2001 Beetle

I am considering purchase of a 2001 Beetle. I have read many negative reviews of the New Beetle. Consumer Reports and others state there are many problems with the New Beetle, particularly electrical problems. This vehicle has 35K miles and appears in excellent shape. I love driving it and the way it handles the road makes me feel like I am in a much more expensive sports car. Are there as many problems associated with these vehicles as it sounds? Anyone have one with little or no trouble? I am torn between my heart and my head on this one. Thanks for the advice.

I Work On Volkswagens Every Day And Yes They Have Some Problems But Not Enough To Keep Me From Buying One. I Own A Passat And If I Was You I Would Look Into Buying One From A Dealer So You Can Get One That Is Certified That Will Cover Alot Of The Problems That They Do Have. If You Have Any Questions About Them Drop Me A Message. Good Luck.

So I baught a 2001 NB in 2003 with 25000 miles on it.
It now got 57000 miles on it.
Drive it daily 60 miles
I'm happy with it .
Here are my repairs thus far: I do all repairs my self
43000 coolant sensor $7.60
43000 Cleaned MAF (Proactive there was no problem with it)
57000 new battery type 43-7 at Walmart $ 46
57000 new vaccum hose between manifold and fuel regulator.

Oil change every 10000 miles per VW - Manual I use 5-30 Mobil one
But do check the oil level every 1000 miles , it will need oil at 3000
(mine uses a half a quart every 3000 miles.

Quality: a rattle here and there when it gets cold.

If you buy it insist on getting the radio code and two keys.

I did not ask and regrett that.

I have a 02 beetle... bought it about 3 months ago with 34k...
the only thing I have had to do to it is change the oil... and change a headlite bulb.

I drive it about 40 miles each day, have taken on several buisness trips and have not had a problem thus far!!

I love my beetle !!

Sounds like they have definitely made some dramatic improvement since the first 2 models (98 and 99). I have a 99 and the 1ST YEAR after the 2yr bumper to bumper expired, I spent almost $1000 in small repairs - this doesn't NOT include the repairs covered under the 2yr warrant. It's great to see that VW has made some design improvements (perhaps). I know of on specific improvement they made was the power window mechanism. I'm sure most of you got the letter about having yours changed out for free. I of course endured 2 replacement before that letter came out, one was covered by warranty, the other was out of pocket.

Things that went wrong that I can remember are:
- Gas flap solinoide went bad.
- Dash illumination at the vent controls is interminent, sometimes on, sometimes off when headlights are on. (just living with this minor annoyment)
- Daytime running lights are no longer coming on.
- It is very difficult to shut the trunk, even with a door/window open.
- Speed sensor has been replaced.
- MAF has been replaced, but not before extended warranty had expired on MAF.
- Replacing battery is night mare, the whole computer system has to get resetted, throttle bodies are off setting, etc, if you ever remove or replce the battery.

I can't remember all of them, but again, I spent almost $1000 the first year after the 2 yr warranty expired - so there were some things there I did mention.

I love my Beetle. Like some said, it does handle very well, has nice features and great interior design, etc. But I have had more than my share of "small" problems with it.

There is a way to change the battery without the CPU reseting

You basically need a second battery or one of those portable battery boost gadgets. What you do then is you hock it up so that there is continuing power but you have to be carefull with the plus pole when you remove it . I put a plastic sleeve arround it untill I was ready to reconnect to the new battery.