New (Almost) Beetle Owner

[Little_Bug]

Hello everyone!!

My name is Ashley. I'm a soon-to-be New Beetle Owner from Illinois. I'm getting a 2006 New Beetle in April. The safety of the car drew me to it over most cars, not to mention it's got great fuel economy (perfect for a teen driver)and is so so so easy to park, a good amount of passenger room and well, you get the idea since everyone here owns one and knows the great qualities!!! But, also, I was wondering what some problems might be you've had in the past.

Thanks for setting this place up for NB owners!!!

Ashley

P.S. How did you pick a name for your car?

[GatorBeetle]

Welcome Ashley!! Not much to say about problems, as I am not lucky enough to have an '06...but I do love our cars, new or not!!

The name will come to you in time...drive your car...give it time...he/she will tell you when you are least expecting it!!

Enjoy your new car...

[SPIRU]

Congrats on the 06, enjoy and welcome to the org!

[Papa Bug]

Welcome to the Org, Ashley!! Congrats on your NB.
GatorBeetle is right your Beetle will tell you in due time. I had mine for about 3 months before she told me.
Glad you made it here.

[kcfoxie]

Hi Ashley! Your car is very much a new new beetle unlike most of our current ones. Engine, body, electronics.. it's all new for 06... but some good 'ol common problems include:

Sensors failing in the "off" position in the door (common for driver door after about 4 years in some cars, others it never gets affected. The symptoms are when you open the door w/ headlights on and the car does not buzz at you that the door is open with the lights on. The car always thinks that the door is closed even when it is open! The trunk usually has the reverse, it thinks it is always open when it is shut and thus the car will not arm it's alarm when you lock it w/ the remote -- this is also the reason your alarm goes off in heavy rain, the rain seeps thru the thin seal on the 3rd brake light and can short out the locking sensor in the trunk which = alarm going off at 3am!)

The sensors aside, the pre-03's had power window problems (bad tensioner on the track ate up the cable with use till it snapped), which VW has extended the warranty on all pre-03s for 7 years to cover this.

Some early (pre-02) 2.0L engines burned oil, you however have the nice new 2.5L engine with is a 5-cyl vs our older 4-cyl. Your car is also not a turbo unless you got the TDI (Turbo Diesel).

I'll wrap this up with my trite old saying: I bought Charlie, my 2002, in 2004 with 9,120 miles. As of today he has 82,004 miles and has given me two CEL (check engine light): Coolant Temp Sensor failed (also somewhat common on pre-03s) which was $66 to repair at my local shop (NOT the dealer), and Cyl #2 misfire just about a month ago cause my spark plugs need to be replaced (along with my timing belt, serpetine belt, oil, filters and a door sensor). I drive my car very rough, over curbs and I've done 120 in it before. Aside from the oil burning, the car's been rock solid to me. I highly recommend one and I think you'll really love yours.

So... are you getting a hardtop or convertible? WHAT COLOR?? As for the name, I fist thought my car was a girl... and I always thought it was odd that when talking to other beetle-types about my car, it would act up if I said "She" or called him "April*"... so one day I decided that it was a case of mistaken identity, and my car must be a boy. Given the charlie brown inspired siz zag stripes I had put down his sides, I decided the name "charlie" was most fitting, and I often joke about how he's "toxic charlie: charlie brown's evil twin."


*I have a habit of naming my cars after the month I acquired them in. My first VW is a 73 Super named Juney, purchased June 2002.

[Little_Bug]

Thanks for your help everyone!!

GatorBeetle, Papa Bug- Thanks, I'll definatly keep that in mind!

SPIRU- Thanks for the welcome.

KCFoxie- Thanks for the advice, I'll definatly keep it in mind when I go to the dealer. I'm getting a hardtop and definatly Salsa Red.

[Bef]

Your NB will definitely tell you what it wants to be called... I've had mine since November, and he just got his name today... THE SHMOO!

Welcome to the ORG! Lots of great people and Beetle-izing going on here...

[Lnzbug]

Hi and welcome! I've had my car since 3/01 and I just named him recently. His name is Chip. Is Mokena near 80& 55? I drive that way alot for work at the nuclear plants. If ya see me make sure ya wave, blue bug with pink flames on the doors. I've had a few problems with Chip but he has 140k miles so things tend to wear out. Always helpful people on the org that can answer your questions.

[rubie]

Ashley
The only problem that I have heard about in the 06' is the cluster unit in some of them are bad. There was a recent recall on this so you might ask the dealer if the beetle you are buying has been checked for this problem. I love my 06'. She is also a salsa red and her name is Rubie. I haven't had a single problem with her since I got her in Nov.
Enjoy your beetle when you get it and enjoy your stay here on the org. Welcome
Mary

[GatorBeetle]

We saw a Salsa Red when we were out on Friday...very sharp looking car and color!!

[Little_Bug]

Originally Posted by lnzbug

Hi and welcome! I've had my car since 3/01 and I just named him recently. His name is Chip. Is Mokena near 80& 55? I drive that way alot for work at the nuclear plants. If ya see me make sure ya wave, blue bug with pink flames on the doors. I've had a few problems with Chip but he has 140k miles so things tend to wear out. Always helpful people on the org that can answer your questions.

Yep that's right where it is. All around 30, 45, 80, etc etc. Pretty much if you keep on going you'll run into us eventually.

[Lnzbug]

Ok I'll be lookin for ya on the road.