Advice for 1999 New Beetle?

[Emilyk370]

Hi! I just got my 1999 new beetle GLS 5 speed on Monday. There are obvious things i need to fix.
Here's a list.

1) in depth cleaning
2) slightly torn leather seats(not sure if its real leather)
3) paneling on the passengers side has become unattached to the door
4) Trunk isn't opening reliably with the push button. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't... lol and it makes me look like an idiot
5) The dash is some what scratched from the previous owner's dog
6) the starter sounds weird when I crank it. my mechanic friend said that it's probably just worn or dirty and I need to clean it.

I've read some of the posts and threads on here, but I can't really follow the lingo....(for instance card) Not to be a newb, but I really don't know where I should start. Any advice? My mom said take her for a tune up, but I don't know how much that would cost and I am currently, definitely, broke...

Any and all advice and tips and hints and anything else would be greatly appreciated. I'm sorry if I haven't given enough information, I'm just new at this.

I am a very eager and excited bug owner! I want to make my little bug last as long as it can. Thanks so much for your time!

[vwgrl1999]

Originally Posted by Emilyk370

Hi! I just got my 1999 new beetle GLS 5 speed on Monday. There are obvious things i need to fix.
Here's a list.

1) in depth cleaning
2) slightly torn leather seats(not sure if its real leather)
3) paneling on the passengers side has become unattached to the door
4) Trunk isn't opening reliably with the push button. Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't... lol and it makes me look like an idiot
5) The dash is some what scratched from the previous owner's dog
6) the starter sounds weird when I crank it. my mechanic friend said that it's probably just worn or dirty and I need to clean it.

I've read some of the posts and threads on here, but I can't really follow the lingo....(for instance card) Not to be a newb, but I really don't know where I should start. Any advice? My mom said take her for a tune up, but I don't know how much that would cost and I am currently, definitely, broke...

Any and all advice and tips and hints and anything else would be greatly appreciated. I'm sorry if I haven't given enough information, I'm just new at this.

I am a very eager and excited bug owner! I want to make my little bug last as long as it can. Thanks so much for your time!

Welcome aboard!
As far as a deep cleaning goes, just get in there and do it! It's a great way to get acquainted w/your Bug.
I believe VW calls that 'leather' interior 'leatherette'....your guess is as good as mine. Temporarily, buy some seat covers. I have some cheapo-walmart seat covers on my front seats and a flat sheet on the back seat to keep the dirty dog prints and dog hair out of my upholstery, not glamorous but functional! In the long run, try to find a decent set of seats in a junk yard.
For the trunk: there is a set amount of time that you have to actually open the trunk, between when you press the release button and when it relatches itself. The time span is pretty short. I believe there is a way to lengthen this amount of time, try searching the 'how to' section here.
Scratches on the dash, hmmm, try rubbing them w/some Armorall and a soft cloth. You might get lucky and they will simply be surface scratches.
That mechanic friend of yours might be convinced to look into that noisy starter for some pizza and beer!?! Give it a shot. And while your at it, ask him/her to do a quick tune up on the car. Speaking of tune ups, I honestly don't know how much it will cost to take it to a mechanic to have one done. I do that kind of stuff (air filter, oil/filter change, spark plugs/wires, etc) myself.
Most importantly, enjoy your 'new' New Beetle!

[Emilyk370]

Thanks for the advice! I've got some pics of my bug I'm going to try to load them up so you can see what i'm talking about. Check out my bug's thread. I haven't cleaned it yet only the windows. My boo and I are doing it tomorrow as a date! YAY! He's soooo cute lol! Anyways, Thanks so much for the advice! I have lotsof ideas in the works!!! YAY!