I'm looking for a car for myself that's small and reliable. I've always wanted a Beetle, so I was thinking of getting one. However, I would like opinion first. TIA

By Livvy on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 06:56 pm:

I know someone who owns one and will ask her tomorrow. Is there anything specific you would like answered?? I do know that she loves how it handles in the snow!

By Tink on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 07:22 pm:

Crystal (palmbchprincess) worked for a VW dealership for a while and seems to know their cars inside and out. She's out of town for the day but I'm sure she'll see this and may be able to answer any questions you have. I think they are sooo cute but I haven't heard anything good or bad about them.

By Palmbchprincess on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 09:38 pm:

I've driven quite a few new and used, like Cori said, I worked for the VW dealership. They are really spacious in headroom, but NO backseat. (I'm 5'3, and had to curl up to sit in the back) People that own one love them, and VWs are well-known for being well built and holding their value. Volkswagen doesn't have the best warranty out there, but it's not bad either. TDI (turbo diesel injected) Beetles get insanely good gas mileage, up to about 50 mpg. (we own a TDI Jetta) Telescoping and adjustable steering wheel is nice, especially if you are short. Downsides to VW? Our trunk latch was replaced last year, and broke again today. It's like $70 to replace, and made of plastic so it breaks easily. Regular maintenance is more expensive on VWs than most cars. The plastic parts of the interior have a rubbery covering that ALWAYS starts to peel and flake, I've never seen a trade in or used VW (including ours) that hasn't had this problem. (It's not major, just unsightly) All in all, *I* would never drive a Beetle, it's just not my kind of car, but if you like them, and you don't mind not having backseat leg room, they are good cars.

By Kathy on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 10:02 pm:

Thanks for the info Crystal. It really helps.

By Andi on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 10:32 pm:

I had the same problem with the plastic parts of our interior. I thought it was just us. We have a Passat, that we are trying to sell right now because I got a mini van.
I have been very happy with my VW and I would buy another. The only thing is, when something goes wrong it's not cheap to fix! I never had a problem with my Passat until it had about 75,000 miles on it and then it started to get very pricey to fix.
My husband made an observation about Beetles...he said every time he looks at one there is almost always a 40 something woman driving it. Ever since he said that, I've noticed the same thing. LOL

By Melanie on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 10:52 pm:

I know nothing about them, but think they are just the cutest cars out there. We have two around town that I *know*. One is green and has the license plate "crickut" and the other is red with big black spots with a license plate "ladybug". LOL.

By Dawnk777 on Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - 11:20 pm:

I think there is a red one around here that has ladybug on the license plate and another one that says Shebugn (for Sheboygan) on it! There is a VW beetle club and a lot of the Beetles in the parade have personalized plates.

We have a Passat, but we have only had it since the end of December. So far we are happy with it. It's the TDI model and we took a roadtrip on Saturday and we got 38 miles to the gallon. DH was happy.