I'm freaking myself out by reading some of the posts on this forum..
-Black seats = HOT...! Any affordable but durable seat cover recommendations?
-My drivers side window makes the infamous rattling noise when the top is up. Is there actually a fix for this or should I let it be?
-Mine didn't come with a boot. Do I really need one? I do a lot of city driving and not as much highway or country driving (I've heard tops tend to get dirtier when they're down and you're driving in the country?)
-I have the SE model. What does that stand for and what's the real difference between that and the S? I know the wheel size and maybe because it's automatic?

Oh, and if I sound super clueless.. this is because I got the car from a bmw dealership. I took it to a vw dealership and they said my car is in great condition (and the carfax on it are great too).. but the above questions are the ones I forgot to ask.

Thanks guys! This forum is awesome!

MyOtherRidesAVette · #2 (**permalink**) 06-16-2011, 09:47 PM

Welcome to the Org!

Don't really see much on here about mechanical issues with the 2nd Gen Bugs with the 2.5L. Probably what I have seen the most, is ppl not knowing how to properly put the top down, and wear issues with the tops. Keep the top clean and do the RaggTopp protectant thing as needed and it will extended the life of the cloth.

Of course you don't need the boot! No dirt in the city, huh? Just the country? Ditto bugs? The protection it offers isn't for the exterior cloth surface it is for the interior, a real bitch to clean. Choice is yours.

The window rattle is probably a loose bolt or attachment on the window regulator. Why ignore it? If that is the problem, it will only get worse, and what other damage might result.

As to seat covers, if you have rear leather seats, as opposed to "leatherette" (really vinyl, faux leather), find a cover that is breatheable. It is also necessary to have ones that address the side bolster air bags in your seats. If not the airbags will not function as designed and could be a real endangerment to your, or your passenger's life. You may not care, but they might. Ditto your insurance company in the event of an bodily injury claim.

SE typically refers to Special Edition, but I don't know of any red vert that was a special edition (the Triple White is the only vert SE I am aware of). From where ever your are reading this "2.5L Turbo SE" or something along those lines, could mean "2.5L Turbo S" Edition.

Stay around and put up some pics! Or come back and visit occasionally.

MORAV

pencilneck · #3 (**permalink**) 06-17-2011, 08:24 PM