I'm thinking of buying a VW beetle. What are things that I should know/consider about this car?

I'm thinking of getting a VW beetle when my Saturn has driven its last mile- it be will the 1st car I've bought for myself, so I really want to know (from owners would be great, anyone else is much appreciated) the pros and cons, best year, engine info, ect, of the model; I've talked to different people and it sounds like it depends on the individual car you get- some say they're excellent, others say they lack in dependablity/good electrical system. Anything would be helpful!

iteach2change2006-06-26T14:42:57Z

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my father is a body shop manager, and VW has the most expensive parts for repair, so if you buy one, you will shell out the dough for repairs. as far as buying a bug, they're too tiny (what if you were hit by a semi?). a jetta would be better. always think of worst case scenario. i really think that vovlo has the safest car out there.

Motorpsycho2006-06-27T21:13:07Z

There are several things to take into consideration when buying a Beetle, or any model VW for that matter.
First of all, you need to stay away from the turbocharged model. The engine is poorly designed. The crankcase is too small and the oil gets hot and cakes up causing crucial oil passages to be blocked. The other engines do well but you must be very religious about doing preventative maintenance. Timing belts only last between 75,000 and 90,000 miles. If you don't change it along with the water pump and pulleys it could cost you literally thousands. I own a Passat and love it but again you've got to keep up on the maintenance. its not a Toyota or a Honda

Anonymous2006-06-27T00:22:33Z

first of all i would suggest looking at reviews on-line at edmunds.com so you can compare this too other cars in the same category. while shopping for the car i just bought a week ago (2004 vw gti) one of the cars i looked at was the beetle. it actually is the size of the old super beetle and had A LOT of interior space. i have never heard of vw being really expensive to repair and i worked for a towing and auto repair company. you will actually pay more to fix a domestic (ex: early 2000's ford expeditions take 10 hours to change a heater core which should only take about 2). if you like it i would definitely recommend a vw and make sure it is a german built one (not mexican like most jettas) and look into engine sizes to compare gas mileage

jim c2006-06-26T16:54:54Z

Do you want new or used?The 2006 Beetle has some styling changes from the previous models.A 2.5 5 cylinder gas engine is available,and a 1.9 Litre diesel for '06.Previous models came with a 2.0 4 cylinder gas,1.8T(turbo) gas,and the 1.9 diesel.I have sold many beetles,both gas and diesel.They are safe,fun cars that hold value well in the market place.I would be happy to give you more info as I sell VW for a living.If you like the look of the Beetle,then you would enjoy owning one.Contact me with any questions you might have.vwjcook@yahoo.com

educated guess2006-06-27T14:53:50Z

I have the 2002 Turbo S Series! The car totally handles well-you almost do not even need to shift. It passes other cars up. It gets 28 mpg. Red, Sporty, did I say FAST already?
It is my second VW Beetle. Previous car was a SATURN! lol!!!!
"Driver Humans Wanted"

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