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2007 Volkswagen New Beetle Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: 2007 New Beetle Convertible, 2.5L 5 Cylinder. by Roccaas

Roccaas

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Introduction

A great car for the weekend or a get away, probably not the best choice for a daily driver.

Reviewed: 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle

2dr Convertible 150-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD

Why the 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle?

Why Not the 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle?

Materials & workmanship

Plastic parts abound, and are not suited for long term usage. Door handles "peel" like sunburn skin, vinyl and rubber are prone to hold dirt/sweat/spilled drinks/etc. Vinyl on door cards pulls away from underlying armrests (can be reglued). Rear window detaches from convertible top (duck tape galore), so you must replace the whole top. Concerns about electronics (top mechanism and controls especially) and engine electrics. Rattles alot, (especially at the doors) for a car designed as a convertible from the ground up.

Fuel economy

NOT an economy car. Fun to drive, but not for the tight pocketbook.

Ride smoothness

NOT! Choppy and thumpy, especially on highway expansion joints. Buy good tires, it will ameliorate some of the drumming.

Conclusion

Fun, cute, probably better made than it should be, but it shows its design compromises with squeeking, road noise, and acres of cheap plastic. Take care of the top (waterproof dressing and cleaning) and budget $1200 to replace the top when the back window comes unstuck. Great weekend car, getaway car.

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Response from Roccaas

9:03 pm August 17, 2015

Major problem with Driver's Side Door at 25,000 miles, and according to "newbeetle.org" this isn't uncommon, only expensive.


The door check that keeps the door from flying open too far broke two welds within the driver's side door. This then destroyed the door check device as it tried to "ratchet" out and keep the door open.



$450 to the Slealership for a new door check ($50 part, $350 to remove kick plate and shift a major wiring harness), THEN told that they couldn't weld the check to the inside of the door.

Body shop rewelded both sides of the door check to the door (again, mostly labor in removing the door liner, etc. $350.


What a waste.


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