Need some advice - new bug or not?

[-1-]

What you think? I currently have a '99 NewBeetle TDI. Had it since March 99 (brand new). It currently has 105,000 miles. Overall good shape. Had some problems in the past, cutting off, hard to start, CEL. I've been looking at the '06 NewBeetle and Jetta. Definitely want a TDI. The current supply of new TDI Beetles is almost exhausted and everyone is saying no more for 2006 or 2007. I have a deposit on a 2006 TDI Beetle. Should I keep what I have, or get the 2006. The '99 is a extra car and not driven daily. I really like the NewBeetles and especially the TDIs. What the verdict? Are the newer Beetles and VW products better than the first several years starting in 1998?

[kcfoxie]

I do not have a TDI; but my 2002 has been very good. SOME TDI 06's gad a bad cluster; but it's a free fix if it fails. I ... don't know how to advise you; i would say take a look at a tdi new jetta and see how you like it too the 2006s have more subdued blue console; which makes me sad... the blue dash (odo) was the reason i wanted it. but, the uodated interior is modern and nice.

[newbug]

I was in pretty much the same boat. I had a '99 GLS 2.0 which I purchased in Feb of 1999. I loved that car, only had minor problems over the years and no problems at all for the last 2 years.

Anyway, I wanted a new-New Beetle so I could have an automatic, plus I really wanted a TDI. Once I learned that TDIs were going away and the supply was drying up I knew I had to act quick. One of my local dealers had what appeared to be the last yellow auto TDI in the state, and it only had 8 miles on the odometer when I test drove it. It ended up being an easy decision - I now have my beautiful 2006 TDI, and my only regret is that I couldn't keep my '99 (there's just not enough space at my house for 2 new beetles)...

Hope that helps...

[-1-]

Thanks for the info. I initially looked at the Beetle, then felt the Jetta TDI was a better value for the money. Regardless, Beetle or Jetta, it's gotta be a TDI, manual. The Jetta is a nice car, great features, but don't really like the exterior. I'm really a Beetle guy. I've got a deposit on a new '06 silver Beetle. I've have until Wednesday to decide. I saw a '06 NewBeetle on eBay with about 3,000 miles, going for $22,000. That's $1200-$1500 more than MSRP. I'll probably get the Beetle. With the end of production on the TDIs for 2006, and no TDIs in 2007, it now or wait a year and a half.

[dnyed]

Sounds like you need another Beetle, to drive for 7 or 8 years. I think if you went with the Jetta, you would pang everytime you saw a New Beetle. I drove my friends 2006 DSG TDI, and it was amazing. You will love it, and it will be worth the wait. Good luck!

Here is his brand-spankin' new 2006 Gecko Green TDI, and my old 2002 S.......

[mezonesxbox]

I would go for the New TDI. The old TDI might give you trouble because of its mileage and because its tranny might die any day and then youll need like 6 grand for a replacement. Although on the other hand if you sell the tdi you have you wont get much money based on mileage and year. Mhmmm...... im no help

[-1-]

Thanks to everyone who responded for their input. The $64,000 question, are the NEWER Beetles and VW products quality control and reliability better than 1998 - 2002. I heard some horror stories, just check www.myvwlemon.com .

[dnyed]

My 2002 is no lemon. Our 2003 was no lemon. Our 2005 is no lemon. The guy on that site has his opinion. Too bad he had trouble. But, the vast majority of NB owners are happy NB owners. Remember, it's the squeekie wheel that gets attention.

I would guess that most, if not all, the uhhhh..."bugs" on our Bugs have been worked out. Plus, a 2006 will come with a good warranty.....

[-1-]

Took the plunge. Purchased a new 2006 Reflex Silver 5-speed TDI today. Traded in our 1999 Yellow 5-speed TDI. Purchased at MSRP and received a fair price for the '99. First thing I did was to replace the stock wheels with my 18" Audi TT seven spoke wheels. I plan to add the "no drill" spoiler, and legal tint. That's it. The '99 was named "YOYO". The '06 is not named but will be know as "the Prius eater". I dislike those UGLY little cars with their smug occupants. Eat (breathe) my soot! I liked the yellow color but after seven years, it got old. I've always loved silver, and the Reflex Silver is beautiful. I like the changes to the front and rear. Not so sure about the squared off fenders. Many refinements over the past seven years. Overall nice job. Originally the word from the dealers was that all TDI for 2006 were built and shipped. The salesman stated that's true for the NewBeetles but the Jetta TDIs will be available through the end of the 2006 model year. Again, NO TDIs for 2007. Got Diesel? Got Prius? Like soot?

[mezonesxbox]

How much did you get for your old NB?

[-1-]

It was a '99 NewBeetle TDI with 105,000 miles. Overall good shape. Periodic CEL. Kelly Blue book stated trade in at $5730 - $6275. I went in thinking I'd take $5800 - $6000. When they said $6000, I said "that's the magic number". Another local dealer in central Richmond, VA two weeks again offered me $4000 and their '06 Beetle TDI (no sat radio) was MSRP +$1495 (adjusted market value). F*#K you very much! With the number of Beetle TDIs smaller everyday, I was able to get EXACTLY what I was looking for at MSRP. The $6000 trade sealed the deal.