New Beetle + New Owner = Happy, Confused & Worried?

[debb]

I have been dreaming about owning a Beetle ever since I was 8 years old. I finally, after 14 long years, went into a dealer andd downed my Beetle. It's a 2010, has little over 35k, and I will be paying my first payment on the car next week. So far I have enjoyed the vehicle, and still scream and jump in joy everytime I see the car parked in the parking lot.

Anyway, I knew that buying my bug would mean I would have to give it a whole lotta TLC, and good maintenance. (And from what I hear German car's aren't cheap to maintain.) But, it would all be worth it, so instead of listening to my Pro-Japanese Motor Family, I purchased the Beetle anyway.

I have owned the vehicle for three weeks now. My brother, who used to work with cars said to me today, that he always gets Beetle's in the shop, and they're always breaking down, theres always something wrong with them, and they are just a pain in the a$$ to take apart to do anything with.

Well, greaaaaaaaaaat right? I'm sad atm, cause I don't want to hear everyone say, "TOLD YA SO.."

I still love my Beetle.

BUT - I'm worried. I commute to work, I go to school, and I'm a mother of two. I need this car to last for a very long time.(At least 10 years.)

I love the car so much, but I am so afraid that I would end up putting more money into this car before I am done paying it off.

So, question(s) for you fellow Beetle owners:

1) How often should I do oil changes?
2) When does timing belt need to be changed?
3) How long did you own your Beetle before you start having real problems with it?
4) Any other stuff I should REALLY look out for?

&Sorry if I post this in the wrong category. I wasn't sure which one it would go under.

Thanks!

-Debb(y)

[dnyed]

Regarding Question #2 - I don't think it has a timing belt, I think it has a timing chain. A nice upgrade from the rubber belt.

The rest, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Just stop worrying, and enjoy your New Beetle. Keep up with oil change and other regular maintainence, and have many happy years with it.

[mattyd2009]

Originally Posted by debb

I have been dreaming about owning a Beetle ever since I was 8 years old. I finally, after 14 long years, went into a dealer andd downed my Beetle. It's a 2010, has little over 35k, and I will be paying my first payment on the car next week. So far I have enjoyed the vehicle, and still scream and jump in joy everytime I see the car parked in the parking lot.

Anyway, I knew that buying my bug would mean I would have to give it a whole lotta TLC, and good maintenance. (And from what I hear German car's aren't cheap to maintain.) But, it would all be worth it, so instead of listening to my Pro-Japanese Motor Family, I purchased the Beetle anyway.

I have owned the vehicle for three weeks now. My brother, who used to work with cars said to me today, that he always gets Beetle's in the shop, and they're always breaking down, theres always something wrong with them, and they are just a pain in the a$$ to take apart to do anything with.

Well, greaaaaaaaaaat right? I'm sad atm, cause I don't want to hear everyone say, "TOLD YA SO.."

I still love my Beetle.

BUT - I'm worried. I commute to work, I go to school, and I'm a mother of two. I need this car to last for a very long time.(At least 10 years.)

I love the car so much, but I am so afraid that I would end up putting more money into this car before I am done paying it off.

So, question(s) for you fellow Beetle owners:

1) How often should I do oil changes?
2) When does timing belt need to be changed?
3) How long did you own your Beetle before you start having real problems with it?
4) Any other stuff I should REALLY look out for?

&Sorry if I post this in the wrong category. I wasn't sure which one it would go under.

Thanks!

-Debb(y)

Congrats on your Beetle. I just bought mine in May. Mine is a 2002 1.8 Turbo with 121000 miles. So far so good.

I am guessing you have a 2.5? But I am sure more qualified orgers will chime in with their knowledge, but here is what I noticed.
1) My oil is full synthetic and recommended every 5,000 miles.
2) From what I hear you may have a timing chain... From what I understand replacement is 100,000 miles.
3) I havent had anything major go wrong...knock on wood. I just have occasional immobilizer problems.
4) As long as you keep up on the maintenance you should be good. Although the occasional electrical gremlin will show up. You are in good company here on the Org. Lots of helpful people and threads/forums.

Just love your Beetle and s/he will love you back!

[bme]

Considering you purchased one of the last models of that style you will likely have fewer problems than the ones your brother sees in the shop. I would recommend synthetic oil changes every 5,000 miles. I think 40,000 is a major service interval. If it is an automatic then listen to the advice from others on here regarding maintenance.

Enjoy you beetle! ;-)


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[IHC]

My wife drove her 99 for 12 years.Its now my daily driver.We had the oil changed about every 3500 miles and used Dell 400 15-40.Timing belt and waterpump every 40000.The worst problem have been two front sunroof drains that were plugged and leaking water into the car right after I started driving it.It has also had the normal things such as battery brakes and struts replaced.It has been as reliable as any Japanese or Korean car.I plan on driving it at least another 5-10 years.By the way the body and inside still look great after having sat outside all its life.

[Smileybug]

I drove my 2.0 for 6 1/2 years fairly problem free. But keeping up with maintenance and taking care of the car correctly (correct oil, coolant, etc) is how that happens. If you aren't going to be working on the car, you need to find someone that really knows VWs to do the work, not a jiffy lube or general mechanic.

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[IndyTom]

Debb, You still have a relatively NEW New Beetle. I assume you have the 2.5 5cylinder engine which is a durable motor.
It may not get the greatest gas mileage but it's not too bad overall.
You don't have a timing belt so that is something you don't need to worry about. The chain won't wear out like a rubber belt will so it probably doesn't have to be serviced for a very, very long time. Some will say they are not invincible which is true but I bet if it does break it will be well into the 200k+ miles and beyond.
Anyway, just change the oil every 5000k miles and make sure the other fluids are topped off. Get your brakes checked on a regular basis and you should be fine.
A new Honda or Toyota could break down just as easily. So don't worry and just enjoy driving your New Beetle.

[05yellowbeetle]

Debb,

Follow the intervals in your owner's manual.

My '05 2.0 is at 87,000 miles, (80,000 since I bought it 12/07), it has had a few minor issues in the last year (wheel bearing, brake caliper, spark plugs & wires and a couple other minor things). It is now my mom's daily driver, getting 30mpg.

Just bought my 3rd beetle, '06 TDI with 90,000 miles. LOVE it!

Do my brothers make fun of my beetles? Yes, they both drive american cars, mustang & dodge ram. But the beetles make me smile and are just fun. So enjoy the beetle

Shanna

[pcdj64]

I think beetles are the same as any other car except a lot more fun to own and drive.
keep up with fluid changes and stay on top of maintenance and you will enjoy a lot of trouble free miles.

[Beetlescott]

Congrats on your new Beetle. I have owned 3 New Beetles, my current ride is a 1999. I have never had any serious problems with any of the three. Don't worry, enjoy your new ride!! We LOVE pictures!!