What should I watch for ?

[wraithkl626]

When looking at New Beetles for sale, what are some things to look out for? I know that the timing belt and water pump need to be replaced at 60k miles, but what other things need to be checked? For example, on the old beetles, you have to watch for rust under the battery tray and running boards.

[wraithkl626]

The kind of problems I`m thinking of are electrically based. I`ve seen many complain about the engine`s computer having some type of flaw. Does anyone know what this flaw is, what its symptoms are, and how to fix it?

[wraithkl626]

I`ve also heard of some type of defective disableing device and some type of manual transmission weakness(not sure which transmission) . Does anyone know what I`m talking about? I`m going off of what I`ve read on this site and carsurvey.org.

[wraithkl626]

I just reread the thread. The questionable manual transmission is the 02M 6spd manual in the turbo S. The transmission has a weak shift fork that causes the transmission to lose 1 and 2 gear. Also I`ve been reading about some engine computer weakness. It has to do with the computer needing to be reprogramed whenever the battery is disconnected. Does anyone know why this happens?

[Opelmania]

Quit reading! Sounds like you've doomed the New Beetle right from the start. I have a 98 2.0 5 speed that has 153K and counting and have been driving it for less than 2 years and put on over 60K on it. I'd drive it back down to Florida tomorrow.

[Oldbugman]

Originally Posted by wraithkl626

I just reread the thread. The questionable manual transmission is the 02M 6spd manual in the turbo S. The transmission has a weak shift fork that causes the transmission to lose 1 and 2 gear. Also I`ve been reading about some engine computer weakness. It has to do with the computer needing to be reprogramed whenever the battery is disconnected. Does anyone know why this happens?

I have never had to reprogram the PCM after a battery swap, the radio yes but not the PCM. What the heck are you reading and where are you getting your info?

Do this quit reading, the internet is full of worthless info. With a bit of good scattered around.

[wraithkl626]

Ok, thank you. I just wanted to make sure that I was making a wise choice.

[dnyed]

I've owned two Turbo S's, and neither had one iota of issues with the 6-speed manuals. I personally, would not buy an automatic NB, unless it was a later year Tiptronic.

As you know, the squeeky wheel gets the grease, meaning, the problem threads take the front row. Not everyone here has a problem. Most of us are quite happy in fact.

The New Beetle is so much fun, it should be illegal!