I need information

[wraithkl626]

Hello to all! I would like some information about the various engines and transmissions that the New Beetle comes equipped with. I would like to know what problems are common with each option and I would like to know which drivetrains have better parts availability. I don`t have any experience with newer Volkswagens nor do I own any yet. All I have experience with is the air cooled type . I`ve seen many websites that claim that Volkswagen makes many good and not so good engines and transmissions. I would like honest information from people that actually own and drive these cars. Thanks in advance.

[cs.taishou]

My Beetle is a 99' 2.0 manual. While I am unsure of common problems with the engine, and transmission. I can tell you that the issues I have had with mine have been miniscule. Before this car I owned 2 mustangs, one of which gave me nothing but issues and the other of which was owned by my mother and father from new. I have put 20,000 miles on my vw in just a bit over a year, and it has been much farther than I would ever trust any other car Ive owned. The other thing that really surprised me about the car is that it is very sturdy. I was in a rear end collision. I was at a complete stop and the person who hit me was coming down the exit ramp and impacted going between 20-30mph. There was severe damage to his minivan, it had to be towed. I drove away with a damaged rear bumper and quarter panel. All of my lights still work, and no major damage to the underside of the wheel wells or trunk. Hope this helps a bit!

[Fl_bug]

These are maintenance oriented cars. If taken care of, they shouldn't give any problems. Problems come from letting something happen and not doing anything and just keep driving... and driving.... and then having a buildup and having to fix a lot of stuff at once.

There are 2 basic beetles. The 1998-2005 and the 2006-2010.

The 1998-2005, i personally would get a 2002+ for the basic principal of having bugs worked out lol. Oh and the quiet door locks, which are a godsend lol l:

These had several engine options:
115hp 2.0L I4
150hp 1.8L Turbo 4
90hp 1.9L TDI Turbodiesel from 98-03 and 100hp diesel in 04-05(and 06)
180hp 1.8L Turbo 4 (turbo S model only)

The 2.0 will be the cheapest to run. The 1.8Ts will be the fastest but most maintenance oriented, and the TDIs will get twice the gas mileage.

The 2006-2010 model is the facelifted model and had 2 engine options.

150hp 2.5L Inline 5cyl
100hp 1.9L Turbodiesel (2006 ONLY!)

The 5cyl in my opinion is the BEST all around engine. Its very powerful, its reasonably fuel efficient, and its low maintenance. Its like the love child of the fast 1.8T and the reliable 2.0L.

The transmissions were all about the same from start to end.
a 4speed automatic from 1998-2005 in hardtops. This is the automatic with no manual shifting option. This is NOT Vws best transmission and is fail prone on the 1.8T and TDI motors.

The 6speed automatic from 2006-2010 (or ALL convertibles) is very reliable.

a 6speed double clutch automatic was offered in all 2004-2006 turbodiesel model. This is called the DSG. Great transmission as well.

The manuals were mostly the 5speed manual from 1998-2010. There was a 6 speed manual in the Turbo S model from 2002-2004.

Parts available is great and not as costly as some make them out to be. Dealership service WILL be expensive and should be avoided unless FREE recall work is done.

Mechanics by state and parts can be located in my signature below.

Happy motoring!

[wraithkl626]

Thanks for that. Maintaining the car will not be an issue. I`m torn between the 2.0L I4 and the 2.5L I5 . I don`t need a lot of power, but I do need good parts availability. The transmission must be a manual because I don`t trust automatic transmissions.

[dnyed]

Our 2005 had the 6-speed Tiptronic. I will venture that the non-tip was pre 2005.