VW New Beetle (Prchase recommendations)

Heh, you said honest...

likes - available with 1.8T drivetrain, shares chassis with A4 Golf

dislikes - styling, ergonomics, interior appearance

Personally, given my druthers, I'd walk right by the NB and buy a GTI

nate

Heh, you said honest...

likes - available with 1.8T drivetrain, shares chassis with A4 Golf

dislikes - styling, ergonomics, interior appearance

Personally, given my druthers, I'd walk right by the NB and buy a GTI

nate

My daughter has one (sedan, not a convertible). As far as room is concerned, the front seat is OK, but my 5 foot - 10 inch frame will not fit in the back seat without my head rubbing against the rear window. So I am forced to sit with my head looking down.

Car Talks top ten email nominations, for what it's worth. :-) This is a bit tongue-in-cheek of course. I would rank several of these other cars in front of the Jetta (esp. since I had one).

I have driven a 2K 1.8t NB for 56,000 miles since new. It is a joy to drive. The interior is comfortable. I also stand 5' 10" but have no head clearance issues while sitting in the back seat. The only issue I'd raise is that on the 2000 and earlier NB's, driving lamp replacement is somewhat difficult because it requires removal of the entire front body clip to access the diving lamps. I believe this oversight was rectified beginning with the 2001 model year.