Wow, have been scanning the threads on the new beetles. Having just
purchased one (200 miles so far)..I can only guess which problem you folks mention will occur to me! I am hoping that the 3yr/36K warranty will
pick up the tab for these problem areas..

One small question, do these motors have a chain timing belt or fanbelt
style belt which must be changed? My maint sked is every 10K miles and
looks like a regular oil/filter/look en over type maint. Are there any specific areas I should be aware of to have them check each time to avoid problems down the road? Funny, this is the first car that I have noticed
the front seat 'squeaking' as I move along driving from vibration or shifting
around in the seat...little wd-40 I guess..Does Vw make any kind of
protector to put on the paint from bottom of door panel to window? I
can see where this area could be easily scratched or discolored from putting your arm up there with the window down..Thanks in advance for
answers. I am still recovering from putting down 5K and still having 20K
to finance...I know Calif got 2K in taxes. In 1968 I paid $1700 for
a brand new beetle, most problems I remember from it was clutch
throwout bearing driving me nuts..
James

Welcome James & congrats on your New Beetle! Here are answers to your questions.
1. Your timing is rubber belt driven, similar to a fan belt. The belt should be changed every 60k. Your water pump should also be changed at this time. About $700-$800 for both as of now.
2. Problem areas. If you have leather the outer seat bolsters will wear from getting in the vehicle. Be mindful of that while entering car. Get rubber monster floor mats $80. The carpet floor mats leak. Reflective sun visor to cover dash. Wax at least twice a year to keep finish.
3. Staying up on maintenance is critical. You may be able to do some on your own, but the other stuff take to dealer. Keep good records.
4. Take back to dealer for seat squeak.
5. The painted door areas just needs a regular wax for protection. It will scratch, so be careful if you wear jewelry or watch.
6. As for the cost, VW's are not cheap. They are expensive and will continue to be just that.

Any other issues that might arise under warranty, take back to dealer asap.
I have a 2000 New Beetle with over 80,000 and is doing fine. Some things are cheesy at best and have failed/replaced, but the 2009 model has over come a lot of the cheese and is a better vehicle.

We here on the forum are glad to help should you have questions down the road.
Again congrats on your New beetle.
Franco

Wow Franco, thanks a bunch, good info..the salesman did give me a
brand new pair of rubber floor mats but put carpet ones in front and
left the rubber ones in the trunk still in plastic. They are running synthetic
oil in the motors now which possibly accounts for the 10k service intervals.
Will follow your advice, change out the floor mats, you are right the
seat shouldn't squeak...I thought it was because it was a new car.
James