Mileage on a VW New Beetle?

[geohunt]

How much mileage is too much mileage when purchasing a used VW New Beetle. Love to get some reactions!

[wawalker]

If it has the 4 speed 01M auto, I gotta say any mileage unless you buy it cheap and are prepared for a big repair bill.

2.0L, 2.5L or early TDI 5 speed I'd buy up to 150K if I knew maint. history, 1.8T up to 100K, PD TDI I'd shy away from.

[MyOtherRidesAVette]

Originally Posted by wawalker

Huh, looking back I'm shocked no one else chimed in on this one...

On a forum where everyone thinks these cars were built to run forever?

[woofster]

I recall seeing a local 5-speed manual TDI listed for sale with over 500,000km on the odometer. That said, I didn't look at it so I can't comment on its condition. The seller did say it still ran like a champ though!

[Smileybug]

I think a lot of it is preference. Some people don't care what mileage is on a car, and some care more than others. It also really depends on maintenance history and what engine is in the car. Too many factors to say how many miles are too many.

[Opelmania]

My friend's 99 with a 2.sl0w just blew its motor at 298K miles. He is the original owner and the car is still on the original clutch and shocks. He just sank $3K into the engine compartment so he plans on going some more.

My 98 2.0 that I got 2 years ago almost to the date had 92K on it and now has 156K. The only real repair I have had was a Crankshaft Position Sensor. I did the breaks and rotors all around and TB/WP and plugs, wires, and coil. That is all maintenance as far as I'm concerned. I would consider buying one with over 200K depending on how I was going to use it.

[CGK]

Originally Posted by wawalker

If it has the 4 speed 01M auto, I gotta say any mileage unless you buy it cheap and are prepared for a big repair bill.

2.0L, 2.5L or early TDI 5 speed I'd buy up to 150K if I knew maint. history, 1.8T up to 100K, PD TDI I'd shy away from.

My '04 TDI 5sp is currently at 183K and coming up for it's second timing belt change. Not a lick of trouble since new. I do all my own maintenance so I know it's done to spec. The only time the dealer has touched it was for the EGR cooler and glow plug recalls which I witnessed as they were being done.
So, PD TDI's are just as reliable as the ALH TDI's in my minds eye.
You just need to be aware of prior owner's care and maintenance habits and have it proven before you buy.

[Lnzbug]

My 1.8t has 260+ and going strong

[Opelmania]

Originally Posted by Lnzbug

My 1.8t has 260+ and going strong

Wow! That's really good! Probably the most I've seen on a turbo!

[Marty4th]

I see this is an old thread but I'm new so they are all new to me LOL. I bought my Beetle in 99 with something like 38 miles on it and it has 140K now. I drive it 5 days a week 112 miles round trip to work for the last 4 years and it has given me nothing but joy. I wouldn't worry about mileage (as long as 5 speed manual) and good maintenance records. These things will run forever if taken care of. Gotta love that German engineering.

[wawalker]

Originally Posted by CGK

...You just need to be aware of prior owner's care and maintenance habits and have it proven before you buy.

That's the problem. How often can you really know? Not for me. Obviously, you've treated yours well.

[miffmole]

Originally Posted by Lnzbug

My 1.8t has 260+ and going strong

That's impressive! I have a 1.8T as well, so that's good to hear. Do you have any advice on longevity, other than regular oil changes and timely WP/TB changes?

[Bugman]

i buy em no matter what the milage ,
im like a foster dad !

[Lnzbug]

Originally Posted by miffmole

That's impressive! I have a 1.8T as well, so that's good to hear. Do you have any advice on longevity, other than regular oil changes and timely WP/TB changes?

Fuel pump went on me too. It you feel it kind of sputtering once in a great while it's a warning. Easy to change (under the back seat) but expensive part.

Originally Posted by Bugman

i buy em no matter what the milage ,
im like a foster dad !

Jerry you're so silly. We're like a retirement home over here