New Beetle vs Beetle

[sorrentino100]

For those who have owned both, what are your evaluations about the pros and cons of each?

I test drove all 3 model Beetles. The 2.5 automatic, turbo 6-speeed manual and 2013 tdi DSG automatic. The turbo was fun to drive right from the get-go. To me, the tdi had a bit more part-throttle response as compared to the 2.5, but both were mush when driven conservatively. I expect that had more to do with them being automatics. The 6-speed manual turbo was far-and-away the most fun.

I was considering a 2013 Beetle tdi. It's been 10-years since a tdi Beetle of any type has been offered for sale in a CARB state. There are none with a manual to test drive at this time.

The concern is the plethora of tdi problems with icing intercoolers, DPF clogging and the HPFP problem. Those, coupled with the decline in fuel-economy, makes it less of an attraction. Why by into known problems? A shame, really.

I did have an ALH New Beetle and it was a lot of fun to drive. Unfortunately, it had very high repair costs. It seemed to be just as fun to drive as the Beetle turbo I test drove a few weeks ago. But that's from memory. I wonder if the New Beetle had Independent Rear Suspension?

There was so much fanfare when the New Beetle first came out. I remember just sitting in the one on the showroom floor and thought it was just the coolest car. My first impression when I saw it on the lot was the same, except I disliked the big dash. I grew to love it and it no longer was an issue.

I'm getting in the mindest for a 2006 New Beetle tdi. I love the flattened side fender treatment and front grill change of that model year. The directional mirrors and partial clear taillights I'm not too crazy about, but overall, I think it's a very sharp looking car. It's a shame it was not available with a tdi into its final production year in 2010. Just think, no Beetle tdi in a CARB state for a decade! That's pretty incredible.

Looking forward to your experiences and comments.

[jackal18]

I owned a 2002 New Beetle, sunroof, turbo, and 5 speed (Snap Orange color). It was wonderful, and, at the altitude of my home (6500'), the turbo was absolutely necessary. However, I just got tired of shifting. Most of my driving is done in town, and shifting just got old. I sold it to a good friend who continues the love affair with that car.

When I saw the 2012 Beetle, it was instant love. I have long been a fan of the type 356 Porsche, and the styling of the Beetle looks to me like the next step in the 356 evolution. I now have a sunroof, turbo, 2012 Beetle with all the bells and whistles. The DSG tranny is easily the match for a stick, but with the convenience of an automatic. Power, handling, comfort are all improved. I have about 4K miles on the Beetle, with no problems whatsoever.

[IHC]

My wife bought a2012 2.5 auto with fender sound /Nav last September to replace her 99 2.0. The 2012 is larger on the inside, rides better and gets the same milage as the 99 2.0. We actually paid less for the 2012 with all the options than we paid for the 99 GLS. Seems they were selling all the 99's they could get and were not dealing. Wife likes the new one much better. The 99 is now my go to work car and I do like it because it gets better milage than my truck. By the way , I would never buy a turbo because we keep cars too long and the turbos always take a dump after a few years.

[drtechy]

My wife bought a2012 2.5 auto with fender sound /Nav last September to replace her 99 2.0. The 2012 is larger on the inside, rides better and gets the same milage as the 99 2.0. We actually paid less for the 2012 with all the options than we paid for the 99 GLS. Seems they were selling all the 99's they could get and were not dealing. Wife likes the new one much better. The 99 is now my go to work car and I do like it because it gets better milage than my truck. By the way , I would never buy a turbo because we keep cars too long and the turbos always take a dump after a few years.

My turbo on my last two vw's lasted the whole time i owned the cars, usually 4-5 years. Don't make a blanket statement like that when you don't know. Peoples turbos blow because they abuse them, not because they are properly maintained. A properly maintained k03 can go 200k miles easy.

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[IHC]

My statement is based on observations of over 45 years of car ownership. Also drove Cummins turbo powered semi trucks when younger. Properly driven they do last but most people shut the engines off without letting the turbo cool properly. My son in law owns a repair shop and they replace a fair amount of turbos. If you read my posting you saw that we still own the 99. I know that by now , had it been a turbo , we would have had to replace it. In 4-5 years of ownership a turbo would probably be ok if driven properly.

[Cadenza_7o]

I think there's gap of technical information here between old and new turbos.

Before Audi brought back their turbo, it's true many had bad experiences with them for the reason you mention - lack of cooling off.

Audi started using the turbocharged 1.8T motor since '95/'96 in the German market. This setup is different in that it has a coolant jacket around the turbo bearing. Coolant is circulated through the jacket by means of an electric pump. After shut-off, the pump works for a few minutes to cool down the bearing and prevent oil from coking. A properly maintained 1.8T should not have its turbo go out every 4-5 years. Always use synthetic oil and changed every 5k or if you're like me and have your oil analyzed, extend the interval to 7.5k to 10k miles.

My 1.8T (bought new in '01) currently has 205xxx on the original turbo. It's been chipped with APR 1bar since 50k.

The 2.0T motor is set-up the same way.

[drtechy]

I think there's gap of technical information here between old and new turbos.

Before Audi brought back their turbo, it's true many had bad experiences with them for the reason you mention - lack of cooling off.

Audi started using the turbocharged 1.8T motor since '95/'96 in the German market. This setup is different in that it has a coolant jacket around the turbo bearing. Coolant is circulated through the jacket by means of an electric pump. After shut-off, the pump works for a few minutes to cool down the bearing and prevent oil from coking. A properly maintained 1.8T should not have its turbo go out every 4-5 years. Always use synthetic oil and changed every 5k or if you're like me and have your oil analyzed, extend the interval to 7.5k to 10k miles.

My 1.8T (bought new in '01) currently has 205xxx on the original turbo. It's been chipped with APR 1bar since 50k.

The 2.0T motor is set-up the same way.

Preach on bro! But seriously I'm glad to hear someone explain it better than i would have been able to lol. It drives me nuts when people think a properly maintained turbo can't last.

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[Cadenza_7o]

sorrentino -

I currently have a '01 NB 1.8T and have tested a few 2.5L and Turbos Beetles. With the exception of a few things I like the B12 more than the NB.

B12 +
-Styling: B12 is much more classic looking in and out
-Ride: more comfortable even in the 2.5L
-Handling: stock vs stock B12 is also better

B12 -
-2.5L: no IRS
-2.0T Direct Injection: not sure if the issue of carbon deposit has been resolved since VW re-worked the PCV system.
-DSG: not sure on reliability
-2.0TDI: a bit risky with the DPF, HPFP, and IC.

I'd love to buy a TDI but might end up buying a 2.5L just for peace of mind. I've only spent $6800 for maintenance/wear-tear over 11.75 years on my '01 NB (205k). I can't wrap my head around spending upwards of $10k for HPFP, $1k for DPF and $8k for DSG.

If you think there's better things to do with your money, then the '06 TDI is the best bet. According to the folks at TDIclub.com, owning a TDI doesn't necessarily saves you money, especially if you don't or can't do most of the maintenance and repair yourself. So I'm a bit disappointed and decided to keep my NB to at least 2014. I'm hoping to go to 250k with it. If it breaks befor that, I'll trade it in for a turbo-charged Ferrari skate board!

Good luck!

[VR6Now]

By the way , I would never buy a turbo because we keep cars too long and the turbos always take a dump after a few years.

To each his/her their own. What you said may have been somewhat represenative way back in the old days but bare no basis in truth today. Light/moderate pressure turbo charged engines can last longer than other components that signal vehicle replacement time. I've had 4 VW/Audi turbo charged cars and zero turbo issues. The oldest was in service for 10 years and going strong. Your statement isn't true because 3 of 4 cars I've had have blown thru your "few years" timetable without "always" taking a dump.

Materials have improved, manufacturing processes have advanced, and time marches on. I'll put my knowledge against your 45 years of auto ownership if that's all you got. Your information seems obsolete.