You're talking to a VW lover so keep that in mind...it seems (from visiting the vwvortex) that for many, it is a love/hate relationship. They can be a pain, but for the money, you can't beat the driving experience. My passat takes premium unleaded. You need to cool down the turbo for a couple minutes before shutting down. It takes 100% synthetic oil. I've had 10,000 miles w/ no problems, but I don't expect that to be the case for the long haul. It's a very safe car (as is the beetle for it's class) fairly heavy (esp with the 4motion) but I get 27mpg in mixed driving. And it is just a joy to drive for a family car. The convertible has a 1.8t option (same engine as my passat, but weighs 500lbs less)..I bet it kicks butts, but requires move care on the owners part. It appears that you are used to very reliable cars, so you might be disappointed. The best advice I can give you if you decide to take the plunge...maintain it faithfully and research the dealer you use for service. They can make all the difference in the world.

Here's a link to a review from Autoweek regarding the TDI, dated 3/7/05...

TJ

Here is a link that might be useful: Autoweek.com / 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS TDI

Here's a link to information/changes regarding the 2006 New Beetle due in September.

FWIW. I'm single and have three cars (Lexus, BMW). They were all purchased new within the last few years. You only live once.. :-)

TJ

Here is a link that might be useful: Autoweek.com / ReNEWed Beetle: 2006 model to feature bigger engine, slightly bolder styling

If you can wait until next year, VW will put the Concept C hardtop/convertible vehicle into production in 2006.

However, it will cost more than the New Beetle...

TJ

Here is a link that might be useful: Autoweek.com / Concept to C Production: Volkswagen to add 2+2 convertible in 2006

**But I'm young, and I'm tired of practical. If I don't go impractical now, before family responsibilites come along, I'd have to wait until my midlife crisis. I want a cute Bug, poor reliability be damned.**

I'm not a VW fan at all. To me they're junk. That opinion is NOT based on anything they've built in the last 20 years though. They might be great now for all I know.

There is some wisedom in what you say there. If you want it that bad, can afford it, and it doesn't negatively impact other familly members, I'd say go for it. I would suggest driving a couple to make sure it has enough power and will do the minimum you need a vehicle to do for you. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start looking! Let us know if you bring something home.

The quality of VWs has plumetted since they started building them in Meh-hee-ko!Only the Passat and van are still built in Germany.I don't even think the bug convertible is available with a manual tranny.I'd go for a mini Cooper S convertible with the 6 speed transmission.Then you'd have cute with some get up and go,go kart handling-tons more fun to drive than a bug and a better built car than one slapped together south of the border! Just my two cents of course.

I don't know much regards the Beetle but agree with an earlier post the Passat is an awesome car and one of the most fun mid-size cars to drive on the market.

The quality of VWs has plumetted since they started building them in Meh-hee-ko!Only the Passat and van are still built in Germany.

The Jetta Wagon is built in Germany, as well. However, that model probably will be discontinued soon; I haven't heard recent word on when a "Jetta V" Wagon will be available. For what it's worth, the Golfs and GTIs sold in the the U.S. are manufactured in Brazil, and the Touareg is assembled in the Czech Republic.

So VW's quality has absolutely nothing to do with where they're made. If location mattered so much, why is it American-built Toyota Camrys work so much better than American-built Dodge Neons? Why did Mexican-built Mercury Tracers (rebadged Mazda 323s) run so much better than American-built Ford Escorts?

The real issue with VW lately, IMHO, is that they took their eye off the ball. They chose to move upmarket and produced the Phaeton and Touareg while pretty much ignoring the Golf and Jetta market. I think they've learned some hard lessons about using carppy components and keeping them in the supply chain long after it is obvious that they are costing them in warranty claims and customer goodwill. I would hope those days are gone. Daimler has felt the sting of bad workmanship and, since VW wants to be MB Jr., let's hope they do, too.

That said, I've driven VWs (assembled all over) for 20 years. Every model has been a quality improvement over the previous one. They are very tough cars, able to protect occupants in crashes which you wouldn't think they could survive. My experience is that, while VWs may require more attention during their lives, they age more gracefully than much of the competition. Who else offers a 12-year corrosion warranty? But in exchange for a car that is tough and fun to drive, you will have to do a little more than keep it in gas, oil, and washer fluid.

Drive the convertible. I doubt you'll find a TDI, but you should be able to find a stick-shift. If you like it, buy it! And remember that you can fit a lot into a convertible if you take the top down! :-)

"Why did Mexican-built Mercury Tracers (rebadged Mazda 323s) run so much better than American-built Ford Escorts?"

I assume you're talking about pre-1991 Tracers and Escorts, as after 1991 the Tracer and Escort became the same vehicle which in my experience with 4 of them has been quite reliable.

Yup. Those are the ones. My ex had an '88, which was pretty much indestructible -- and she's tough on cars.

Last summer I dumped my new Beetle to get a Honda Accord!! I will never own a VW again!! That car was in the shop every month for something. It drives horrible, it bottoms out easily, doesn't cut turns well, has major blind spots...interior quality is poor---peeling finishes and flimsy switches which break. Electrical problems. And you end up paying more to have it fixed because of its odd shape---special tools required and parts are more expensive because are unique to car. Can only take to dealer because no one else has the tools.
Don't ditch the Accord. I am so tickled with mine; cheap to maintain and nothing goes wrong with it. Drives like a dream. VWs suck.

You are young once so by all means splurge as you are not looking for practicality. I own a 2005 Accord (v4) and I love it. It has sufficient power. I climbed a 14,100' mountain with it this weekend.

Thanks for your responses. I think practicality is going to win over adventure this time. I could put a would-be car payment towards improving my quality of housing. (Check out the house buying thread for my latest whimsy of impracticality.)

Maybe we would if you had mentioned or linked the Forum name where that thread is located...

TJ

Other forums on top left of cars forum homepage,then buying and selling homes in left hand column.Can't believe what people are paying for condos these days! You're basically buying an apartment and paying a premium for conforming to a home owners association rules-not for me!

I just ordered a new 2006 VW Beetle Convertible! It's aqarius blue with black top, with the new updated styling, has everything, including a 2.5 liter, 5cyl engine, 17" alloy wheels, leather, etc. Should be here in a few days...the first one of its kind. Can hardly wait to drive it, and will post results ASAP!