OWNERS what are your opinions about a VW beetle convertible?

i spoke to a dealer friend who told me that if i get a VW to get a manual that they make crappy automatics. the VW beetle i want is manual, 2004, convertible and my dad is sceptical about getting me it because we have bad winters in PA. do u enjoy your convertible beetle?OWNERS what are your opinions about a VW beetle convertible?The automatic transmissions in VW's prior to the current generation are more trouble prone than average. The current generation has a re-designed automatic that so far, has been for the most part trouble free and reliable, but time will tell.



As far as the VW Beetle convertible goes, it has not been a bad car so far. Early editions had numerous issues with power top operation and fit, but these have been addressed with updates and modifications from the factory. If you get a 2004, make sure that the door windows have have the update so that they close flush with the top and don't sometimes pop up beyond the bottom of the top when its down. Your local dealership can run the vin number to check and see any recalls are open on the vehicle.



The Beetle convertible drives like any other VW in winter weather; good traction in snow, good heater and defroster and with the rear glass window the electrical grid on the glass will help it clear even in sub zero temps. The top is lined, and wind noise is low and if you lubricate the various weatherstrips that line the sides and header panel on the top, you should have no problem with wind leaks, noise or rain.



I hope that you have heated seats in this car; the leather seats are very cold in the winter and take forever to warm up to tolerable temperature.



It is better than most convertibles in the winter weather because the tolerances in manufacturing it are very tight; just make sure that it doesn't get hit: in last VW dealership I was at, it takes a lot of hours to make the adjustments to the top mechanism if the body or top get hit or out of tolerance.OWNERS what are your opinions about a VW beetle convertible?
You really should check out this free online community, it's where all us New Beetle people hang out, help each other and have fun. You'll be able to see firsthand what it's like to own one: http://newbeetle.org



Please note, I think the '04 was before the mechanism for the top was redesigned. Look closely at the way the top folds down. Is there a cute little flap on each side that hides the mechanism when the top is down? You want one without flaps - they've caused problems to our members in the past. Very fiddly things, and not the best design. I believe it was only present on the '03s and '04s.OWNERS what are your opinions about a VW beetle convertible?I jus got a new one (2008). I wasnt too sure myself either. Its the best car Ive ever had. The convertible is really cool. I live in R.I. and we too have bad winters but Im not worried. The car came with 17 inch rims. Go for it girl. have fun!!!!!!OWNERS what are your opinions about a VW beetle convertible?
I dont know about convertables

but we have lots that are driven year round here in Canada

but I do know they are well built cars.

Lots of quality, well built , and well designed.

Things like brakes are heavier than north american and asian cars

good luck 2 uOWNERS what are your opinions about a VW beetle convertible?you should be slapped just for considering buying a beetle.