New Beetle Convertible Concerns

1760 Views 6 Replies 3 Participants Last post by billymade, Aug 28, 2015

txpackers

Discussion Starter · Aug 23, 2015

Hi all. I'm new to the forum and soon to be new to the VW family. Lifelong Honda person here, but now looking for a VW New Beetle convertible for my daughter as her first car.

We are looking at convertibles from 2004 and newer that are under $11,000 and under 100,000 miles. She's considering both manual and automatic transmission cars.

Since I've never owned a VW I'm looking for advice on things I should pay particular close attention to as we look at cars. She will have it college so I want something as reliable as possible. What are some things we should look for in regards to: known trouble spots, maintenance issues, maintenance work completed/not completed, etc?

Are there certain years we definitely should stay away from?

Do the engines use a timing belt or timing chain? If timing belt, when should it be replaced?

We've looked at two convertibles already and both had the rear window delaminating from the top. So with only two data points I'm not sure if this is a common issue.

Thanks.

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04~Käfer

· #2 · Aug 23, 2015

I recommend you look at 2008 to 2010 Beetle Convertibles for your College bound daughter.
You should be able to find one with under 80,000 miles for less than $11,000
The 2.5L i5 engine in the 08-10 was bullet proof and has a timing chain so no need to worry about a timing belt.
The automatic transmission in the 08-10 was the least prone to premature failure not to say it still does not occur.
Find a convertible with a manual top, the electric/hydraulic top on the New Beetle is problematic across the model line,
Rear glass is an issue with all convertible tops with glass windows.
A proper replacement top will set you back around $2,000 and the top will have a life time warrantee on the glass.
I own several Beetles including a 2008 Beetle Convertible S I bought for my wife. Our Beetle is an automatic with a manual top it just turned 70K miles. The dealer wanted 12K for it but I took it off the lot last August for 10.5K as it needed a top due to the glass issue.
Best of luck

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txpackers

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 26, 2015

04~Käfer said:
I recommend you look at 2008 to 2010 Beetle Convertibles for your College bound daughter.
You should be able to find one with under 80,000 miles for less than $11,000
The 2.5L i5 engine in the 08-10 was bullet proof and has a timing chain so no need to worry about a timing belt.
The automatic transmission in the 08-10 was the least prone to premature failure not to say it still does not occur.
Find a convertible with a manual top, the electric/hydraulic top on the New Beetle is problematic across the model line,
Rear glass is an issue with all convertible tops with glass windows.
A proper replacement top will set you back around $2,000 and the top will have a life time warrantee on the glass.
I own several Beetles including a 2008 Beetle Convertible S I bought for my wife. Our Beetle is an automatic with a manual top it just turned 70K miles. The dealer wanted 12K for it but I took it off the lot last August for 10.5K as it needed a top due to the glass issue.
Best of luck

Thanks for the information. Did they switch to a timing chain in 2008? Or do all pre-2008 Beetles also have a timing chain?

Interestingly the 2008 model is the one that Consumer Reports states to avoid.

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04~Käfer

· #4 · Aug 26, 2015

All the 2.5l i5 engines have a timing chain, they started putting the 2.5L into the Beetle in 2006.
The 06 to mid 07 Beetle's 2.5L had a issue with the chain tensioners prematurely failing.
If you find a 06-07 Beetle that you like just check that the chain tensioners have been changed or plan on having it done.

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txpackers

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 28, 2015

04~Käfer said:
All the 2.5l i5 engines have a timing chain, they started putting the 2.5L into the Beetle in 2006.
The 06 to mid 07 Beetle's 2.5L had a issue with the chain tensioners prematurely failing.
If you find a 06-07 Beetle that you like just check that the chain tensioners have been changed or plan on having it done.

I came across a 2006 New Beetle Convertible, automatic, with 106,000 miles for $5,200. I haven't had a chance to look at it yet, but the owner says he has all the documentation on it. He said the chain tensioner has not been replaced. Overall it looks like it's in great condition in the pictures. Seems like a great price as well.

How much can I expect the chain tensioner replacement to cost? What symptoms should I look for or listen for?

Thanks.

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billymade

· #6 · Aug 28, 2015

From what I have read; the transmission has to come out, to replace the timing chain and tensioner parts. There are many threads about the cost and people's experiences have the work done; read more here: (repair rates vary; depending on whether or not it was done at a vw dealer, which is much higher than a independant shop)

https://www.google.com/webhp?source...+2.5L+timing+chain+failure+replacement+to+cst

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billymade

· #7 · Aug 28, 2015

Here is a great page; going through the steps on a (already failed) 2.5L timing chain and guides repair process:

Timing Chain Failures on 2.0L, 2.5L Import Engines

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