Ask the Car People.SM


Volkswagen Beetle Body Work Problems

436 messages,  Last post on Feb 14, 2013 at 8:33 PM

You are in the Volkswagen Beetle Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volkswagen New Beetle, Exterior, Auto Body, Paint, Convertible

    

Messages Page 44 of 45

#425 of 436 Re: Beetle Convertible top problems [drownedbug] by jenny201316

Jan 26, 2011 (8:15 pm)

Replying to: drownedbug (Sep 23, 2007 6:21 pm)
Well, not to be the barrer of bad news. I have a 2003 vw beetle convertible. The trouble started with the drivers window, then the passenger, then both back windows. The motors had to be replaced, and just found out that only last about 3 yrs., now I'm on my second round of window motors. Cable broke on my top, was able to fix but, now, the back window is coming loose(have to replace whole top 2500.00). The trunk won't open at all, no matter what I've tried. I am so unhappy with this car. Oh, transmission decided to start going out. I've been told that it will cost about 4000.00 or better to fix. I just want to scream. Its a money pit.

#426 of 436 Re: Beetle Issues [fandbeans] by vwbugssuck

Mar 19, 2011 (12:57 pm)

Replying to: fandbeans (Aug 29, 2009 2:16 pm)
I have a 13 yr old Plymouth Grand Voyager van with 208,000 miles on it and while I've had to make minor repairs, I've never had to replace a transmission at $8,000 after 5 yrs or window motors after 1 and 4 years. My bug is an '05 that I have not driven in over a year because I can't afford to have the transmission replaced. And, the convertible top never worked right, the liner keeps coming off and the headlights do not consistently work. I bought it brand new and took care of it. So, while there may be some validity to your comments there are a lot more out there that bought their car new and even when it went back to the dealer, they found "nothing wrong".

#428 of 436 Re: Replacing the top [smcclarty] by disneydelsol

Apr 19, 2011 (6:11 am)

Replying to: smcclarty (Sep 25, 2008 9:46 am)
Where are you located? I love my '04 beetle, but I am constantly ending up at the dealership replacing something. Now my top is coming unglued from the window. I can't afford dealership costs, even though I have an awesome warranty; this last thing isn't covered.

#429 of 436 Re: Beetle Convertible top problems [jenny201316] by meloyellow3

May 30, 2011 (12:02 am)

Replying to: jenny201316 (Jan 26, 2011 8:15 pm)
I've had the same exact issues with my 2003 beetle. I have a VW mechanic that works on my car and he is the only mechanic who works on my car there. He told me that those cables and motors go bad after a while and its very expensive to replace them. I spent $130 on the motor for my drivers window. My drunk switch went bad and I had to use the key switch for a while. Then my passenger window motor went out too. As far as the transmission, they've been sluggish lately. My car was like that and he told me that there is a major recall on the transmission and it's free but the total work costs about $2,400 dollars. I had that done and now my baby runs like a pro. Then, the back window glue has been melted since last summer and it rains quite often in my car. He said that it can't be glued because they manufacturers glue failed and that the entire top needs to be replaced at a total of $2,400 and that doesn't include labor. But don't worry, it's not you , it's the car. I've spend almost a total of $3,400 on work for this car and I want to jump off a bridge every time something else breaks. And to make things better, a few years ago, my mom was driving my car, and hit a drain pipe (not paying attention) and broke the oil pan and cracked the transmission. The poor car was smoking to death and was completely empty of oil. Believe me, I can go on and give you a list of parts and prices for all of the work done. I'm fed up! And not to mention that I spend $54/week on gas which doesn't last the entire week. The thought of it makes me cringe. But hold on and be strong! You are not alone in this crazy beetle word.

#430 of 436 Re: bug window falling out [04beetleconv] by sdistortion51

Aug 16, 2011 (9:26 pm)

Replying to: 04beetleconv (Aug 14, 2008 5:12 pm)
Hey, I just snapped the plastic ball end joint that connects the flap to the motor on my girlfriends 2004 convertible new beetle. I was sad to see that I will be having to purchase the entire rod assembly instead of just one of the end joints. I've been searching for replacements all night and am not making any progress. Would you be able to attach a link of where you got yours from or help me out in any way. At this point I don't mind paying the 50$ I feel bad and just want to fix it before she kills me..

#431 of 436 Re: stupid car. [bofig] by quell

Aug 17, 2011 (11:15 am)

Replying to: bofig (Apr 21, 2008 2:55 pm)
Hey there, I was able to find someone in Oakland Park who helped me fix the rear window. His name is Scott at Quality Interiors.

#432 of 436 Volkswagen beetle consumer complaints by rvilano

Feb 13, 2012 (11:54 pm)

I have read several poor reviews on the Volkswagen beetle.my best advice to anyone who owns one is to find a good foreign car repair outside a volkswagen dealership.after purchasing a used Volkswagen beetle,I went to a dealership to have a spare key made.when key was made,I was also presented with a long list of services that would be needed for my car.one specifically at 80k miles,a new catalytic converter.and like clockwork ,when my odometer reached 80k miles ,emission light came on.took car to my mechanic,who replaced a small part for emission control.one week later,light came back on.returned car to my mechanic,who has been checking it religiously.he told me there is nothing wrong with the car,except the computer wants to tell me there is.i have had some small issues,cable on convertible etc.,but feel my mechanic has saved me a lot of money by not going through Volkswagen service,especially after reading customer complaints.

#433 of 436 2004 Beetle Convertible by barb63

Oct 15, 2012 (7:39 am)

My 2004 Beetle has 54,337 miles and the dealer has made all repairs to date. Now I am informed the value body needs replacing at a cost of $1900. We've already spent close to $3,000 on repairs on this car, window rotors, brakes, transmission plug, etc..I could go on and on. This was an emotional buy and I loved the car but all the money spent in repairs on a car with this low mileage is crazy. Talked to a mechanic today about the value body and he was only going to be $200 less so taking it back to the dealer. I had extended warranty; however, it expired year and half ago and VW won't do anything to help now but offer a $1,000 voucher on new car which now after owning two other VW's, I will never buy another one. this was my dream car, my therapy car, but it's about done with low miles, it's breaking my heart. Anyone know of a class action suit against VW for this as I am told they know of the problem and refuse to fix it.

#434 of 436 Re: Convertible Top Will not completely close [vwdriver62] by sch2004

Dec 25, 2012 (10:15 pm)

Replying to: vwdriver62 (Nov 06, 2010 8:33 am)
Sorry to hurt any feelings, but it's not the car. You have to change fluids constantly. Windows break, etc. but good solid car. As for the back window on convertable top, the only material that will stay together in heat or cold is just plain black gasket maker. make sure the window has enough wiggle room and use plenty between the canvas and glass. it is good at filling gaps and tears also.

Messages Page 44 of 45

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement