Every few years, there’s a run on retro-styled cars that recapture the character and attitude of a famous model from years ago. Though carmakers from around the world have all taken part in the trend, one of the most visible retro cars on the road today is arguably the Volkswagen Beetle.
Launched back in 1998, the New Beetle carried much of the original's trademark styling, fun-loving attitude and cheeky character. Unlike days gone by, the New Beetle was a completely modern design, and shares platform parts with the new Jetta and Golf.
When originally launched, the Beetle was available solely in a two-door hardtop with either a 2.0 litre gas engine with a modest 115 horsepower or a 1.9 litre turbo direct injection (TDI) four-cylinder diesel unit. The diesel engine is better on fuel, though the simple 2.0 litre engine should inexpensively meet the needs of most drivers.
Later in the Beetle's life came a turbocharged 1.8 litre four cylinder engine with 150 horsepower, and eventually a 2.5 litre five-cylinder unit with the same output as the turbo mill. Look for manual, automatic and tiptronic gearboxes depending on the year and model in question.
Unlike most enthusiast cars, the new Beetle's owners don't all instantly gush about how great a ride they've got. Many do-- but reviews after several years of ownership seem to find owners in a love-it-or-hate-it relationship with the car.
Many love the handling, up-scale interior, fun-to-drive characteristics and relatively good fuel consumption figures. Several owners polled online also like the stereo system and available iPod jack, too. As is typical with most Volkswagen models, fit and finish are claimed to be above average, as is the refinement offered by the driving experience.
Complaints tend to deal with visibility and trunk space, though some owners note squeaks and rattles that develop over time, especially in the more vibration-prone TDI models.
Unfortunately, problems with this car aren't few and far between. If you're shopping for a used Beetle, you'll want to inspect it fully and enlist the assistance of a trained mechanic if in any doubt.
If considering a TDI engine, be sure that the idle is reasonably smooth and free of any missing, as this could indicate a compression problem or potential engine damage. You'll want to ensure that the glow-plugs are in proper working order, and try to secure any service records for the model in question, too.
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| 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle |
Launched back in 1998, the New Beetle carried much of the original's trademark styling, fun-loving attitude and cheeky character. Unlike days gone by, the New Beetle was a completely modern design, and shares platform parts with the new Jetta and Golf.
When originally launched, the Beetle was available solely in a two-door hardtop with either a 2.0 litre gas engine with a modest 115 horsepower or a 1.9 litre turbo direct injection (TDI) four-cylinder diesel unit. The diesel engine is better on fuel, though the simple 2.0 litre engine should inexpensively meet the needs of most drivers.
Later in the Beetle's life came a turbocharged 1.8 litre four cylinder engine with 150 horsepower, and eventually a 2.5 litre five-cylinder unit with the same output as the turbo mill. Look for manual, automatic and tiptronic gearboxes depending on the year and model in question.
Unlike most enthusiast cars, the new Beetle's owners don't all instantly gush about how great a ride they've got. Many do-- but reviews after several years of ownership seem to find owners in a love-it-or-hate-it relationship with the car.
Many love the handling, up-scale interior, fun-to-drive characteristics and relatively good fuel consumption figures. Several owners polled online also like the stereo system and available iPod jack, too. As is typical with most Volkswagen models, fit and finish are claimed to be above average, as is the refinement offered by the driving experience.
Complaints tend to deal with visibility and trunk space, though some owners note squeaks and rattles that develop over time, especially in the more vibration-prone TDI models.
Unfortunately, problems with this car aren't few and far between. If you're shopping for a used Beetle, you'll want to inspect it fully and enlist the assistance of a trained mechanic if in any doubt.
If considering a TDI engine, be sure that the idle is reasonably smooth and free of any missing, as this could indicate a compression problem or potential engine damage. You'll want to ensure that the glow-plugs are in proper working order, and try to secure any service records for the model in question, too.
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| 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle |