Here Are The VW Beetle Years To Avoid
We've rounded up nine VW Beetle years to avoid based on commonly-reported issues. See which ones (and which years are safe to buy used) so you can make a smart preowned decision.
The VW Beetle is a classic vehicle. It’s a two-door car with room for five passengers inside. It has been around for close to seventy-five years and continues to draw admirers today, despite being discontinued two years ago. There are some excellent years for the car and some VW Beetle years to avoid.
If you are interested in finding a VW Beetle for yourself, it’s critical to understand the VW Beetle years to avoid. Some of them are better equipped for hitting the road than others. With CoPilot’s help, you can find the ideal selections for your budget and determine the VW Beetle years to avoid. We will help you find the best choice in no time.
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Quick Answer - Avoid VW Beetle Year Models 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, and 2013
There are tons of years of the VW Beetle, which provides plenty of opportunities to pick out the worst ones for drivers. Some are more ideal than others. We recommend staying away from the 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, and 2013 models. These require expensive fixes that can cause trouble as you drive.
The biggest trouble spot for the VW Beetle is the transmission and the engine. Unfortunately, these items are the prices to handle in a car and may warrant an intense replacement. Understand which VW Beetle years to have an ideal experience as an owner. The less you can spend on fixes and replacements, the better off you will be.
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Which Models of the VW Beetle Are Safe to Buy Used?
If you want the most ideal VW Beetle years to take on the road, we can help you out. These selections emerge leaps and bounds ahead of the unideal years and will keep more cash in your pocket. Look for one of these if you are interested in a VW Beetle as your next mode of transportation.
According to carcomplaints.com, here are the best years for the VW Beetle:
- 1962 VW Beetle
- 1969 VW Beetle
- 1972 VW Beetle
- 1998 VW Beetle
- 1999 VW Beetle
- 2002 VW Beetle
- 2005 VW Beetle
- 2008 VW Beetle
- 2010 VW Beetle
- 2011 VW Beetle
- 2014 VW Beetle
- 2015 VW Beetle
- 2016 VW Beetle
- 2017 VW Beetle
- 2018 VW Beetle
- 2019 VW Beetle
- 2020 VW Beetle
These are the ideal selections for the VW Beetle on the market today. The newest models have done better than the older ones, so you’re best getting a newer used VW Beetle, despite how cool the older options may seem. Newer is safer.
Of course, there are still some issues that come with the best VW Beetle years. The 2014 VW Beetle had severe paint and body troubles. The 2008 VW Beetle had issues with the lights. They each have an issue that stands out, but none come close to the troubles in the VW Beetle years to avoid.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
The more dependable your vehicle, the less likely you will spend money on extensive repairs. However, it might be tricky to land a reliable selection. Read on to learn more about the most reliable year Volkswagen Beetle offers for those desiring their vehicle.
Which Models of the VW Beetle Are Not Safe to Buy Used?
There are many quality models of the VW Beetle, but there are also VW Beetle years to avoid. It’s critical to know which VW Beetle models to avoid for the best driving experience.
According to carcomplaints.com, here are the VW Beetle years to avoid:
- 2000 VW Beetle
- 2001 VW Beetle
- 2003 VW Beetle
- 2004 VW Beetle
- 2006 VW Beetle
- 2007 VW Beetle
- 2009 VW Beetle
- 2012 VW Beetle
- 2013 VW Beetle
The worst fault in the VW Beetle is with the transmission. This error appeared in the 2004 and 2003 models the most. Unfortunately, this issue warrants a costly repair.
The 2004 VW Beetle was the worst choice for this car. The biggest issue was window and windshield troubles, though it also experienced transmission failure. The 2004 VW Beetle is the most expensive for owners.
Many smaller faults came with these years that can build in expense over time. It’s critical to stay away from these years if possible.
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Common VW Beetle Problems
According to repairpal.com, the VW Beetle has a reliability rating of ⅘. This number puts it above similar competitors. Of course, there are still some troubles to consider that appear in most VW Beetle models.
Here are a few of the prominent troubles with a VW Beetle:
- Engine failure - The engine may fail without warning, warranting pricey repairs.
- Faulty power windows - The windows may not roll up and down effectively.
- Faulty power locks - The locks may not work.
Problem Counts By Year
One of the ideal locations to look for consensus on a car is by looking at complaints from people who have driven them. We have some data for the VW Beetle by year.
According to carcomplaints.com, here are some complaints about the VW Beetle by year:
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How Do You Find a Quality VW Beetle Near You?
It can be intimidating to search for a VW Beetle by yourself. We have the solution for you - the CoPilot car shopping app. The technology searches for dealerships operating in your area, looking for one that will suit your needs. You can look for the ideal vehicle right from the screen of your device.
You’re not missing out on anything with this app - CoPilot takes advantage of the same technology as dealerships. It makes the shopping process much simpler for those who are easily overwhelmed.
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Those interested in newer models can look into CoPilot Compare, the search engine for nearly new cars. If you take advantage of this program, you’ll only see models five years old or newer. They also have low mileage, most with CPO availability. CoPilot Compare will break down the price comparison if your purchase used versus if you invest in a new car.
There’s no need to worry about sponsored ads here - we don’t work with dealerships to get our information. Learn more about how CoPilot works on our About Us page. We can’t wait to help you find the VW Beetle of your dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions: VW Beetle Years to Avoid
Q: Which Volkswagen Beetle model years should I steer clear of?
A: It’s best to avoid the 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, and 2013 model years of the VW Beetle. These years have been reported with more significant issues that can lead to costly repairs.
Q: Which VW Beetle model year is considered the worst?
A: The 2004 VW Beetle is considered the worst choice for this car. It experienced the most problems, primarily with the windows, windshield, and transmission, making it the most expensive year for owners in terms of repairs.
Q: Are there any reliable VW Beetle model years?
A: Yes, some of the best years for the VW Beetle include 1962, 1969, 1972, 1998-1999, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2010-2011, and 2014-2020. These model years generally have fewer reported issues and complaints.
Q: What is the most problematic area in the VW Beetle?
A: The transmission is the most significant trouble spot for the VW Beetle, particularly in the 2003 and 2004 models. This issue can be costly to repair or replace.
Are Volkswagen Beetles typically reliable?
The VW Beetle isn’t always the most reliable ride out there—it probably needs more trips to the shop than some other small cars. However, specific model years seem sturdier than others.
How much does a used Volkswagen Beetle typically cost?
Pricing for a used Volkswagen Beetle can get complicated. A pristine example from the 1960s can be worth ten of thousands of dollars because it’s a classic car. Fast forward to a modern Beetle from 2008, and you can expect to pay $8,496, reports CoPilot Price Pulse. This amount includes a 34% market premium due to short supplies and high demand for used vehicles. 2019 marks the last year of the VW Beetle. These versions command a 54% market premium, with the average price being $29,178.
Is the Volkswagen Beetle a good car to purchase?
Although reliability varies across model years, the VW Beetle can be an excellent buy if you find one of the more dependable versions. You’ll also need to keep up with maintenance and understand that the Beetle may require more visits to the repair shop than some other small cars. Check out the most reliable years of the Volkswagen Beetle to get started.
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