New here... from Ca. Thinking about getting a New Beetle...

[justwaiting87]

Hi everyone! I have always wanted a Beetle ever since I was a little girl. I'm 24 now and trying to convince my hubby that this would be the best car for me. I currently drive a 95 Ford Explorer-2 door. I've had it since I got my driving permit at 15 LOL. I've been attached to it ever since, but every time I see a Beetle on the road I'm ready to go sell my truck, haha. He has been saying for a while now that we should sell it since I've had it almost 10 years now Plus it eats gas like no tomorrow.

But I don't want just any Beetle, it has to be a Gecko Green Hatchback with TAN interior. I'm picky.

So I come here for advice. I'm not sure which years are the best to be looking at, or staying away from. I'd like to not go any further than 07/08 because an older vehicle may have more issues as I've learned so far. I am not sure the best way to go about looking for one either, so far I've just checked online for certified used, and used ones that dealers around my town have currently for sale. Anything past 08 is generally priced between 10k and 14k.

Any insight or comments are welcome!

[IndyTom]

Newbie Welcome Kit!

Welcome to the ORG.

You are looking for a newer Beetle 2006+
Go with a 2.5L engine and if you can drive a stick I would go with a manual transmission. They are more reliable and last longer than the tiptronic automatics. However, the newer 6 speed Tiptronics do last longer than the older 4 and 5 speeds. Just make sure you change the fluid in them every 40k-50k Miles. The 2.5L engine is the staple engine for the Beetle since 2006 and is very reliable. It has fairly decent performance and you don't have to worry about the timing belt breaking like on earlier beetle's since it has a timing chain which never needs to be replaced. If you choose the car make sure the transmission shifts properly in automatic as well as in manual/tiptronic mode. There is a common issue with the magnet underneath the shifter that breaks off and disables the tiptronic funtion. Which means the car will still drive normally in Drive (D) but you won't be able to manually shift up or down. Just look it over and test drive the car and see if you like it Other than that enjoy the Ride.

PS: Don't expect stellar Gas Mileage out of the 2.5 5cylinder engine. It gets between 19 city and 28 highway. So probably around 22mpg average.

[tech16024]

I disagree, a really clean 1.8t Beetle could probably be had for @ $4000 so turbo beetle and $6000 - $10,000 in pocket to cover repairs??? a no-brainer for me just my .02

[dnyed]

You're not going to find a Gecko Green, with a 1.8t. That color started in 2006, and no 1.8t engines were put in anymore NBs. You can get an 06 Gecko Green with a TDI or 2.5, or a 2007 2.5, non-turbo.


I know how you feel, OP. I wanted one ever since I saw my first one, in 1998. It was driven by a little old lady, and her very elderly hubby, and their plate read "GRUVEN". I will never forget how it made my day! I finally got my first one in 2002, and never looked back. I traded in a brand new, loaded V8 Explorer (only 2500 miles on it!), and I didn't even care how much we lost with that deal. It was a great deal in our eyes!

Good luck to you in your quest for a New Beetle. I can only offer two words of advice: Don't Settle! Get what YOU want!


Welcome to the Org!

[kcfoxie]

You want a Gecko Green TDI, 2006. Here's why:

You're driving a vehicle that probably gets the same MPG as our Volvo: 15.

ALL my TDIs have gotten at least 40-mpg (with exception to the old automatic, I'll explain later). The Automatic in the 2006 is a DSG which has 6-gears as opposed to the 4 in the old automatic. The manual across all years is 5-gears.

I get 42.4mpg average (over 5k miles now tracked) with my TDI.

A 123 mile trip in a 15mpg regular vehicle costs $26.15 (3.19/gallon).
A 123 mile trip in a 42mpg diesel Beetle costs $11.10 (3.79/gallon).

Despite the 60-cent per gallon difference, the Diesel is much cheaper to operate.
Even comparing it to the 22mpg 2.5L New Beetle:
123 / 22 = 5.59 gallons *3.19 = $17.83
123 / 42 = 2.93 gallons *3.79 = $11.10

$6.73 savings -- that's an Arizona Green Tea and a sandwich for lunch in savings.

Some notes on the DSG transmission:
It needs a fluid service every 40,000 miles and it's up there in cost (a few hundred bucks).

Notes on the TDI vs 2.5L engine:
The TDI is driven by a belt that much be replaced every 100,000 miles and the service will set you back a grand or so.
The 2.5L is driven by a chain that "never needs replacing," tho eventually (well over 200,000 miles I suspect) you have to replace the chain tensioners.

The other maintenance costs between the two (oil change interval and cost, brakes, tires) will be roughly the same: 10,000 miles and a 505.01-level oil (I use Rotella in my car and it's like $50-something a jug, so factor $60 for an oil change every 10,000 miles), Do-it-yourself brakes will run a little under $250 for all-4 brakes-and-rotors, or easily $900 at a shop (labor's expensive). That's for EITHER the 2.5 or the TDI.

Once you factor in the fuel savings over 100,000 miles:

2.5 DSG: 2 professional fluid services @ $300 ea = $600
10 oil changes @ 60 (DIY) = $600
1 set Brakes (DIY) = $250
22mpg avg over 100k miles = 4,545.45 gallons @ 3.19/gallon = $14,499.99 in fuel over the life of the car.
Total spent: 15,949.99

TDI DSG: 2 professional transmission services = $600
10 oil changes @ $60 (DIY): $600
1 Set Brakes (DIY): $250
Fuel filter every 20k miles: $150
Timing Belt (professionally done @ indie VW shop): $1100
42mpg avg over 100k miles = 2,380.95 gallons @ 3.79/gallon = $9,023.80
Total spent over life of car: $11,722.80

Or, put another way the diesel is roughly $4,227.19 cheaper to operate over the same span of time. Even if you took the car to the VW dealer and paid the $3000 I've seen quotes for the timing belt, you're going to come out better with the MPG of the diesel.

Many TDIs will be high mileage (over 100,000), do not let this fool you. My last TDI was crashed into a wall at 280,000 miles and the motor was pulling down 54.4mpg on the highway and 43 in the city, and never failed to start. It was a strong car. They're often seen in the 300,000-500,000 mile service life.

I have no doubts that the 2.5L can be as dependable, but the TDI is just more efficient.

If I were going to buy one like that, that's what I'd look for. Depending upon where you are, you'll want to find a trusted TDI mechanic from the TDIClub.com - the #1 resource for Diesel Volkswagens - and let them look over the car before purchase.

I've had diesels for 5 years. I can attest to seeing 600, 700 and 800-mile trips on a single 15-gallon tank of fuel. But that's half the story, it has a lot of torque so it's fun to drive. It has the same characteristics as the other engine Beetles as far as braking and handling, it just has the ability to go twice their range for less money.

I think it's the best option for a hard top, as a bonus most 2006 TDIs came with heated seats and sunroofs -- so you're going to be in the lap of luxury.

Good luck!

[Smileybug]

The diesel is not the answer for everyone. If she doesn't do much driving, I would recommend the 2.5 for sure. Plus with the 2.5, no timing belt to worry about! And finding a TDI '06 Gecko Green is going to be much more difficult.

[kcfoxie]

Until we know the miles on the Explorer that she's had for 9 years we can't determine. However number don't lie But I agree short commutes aren't best for the diesel motor.

I found 4 matching Green/Tan with DSG and TDI on Auto Trader, but only two have tan interiors: Find Your Car: Used Volkswagen Beetle Listings Near Memphis, TN 38122 - AutoTrader.com

I found a total of 93 Green 07-08's but when I added the phrase tan to the search string only 2 showed up. I'm sure that more of them are Green/Tan than 2 of 93... but I don't feel like sifting thru the list.

So, yes, more 07-08 gassers. But you have to consider your driving tendencies and the fact that gas isn't going to get cheaper, and the diesel isn't going to get worse than the HIGHWAY of the 2.5L in the city... 33mpg beats 22mpg, even with a 60-cent spread between regular and diesel, by $3.69 based on my math from the previous post I made (which ironically is about a gallon of diesel in price, or more than a gallon of regular unleaded).

[Smileybug]

Cost of entry will also be higher with the TDI. Personally I'd like to be able to also have $1k or so on top of purchase price for any repairs.

You know I love me some diesels, but you can't push it on everyone Its up to each person to make their own decision.

The 2.5 seems to be a very stout little engine from what I'm hearing. And if you go with a 2.5 you can find a manual transmission, which is much less expensive to maintain and will last much longer.

And in the OP, she doesn't really want to go older than '07, which would rule out an '06. If you can afford it, I'd go newer as well.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by tech16024

I disagree, a really clean 1.8t Beetle could probably be had for @ $4000 so turbo beetle and $6000 - $10,000 in pocket to cover repairs??? a no-brainer for me just my .02

What are you trying to say?? That you prefer a 1.8T or that you hate them because you have to spend 6000 to 10000 to repair them? Also fill out your profile so we can see where you are from and what type of Beetle you drive!
Thank you!

Also there are no 2006 Turbo Beetle's. 2005 was the last year for the 1.8T until the introduction of the 2012 2.0TSI Beetle

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by kcfoxie

Until we know the miles on the Explorer that she's had for 9 years we can't determine. However number don't lie But I agree short commutes aren't best for the diesel motor.

I found 4 matching Green/Tan with DSG and TDI on Auto Trader, but only two have tan interiors: Find Your Car: Used Volkswagen Beetle Listings Near Memphis, TN 38122 - AutoTrader.com

I found a total of 93 Green 07-08's but when I added the phrase tan to the search string only 2 showed up. I'm sure that more of them are Green/Tan than 2 of 93... but I don't feel like sifting thru the list.

So, yes, more 07-08 gassers. But you have to consider your driving tendencies and the fact that gas isn't going to get cheaper, and the diesel isn't going to get worse than the HIGHWAY of the 2.5L in the city... 33mpg beats 22mpg, even with a 60-cent spread between regular and diesel, by $3.69 based on my math from the previous post I made (which ironically is about a gallon of diesel in price, or more than a gallon of regular unleaded).

I personally would love to have a Diesel Beetle. And some day I probably will own one. I just tried a Search in my area and there are only 3 TDI Diesel Beetle's to be had in a 200 mile radius from my Zip Code. There were Non in a 100 Mile radius. There is a 2006 Yellow Beetle with Manual transmission with 84000 miles for $13995. That seems a bit High but since they are so rare and hard to come by it seem logical that they would sell higher than the 2.5 counterparts. The other two were Automatics and were going for about a 1000 dollars more. Now not all TDI's Automatics are DSG's . Some of them are just regular 6 speed tiptronics. The TDI engine will probably last a long time as long as proper maintenance is followed. I think one of the issues that TDI's experience is trouble with their injector pumps which can be pricey to replace. The biggest attraction is of course the gas mileage. At 43+ Mpg they are definitely cheap to drive. Actually, I am not sure why the heck Diesel is more expensive in this country since it costs less to refine Diesel than regular Gasoline. In Germany Diesel costs 2 Dollars Less a gallon than regular Gas. Anyway, I think it is still a Great alternative to Hybrids and the Fun Factor is much greater in a Diesel than a boring Hybrid

That said, the 2.5 is a very sturdy little engine. And it is pretty peppy. I drove a Rabbit with a 2.5 for a while and it was a fun little car to zooom around in. I am sure the Beetle will be very similar. The Gas mileage isn't the greatest with the 2.5 but when coming from a 15mpg car to a 22 average mpg car it still makes a difference. It just depends on what you are looking for.

I am looking forward checking out the 2013 2.0TDI Beetle at the Chicago Auto Show. 140HP with 236lbs of torque and over 43mpg that sounds totally awesome to me.

[Smileybug]

43 is what they may be rated at, but I've read some driving some of these new TDI's home from the dealer brand new and getting 50mpg highway! Can't beat that with all that power and torque. We'll see how the Clean Diesels fair...the HPFP failures have me pretty worried right now...

[justwaiting87]

Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for all of the information! I didn't think I'd get so many replies

To answer the mileage question on my current vehicle the Exploerer...I have only put about 30k onit the whole time I've had it. But here's the thing, my commute to work is literally a 2 minute drive accross the neighborhood to our town's center where I work. So I don't have a huge commute, but to go out and go shopping it's at least a 20-30 minute drive in any direction to go to the next town/city. Plus my In-laws live about 70 miles away...every month or so I drive out to pick up my MIL and bring her back for the weekend, then I drive her back home. I have to fill my Explorer and its empty by the end of the weekend...sometimes I have to fill up again in the middle of all of that if we want to take her out while she's visiting.

I would definetly have to have an automatic because I have no clue how to drive the other, nor do I have anyone to teach me. Automatic is just much better in my eyes.

Are there really that many problems with my dream car? Ah!!!

[justwaiting87]

Thought I might add that the mileage was mostly eaten up from 05-2010 because I lived somewhere else and had to drive about 40 miles a day plus going out and having fun...it added up quickly...Two years ago I moved an hour away to where I am now and have a much shorter commute at a newer job


OH! Also I might add, I am only going to have a commute for another year or so because I plan on being a Stay at home mom if all goes according to plan( Still have to make said baby)haha. And yes I know having a baby in a beetle is not ideal, but I've seen it done so I know its possible! I've already visited those posts of carseat pics, LOL.

[IndyTom]

Don't let anyone scare you away from your "Dream Car"
The reliability of the new 6speed Tiptronic transmission has gotten a lot better with cars 2006 on up. My brother has a 2006 Passat and loves it. No transmission issues whatsoever in the last 6 years.
I still say go with a 2.5L VW Beetle with 6 Speed Automatic transmission. It will be the least costly to purchase and it still will be very reliable transporation and you will get lots of looks. The seats move forward very easily and you can put a child seat in the back without any problems. I think you would look good in a Gekko Green VW Beetle

Now go out there and test drive one and I bet you won't be sorry.

[katiex10204]

Originally Posted by IndyTom

Don't let anyone scare you away from your "Dream Car"
The reliability of the new 6speed Tiptronic transmission has gotten a lot better with cars 2006 on up. My brother has a 2006 Passat and loves it. No transmission issues whatsoever in the last 6 years.
I still say go with a 2.5L VW Beetle with 6 Speed Automatic transmission. It will be the least costly to purchase and it still will be very reliable transporation and you will get lots of looks. The seats move forward very easily and you can put a child seat in the back without any problems. I think you would look good in a Gekko Green VW Beetle

Now go out there and test drive one and I bet you won't be sorry.

Totally agree. My best friend is looking for a beetle too and these are like the exact things i've told her

[justwaiting87]

Thanks guys, I needed that! hahaha. I am so going on a hunt right after our tax return this year!

Now...is there a difference in whether it is a convertible or a hatchback??? Other than the obvious? Such as safety and reliability?

[justwaiting87]

Just got the best news ever...My Dad has a friend/client who owns the VW Dealer nearby So now when I'm ready financially to make the jump, all I have to do is let him know what I'm looking for so he can check his lot and keep an eye open

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by justwaiting87

Thanks guys, I needed that! hahaha. I am so going on a hunt right after our tax return this year!

Now...is there a difference in whether it is a convertible or a hatchback??? Other than the obvious? Such as safety and reliability?

I think a girl in a convertible is very sexy If you live in a cold climate where it rains and snows a lot I would stay with the regular hatchback but if you are in an area where there is a temperate climate I would consider a convertible.
The convertible's are reinforced on the bottom and also weigh more than the hatchback so safety isn't too much of an issue. A couple of things to consider. A convertible does need a little extra care. You should really never drive it through a car wash. The solvents and chemicals they use will degrade the convertible roof very quickly. So hand washing will be in order in the Summer and in the winter. In case you or your husband do your own oil changes the lower brace on a convertible is a bit of a pain to remove but once you got the hang of it then it shouldn't be too bad. Also the Convertible weighs roughly 300 lbs more than the Hatchback which will slightly reduce your gas mileage. All things to consider. I would love a convertible but here in Indiana we have mostly crappy weather. Snow and Ice in the winter time, Tornadoes in the Spring and Early summer. Then High Heat and humidity where it would be very uncomfortable with the top down. So there probably would only be a handful of days where it really would be nice to pop that roof. Just depends on where you live and what you are willing to put up with. My advice get the car you really want. You will own it for a while

[justwaiting87]

I'm in the Bay area in CA so very mild weather here...I don't think I'd ever in my right mind drive my dream car through a car wash so that wouldn't be a problem haha. I think I'll just leave up to fate. When I tell the guy that owns the VW dealer what I'm looking for I'll wait and see what he finds first That way whatever I fall in love with first will be meant to be LOL. Oh man I am excited!

I love it in here, you guys are so friendly! I don't think I've ever found a forum as helpfull as this one, so thank you

I can't WAIT to post the first pic of my little Beetle when I finally get him!

[Netty310]

Welcome!! Check out my picture thread my NB is a 2008 Gecko Green with tan interior. My dream car too! Good luck on your search.


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