Bangernomics: New Beetle
Discussion
Hello all, due to the demise of the missus' Mk3 Golf GTI she's looking for a New Beetle as a runaround. There are loads out there for sub-2K so my questions are...
Better engine - 2.0 or 1.6? (the diesels tend to be starship mileage) and what should I be looking for if we go and look at one?
Ta
Better engine - 2.0 or 1.6? (the diesels tend to be starship mileage) and what should I be looking for if we go and look at one?
Ta
The Beetle suffers the same problems as the contemporary Golf. The clutch can be a particular weakness and can wear out within 40,000 miles; during the test drive make sure you can operate it smoothly and it doesn’t feel too stiff. The ignition coils can also go on the 1.8 turbo engine - a mechanic should be able to check them for you.
There have been two recalls on the Beetle, the most alarming concerning water entering the anti-lock unit, potentially causing a short circuit and a fire. The other covered a loose passenger side airbag. A VW dealer will able to tell you if they have been carried out.
There have been two recalls on the Beetle, the most alarming concerning water entering the anti-lock unit, potentially causing a short circuit and a fire. The other covered a loose passenger side airbag. A VW dealer will able to tell you if they have been carried out.
Edited by What on Tuesday 3rd June 19:43
The 2.0L 8v engine is largely the same as mk4 golfs/boras and is generally a very sound unit apart from the lambda, the MAF sensor and fuel pump relays that can cause running problems.
All the normal mk4 golf floors like axle bushes, air conditioning fan problems are also present.
There are 1.8 20VT Beetles around that have a bit more poke!
Oh and dont expect it to have half the practicality of a mk3, the boot is tiny and the rear seats largely for decoration.
All the normal mk4 golf floors like axle bushes, air conditioning fan problems are also present.
There are 1.8 20VT Beetles around that have a bit more poke!
Oh and dont expect it to have half the practicality of a mk3, the boot is tiny and the rear seats largely for decoration.
Thanks, no it isn't really going to be much more than a drive to work and back car, so the practicality isn't really an issue. I'm pretty familiar with Golfs (lambdba sensor and MAF - sounds familiar) so hopefully it shouldn't be particularly different to have a look at. (I still reckon another Mk3 or 4 GTI would be better though!)
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