The VW Beetle was particularly popular with first-time buyers as a convertible. How does it fare as a used car at TÜV? It's not cheap at all.
When people talk about the VW Beetle - always called the Beetle in the USA - the eyes of many car fans light up. VW wanted to build on the enthusiasm for the popular figure with the New Beetle (1997 to 2010), a mediocre flop, also because of quality problems. The second generation offered between 2011 and 2018 made many things better. The question remains what the TÜV inspectors think of the crawling animal that rolled off the assembly line in Mexico.
body and interior
Coupe or convertible? In Germany, this question did not actually arise. Three quarters of all customers ordered the convertible, which will be available from 2013. That was also on offer until the end, VW put the coupe on the sidelines in 2016 in this country.
Both body variants look much more mature compared to the first Beetle. Reminiscences of the original Beetle can also be found here, but they seem less playful than before. The space available in the always two-door and 4.28 meter long vehicle is fine, but the Beetle is not a space saver. The trunk volume of the coupe is 310 to 905 liters, owners of the convertible have to make do with 225 liters with the roof closed. If the all-electric fabric roof is pulled back, the luggage part shrinks to a better briefcase size at 145 liters.
The fact that the Golf VI is a technical gene donor is not obvious from the outside of the Beetle at first glance, but if you look at the interior, you can see the relationship in the instruments, switches, seats and infotainment systems. Important for those interested in used cars: The processing quality was different than on the predecessor, but compared to the Golf VI the materials used were of lesser quality. A subtle facelift in 2016 changed little on the outside: a bit of bumper and rear light cosmetics - that's it.
engines and propulsion
The Beetle was also based on its gene donor when it came to the range of engines. There was a choice of turbocharged four-cylinder units, including petrol and compression-ignition engines. Those looking for a petrol engine have the choice between the 1.2-liter entry-level Otto with 77 kW/105 PS (available until the end of 2014) and the 2.0 TSI known from the Golf GTI with 147 kW/200 PS, later with 155 kW/ 210 hp and from 2014 even with 162 kW/220 hp. In between was a 1.4 liter with 118 kW/160 hp (since 2014: 110 kW/150 hp). Power was transmitted to the front wheels ex works via a manual six-speed gearbox, alternatively a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) was available for the 1.2 and 1.4 and a six-speed DSG for the 2.0. The standard consumption is between 5.3 and 7.8 liters.
The 1.6-liter entry-level diesel with 77 kW/105 was also only available until the end of 2014. The two-liter diesel engine was initially available with 103 kW/140 hp. Since 2014 it has been available with 81 kW/110 hp and 110 kW/150 hp. The self-igniters known from the diesel scandal consume an average of between 4.1 and 5.6 liters.
With the exception of the 105 hp diesel, a manual six-speed gearbox always ensures power transmission. A five-speed gearbox is used in the small diesel engine. Alternatively, VW offers DSG with six or seven gears, as with the petrol engines.
equipment and security
Initially, customers had the choice between the three equipment lines "Beetle", "Design" and "Sport", with the facelift came the comfort levels "Dune" and "Denim". Anyone interested in used cars must take a close look. Basically, almost everything that VW had in terms of equipment details was available for the Beetle. However, the equipment lines left a lot of room for improvement. Air conditioning in the basic variant "Beetle"? Not at all. But could be booked. The same applies to the higher lines. Automatic climate control, navigation, Bluetooth hands-free system or a keyless locking and parking system had to be booked as an extra, as did chic paintwork or rally stripes.
The Beetle achieved five stars in the 2011 NCAP crash test. With the facelift, other assistance systems such as blind spot warning and parking assistants were also used. From then on there was also smartphone integration into the infotainment system using Apple and Android.
quality
VW had learned from the mistakes made with the New Beetle and improved the production processes at the Mexican VW plant. With success: The number of defect-free Beetle models in the TÜV main inspections (HU) is slightly above average compared to other vehicles in this age group. In older vehicles, however, you should inspect the axle suspension more closely. The function of the foot brake is also subject to critical scrutiny. The lighting system is also not always error-free. Those who opt for the 1.2 TSI should keep the timing chain problem in mind. If you want a diesel, you should urgently check whether the 1.6 and 2.0 liter diesel engines (EA 189) burdened with manipulation software have been repaired in the workshop.
Conclusion: Even the starting price in 2011 was high at around 17,000 euros. For the convertible, VW also demanded an additional charge of 4,400 euros. It is therefore not surprising that used car prices are at a high level. You have to invest at least 6500 euros for an older coupé. Should it be a convertible, at least 12,000 euros will be called.
