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Volkswagen Beetle Maintenance and Repair

1064 messages,  Last post on Nov 03, 2009 at 5:45 PM

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What is this discussion about? Volkswagen New Beetle, Coupe, Hatchback


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#870 of 1064
Re: Anyone have good experiences with NB's [mrrk47] by bpeebles
Sep 11, 2007 (6:13 pm)
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Replying to: mrrk47 (Sep 10, 2007 8:50 pm)

I have gone over 150K miles out of at least 4 VWs over the years.... your milage may vary.
 
I can tell you that each of my daughters and myself have VWs and would not even consider anything else.
 
With the new 140HP TDI coming out in 2008... why would ANYONE consider a car that gets less than 45MPG?
 
Among comparable models, VWs consistantly has better-quality features, attention to details and that German roadcar handling not available anywhere else. Many folks forget that VWs are essentually Audis at a lower price-point.
 
With VW, you get things like 4-wheel disk brakes and indipendant suspension and antiroll bars that actually do somthing for you. For grins, I just went online and compared my 2003 VW to brand-spanking new 2008 Honda and Toyota models.... It is my VW which gets better MPG and has more features. I think I will keep my TDI for awhile longer. (like 200K miles)
 
As for predicting repair-bills - any vehicle on the planet is a crapshoot... but at least with VW, you are starting with high-quality components and great engineering.
#871 of 1064
Re: Check Engine Light [auntcc] by bpeebles
Sep 11, 2007 (6:14 pm)
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Replying to: auntcc (Sep 11, 2007 6:12 pm)

VagCom
#872 of 1064
About to replace tires on my Beetle Turbo S by odude
Sep 12, 2007 (12:33 am)
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I have researched dozens of tires, trying to find the best deal on tires that would improve the ride and safety of my car, making sure to buy tires that would address performance. I do not live in an area where snow and ice are issues; however durability and traction against wet and bumpy roads are major priorities.
I decided to choose either the Michelin Pilot Sport AS (around $180) or the Michelin Pilot Exalto AS (around $165). Both gave exemplary reviews from VW owners, including the GTR. None were from Beetle Turbo S owners, so was I curious if anyone, esp turboS drivers, had any good advice. I know these tires are pricey but improvements on ride, performance, and traction from the original tires is of utmost importance. Any advice would be appreciated.
#873 of 1064
Re: Check Engine Light [bpeebles] by auntcc
Sep 13, 2007 (3:58 pm)
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Replying to: bpeebles (Sep 11, 2007 6:14 pm)

Exactly what is VagCom and how do I use it?? Will it tell me how to fix the problem or just what the problem is?
#874 of 1064
Re: Check Engine Light [auntcc] by bpeebles
Sep 13, 2007 (6:04 pm)
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Replying to: auntcc (Sep 13, 2007 3:58 pm)

This has been discussed many times already. Have you tried typing "vagcom" into the search box above? You may also wish to visit the Vag com website to get more details.
 
One cannot fix a problem until one know exactly what the problem is. The VagCom tool can tell you exactly why the CEL (Check Engine Light) is on Only with that information can you even begin to figure out what to do to resolve the issue.
 
You asked for ideas....
 
If you do not wish to invest in a VagCom, there are lists on the internet of people that own a VagCom who are willing to scan your car for you. Example of one ==> http://vag-tool.kicks-ass.net/
 
Additionaly, if you had used the search feature, you would have found that it has been discussed many times that some autoparts stores (Autozone?) will scan your car for free and tell you what code is flagging the CEL.
 
In any case, you need to know why the CEL is on before moving forward. Once you have the specific code, then you can look it up here
 
At that point - you can come back to this forum and tell us the code. We may be able to assist you from there.
#875 of 1064
Re: Anyone have good experiences with NB's [mrrk47] by billingsley1
Sep 14, 2007 (11:39 am)
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Replying to: mrrk47 (Sep 10, 2007 8:50 pm)

I love my Beetle and have had it since 1998. I have a few problems, but have reached 110,000 with only a few main issues. My other friends own different models and have as many if not more issues so I haven't thought too much of it. I've owned VW's for almost 20 years and I can't do not one mechanical fix on them, but the dealer service departments have been very reliable. My most recent issue which I posted but got no response was that my driver's seat broke. The mechanism that holds it in place came loose and the seat flew back. No explanation for that, but otherwise I'm a happy owner and would buy another Beetle.
#876 of 1064
gauge problems by rhinodecals77
Sep 17, 2007 (5:30 pm)
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I have a 2000 beetle and the speed, rpm, and fuel gauges are not working. they are all the way over to the right.
does anybody have any ideas.
#877 of 1064
4 speed auto transmission questions by mrrk47
Sep 17, 2007 (5:46 pm)
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Asking about my 2001 GLS Beetle again, what is the 3 letter/number designation that the auto tranny goes by, 01M or something like that??
   My mechanic says the fluid is a little dark, what does it mean? How long do these trannies last....
#878 of 1064
Re: Anyone have good experiences with NB's [mrrk47] by basskleff
Sep 18, 2007 (2:09 pm)
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Replying to: mrrk47 (Sep 10, 2007 8:50 pm)

I have a 2003 NB GLS TDI that I purchased last year at 52k miles. I wasn't looking for a Beetle at all. I bought it for the TDI economy, and this car happened to be one of the nicest TDIs available. My choice seems to have been prescient as the car has been a good experience.
 
This is my second VW and my take on them is this.
They are a good car that require owner involvement.
They are different cars. They behave differently than the run of the mill Japanese or American car. They offer unique value, like the suspension, handling, 4 wheel disc brakes, heated seats,one touch power down windows all around, etc-> at a competitive price point. They have a diesel option. They are the only passenger car right now in the price point with the diesel.
 
But this comes at a trade-off. You have to be involved with them. You will have quirky things act up and go, that you have never seen on your other cars. You need a reliable VW dealer for warranty work, and a really reliable independent VW repair place for out-of-warranty. You have to read forums to get advice to manage costs that come up. You have to really adhere to the maintenance schedules.
 
Most of the above you could probably lapse or take a short cut on with a conventional Japanese or American car. Not with a VW.
 
Now having said that, I truly feel with active maintenance, that my Beetle could go well over 200k miles. Plus, VWs have great bodies and rustproofing. They don't rot like Toyotas.
 
In general stay away from early years of a model, and avoid certain automatic transmissions. Mine has the 4spd auto 01M, and they have a reputation for failing. Although mine drives great.
#879 of 1064
Re: 4 speed auto transmission questions [mrrk47] by basskleff
Sep 18, 2007 (2:15 pm)
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Replying to: mrrk47 (Sep 17, 2007 5:46 pm)

Could mean the fluid is a little burnt.
As I mentioned in my previous post, the 01M that you have, I also have, and unfortunately they have a bad reputation.
But, I wouldn't worry over it. Mine drives perfectly. I've had it for 32k miles.
You have to change the fluid and filter at least every 100k miles if not sooner. It is supposed to be lifetime fluid, but that is a crock. Have a good, reputable independent VW place change the fluid and filter if it hasn't been done.
A number of people have these lasting well into 150k+ range, some over 200K+. It seems the valve bodies on the trans can go.

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