2009 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible User Reviews

Pros

Very Reliable car; adorable

Cons

Small car

Purchased As Used

I love this car! i bought it used with only 3,000 miles on it..

if you take care of this car it can last a lifetime!! thats why theirs so many of the older ones..if not then well its your fault the car breaks down. ive had this car for over a year and nothing major has happened only three flats which is not the manufactors fault. i take very well of this car and it gets great gas mileage and it speeds very fast!!! and so far everyone that drives it loves it...read morehide

Pros

Appearance.

Cons

Very poor reliability.

Purchased As New

Bought new. It looks fantastic and turns heads, the engine runs smoothly and although the convertible top rattles when up, it never gets annoying. The ride is what you'd expect from a small car, average enough to never bother. MPG isn't stellar with the "humane" engine choices, but could be worse.

Unfortunately the New Beetle is unbelievably badly built and designed. Unless you are comfortable with shelling out lots of money for parts and lots of blood, sweat and tears in repairs, buy another car.

Faults since new:
* Convertible top pieces mounted backwards at the factory, 2 week delay in delivery as it broke clean off at the dealership.
* "Flaps" covering the roof scaffolding when down fail to come up/down intermittently. Been to VAG for repairs but still happens.
* Drivers side window is loose and rattles, makes a horrible crunching noise when raised or lowered.
* Rear passenger window jammed in the lowered position.
* Front O2 sensor failed, Cat destroyed as a result.
* Airbag warning light, moving the seat back and forth too many times will tear apart the wires under the seat and disable all airbags.
* Central locking stopped working completely.

Other problems include a dislodged door stop, broken top release handle and dented boot lid even when gentle . While this can't be attributed to the factory, it certainly can to poor quality.

Many of the problems I've experienced are common faults on the Beetle.

In the end it's a lovely little car, it looks cute and you can feel the car smiling as you drive along - but it will cost you a fortune in repairs and maintenance. Don't think it wont happen to you - the poor quality will surface in time even with only occasional use....read morehide

Pros

Everything

Cons

None

Purchased As New

Honestly the best car i've ever owned , comfortable ,cute,economical and reliable, and a real head turner when you drive a beetle EVERYONE smiles at you!!
..I live up a mountain in Wales and it takes everything in it's stride....I've had it fo 3 years and it's only been in the garage once for a faulty sensor repaired immediatly and still under warrenty.....read morehide

Pros

SELLING IT.

Cons

YOU NAME IT.

Purchased As New

BE WARNED: This car is cute, but its problems aren't. Since buying this car, brand new:

the brakes were recalled;
the brake lights were recalled;
the thermostat experienced a fault;
the electrical system is faulty (some windows will go up and down/some won't);
the top louvres got stuck and the top broke them off;
the hydraulic arms that hold up the trunk broke;
the driver window is loose and rattles;
the cd player broke;
the gas mileage is awful; and last but not least
the heater broke.

Every friend and/or family member, who has driven this car, complains. I'm about to get rid of it and can't wait!...read morehide

Pros

Fun, safe,

Cons

check engine light goes on every 1-2 months and to find out which of 2000 problems it could be means

except for the &&%%^ check engine light that goes on every 1-2 months this car would be perfect. The indicator light according to the service dept. of my VW dealership could indicate a problem with one of 2000 things! Naturally they keep my car for minimum of 2 days and $$$. Very frustrating. Otherwise, I love this car so much I am thinking of upgrading to a new one....read morehide

Pros

Adorable! Great of gas, fun to drive, easy to own!

Cons

problem with the radiator reservoir, fixed right away though.

This is the best car I have ever bought. I absolutely love it. The only problem was because I got a BRAND NEW one there was a leak n the radiator reservoir that probably happened at the factory. It was fixed right away. If you are looking to buy one in South Florida, go to Gunther VW of Coconut Creek. They were wonderful. They made sure I got everything I wanted and were super nice. I worked with Michael Lair and I felt like he really cared and was not just a salesman.

I am so happy with everything I know my next car will be coming from Gunther and I will most likely get the Eos Convertible next! If I can give up the beetle, that is!...read morehide

Pros

Great economy, great styling, my partner and I love the look. Plenty of space for the dogs in back.

Cons

With convertible top, not enough trunk storage.

My partner and I think this is just the greatest little car to come out in a long time. The ride is nice and smooth, the gas is awesome, and the looks we get on the cape are phenominal.