I have spent a good amount of time in recent year VWs, and like them very much. The idea of a convertible Beetle can't help but make most people smile, but this 2003 (and most 2003s, from my experience now) has brought just about as many frowns as smiles to our house.

First Impressions
Great looks, both interior and exterior. Tons of headroom in the front, and more than you would imagine in the back seat. Just fine for four adults as long as they can climb in the back without too much trouble.

Great visibility for a convertible, due to the gigantic side windows. Absolutely amazing all around view with the windows down. You will not be able to stop grinning while you drive the thing!

Unfortunately, our first impression also had a snag: literally. This 2003 was bought used in 2006 with only 12,000 miles on it, but on the first day we had problems with the convertible top catching on one of the plastic covers. Thank goodness for warranties - the repair was nearly $1,000, even though it didn't involve anything but a small plastic lifter. This was unfortunately only the beginning of the trouble this little 2003 Beetle would have...

Day to Day Driving
The 2.0 liter base engine is refined and has enough power to get you in and out of traffic - but that is it! There's not any "extra" power or wheel spinning, but it is definitely sufficient. Actually, it drives better than you would expect from a 105 horsepower engine with such a heavy car, mainly because the torque is good at low RPM so you don't have to "wait" on the power to kick in. If you live in a hilly area, this engine will be great.

The body and suspension is very solid for a convertible. There is no creaking or rattling, and everything feels safe and secure. While it would be hard to flip this car, there are two pop-up safety rollover bars in the rear headrests should this occur.

Brakes match the engine - they're good enough, but far from amazing. Overall, the 2003 New Beetle Convertible drives like a mix between the solid, torquey feel you'd expect from a VW and the floaty suspension and weak breaks you'd expect from a Buick.

The trunk is very small, and if you actually use the roof cover as VW recommends, this cover takes up about 1/3 of the trunk. Somehow they managed to fit in a full size spare - I think they must build the entire car around the spare at the factory! The included jack is very flimsy and actually bent and failed while we changed a tire -- DO NOT under any circumstances use the included jack if you will be getting underneath the car. The small trunk is really the only thing that seems like a disadvantage of having a convertible -- you might be able to fit 5 grocery bags back there, but that would be FULL. We often have to put our groceries in the rear seat as well. Luggage would be a big problem if more than three people were going on a trip.

The little extras in the car are nice -- the very adjustable seats, and the armrest and steering wheel that can be moved and adjusted in every direction possible. The one touch up/down windows are something that you will miss when you drive other cars.

The convertible factor
If you're going to buy a Beetle, get the convertible. The only disadvantage I can think of is the trunk, and the possibility that you will be "iced out" of your car occasionally in the winter if you don't have a garage. Let me explain...

The windows on each door do something called indexing every time you open and close them. This means when you grab the handle to open the door, the power window drops about 1/2" so it can clear the cloth top. When you close the door, the window rolls back up quickly for a good seal. Now, add a really thick layer of frost or any ice, and you have a problem... you can't get in the car to warm it up, so you have to scrape all around the window on the driver's door, careful not to damage the cloth top.

This became a problem on our vehicle -- not only did we get iced out in the winter, but the window motors began to get slower and slower in the cold weather. Occasionally you'd go to open the door, only to find the window wouldn't roll down the required 1/2" to clear the top. This is not good for many reasons - so after it started to get bad, the vehicle was taken to the VW dealer. Apparently this is VERY common on 2003 and 2004 model year Beetle convertibles, and VW has updated window motor parts available to fix it. Unfortunately, the dealer put on the wrong window motors and we had to take it in about 6 times before the updated parts were correctly installed. If you're shopping for a beetle and decide you want to take the huge risk of getting a 2003 or 2004 (I'll go more into this in a moment), then be sure that the updated window motors are installed first. You can tell if the new windows are installed because the new windows "index" down the 1/2" when you unlock the doors with the remote control. If the windows don't index down until you actually pull the door handle, then you are looking at a car with the older style window motors that are sure to give you problems.

Unfortunately, without a garage, you'll still have to chip away at snow and ice even with the new window motors before you can get in the car. Between this and the small trunk, I think these are the only two disadvantages of having a convertible model of the Beetle.

NOW - here's why you should get one: it is an absolute blast to drive with the top down. I've been in plenty of convertibles from all different manufacturers, but none are quite like the experience of driving around in the Beetle convertible.

First, you have the obvious fun factor. It's a beetle after all! Then, you have the HUGE amount of visibility. Unlike a lot of other convertibles, the windshield does not block your overhead view at all. There's also very little rear visibility blocked by the roof itself when it is folded down. It is just more fun than I would have imagined a convertible would ever be. I drop the top almost every time I drive if weather permits.

The tall windshield and shape of the car does a great job of keeping air from messing up your hair, and windnoise is actually not bad even at highway speeds. The main noise you hear is other cars' engines and tires.

The "VW" factor
VWs are not known for being the most reliable vehicle out there, but for years people have bought them because no other car seems to drive like a VW... but as I mentioned before, this Beetle Convertible feels a little bit like a watered down VW due to the leisurely 2.0 engine and weak brakes. So, is it still worth putting up with the reliability issues? If you're considering a 2003 model, I would say no.

Remember the car was bought 3 years old with 12,000 miles on the clock. So far, all the window motors have been replaced, as described. The starter has given out and been replaced. The engine fails to start every 10th time you try, but the dealer can't figure it out. The engine has some oil leaks and these have required new seals - again, less than 25,000 miles by now! Thank goodness for warranties! This bug has also had repeated problems with the airbag wiring and sensors - about 4 things have been replaced now, and I dread that airbag light coming on again. We have also had a few issues with the roof components, including the power flap that I described. Overall, from my research and from talking to other owners, I have found that these issues affect the 2003 and 2004 models much more than the 2005+ models.

It has broken down enough that I no longer would consider this a reliable vehicle -- and we haven't even hit 30,000 miles. We like the overall comfort, features, and most of all convertible factor of the car that a 2005+ may be in our future.

Conclusion
There is a lot to love about the 2003 New Beetle Convertible, but if you have all the problems we have, you'll find plenty to hate as well. The advice that says not to buy 1st year models of cars definitely applies to the 2003 New Beetle (first year it was made) and from what I have read, also applies to the 2004 model year.

If you do buy a 2003, keep in mind that you may have these problems. Not many extended warranties will cover issues with the power convertible roof, so keep in mind that repairs may come out of your pocket. Also, the only person I would trust with the convertible aspect of the vehicle would be a good VW dealership due to the complexity and cost.

If you're considering a Beetle, opt for the newer 2005 model, or even better go for one with the much improved 2.5 liter engine.


Amount Paid (US$): 17500
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2003