anxious........

[jamieb63]

Hi everyone.....
I'm new to the boards

I have been a Chevy Suburban driver for about 15+ years, as my sports-children grew up.... Now, the older kids have their own cars, and its time to downsize....

My very first car was one I obtained in 1981, a bright yellow beetle bug...probably about a '75 model or so.....no A/C, not terribly reliable....but I loved that car!

When the 2012 model broke the into the news, I just fell in love with it.... At almost 50 years old now, I felt it was coming full circle - - I've chosen the 2.5L, Black, loaded - sunroof, Nav system, premium sound.... Have driven it, seen the features, LOVE IT.

So. . here's my issue - - the dealership is telling me that they have NO IDEA when my desired configuration would be ready, once I order it..... could be a few weeks, a month or 6 months...Well, that's all good and fine, but I've got to sell my vehicle first. . . and I don't have a spare vehicle to drive around while waiting this unknown period of time -- They've indicated also that they'll look in the geographical region to see if any other dealerships may have that model .... but who knows?

Has anyone else experienced this?

I'm also concerned per cost of maintenance.....repair, etc...... What's the experience been with that area?

Being a very satisfied Chevy owner for many years, with nearly no mechanical problems at all...please understand my concern!! Ease my mind, please! I really really want this car

[dnyed]

Welcome to the Org, and Welcome to the new Beetle!


I don't know much about the new ones, only that I will have one someday. I'm holding out for a Tornado Red, Clean Diesel TDI loaded Beetle, and a Sugar Daddy.


I offer two words of advice:

Don't Settle.


If you want that black loaded one, be patient and make them get you one.

[matt423]

Well lol First off grab a drink and start reading the org.If you are up tight about repairs&maint you might want to think about sticking with your chevy I dont know about the 2012's but the nb are high maint again HIGH MAINT .You need to do all the reg maint when it's time the nb can be a pain in the even with good maint.Only thing i can say is to read, read, read, this org it will tell you everything you need and want to know.And if you are already up tight about spending cash on up keep and maint the nb is not for you. Stick with your chevyOh btw my wife's nb only has 58,000 miles on it and i have spent over 3,000 in reg maint and other toy's she wanted for it.And this car was a one owner and well kept.My case i had to pay a good non dealer to do her maint for i have very bad back and cant stand for a long time .So if you can do some of the work yourself you could save half of what i spent.Their are alot of great people that can help here .But if you are looking to gas and go for get it

[IndyTom]

One GREAT thing about buying a 2012 Beetle (They are no longer called "New" Beetle, just Beetle ) is that it will be under warranty so you won't have to worry about things falling apart in the first few years. Also, no more Timing Belt. The 2012 2.0Turbo TSI now has a Timing Chain which you will probably never have to replace unlike the Older "New Beetle's" The 2.5 engine is pretty much the old tried and true with a bit of lack luster performance. It's okay but if you really want to have a fun car I would opt for the 2.0 liter Turbo. Much quicker and more fun to drive in my opinion.
But if you have your heart set on a 2.5 then so be it. They have been around for quite a while and are very reliable.
Their gas mileage isn't the best and they do offer lesser performance than other vehicle's in it's class. However, they will probably last forever if you take care of it.

That said my 2000 1.8T has 167k miles on it and still runs like a champ. I bet I can take your 2012 2.5 in a quarter mile But I am sure that performance may not be your first priority in your stage in life. Reliability and value probably are and of course the "Fun" Factor. Beetle's are a lot of fun to drive regardless what engine they have under the hood. So as someone already mentioned, "Don't Settle"!! Get the one that you want and I am sure that someone will find it for you. Heck, I have 2 VW dealerships here in Indy that have tons of Black Beetle's in stock. I don't know what engine or options they have but they look sharp as a tack! Have your Dealer check Tom Wood Volkswagen in Indianapolis on 96th Street. They have the biggest selection of Volkswagen's in this state.

Where are you located? I am sure there are other dealerships around that probably have the one that you like in stock right now. They aren't that rare and many of them are hitting the roads.

Good Luck on what ever you decide. I would forget about Chevy for now and drive a "Fun" car for a change.

Oh and Welcome to the ORG!

Newbie Welcome Kit!

[scarabY2k]

Hi there JamieB63! 63 eh? That's a good year. I was downloaded in March of that year... still a mile south of "Hwy 50"

Well enough of my jibba jabba

Matt is pretty close to correct. The new beetle, to some degree is high maintenance. Now keep in mind that ALL cars (more so their owners) must be on a routine maintenance schedule, so this is nothing new to VW,or any car brand and shouldn't be considered taboo when someone speaks of maintaining their vehicle.

The nB has had it's issues with poor auto transmissions (much improved with the '06-'10) and their share of poor fit and finish, e.g. rubber coating peeling, plastic knobs/handles breaking, and a few more quirks. Yet, these cars, as you know from your air-cooled days have this "it" factor to them, that makes you hold on to them.

For most of us, there's more to this car than just a car; this forum proves it. We travel cross country just to hang out with other beetle peeps, in some cases we drive to a meet, just to drive some more. We commiserate and swap war stories with other beetle owners; as fellow orger, Chuckie stated "we share a common trauma, that binds us in friendship". Many of us travel to the next town, to aid in helping another beetle owner with their issues; in some cases rendering services and spare parts for free. As stated, you being a old school bug owner, know what i'm talking about.

As you know, the VW brand, especially the beetle is a niche car and a different cat altogether. Still, VW is striving to become the top auto brand. Here's hoping that their quality, warranties and service will coincide with their quest.

Again, like all car brands, maintenance is the responsibility of the owner. Also, as many do in all car brands, will opt for used cars. Like all used cars, they've been driven, and have wear and tear. Many here have posted, perplexed, saying...

"I have a used new beetle with 85,000+ miles on the clock, and i'm mad because there's a squeaking suspension, or other issues"

... Ya think???? It's a used car. They get lost in the "cute/cool" factor of the car and fail to approach a used car as a vehicle, like other used vehicles, our cars have been subjected to many thousands of miles on the clock; undergone bumps, potholes and in some cases extreme driving/conditions. And don't get me started with some who don't learn about their used beetles and fail to know the schedule of changing their timing belt, and crapped out their top end. Like all consumers goods, knowledge is power- that's why you're here, and you're to be commended.

So maybe this will help aid you in your decision of buying a B'12.

Here's a bit more substantial, technical bone for ya.

Now the B'12 is built on the Golf/GTI platform; kinda the way the nB (98-10) was. The golf and GTI are raved by the majority aof auto magazine pundits as well crafted and a much improved vehicle. The DSG transmission is an extreme improvement in comparison to the 01M "auto tragic" transmissions of the New Beetle. I'd go with the manual transmission though, but if you're dead set on a auto, that department is much improved.

With all of my jabberwocky I just given you, I hope that helps you in your decision.

[jamieb63]

thanks for the info everyone.....

first of all. . . I am a stickler for maintenance...so keeping up with the necessities won't be an issue for me....

I'd decided I didn't want a turbo, mostly because I live in town, and don't put on a lot of highway miles....I'm a pretty conservative driver, didn't see the need for the extra vvrrrroommmmm... But with the comments posted, I'll ask ....is the performance that much better w/ a turbo??
for these same reasons, I'd decided again that I wanted an automatic transmission...lots of stopping / starting as I drive to and from work, , and routine errands.....

So, once again, , is the option to go Turbo and manual transmission that big of a difference in performance, long-term reliability, etc......?

I'm definitely ready for the fun car!

I am in Lafayette LA.... there are only 2 Beetles on the lot at my local dealership....There are a couple of black 2012 models in town on the road...but not a whole lot ... A dealership in Baton Rouge does have a few more models. . . but I'm sure my local one will assess if there are any black ones with my desired configuration within a reasonable radius..... IF NOT, , I was told that the way they come off the factory line is by config type....SO..if there's on a basic config set up, I have to wait however long until they change that for the factory to make mine.....
Anyone else heard this?

[IndyTom]

The performance difference definitely is there. The 2012 2.5 has 170HP which is up 20HP from the previous 2.5 Beetle's. That is pretty respectable and has plenty of pep for a daily driver. Now the 2.0 Turbo has 200HP which may not be all that much more but it does make a difference. Also I believe the 2.0Turbo gets a bit better gas mileage than the 2.5 does.
The Turbo has more option for tunability down the road. A simple stage one tune will bring you about 270+ HP and 320lbs of torque. That is substantial.
The 2.5 is a great motor and will last a long time. You can couple that with a 6 speed DSG transmission and be perfectly happy with it. (Not sure if they offer the DSG along with the 2.5) The regular 6 speed automatic isn't a bad transmission either, it is 1000% of an improvement over the older 4 and 5 Speed auto transmissions. Will they last as long as a manual, maybe not but they will last 10+ years if taken care off. Heck, even the old O1M transmission have lasted 10+ years and are still out there. It just depends on how the car has been driven and taken care of. Since it is a brand new Beetle you alone are the Driver in charge and it is up to you how you drive and take care of your beetle. I know it will serve you well for many years to come.
BTW, I love Black Cars. But I would never own one. They are the hardest cars to keep clean. You will see every little spec of dust or fine scratches. If you live in a HOT climate it will get a lot Hotter in a Black car than in a lighter colored car. But we all like what we like.
So go for it.

Let us know when you get your 2012 Beetle and post lots of pics.

[scarabY2k]

As a owner of a 2000 nB with the 1.8turbo I can say definitely YES!!! leaps and bounds of a performance difference! And Cup, my new beetle is an automatic. The thrill factor is x100 with the manual. Still, the auto is no slouch, especially if you were "lining it up".

Disclaimer: by no means am I endorsing "lining it up"- street racing or any other illegal racing activity.

As I mentioned before, the '12B is built on the Golf/GTI platform, with powerplants to boot. I know this... fellow orger Vern, has a 12 GTI, automatic with the DSG auto transmission. WOW oh wow, that thing is a screamer!!! You'd love it! Keep in mind that the Turbo runs on premium, so factor the extra price into your gas budget.

And I'm with Tom... I love black cars! Cup is a black beetle! They take more to clean, buy boy howdy, they look so hot when they're all dolled up!

[jamieb63]

When I was last at the dealership and was checking out pricing.....the Turbo was about 3K more.... I found that to be a bit much for the extra power that I basically wouldn't care about on a daily basis..... the difference in mileage, based on the literature, seems to be about 5-6 miles per gallon.....again, probably negligible for a driver like me.... I'll check out the Manual transmission option though.....I know that transmission will last and perform better ....

And per the black car......I totally agree.....I've had a black car before, and yes, its a pain to take care of ....... BUT, no other color looks as good when its clean and shiny !!

So.......still dwelling..... but will keep investigating and trying to make best decision....

Hoping that a dealership within 500 miles somewhere has what I want!!

THANKS a bunch .....will keep posting

J.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by jamieb63

And per the black car......I totally agree.....I've had a black car before, and yes, its a pain to take care of ....... BUT, no other color looks as good when its clean and shiny !!
J.

From one black beetle to another. Rock on!!!

[matt423]

wow!!! now i like that black bug that is hot. Now after reading tom's spec's on the 2012 i would buy that, no tb and im the same way so anal on maint.As i said before this is the wife's dream car it is not mine ,first off i would of never got a yellow one lol.I was also a chevy guy till i was broken down to get this for her.I do wish i had found the org before she got it sorry to say after hr's of reading i would of never got it for her but it's done she love's it and is very happy that's all that matters .By no means do i want to steer you away from one you asked a question on maint and i was just giving you a head's up .But all in all all car's need reg maint just some more than others.Hope you get what you want life is to short have fun and welcome to the org

[IndyTom]

Another important item to mention about the 2012 Turbo TSI,
it runs on "Regular" Gas

No Premium required like the 1.8T

Of course once you Tune/Chip it all bets are off.

[IndyTom]

Oh, BTW, I found the "Perfect" Beetle for you

2012 Volkswagen Beetle for sale in Indianapolis - 3VWV67AT6CM615589 – Tom Wood Volkswagen

Okay, if you don't want the Turbo here is a Black 2.5:

http://www.tom-woodvw.com/VehicleDet...-IN/1613164373

Don't let the stock Photo foul you. They haven't got the chance to put up the actual Photos yet of the car but the exterior is Black.

[jamieb63]

<heavy sigh>.......doubtful my local dealership would ship in from Indianapolis.... too far .... but certainly, between New Orleans, Houston, Dallas, etc... they'll find what I want....those are def driveable distances...

@ScarabY2K: LOVING those rims on the black beetle...you must have gotten those yourself, yes?

As I continue to get educated....it sure seems that there are lots of variation on engine configs...is there a comprehensive place to see these options and understand what they are.....?

THANKS.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by jamieb63

<heavy sigh>.......doubtful my local dealership would ship in from Indianapolis.... too far .... but certainly, between New Orleans, Houston, Dallas, etc... they'll find what I want....those are def driveable distances...

As I continue to get educated....it sure seems that there are lots of variation on engine configs...is there a comprehensive place to see these options and understand what they are.....?

THANKS.

Hey, Just buy one of the Beetle's here and I will personally drive it to your house.

Well, there are only 3 engines available in the US for the 2012 Beetle. The Base staple 2.5 liter engine with 170HP and 177 lbs of torque. The peppy 2.0Turbo with 200HP and 207lbs of torque and the long anticipated 2.0 TDI TurboDiesel with 140HP but get this 236 lbs of torque. They didn't make a TDI in a Beetle since 2006 so this is the motor that a lot of Beetle fans have been waiting for. But unfortunately they will have to wait a little longer since they haven't been released to the US market yet. They will but probably not until sometime later this spring or early summer. And they will be as difficult to get then a Hot Cake on a cold winters day. All the ones the dealers will receive are already spoken for so the only way to get the TDI is to order one from the dealer/factory and then wait and wait some more.
So if you don't want to wait you really only have two choices at the moment. The Base 2.5 or the Peppy 2.0 Turbo/TSI
There will be more of the 2.5's available as time goes on. The Turbo's will be snatched up pretty quickly. Tom Wood the dealer here in Indy had 10 White Turbo Launch editions and they are all gone. Actually his Beetle inventory has shrunk quite a bit and he only has a handful of them in stock right now but he gets shipments all the time.
Whatever you decide make sure it is what you want. You will probably keep this car for a while and might as well get the car you really like so you won't have any regrets later.

[jamieb63]

how bout this oil change? the first guy I talked to at the dealership said the oil change is an annual thing...

so...once that falls to my responsibility, is that one of those $300 service visits?

[Smileybug]

Shouldn't be. The 2.5 and the 2.0T are both engines that have been around awhile. No real difference in the oil change as far as I'm aware. Just have to make sure you use the right oil and you should be good to go. Now, if you get the automatics, you'll need to get the fluid changed in the transmission. The DSG service is every 40,000 miles I believe. Not sure what the interval is for the regular auto. Not sure how much that service is.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by jamieb63

how bout this oil change? the first guy I talked to at the dealership said the oil change is an annual thing...

so...once that falls to my responsibility, is that one of those $300 service visits?

Hmm, annual oil changes. They must be using Z-Max in their Motor Oil I would never let my oil sit in the crankcase a whole year. Even with synthetic I would change it between 5000 and 7000 miles or 6 months whatever comes first.
Oil change should cost about $27.99 if you do it yourself. That is 5 quarts of Mobil One or Castrol Edge Synthetic plus a Mobil One or Bosch Oil filter.

[Smileybug]

I went once a year on oil changes in my 2.0 with no issues whatsoever. 5k or once a year is what I go by. Costs me more...I go with the Castrol Edge and I, of course, never can find it on sale when I need to do a change, and its $8/quart. I would also only use a Bosch or Mann brand filter.

[jamieb63]

found this online today......interesting.....

http://www.hewlettvw.com/MY2012_Reta...r_Guide_US.pdf