need some advice on new VW Beetles

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Feb 14, 2004
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my car (93 saturn) has been having some major problems and is quickly becoming a money drain, so we're looking at getting a new car. my wife wants a beetle, which is fine with me because I get her car. so...are the new beetles any good? how do they handle in the winter? how's the quality? any of you actually driven in one or own one? I've never owned a VW before.
 

jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
24,442
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So, you're looking for a car that's reliable, since your old car is breaking down...


..and the first thing you think of is a VOLKSWAGEN??
 

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Feb 14, 2004
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Originally posted by: jagec
So, you're looking for a car that's reliable, since your old car is breaking down...


..and the first thing you think of is a VOLKSWAGEN??

:D

VW quality = bad?
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
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I like Volkswagen, but RUN AWAY.

They are definately not a top pick [right now] as far as reliability goes.
 

Colt45

Lifer
Apr 18, 2001
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we've had like 8 VAG cars over the years, and never really a problem

 

DaveCSparty

Senior member
May 14, 2000
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I had no problems when I used to have a VW GTI 1.8t.

VW's reliability seems to have gone up the last year or so considerably, from what I've read on www.vwvortex.com

I wouldn't really hesitate to buy one as long as it is 2004+... but do you research on the Vortex
 

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Feb 14, 2004
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Going to take a Beetle for a test-drive tomorrow. Considering getting the 1.8L Turbo with 150hp. That's a dang lot of horsies for such a small car. Anyone know exactly what the "Electronic Stabilization Program" is? Their website says "We like to think of it as the glue that helps you stick to the road. Our Electronic Stabilization Program anti-skid technology helps maintain your lateral control to maximize handling and minimize those "whoah there " moments." I dunno if that's worth the extra $280 tho.

The Tiptronic 6-speed automatic transmission is also available. I like stick but my wife likes auto, so that sounds kind of nice. Anyone know much about it? There's only a small blurb of info on the site :p
 

TheLonelyPhoenix

Diamond Member
Feb 15, 2004
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Originally posted by: Kaido
Going to take a Beetle for a test-drive tomorrow. Considering getting the 1.8L Turbo with 150hp. That's a dang lot of horsies for such a small car. Anyone know exactly what the "Electronic Stabilization Program" is? Their website says "We like to think of it as the glue that helps you stick to the road. Our Electronic Stabilization Program anti-skid technology helps maintain your lateral control to maximize handling and minimize those "whoah there " moments." I dunno if that's worth the extra $280 tho.

The Tiptronic 6-speed automatic transmission is also available. I like stick but my wife likes auto, so that sounds kind of nice. Anyone know much about it? There's only a small blurb of info on the site :p

"Electronic Stabilization" == "omg omg omg you're not gripping the road cut engine power now".

I don't know how the VW/Audi systems in particular work, but it could also apply brakes, shift power between wheels, etc. in the process.

I haven't heard much about VWs new tiptronics, but I highly recommend a test-drive, because they come in all types. Some Mazda6 guys compain about weird shift lag when using it, whereas I've never heard of a Mazda3 owner with the same problem. Go figure.
 

sygyzy

Lifer
Oct 21, 2000
14,001
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The Beetle does not look like a small car to me. It looks heavy.

What don't you understand about ESP?
 

QuitBanningMe

Banned
Mar 2, 2005
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Originally posted by: Kaido
Going to take a Beetle for a test-drive tomorrow. Considering getting the 1.8L Turbo with 150hp. That's a dang lot of horsies for such a small car.
Huh? Doesn't it weigh like 2700 pounds?


edit tard spelling moment
 

PaNsyBoy8

Golden Member
Jul 19, 2001
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i belive they are doing a makeover for the beetle for 2006. there aren't many differences but i really like the changes.
 

Toastedlightly

Diamond Member
Aug 7, 2004
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Originally posted by: QuitBanningMe
Originally posted by: Kaido
Going to take a Beetle for a test-drive tomorrow. Considering getting the 1.8L Turbo with 150hp. That's a dang lot of horsies for such a small car.
Huh? Doesn't iy way like 2700 pounds?

240 Horses in a Neon.. now that is crazy.
 

Kaido

Elite Member & Kitchen Overlord
Feb 14, 2004
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We took one for a test drive today, a convertible. It's probably the nicest convertible I've been in...the guy said it has 3 layers. Quite a lot of headroom too. My wife really liked it, so I think we're going to get one. Apparently the turbo only runs on the pricier fuel, and since the regular one has enough guts, we're going to get that one. They said it can take up to 2 months until delivery from the factory...dang. Pics if/when we get it :)
 

keeleysam

Diamond Member
Feb 8, 2005
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My mom has a 2001(?) new Beetle, and its very nice. It has a very powerful engine, and it can take off faster from a stoplight than a corvette!
 

thedarkwolf

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
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Originally posted by: keeleysam
My mom has a 2001(?) new Beetle, and its very nice. It has a very powerful engine, and it can take off faster from a stoplight than a corvette!


uh BS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!