common repair issues

Asked by Iwannabug2 Apr 05, 2009 at 10:02 PM about the 1999 Volkswagen Beetle 2 Dr GLS Hatchback

Question type: Shopping & Pricing

I am thinking of buying a 99 Beetle. I have ALWAYS wanted one, and it's even green!!!!!
I am 31, I dont drive fast, I live in a small town, and I am wondering, what I should look forward to in basic maintenance.. Doe it handle ok in the snow? and Is it REALLY costly to maintain??

1 Answer

45

im personally a huge vdub fan, however try to have service records with these vehicles, the first thing i need to ask is is a 2.0 or a 1.8t? both motors you need to be concerned if the timing belt and waterpump service has been done, it is very costly and also a need, sometimes as soon as 60k, if your unsure, take it to a vw shop and have them inspect the belt if its a 2.0, you have to be careful, the newer ones tend to not be the greatest motors, if the prev owner had used good oil (pref full synthetic 5w40, or 0w40), you should be in good shape, and one common issue with those is 02 sensors and possibly cats on the 1.8t, its soooo important to have used synthetic motor oil in it, those motors are know for sludge issues if cheap oil was used, and they tend to need the occationl coil replacement the 1.8t is an incredible motor tho! and tons of fun to own so this car could potentially be high maintence depending if it was properly serviced, let me know if i can help more on this for you, but make sure when buying a vdub u have records to go with it!!! AND EVERYTHING WAS DONE PROPERLY -spiro

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    3,190
  • #2
    Chris Billings
    Reputation
    2,930
  • #3
    Deathjam4
    Reputation
    2,110
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda Civic
192 Great Deals out of 4,047 listings starting at $440
Used Jeep Wrangler
142 Great Deals out of 5,984 listings starting at $6,500
Used Ford Mustang
41 Great Deals out of 1,643 listings starting at $7,999
Used Toyota Corolla
138 Great Deals out of 2,314 listings starting at $103
Used Toyota Camry
44 Great Deals out of 1,134 listings starting at $4,795
Used Volkswagen Jetta
80 Great Deals out of 1,959 listings starting at $379
Used Mazda MX-5 Miata
154 listings starting at $8,496
Used Volkswagen Golf
44 Great Deals out of 524 listings starting at $4,880
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
15 Great Deals out of 530 listings starting at $1,704
Used Chevrolet Camaro
14 Great Deals out of 468 listings starting at $10,995
Used Honda Accord
57 Great Deals out of 961 listings starting at $2,995
Used Ford F-150
325 Great Deals out of 13,693 listings starting at $3,800

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.