Do you recommed 2003 new beetle?

[YPark]

I just joined this forum to ask your experience with 2003 new beetle.

I have been searching for my daughter's first car, and found a nice looking 2003 new beetle. However, all of my friends are telling about bad things with VW, especiall new beetle. They are also telling me about higher cost for repair.

Are these all true? Do you recommend this car?

I'd appreciate for your information and advices.

[VDubYah]

How many miles, auto or manual, What kind of shape is it in.

Are you mechanically inclined. Could you do some of the work, or does a mechanic do every thing? A GOOD independant mechanic is less than the dealers. Are there any in your area?

That said they are fun cars, but do require regular maintenance like timing belt and waterpump changes.Oil changes on a schedule with the proper oil. Coolent should always be VW coolent and do not mix it with any other EVER.

And yes parts can be pricey, but the pepole and threads here can lead to cheaper prices sometimes.

Just some thing to think about.

[YPark]

Thanks!

It's 2.0 turbo, automatic, 64k miles. And, really good condition.

I was told that there is an independent mechanics in town.

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

[Smileybug]

Just a regular joe mechanic or a VW specialist? These cars do best when in the hands of someone who knows the brand.

My '99 2.0 was my first car and she served me all the way through college and beyond. I had a 5-speed. If she can learn stick, then I'd look for that. Its less maintenance and much more fun

[D2Beetle]

Originally Posted by YPark

Thanks!

It's 2.0 turbo, automatic, 64k miles. And, really good condition.

I was told that there is an independent mechanics in town.

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

FYI: 2.0's are not turbos and if there are competent mechanics in your area any repairs should be in line with any other car that you would buy used.

I would recommend the 2.0 over the 1.8 Turbo as a daughters first car. Also consider this, a 5 speed manual over an automatic; the manual transmission will keep her off the cell phone while driving. Safety first ...

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by YPark

Thanks!

It's 2.0 turbo, automatic, 64k miles. And, really good condition.

I was told that there is an independent mechanics in town.

Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

The first 2.0 Turbo Beetle is the 2012 Beetle. So unless you got your years confused you are looking at either a 2.0L base motor or a 1.8T Turbo motor. The 1.8 Turbo is a lot more fun and spirited than the 2.0 but there are more little things that will need attention. Also the Automatic transmissions of the early model New Beetles are less than desirable. I love my 2000 1.8 Beetle but I also like to tinker with cars. If you are looking for a car with little maintenance than look elsewhere. The Beetle can be lots of fun but also very frustrating if things go haywire. But every 9-10 year old car will have some issues. If she likes Beetle's and you like them a bit more reliable then go with a 2006+ model with a 2.5L motor. No timing belt to worry about and the auto transmissions have gotten more reliable as well with the 6speed tiptronic. The Manual 5 speed is still a lot more durable but if she can't drive a stick and likes the beetle the 6 speed tiptronic will be better than the 4 and 5 speed models of the 1998-2004 Models. So spend a little more now and put your mind at ease or spend a little less now and spend a lot more later.

[YPark]

my bad. it's 1.8 turbo.

Thanks for your advices! very helpful...

[Bratgirl]

I would contact that mechanic and see if he would do a pre-purchase inspection of the car for you. Might have to pay him a little bit, but might be worth it. That would also give you some insight as to the mechanics knowledge of VW's if you do need mechanical help later on.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Barn

[afnospam]

Yes - if you understand the issues with them. I own one with 40K and had to replace the regulators in the windows 2x, steering linkage, and still have issues with both needing repair now. Other than that, it has been very reliable but move expensive to maintain than an American car.

[katiex10204]

I will be honest with you from my experience. I have a 2002 1.8T automatic new beetle, got for my first car with 80,000 miles. She has been a wonderful car for me, however, definitely lots of maintenance. Most of my "repairs" have been items that are due for the particular milage.. most things have not been out of the ordinary. I would ONLY reccomend this particular year range of new beetles if finances are not really an issue. My car has been extremely reliable & i wouldn't trade her for the world.. however, we have spent a pretty penny maintaining her. Just my 2 cents

[littlekelly]

Originally Posted by YPark

I just joined this forum to ask your experience with 2003 new beetle.

I have been searching for my daughter's first car, and found a nice looking 2003 new beetle. However, all of my friends are telling about bad things with VW, especiall new beetle. They are also telling me about higher cost for repair.

Are these all true? Do you recommend this car?

I'd appreciate for your information and advices.

My suggestion would be to take the car to a VW Master mechanic and have it checked out top to bottom. Paying to have someone look it over with a fine toothed comb would definitely be worth it Good luck!

[esse10]

Hello and welcome to the org.forum family. I have an 03, 1.8T turbo, 5 speed manual and it's been really fun to drive, but these cars do require lots of maintenance. If you can do most of the repairs yourself then I would recommand the car. You will need a new timing belt/water pump replacement real soon though, so get a quote on that repair from you local mechanic asap before you buy the car. There are several DIY here in this forum on how to replace those parts yourself and save money. I just did my first timing belt/water pump myself last month, paid $170 for the parts on the internet and did the work myself, a great learning experience for next time since I plan on keeping this car untill the wheels fall off..LOL
well good luck man.

[2004NBTURBOS]

2003 1.8T with a 6spd....just turned 100k.
As stated above make sure the TB/WP get done and there's not much else to worry about.
Normal stuff, brake, tires, wipers.

[Johnny5]

Mine is an '03. Bought it with 84,900 miles. I did my homework and got one that was well taken care of. The timing belt and water pump needed to be done so I negotiated that off of the price. Found a GREAT local Audi/VW tech who did everything plus the thermostat and some other misc stuff, for about $500 bucks less than the local dealer. I knew I wanted a beetle... I have already put 1000 miles on it. Verdict?

I LOVE this car. I'm coming from a Golf TDI that I really liked a lot and was sorry to trade it in... but I actually like this beetle better. By a lot... lol

[wawalker]

Originally Posted by YPark

I just joined this forum to ask your experience with 2003 new beetle.

I have been searching for my daughter's first car, and found a nice looking 2003 new beetle. However, all of my friends are telling about bad things with VW, especiall new beetle. They are also telling me about higher cost for repair.

Are these all true? Do you recommend this car?

I'd appreciate for your information and advices.

Your friends are telling you the truth. Repair costs are high, tough to find a good mechanic who knows VW, VW automatics are junk (and around $4k+ to replace), interior bits, bobbles & switches break frequently, waterpump impellors are plastic, and so on. That said, I've owned several, own one now, and wouldn't consider any other make.

[kcfoxie]

Here's the honest truth. You want a 2.0 if it must be automatic. You need to find one that has had few owners and around or under 100k miles. You'll want a VW/Audi shop, one that only works on them. You'll want a transmission fluid and filter change, if close to 100k the timing belt, and any other issues fixed.

Interior items are going to break. It's just something these cars do. However part of the Beetle culture (past and present) is the do it yourself repair. Between this forum and vwvortex there isn't anything you can't figure out how to do on your own, from diagnosing a non-start issue to replacing the door panels.

I've seen many of these cars hold up very well over the years. I've owned 4 New Beetles, half of them had over 200k miles when I acquired them. If you're good at doing your own oil changes and can do your own brakes the "expensive cost" isn't there. For instance, my boyfriend was shocked to find that I can do a complete 4-wheel brake and rotor job for $208 with tax. A single rotor for his BMW is $200. It takes a rotating brake tool for the rear (autozone rents and sells them) and a standard compression tool for the front. 20-30 mins per side to do with the included jack.

But that's my opinion. I favor the diesel motor, the fuel economy usually makes up for the more expensive timing belt job and extra filters it requires.

[arobert3]

I highly reccommend not getting the 2003 beelte. I have had nothing but problems since day one with mine and it's one thing after the other. The engine parts are very expensive yet made from plastic and break easily. It has caused so much stress wondering if my car can just make it down the road. It's an adorable car and I've always wanted one...however; a complete money pit and horrible gas mileage for such a small car. All my friends that have one feel the same way!

[jrollings]

Nothing bad towards arobert3 but I cant wait to get a TDI beetle. I am mechanically inclined but sometimes nervous to perform repairs to vehicles I am unfamiliar with. I put around 30k miles per year on a vehicle so I will put these cars to the test for sure. Like everyone else has mentioned, if you can turn a wrench dont fear these vehicles and their repairs. Its going to be the same with any vehicle purchased especially used. From everything I've read the main issues are the timing belt and the water pump so its best to replace both at the same time.