Looking at an 05 Beetle Convertible for my wife.

Is there anything specific to a New Beetle Convertible that I should check? I know my way around a car, I just don't want to miss something that they are notorious for. Don't the 1.8Ts tend to have sludge issues? Here's the ad, I don't know what engine or options yet. 2005 beetle convertible - $4000 condition: good cylinders: 4 cylinders fuel: gas odometer: 113000 paint color: blue size: compact title status: clean transmission: automatic type: convertible 2005 vw beetle baby blue convertible. Gray leather. All maintenance done new timming belt. Clean car.113k Good tires. Runs and drive great call for details

There have been 4 Beetles in my family- all four are now gone- written off as lessons learned- anything from bad window lifts, to convertible top issues, to brake problems-and one with severe engine power issues- basically a money pit- but they are cute- all four were bought by women because of the cuteness factor- so if you have women involved- try talking sense about the monetary issues to come. Don't buy one on emotion, buy something that won't ruin your wallet.

brcidd -Thanks for the rely. What years were they and what engines and trannys did they have? What was wrong with the one with engine issues? I do 99% of my own work on my cars, so its just parts and time.

I had the 05 with the 5 cyl. and 5 spd. I was so surprised (I didn't check the rating before buying) that it only got 26 mpg on the highway. When the smog pump died, so did my enthusiasm for the car. Daytime driving lights would burn out every 25,000 miles. My dad had the 1.8t and the timing belt let loose. Those engines have the valves that will come in contact with the pistons when the belt goes and ruin the whole thing. I then had more fun with a 85 golf cabriolet. I'll never get another beetle.

Thanks for the reply Comet - According to KBB the only engines available in 05 were the 2.0 4cyl and the 1.9 TDI - I just looked it up and they went to the 2.5 5cyl in 06, so maybe a late 05 could have gotten a 5cyl. My wife said she'd rather focus on replacing our old beater Expedition than getting her dream Beetle. Works for me, I just happened to find the car she wanted in the color she wanted with fairly low miles at a good price, assuming its in good condition like the ad says. Sounds like it should be a toy whenever we do get one, or at least have a decent spare for her for when I'm fixing it.

Yeah, VW has always been loose with their year designations. Some of their convertibles could have sat for 5 years before they got converted from the hardtop they originated from in the eighties.