2004 Volkswagen New Beetle

Rating from FormerBeetleLover

(3)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		2 out of 5
Reliability:		2 out of 5

"Bought the car in Sep 2009 and have had constant problems since. The right headlight has had to be replaced several times, the check engine light is always on, the right turn signal is always goofy, the driver window doesn't automatically go down and up to meet the roof seal (something I've heard from almost every Beetle convertible owner), the water pump leaks (something I've heard from every Beetle owner), but that all pales in comparison to the car's biggest downfall - the transmission. For the last 1.5+ years it would shift hard, not shift at all, not want to take off after coming to stop, and finally went out all together after stopping at a red light. Dealer wants $6,600 for the transmission! It is such a cool car, and so much fun to drive with the top down, but definitely not worth the heartbreak and cost of something always going wrong!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Nattybaby

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Had my 2004 beetle gls turbo convertible for over 30,000 miles. It was so quick!!!!! I always got compliments. The leather interior was great, loved the seat warmers, great for summer to go top down! Never replaced anything on it."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from No More VWs

(1)
Comfort:		1 out of 5
Performance:		1 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		1 out of 5
Interior Design:		1 out of 5
Value for the Money:		1 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"I had this car for 3 years and spent over $4000 on repairs. Sensors replaced numerous times--hundreds of dollars each time. Bad paint job-cracked spots, rust spots. Convertible top motor replaced, flaps replaced thousands of dollars. Its cute until you spend tons of money to fix it all the time. If I could put zero stars for it I would. BUYER BEWARE!!!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Bug lover

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Very solid riding. Reliability and cuteness, what else can you say! Everyone smiles when they see my bug."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Having fun

Rating from Former Bug Lover

(2)
Comfort:		2 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Features:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		1 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"Bought mine used with 24K miles on it...six months ago. Since then: replaced headlight $250, back window won't go down $700, Airbags censor $400, and now the window in the convertible top is falling out. CAN'T BE REPAIRED!! Has to be replaced...cheapest solution $2,500!! Major defect...and it happens to a lot of them. DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE CARS...unless you want to buy mine:-) Check out the forums before you buy a beetle convertible or any other VW for that matter."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from Hatethiscar

(2)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		2 out of 5
Handling:		1 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		1 out of 5
Interior Design:		1 out of 5
Features:		2 out of 5
Value for the Money:		1 out of 5
Reliability:		1 out of 5

"I bought a similar 2004 New Beetle and had nothing but troubles. I have replaced three batteries and repaced two alternators while making several trips to a mechanic to fix this problem. The passinger side door seized closed and I had to have the electronics reprogramed at the dealer. After paying all the repair bills, I am stuck with the car. Avoid all the problems and simply do not buy a New Beetle of any year. You will be much happier."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family

Rating from roccormom

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"If you're thinking about buying a new or used Beetle, one thing to consider would be the cost of the canopy replacement. VW will replace a canvas top for approximately 4,100 dollars (I didn't even ask for an estimate on a leather top!). Even an after-market canvas replaced by a shop other than VW can run about 2,600+. Be informed before you purchase. Hope this helps."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Lauren

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"The funnest car I every drove. Love riding around in the spring and summer with the top down. Drives great in the snow. Gets alot of attention on the road."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

Primary use for this car: N/A

Rating from myvwrocks

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Features:		2 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Owned car for 6 years. NEVER ever ever had a problem. Reliable, great gas mileage, comfortable, cute"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Work

Rating from Z MAN

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		3 out of 5
Handling:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		4 out of 5
Interior Design:		3 out of 5
Features:		3 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"This car just surprised me at many levels. Easy to operate, easy to drive, easy to maintain, easy on the eyes. The convertible styling is beautiful and the ride was really good. For a tall guy like myself (6'2") the car was surpinsingly more confortable that Boxsters and Audi TTs, even the other three passengers were amazed about how much space there was for all. Never had a car that received so many looks and nods, even with the light yellow exterior, probably because it screams "I am fun, life is good, why so serious?" My only wish was a more powerful engine. So if you like to rev, get the Turbo, otherwise the 2.0 has plenty of power fun to drive you around."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around