Quality of 2009 New Beetle

[BeetleVette]

I am thinking about my next car. I own a 2000 New Beetle and know all the quality control issues I have had with this car. I don't drive a lot as I don't like to use gasoline and I am retired. My 2000 has 39,000 miles on it, mostly from when I worked and while I have had many issues with the quality of this car, it remains dependable after the many kinks were worked out. I am planning on keeping the 2000 until it drops dead like something major such as the a/c stops working or the like. I have to admit that I enjoy the car as it fits my personality so despite the many quality problems I have had, I am considering a New Beetle as my next car. I am also considering a Civic coupe or a Fit, or even an Insight. My question is, how is the quality of newer New Beetles?

[Franco2112]

I was at the dealership yesterday evaluating the latest vehicles and was not to impressed. The New Beetle felt old, as it has been around since 1998 with very little changes. Quality issues with VW have always been their down fall. I own both VW and Toyota and prefer the Toyota. Quality is there and you can feel and see it. Honda is also up there in quality. My buddy has 3 Honda's and loves them all. Bottom line is you know the history. I also am planning on keeping my 2000 until it drops dead. It has its nice properties. But will not buy another!

[BeetleVette]

I thank you for this information, communicated perfectly to me. Looks like I will not let the passion of the Bug win. At 55 years of age, I don't need problems. Wouldn't you think in 10 years they could have invented a better mousetrap? I don't even care about "modern mp3 inputs or phones that brew your coffee", just make me a Beetle that is 99 44/100% worked out as far as the stupid problems are concerned. Problems worse than any American car I ever owned. The Bug was my first non big-4 vehicle (remember American Motors?). So I will go for a silver 2 door Civic, a Fit, an Insight or a Prius when my Beetle dies. I am saddened that it won't be a Beetle. It is a cool car. I still enjoy this one. I can't thank you enough for your response because it hit the mark perfectly. Thank you!

[Franco2112]

No problem. Good luck!

[hako]

We've had 2 New Beetles - a '02 and an '05 and only had 1 minor problem with each. Others have big problems with NB's but maybe its the way they are driven...maybe not.
I'm 65 and don't want hassles either but I also don't want to live a boring life where passion for things I enjoy are ruled out by efficiency. Remember the first time you fell in love...it was stupid and crazy but boy'oboy was it fantastic!. I guess it all gets back to what turns you on and to each his own.
Whatever - good luck in whatever you choose.

[SC2ner]

The 2.5 five cylinder engine is a good engine. There are not many issues with it at all. I agree they could have done much more with the interior. Basically it's the equivelant of what you have but with a better/faster engine.

They should have put the new 2.0L TSI chain drive motor. Franco, if I could sugget one car for you to drive it would be the new TDI. It has a ton of power, its very quick and it handles great. Not to mention the MPGs.

[socal1]

Hi..just jumped in and bought a 2009 Beetle automatic with no sun roof. I was surprised that even tho I put 5K down I wound up financing 20K...My last beetle was
a green 67 *remember the windshield washer pressure came from the spare tire"
It has a 3/36K warranty and you pay nothing for service. To me it seems to have
plenty of pep with the tiptronic transmission..I bought it under the govt cash for clunkers law and traded in a 2001 Lincoln..The VW is certainly not a quality Lincoln.
But wife and I both like it (got the extended warranty)...With the large dash does need dash cover? It's pushing 150 miles now and since I am 60 heck it may be my
last car! What add on's have you folks added for accessories and such? What kind
of gas milage should I expect..Will keep you up to date on the problem areas, if there
are any..
James (San Diego)

[Franco2112]

Congrats on your new purchase! You're right, the New Beetle is not in Lincoln class, but a decent vehicle. The cost for a VW is higher than other mid-grade vehicles and the dealers don't come off the vehicles MSRP much. For us, that have the New Beetle(2000) as for rating it over all, i give it a 6.5 out of 10. The reason for the score is that it has some quality issues and fuel economy is not that great 25 hwy. Your big Lincoln got that or better! As for the 2009 you do have a vehicle that has minor changes since the New Beetle came out in 1998, but for the good. Your engine is bigger and stronger(mileage is about the same though), interior has got rid of the boo boo's, exterior is about the same with suttle changes and you do have a longer warranty(3/36) and free service.
A reflective sun visor is all you need to protect your dash. To protect your vehicle warranty you do have to follow the VW service manual. If you can do the service it's ok. If not, let the dealer do the service. Record keeping is important. The forum here is very knowledgeable in VW issues should you need advise.
All in all you should enjoy your New Beetle.