Volkswagen Beetle 1999 - 2010 - USED, ENGINES

Volkswagen Beetle

The car that threw out the current trend of retro-designed cars is certainly the VW Beetle. German engineers have breathed new life into one of the legends of the auto industry. Launched in 1998, it was taller than the little Golf. Excellent road behavior, quality, performance and unique design set the Volkswagen Beetle apart from the competition.

Since its production, the Volkswagen Buba has become an instant hit, especially a favorite among younger drivers due to its appearance, German quality and the fact that there are already over 300 registered Buba fan associations in Europe.

Volkswagen showcased the modern VW Beetle at the 1994 Detroit Auto Show as a concept vehicle. As a commercial model, a modern interpretation of the old Beetle came out in 1998, in its basic form, with a conventional drive below. No one expected a rear-mounted engine or an air-cooled engine, after all - two different features compared to the original Buba. The Volkswagen Beetle has revived the profile and character of the famous original WV Beetle in a modern edition, better equipped car. In essence, the new Volkswagen Beetle uses a platform the fourth generation of Golf. All new Bugs have 4-cylinder engines. All Bugs have a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. Front side airbags are standard.

When purchasing, pay attention to damage to the ends of the VW Beetle from parking.

COMFORT - Volkswagen Buba 

Volkswagen Beetle

If anything, Buba's interior is even more of a shock than the exterior, the design team did their job in the interior, no Golf or Polo dashboard was used. Of course, there are plenty of well-known Volkswagen standard elements. Large central circular instrument. Plus, of course, a vase, ready for you to fill it with flowers. More macho buyers can pretend to be a holder, or something. There is plenty of room to sit forward. The windshield looks like you're sitting back in your favorite armchair and watching widescreen television. There are fewer seats in the rear seats, with sharply sloping roof lines that cut headroom. Low boot capacity.

For a Volkswagen Golf-based car, it might be surprising, but in the Buba you feel different while driving. Huge windshield pillars limit visibility. The car lacks some performance, primarily because of its catastrophic aerodynamics. The driving experience is, however, favorable. Stability is better than in cars of this form.

After 2002, cars are better for driving because the suspension is improved.

ENGINE - Volkswagen Buba

Volkswagen Beetle

At the beginning of production, the VW Beetle was only available with two engines - a 2.0-liter engine with 115 hp or 1,9 liter turbo diesel direct injection (TDI). A diesel engine is better, but a simple 2.0 liter engine should have cheaply met the needs of most drivers.

Later, the VW Bub fitted a turbocharged 1,8 liter four-cylinder engine with 150 horsepower, and finally a 2,5 liter five-cylinder engine.

Grandma's mechanics have proven themselves over the years in Golf, Bora and Passat, so there are no big surprises here.

First, here are some facts about the VW Beetle. Unlike its predecessor, it has a conventional water-cooled four-cylinder engine up front. The drive is on the front wheels.

The 1,8 liter turbo engine is ideal for performance lovers, it can cost more to sustain in the long run. Be sure that the engine goes smoothly and pulls strongly. There is also a problem with the bobbins in this engine. With this engine it is important to replace the engine oil regularly, as the oil pump can become clogged with dirt from the oil generated by the turbine.

The VW Beetle offers a surprisingly quiet ride.

Volkswagen Buba - Model History:
1998: A new VW Beetle is built based on the 1 Concept 1994 prototype, 2.0 gasoline and diesel 1.9 TDI engines.
2000: New engines introduced. Basic 1.6 petrol, 1.8 Turbo taken from Golf GTI and powerful 2.3 V5.
2002: Introduced new 1.9 TD TDI engine, convertible introduced
2005: Restailing (new bumpers and lights).
2010: End of production of Beetle.

FAULTS - Volkswagen Buba 

VW Beetle 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines. On some VW Beetle models made before 2003, the timing belt burst as a result of overheating.

VW Beetle 1.4, 1.6, 1.8T and V5 engines. On VW Beetle models manufactured from January 2001 to January 2003, bobbin failures.

Breakdown of the plastic gear belt tensioner, spanners, on a 1.6 16v engine if not regularly replaced, but luckily the gear belts rarely burst when this happens.

Volkswagen Buba 1.8 T. Risk of water leakage at a water pump between 70 and 000 km.

The Volkswagen Beetle 1,8T bad engine start, poor idle speed and poor acceleration mean that the bobbin must be checked and replaced if necessary.

The 1.8 20v gear belt drives the water pump and the straps are difficult to replace on transverse engines.

Volkswagen Beetle 2.0. There are problems with the cylinder head gasket, though examples are rare.

A gasoline engine has problems delivering fuel and this may require replacement of: air sensors, fuel filters, injectors, fuel tank, fuel pumps, etc.

Volkswagen Beetle TDI (90 HP). Problems starting the engine when the engine is hot.

Volkswagen Buba TDI engines made in spring 2003 have problems with the air flow meter (flowmeter). Typical engine failure, as happened in Golf 4.

Volkswagen Beetle TDI (100 HP). On models manufactured until April 2004, there is a failure of the fuel injection pump.

VW Beetle 1,9 TDI PD poor start, engine running in forced mode, engine error P1556, idling idle, check and replace coolant temperature sensor if necessary.

VW Beetle - cause of engine overheating, models with plastic water pump impeller may be damaged, broken, plastic water pump impeller. Checking is done by removing the return hose that goes from the refrigerator to the coolant refill container. Even when the engine is running at 2000 rpm, the coolant should pass through the hose; if it does not go, the water pump will probably need to be replaced.

VW Beetle - engine vibration at 3000 - 3500 rpm - gearbox engine mount not adjusted, installed, properly

Transmission. Transmission failure on VW Bubu models manufactured up to 2002. In most cases, VW Bubu 2.0 models.

Front axle. On VW Beetle models manufactured up to 2001, noise is heard at 70000 km. Front Axle Stabilizer Failure.

Headlights. On the VW Beetle models made until May 1999, condensation on the headlamps occurs.

Front fog lights. On VW Beetle models manufactured to 2002, condensation in fog lights.

Fuel cap. On VW Beetle models manufactured until May 1999, there is a power outage on the bonnet that unlocks the hood. On the VW Beetle models up to 2004, many examples where the door opening mechanism either simply doesn't work or works very inefficiently.

Central locking. On the VW Beetle models manufactured up to 2002, a central locking failure occurred repeatedly.

Electric lifts. On VW Beetle models manufactured until 2002, there are problems with the window opening mechanism. The reason: bad contacts.

Warning lights. On VW Beetle models manufactured until February 2000, the engine dashboard ignition light may accidentally ignite.

Bumper scratches are common because visibility is poor.

1998. The VW Beetle had a problem with electrical wiring in the battery tray, which could cause a fuel pump failure or a fire in the engine compartment.

Short circuits within the ABS electronic control unit can also cause fire in cars manufactured in 2000 and 2001.

The first models have a lower rating on the quality of plastic used in cup holders, as they can break quite easily.

CONCLUSION 

When everything comes together, the VW Beetle looks like a good buy. The only problem remains the price. More how it was launched VW The beetle had a high price, which is the case with a used one. Our recommendation would be a 1.9 PD TDI and a 1.6 petrol with good performance.

You can definitely buy a more practical small used, coupe or compact and probably for less money, if you don't mind looking like everyone else. VW Bug owners like to be different - and that's why they love their bugs.

Do not buy a car without air conditioning, this is necessary because much of the vehicle is under glass.

Price Volkswagen Buba - used preview

Mladen

Hi there, I am Mladen and I am an auto enthusiast. I started this blog years ago to help like minded people share information about latest cars, car servicing ideas, used car info, exotic cars, and auto technology. You will find helpful articles and videos on a wide variety of cars - Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche, Volvo, BMW and much more. Ping us if you have anything cool to share on latest cars or on how to make older cars more efficient, or just want to say hi!