should I be wary of NB?

[michelle24]

Hi there...I used to drive the old bugs and we're now looking at the new version...have spotted a 2003 TDi and am excited about it BUT when we looked at Lemon-Aid consumer report book and they trashed all new Beetles.

People say the NBs are fun to drive, etc. but what about fixing them? Are they niggly and high maintenance or reliable and trustworthy? Why were they so negatively panned by the consumer report book?

Should we go ahead and purchase? What type of research had you all done prior to buying? I look forward to your feedback!

[LoLoBug]

Hi Michelle,

I shared your concern. We now own 2 NB. I purchased 1 brand new from dealer it's my 2008 and I have never had a problem with it. We just purchased a used 2006 one for my daughter and because of this site I felt a lot more comfortable chancing it not knowing how the car was taken care of before. First thing I did was took it for 80,000 mile service and a transmission fluid change. So far so good. I was so paranoid about transmission problems because you seem to read about that a lot. The VW New Beetles have a self contained transmission and "claim" you never have to change the fluid. My guess is that's probably why they are having problems. I was told my car can go 10,000 between oil changes, on here some say every 5,000. Mechanic also said noway to waiting every 10,000 miles!

Good luck with your decision, I had some great advice on wether to keep our second NB

[katiex10204]

New beetles are GREAT cars!! They are heavy, drive like a dream, super fun, adorable, safe, and eye catching. I absolutely love my car 100%. Yes, they need upkeep and maintenace, and some repairs can be more costly than say, a domestic.. but that is to be expected. I drive a 2002 1.8T and it's been a wonderful car to me, anything (For the most part) that i've had to replace has been typical & expected for the age.

[eddy333]

My wife had a 1985 Porsche Targa Carrera....loved it. Loved going out and seeing it parked outside. Hated having is serviced. Then she got a couple of dogs. No room in the back for a Ridgeback or Border Collie. We traded it for a 2006 Beetle TDI, and we've never looked back. The car drive like a "pudgy Porsche", handle nearly as well, stomps all over the wanna-be road "Toasters" gets well over 38-40 mpg (unless I'm driving), and has on occasion zipped down I-275 in Florida at over 120 MPH. We're now running it on a blended fuel of 50/50 diesel/WVO, which has cut our fuel costs in half. Stay away from the dealer as much as possible, find a local mechanic (see the lists), and have fun. Check out some the the pics we've posted. Eddy333

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by michelle24

Hi there...I used to drive the old bugs and we're now looking at the new version...have spotted a 2003 TDi and am excited about it BUT when we looked at Lemon-Aid consumer report book and they trashed all new Beetles.

People say the NBs are fun to drive, etc. but what about fixing them? Are they niggly and high maintenance or reliable and trustworthy? Why were they so negatively panned by the consumer report book?

Should we go ahead and purchase? What type of research had you all done prior to buying? I look forward to your feedback!

I love my New Beetle and will probably buy another one. That said they are in general a "Higher Maintenance" vehicle compared to some Hondas or Toyotas (Personally, I don't like any Hondas except their motorcycles and I hate Toyotas).
If you are willing to learn to keep your Beetle up and running it could be a very fun and rewarding experience. However, if you think you can drive a Beetle and never have a problem, think again. If you rely on a dealer to keep your beetle running than you better have a nice bank account since they charge outrageous prices for their parts and labor. But if you do the work yourself and find the parts online than it isn't all that bad. Overall, most Beetle owners enjoy the drivers experience and wouldn't trade it for anything but if you are looking to drive this car without any quirks or issues especially on an aging beetle than look elsewhere.
This forum and the people are an excellent resource and will help you with any issues that may and will pop up.
If you do decide on the beetle make sure the timing belt service has been done on it since that can turn your beloved car into a doorstop in an instant.
Good luck with your decission and I hope to see you around here and perhaps at T.O.D. 2012

Merry Christmas!

[matt423]

Happy christmas first off.And tom is very right you want to make sure the last owner took care of it.and did all the normal maint if not like me and im sure alot of other members you will spend close to 2 grand to get it done and right.But when they are good they are great But when the normal maint is not done it will cost you a arm and leg.So good luck

[AndyBees]

Looks like Michelle hasn't been back since 12/12, the day after she joined and started this Thread. I hope she comes back.

So, the '03 NB TDI would be a good choice, unless it has an automatic transmission. Stay away from it if the tranny is auto. Otherwise, it has the popular ALH TDI engine that's almost bullet proof if you treat it right. The '03 is on the A4 chasis which is a positive also.

My 2000 Jetta, is less than 75 miles from the 300k mile mark. I've owned and operated it for less than 15 cents per mile, including all expenses (original cost, taxes, insurance, maintenance, etc.), less re-sale value (it's not for sale)

As suggested, try to determine, without any doubt, about previous maintenance of the engine........proper oil use (Shell Rotella T 5w-40 for example) and use of the proper coolant (pink stuff). You need to determine the last time the Timing Belt was changed. Then determine if all the parts touching it were changed as well......... you need solid proof, otherwise, plan on having it changed. If it has over 150k miles on it, I'd have the tranny oil changed.

Unless you know a guru that is experienced with the TDI engine, you need to visit the TDIclub.com and locate a guru close to you and make contact with that person. There is a list of Trusted mechanics by state at that web site! Their work is superior to any dealer anywhere and extremely competitive prices!

[matt423]

Dont know why you all bust on the auto tran's??? That is about the only thing on my wife's bug i have not had to have worked on.If all the right maint work is not done before you get your pre owned love they are as bad as a boat yup a money pit.You will have to drive it for ever to recoop your money if it last that long lol, Wish i saw this org before i got her dream car.Because she would never of got it.It's a love hate type thing.

[AndyBees]

Matt, the lady was asking for an opinion! I gave her one based on a good number of years of reading about the auto trannys that come in the MK4 NBs, Jettas and Golfs. They have been a money pit!

Go over to the TDIclub.com and pop the question.....specifically mention the MK4 models.

My comments are based on the fact she mentioned an '03 NB which is an MK4 generation!