We bought an orange convertible New Beetle for cash in 2003. It has low mileage because it is used as a second car for errands and going to the beach. (76,000 in 2015). The check engine light has been going on every month since a year after we bought the car.

At 39,000, 3,000 miles after the warranty expired, we started having problems with the car every few months: rear light going out all the time; windows going up when we weren't touching them; left door hinge cracked, door not closing; convertible top break several times; window systems breaking down several times. We've put thousands of dollars into this car. The check engine light is on again and the windows and convertible top will not work. We are looking at $3,000 of new mechanical work (confirmed on three quotes) and the car is not worth more than $5,000.

It has been the worst car we have ever owned and we'll never buy a VW again. I took the car to Burlington County VW Dealer several years ago after a serious problem and they would not do anything about it. We will never buy from then again either.