2012 New Beetle pros & cons

[a6m5zerosen]

Just bought a red 2012 new Beetle with the 2.5 liter. I traded in my 2008 Rabbit, also with a 2.5. This is what I don't like about the new Beetle:

1. No engine coolant temperature gauge.

2. Sunvisors do not extend and slide on their shafts (as they did on my 2008 rabbit).

3. No way to turn off the headlights when running (On my '08 Rabbit, simply applying the parking brake did this, if the headlight switch is in the "off" position.

4. No way to externally lock the doors when the car is running (as in warming up on an icy, snowy day like today) other than popping the cap off the driver's door handle.

5. No stowage space or compartments for emergency equipment in the foam cradle for the spare tire (as there was on the '08 Rabbit).

6. The 2.5 liter is a bit lackluster in performance (my '08 Rabbit was MUCH more responsive than this, with the same engine and transmission).

What I do like about the new Beetle:

Everything else! Love the whole look of the car. Love the headlights, and the painted metal dash with the two gloveboxes. Love the keyless ignition and not having to take the key out of my pocket. The color changable ambient lighting is awesome. especially the very subtle lighting that runs the length of the door panel. Like the seating and the different controls for the heated seats. LOVE the Fender audio system-awesome! Haven't used the nav system yet, so no comment there.

Anybody got any thoughts on this, or solutions for any of the admittedly minor issues I have mentioned?

[Blugg]

Had you of come from a Bug background, you would be used to a lot of your 'Not happy with' bits

Chip it, buy a trailer, smooth the door handles, add the gauge and buy some shades

[Kuplamies]

Welcome to the org!

Your Beetle is very beautiful; that red color is one of my favorites. Also love your old style rims

Greetings from Finland.

[TennesseeBug]

Welcome! I've no feedback on the minor issues you mention as I am a new NB owner myself. But you beetle is just gorgeous - I love the color! Are you planning to do any mods on it? I think it'd look great with tinted windows.

Again, welcome and congrats on your new Beetle!

[a6m5zerosen]

Thank you all for your replies. It is hard to tell in this photo, but this was taken on the day I got back from the tint shop! Had the windows dark tinted, a clear bra put on, etc. As far as mods go, I'm all for it-I ordered a K&N air filter (which really helped the 2.5 in my '08 Rabbit), and I'm hoping to pick up a few HP from that. I installed the aluminum VW logo valve stem caps before I ever left the dealership-not that they're a big deal, but they have a history. I took them off my '08 Rabbit-before that they were on my '88 Cabriolet, and before that they were on my '00 Jetta, and before that my '84 Rabbit diesel. Combined, they have over half a million miles on them...and in that half a million miles, none of my VWs have EVER left me stranded on the side of the road. I've had to limp home a few times, but they always got me home or to the dealership. I consider them a good luck charm! The tint is a little more evident in this pic-it was twilight when they were taken.

[Blugg]

Originally Posted by a6m5zerosen

Thank you all for your replies. It is hard to tell in this photo, but this was taken on the day I got back from the tint shop! Had the windows dark tinted, a clear bra put on, etc. As far as mods go, I'm all for it-I ordernd before that my '84 Rabbit diesel. Combined, they have over half a million miles on them...and in that half a million miles, none of my VWs have EVER left me stranded on the side of the road. I've had to limp home a few times, but they always got me home or to the dealership. I consider them a good luck charm! The tint is a little more evident in this pic-it was twilight when they were taken.

Love the Hoops
And the tint really works well

[dnyed]

That is EXACTLY what my next VW is gonna look like!

[a6m5zerosen]

And there was much rejoicing! Today I played around with the multi-function display, and lo and behold there's and engine coolant temperature readout in there somewhere! Not as good as a gauge, but I'll take it!

[TennesseeBug]

Oh that tint looks awesome!!!!! I love red cars with a nice dark tint!


Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

[digitalputty]

Your dislikes are normal but, I would have gotten the 2.0T.
ONE thing though about the dislike - warming up your bug is not necessary. And, it is also illegal in CO. So, be careful.

[Dipstick]

I dig it. Congrats!

[JR Martinez]

That red is Nice, Love my Denim Blue, already tinted and pintriped it. my center caps fit your wheels, saw a pic of one at vwvortex