New to the Site

[suziq1978]

Hi. I got a 1998 New Beetle on December 30, 2011. I have wanted one of these since they came out so I'm really excited.

Her name is SuziQ and she's really dirty right now because it's been snowing.

We're going to put a new grille on since the person who owned it before me had a little accident. Thankfully you can't tell because it's zip tied on right now. I'm thinking about getting some different wheels or at least hubs for it. Not sure yet though.

[matt423]

Hello and welcome.Your nb is cute. Im sure you will love it here lot's of great people and a ton of great info.How is the maint on your nb.Is it up to date?what's the miles on her??

[suziq1978]

Thanks!

As far as I know maintenance was up to date. Haven't had any problems and I've been driving her hard for the past couple of weeks. I'm a bit of a speed demon. And I tend to speed shift. My husband gets annoyed with me.

She had 95,085 on her when I bought her. She's almost at 96,000 now. I've put a little over 700 miles on her.

I was really impressed with the interior. The seats feel brand new which is great for a 14 year old car!

[matt423]

Do you know for sure the tb/wp/and pully's have been done?? do you have the paper work on it?? Because if it has not been done or if you dont know you will be blowing the eng when the belt snap's it will cost over 2,500 to repair Please check i dont want you to kill your little love bug .Read the post's on tb wp

[IndyTom]

Newbie Welcome Kit!

Welcome to the ORG and I second the warning about the Timing Belt service. Overlooking it is the Number One Killer of New Beetle's

Here is a link to what is all included in the Timing Belt Serivice. Luckily you have a 2.0 which costs about half of what is needed on a 1.8

Vw Beetle Timing Belt - Vw Beetle Timing Belt Kit

You can try and do it yourself or have a shop perform the service. On the low end a shop will charge between 450 and 750 for the service. The dealer will charge between 1100 and 1600 for the timing belt service.

[suziq1978]

Thanks for the info. I'll have my dad do it if I need to.

It's pretty obvious though when you have a timing belt issue and if it happens while you're driving and you get the car off the road asap you won't blow the engine.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by suziq1978

Thanks for the info. I'll have my dad do it if I need to.

It's pretty obvious though when you have a timing belt issue and if it happens while you're driving and you get the car off the road asap you won't blow the engine.

If it does happen while you are driving the valves will have a headbanging party with your pistons and there will be damage no matter how fast you get the car off the road. Best case scenario it is just the head. Worst case the valves punctured the pistons and then your entire motor is toast. Either way this type of repair will cost anywhere from 2500 on up.

[dnyed]

Welcome to the Org!

And, Congratulations on finding that New Beetle gem!

[ltlbeetle]

Don't bet on a TB issue. If it breaks, you are extremely lucky if you don't lose the engine. May be expensive, but is imperative. Good luck with your NB. We just got ours,too.

[scarabY2k]

Hi and welcome to the org

SuziQ..... what a cool name Hope to see a ton of pics here.

And please, don't second guess the timing belt issue: or play Russian Roulette hoping nothing happens if and when the timing belt snaps. This is a critical maintenance issue that can't be ignored, or "hoping" nothing happens if fate befalls you. This is not like missing an oil change; this is a "follow up right away" and "do now" issue.

We love our bugs and those who feel the same about rides. We don't want anyone facing catastrophic engine failure and a major financial setback, because they got caught up in the coolness/cuteness of these awesome cars. Cute and cool cars, without care, can be costly.

Make sure you have 110% positive proof (not I think so) that the timing belt and water pump has been done.

We care and hope you have a long enjoyable life with your beetle.