Y2K wrote:Hey Andrew, are the 2003 or 04 models any better. I want to trade mine for a turbo but still debating insurance costs for an under 25 female. Ive had problems with my 2000 but no mechanicals ....... yet. But it still under warranty.
Has anyone heard of probs with the new turbo bugs?
Yes, the later models are better. Mine was the first of the supposedly better 2001.5 models (had the swivel cup holders), but apparently, the newer ones do have fewer problems.
The turbo is not the thing that gives grief in New Beetles, the following do:
Window regulators (03's don't suffer)
Coil packs (04's don't suffer)
ABS unit burst into flames (02 and later don't suffer)
MAF sensor failures (do not use oil based air filters)
O2 sensor failures (rare on post-02 models, but only use Optimax or other high quality 98 RON fuel)
There are other things which don't leave you stranded. The following are very common:
2.0's which were badly broken in use a lot of oil (upto a litre per month)
peeling interior door handles
armrest latch breaks
Window buttons snap off
Fuel lid sticks (mine started to)
CD head unit fails (particularly in Golf's according to my last VW dealer, but mine needed "fixing" some 8 times)
On cabriolets, the little handle releasing the hood breaks off if you don't know how to use it - watch the video before you use it, the little rear doors which hide the mechanism stuff up, causing the roof to stay open (which can be a problem if you need it up), and the tonneau cover latches on the body snap off and are currently impossible to get replacements for.
My car had a few other things wrong, but they seem to be unique to it.
I suggest you head on over to
http://www.newbeetle.org and read the Problems and Concerns forum.
Good luck on the turbo insurance. Most places will not touch under-25's and turbos.
Andrew
