I have the new convertible in "aquarius blue" (very pale flower-child blue) People actually smile and wave at me at stop lights---probably because it reminds so many of the fun cars in the '60's. That's why I bought it!! So while it gets attention and is a fast car that handles well, these are about the only pros.

The windows have already been recalled (though my dealer couldn't fix them). They rattle when you open the doors and when you are on a bumpy road. The car does NOT come with a CD player and there is no place in the dash to install one. The CD must be added in for over $800 in the armrest cabinet. In a car with little to no storage as it is, taking up valuable space just to bring the 2003 model into, well, 2003 is odd. While I have "Tiptronic" transmission (meaning I can drive the car as a manual or automatic anytime, at any speed without stalling), I don't have a CD player. Is the car retro or not??

The dash is incredibly far reaching and this is not a good thing! I have a Swifter duster with an extended handle that I use to clean off the dash ('cause I would never be able to reach otherwise!). I will say the headroom is great, however. The visors cannot accommodate because of the shape (big dash; dome roof). You will be blasted with sun in the AM and PM with no relief. The visors just simply won't reach to cover your face.

Other small issues like the blinkers flipping out (too fast most of the time) and the gas tank not taking gas (no reason that I can see; you just have to keep trying) make my experience a little off. I will keep the car for awhile, but I wouldn't buy one again.



Amount Paid (US$): 25000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003
Model and Options: Convertible GLS Beetle