Thinking about buying a Beetle but I'm scared!!

525 Views 8 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Dorado, Feb 13, 2002

benares

Discussion Starter · Feb 11, 2002

I want to know how hard it is to drive in this thing. I haven't taken one out on the road but I have sat in one at the dealer and... It seems so difficult to figure out where the ends of the cars are (I drive a Gulf) and so I am concerned about parking it. Any comments from ex-golf/jetta owners now buying a beetle?

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BoraVR6

· #2 · Feb 11, 2002

Re: Thinking about buying a Beetle but I'm scared!! (benares)

I'm a current Jetta owner and have driven the NB more than a few times. I'd agree that the visibility of the corners of the car isn't quite as good in comparison. Also, if you do a head check over your right shoulder before initiating a lane change, then the NB has a large blind spot caused by the C-pillar (also noticable when backing up). That said, I know NB owners who swear you get use to it.

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MADBUG

· #3 · Feb 12, 2002

Re: Thinking about buying a Beetle but I'm scared!! (BoraVR6)

I don't have any issues at all with mine.I owned a Scirocco,Corrado,and from time to time drive a 00 Jetta, and it's no big deal driving a bug.Adjust your seat and mirrors correctly and you're good to go!

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GTIMANiac

· #4 · Feb 12, 2002

Re: Thinking about buying a Beetle but I'm scared!! (BoraVR6)

never had a problem with it personally...
drove a prowler for the weekend, talk about needing curb feelers !

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theguero

· #5 · Feb 12, 2002

Re: Thinking about buying a Beetle but I'm scared!! (benares)

I have only cut off a couple of people at night that were in that "C pillar" blind spot. No big deal. It only takes a few days to get used to it.
I am 6'9". The bettle is the dream car for me. I FIT IN IT!!! No kidding... This is the first car I can truely say I fit in. Mine is the TDI too. That was a double bonus for me. I was going to spend 45k on a 4 door full size ford with a power stroke just to have diesel power. Now I don't have the huge payment and a license payment of almost a $1000 a year.

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JastorVW

· #6 · Feb 12, 2002

Re: Thinking about buying a Beetle but I'm scared!! (theguero)

I cut someone off the day after I got the car while driving home. It was caused by the C-pillar and not having my mirrors adjusted correctly. Once I had my mirrors set just right after some fiddling, I haven't had a close call since!
I'm 6'4", and fit GREAT in this car. It's the only car besides my old Nissan that I fit comfortably in. The seat is cranked all the way down, but still...I can wear a fedora while driving!
I'd throw myself on a grenade for this car.
Sean

[Modified by JastorVW, 1:22 PM 2-12-2002]

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secretwatersTTurbo

· #7 · Feb 12, 2002

Re: Thinking about buying a Beetle but I'm scared!! (benares)

All of the models are pretty similiar...just depends on body styling

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MADBUG

· #8 · Feb 13, 2002

Re: Thinking about buying a Beetle but I'm scared!! (secretwatersTTurbo)

The main thing is to adjust the side mirrors correctly.If you look out at the mirrors and you see the side of your car,it ain't right!!

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Dorado

· #9 · Feb 13, 2002

Re: Thinking about buying a Beetle but I'm scared!! (MADBUG)

Actually, great visibility is one of the things we like about the NB. You have a big windshield that's far away from you and the side windows are huge. Towards the back I have no problems with the 2002 side mirrors (I think they were improved for 2001). Backing up to park is the only part you need to get used to, but the car is so compact that there's lots of room for error.
On the NB, if you can't see the corners of the car, it's because they aren't any!!!

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