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

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