The perfect DINKy car

The Volkswagen New Beetle is one of the most enigmatic cars on the road today. It has recieved accolades and awards before it even entered production, and has recieved high ratings such as safest car in it's class (subcompact). It's bulbous profile and facelike, grinning front end attract attention wherever it goes, and it can go almost anywhere.

We leased this car at the end of 1999 -- actually, my girlfriend leases it, but I'm usually the one driving (even to the shop!). The word DINKy in the title of course means Double Income No Kids, which is essentially our situation, and the Beetle fits the bill for anyone in this role perfectly. Since her lease began, she's experienced all the highs and lows of being a Volkswagen owner. I've already owned two VW's, so I was prepared for anything to happen and this experience helps me look past faults others might find more serious. Thus, I get the mix of my VW-phile attitude with her "It's my baby" take.

The GLS
The GLS trim model that we have is the base model with a few small additions. It has the base 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine, but additions come in the form of fog lights, heated sideview mirrors, and six-disc CD changer in addition to AM/FM/cassette. The GLS is also available with the fuel-sipping turbo-diesel engine, and the higher-end GLX has the option of a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine and active rear spoiler for more performance. We get around 24 mpg in the city, and closer to 30 if there's lots of highway driving. The TDI diesel engine will return around 50mpg with a 5-speed manual transmission (45 or with the automatic), and the 1.8 turbo will return 20-26 mpg in mixed conditions.

Drivetrain
The engine's peformance, even the baseline 4-cylinder, is quite peppy and responsive. Unfortunately, the 4-speed automatic we opted for bogs the engine down a bit. Among enthusiasts, the base engine is called the "two-point-slow", and this seems like an apt description when paired with the auto. I'm a bit wary of the VW automatic transmissions, and would not recommend them, but it is quite a smart unit. It is actually an 'adaptive' transmission, which means that the computer brain 'learns' how you drive and performs accordingly. If you are easy on the gas, it learns to upshift earlier, or if you're a speed demon it tends to wait a bit before choosing the next gear and downshifts more readily to give you that extra kick. We're especially impressed with the transmission's ability to get used to both of us driving the car, as we have different habits; at first, when we switch seats, it's a bit choppy and hesitant, but after a few minutes it settles into the routine.

Regardless of how smart the automatic is, our next New Beetle will most definately be a 5-speed manual, and I would recommend that to anyone over the optional $300 automatic. With the 5-speed, even the base engine zips this car along merrily, and as Volkswagens are 'driver's cars', the experience is much more enjoyable with the smooth manual transmission.

Driving Experience
Roadholding performance is excellent! The New Beetle is surprisingly low to the ground, and has a stiffer suspension than most passenger cars, along with extremely wide tires front and back. This translates to excellent feel for the road and wonderfully precise handling. The suspension features progressive rate springs - these are springs that are initially somewhat soft, but as they are compressed become increasingly stiffer. This means that average bumps are soaked up pretty well, but when really pressed into a turn the car settles in with a firm grip. Older drivers may get slightly uncomfortable because still, the ride is slightly harsher than the softer suspension found in larger cars, but the seats are very ergonomic and there is a folding armrest between the driver's seats for more comfort.

Comfort & Convenience
Speaking of seats, this is strictly a 2+2 seater. The back seats are for children only, or adults on a very short trip. That's why it's a perfect DINK car, as it's plenty roomy for a driver and one passenger, but if you have growing children the bug would only be useful as a second car. The front seats are extremely roomy, and headroom is spacious so that even extremely tall drivers can be comfortable. I'm 6'0" and could probably go to a costume party as a conehead with extra room to spare. The seats are also adjustable 6 ways (though not powered), with the height adjustment being a nice ratcheting design but the seat back adjustment the same old crank from an '81 Rabbit. My girlfriend hates this, but I'm used to it and like the very precice adjustments it allows.

Being used to craning over my shoulder and looking out the side windows of 4-door VW's, I originally thought visibility was compromised in this car. However, side and rear visibility are excellent due to the fact that the car itself extends very little beyond what you can actually see out of it. This is a hard concept to explain until you experience it, and it really took me a while to realize. Also, large side and rear view mirrors enhance passing and lane changing safety, and newer models have even larger side-views. The only complaint that remains are the thick A-pillars, which create a large blind spot at almost exactly 45 degrees to the left of the driver; where traffic is most likely to be at an intersection. You get used to quickly looking around it, but it is in the way. The newer models have fixed this to an extent with thinner pillars, so if the 2000 model doesn't suit you, perhaps try a 2001.

The dash display and climate/radio controls are excellent. Of course, as you've probably already heard, the gauges are lit with a cool, soothing sapphire color, as is the overhead temperature sensor/clock. The climate controls are large, easy to reach, and easy to operate without taking your eyes off the road. Radio controls are easy to use too, and the stock unit controls the trunk-mounted CD changer. The only complaint is that the speedometer dominates the dash, with the tachometer being a tiny little dial the same size as the fuel gauge. Luckily we have an automatic, as I don't know how much I'd like shifting with that little bitty tach.

Reliability
In the year we've had the car, the typical VW 'little things' have popped up. We accidentally broke one of the heater vents; fixed free under warranty. A peice of the interior plastic trim has come unclipped; free under the 2 year/24,000 mile warranty. A couple chips in the paint due to harsh NE winters; free under warranty. There was also an electricity spike that shorted some wires and made the car think the ABS had gone out, when it hadn't; free under warranty! There have been a few other problems outside of warranty; we had a radio button get stuck, which was a $200 bill to replace the entire thing (though our dealer managed to sink some of the cost for us), and our oxygen sensor has been replaced twice, once under warranty, once at cost to us. However, a recall was sent regarding that problem, and Volkswagen of America actually reimbursed our costs.

At the same time, the New Beetle has lots of nifty features and some annoying ones. The glovebox is very small, but on the other hand storage in the doors is generous and with the rear seats folded flat (flip & fold seats allow this in seconds), there is a surprising amount of trunk room. The cloth seats are comfortable and look great, but the cream interior really shows up dirt and stains quickly. Again, there's a flipside; the front floormats actually clip to the floor so they don't side around, keeping the carpeting fairly clean. Everyone will fins some little point to complain about, but for every complaint there will be a dozen praises. My favorite is the front passenger grab bar attached to the dash, hearkening back to the old days and providing just a hint of 'Herbie the Love Bug'.

Wheeling & Dealing
Perhaps the hardest part of VW ownership is dealing with the dealers. Since VW nearly went bakrupt in the early '90s and their business has only recently boomed, many dealers, and especially their service areas, are not up to par with the current demand. Finding a good dealer can make or break the ownership experience, so I suggest shopping around. In our area (upstate New York) we considered both Cooley Motors and Nemer VW. Cooley, who also sells and services Mazdas, has had a poor reputation, and we went with Nemer with no regrets. They've been great, and even expanded their showroom and service area recently to cope with more business. It's also important to note that dealing directly with VWoA is worthwhile, though sometimes a hassle, if the dealer gives a runaround.

Even our terrible winters can't slow this car down. It's excellent in the snow, and fun in the sun. Overall, it's the perfect car for someone looking for an enjoyable commute. The fact that this car has a five star crash rating only helps, providing peace of mind and lower insurance rates. However, our next NB is going to have a few changes: a 5-speed manual and maybe even the Turbo engine. Happy trails!

***UPDATE***

Well, the 39 month lease ended in February, and she loved the car so much she went ahead and financed it to purchase. With the economy as slow as it is she was able to get a great rate, and is paying only slightly over her lease payments - about $265 a month now. We're up to 45,000 miles with no major problems,a nd in fact no smaller problems since the last update of this review either!

We are very confident in the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty on the drivetrain. It's important to note two things, however: A second owner of a vehicle with this warranty is entitled to a 5/50,000 drivetrain warranty, and new VW's have a different policy altogether; 4 years/40,000 miles bumper to bumper, and 6/60,000 drivetrain.

We couldn't have made a better choice than to drive this bug into the sunset! Happy V-dubbin'!