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1998 Volkswagen New Beetle

Used 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle

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3.7
rating
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1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Exterior: 0
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Lifestyle: 1
Lifestyle (5)
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Lifestyle: 2
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle All Media: 1

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2010
1998
Fuel Economy
21 - 38 combined mpg
Horsepower
90 - 115 hp
Engine
2 engines available
Engine Options
  • 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
  • 4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel
Cargo Volume
12 cu ft
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1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Overview

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Pricing

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle pricing starts at $2,236 for the New Beetle Hatchback 2D, which had a starting MSRP of $15,700 when new. The range-topping 1998 New Beetle TDI Hatchback 2D starts at $3,096 today, originally priced from $16,975.

Original MSRP
KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.)
Hatchback 2D
$15,700
$2,236
$16,975
$3,096

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.

New Beetle Consumer Sentiment

Owners give this generation Volkswagen New Beetle (1998-2010) a 3.7 out of 5 rating, which is higher than most, and 68% recommend it. These figures are based on 1179 consumer reviews, like these:

What Owners are Saying About the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle

"Not worth the money"

"Not only is the car more expensive to fix than a BMW, I had one problem after the other. I put new breaks (front AND back), a waterpump, ball joints, and more into it in less than six months. I put about $1,000 into the car, and I still have problems. VW's are known for electrical problems and it has proven to be true in my case. It does get pretty good mileage, about 32-34 MPG but it is not worth all the trouble and money when I only owned the car for two years."

"2000 new beetle review"

"I have owned a 2000 new beetle since I bought it new. It has been a wonderful vehicle with little to no problems. I needed new glow plugs once and a new turbo at 19 years old. ( this is a TDI) I don't think that is a bad review. Plus I get 35 miles city and 54 miles mpg hwy if I stay at 65 miles per hour. Otherwise 48 mpg."

"THE WORST CAR EVER BUILT"

"Bought the car brand new. Now with 40,000 in 6.5 years. VW was great with their handicapped driver program. The car got great safety ratings. So, it was a no brainer. Well, that was the END of the satisfaction. Poor gas mileage, that has never improved.(15city/19hwy) Many electrical problems, WAY TOO MANY RECALLS!!!(15 so far) Some for the same issue. Poor engineering, quality, & reliability. Dealerships are not equipped to take care of the problems.(I have tryed 4 in my area.) Every plastic piece on the car that could possably fall off, HAS. AND, what is up with the "Stewart Little" sunvisors??? I think they should have kept this car on the drawing board. This is definatly NOT a Volkswagen like I remeber. DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE CARS!!! NEW OR USED."

Overall 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Quality

User sentiment suggests the overall quality of the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle is above average for its class. Owners rated the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle quality a 3.7 out of 5.

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Reliability

The 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle receives an average consumer rating of 3.7 overall and a 3.8 for reliability, which means owners consider its reliability to be above average.

Favorite 1998 New Beetle Features

According to drivers of the 1998 New Beetle, here are some of its best features:

  • Fun to drive and cheep on gass
  • Great gas mileage great for a single person
  • Blush edition 1 of 1500 made in 2009
  • Has a lot of personality!
  • I bought it used @ 4 yrs. old love driving it

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle MPG by Trim

1998 New Beetle Hatchback 2D - city 19 MPG - hwy 24 MPG

1998 New Beetle TDI Hatchback 2D - city 34 MPG - hwy 43 MPG

1998 New Beetle Safety

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Safety Features

  • Child Door Locks: Not available
  • Child Seat Anchors
  • Driver Airbag
  • Passenger Airbag
  • Rear Side Airbag
  • Front Side Airbag
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1998 Volkswagen New Beetle
KBB.com Consumer Reviews

3.7
Consumer Rating
Based on 1,179 Consumer Reviews
Write a Review
68%Recommend this vehicle
5
40%
5
40%
4
24%
4
24%
3
11%
3
11%
2
14%
2
14%
1
11%
1
11%
Value
3.8
Performance
4.1
Quality
3.7
Comfort
4.0
Reliability
3.8
Styling
4.2

Trending Topics in KBB.com Consumer Reviews

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1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Styles

Style
Price
Combined Fuel Economy
Horsepower
Engine
Cargo Capacity
Torque
Curb Weight
Hatchback 2D
$2,236
21 MPG
115 @ 5200 RPM
4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
12 cu ft
122 lb-ft
2712 lbs
TDI Hatchback 2D
$3,096
38 MPG
90 @ 4000 RPM
4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel
12 cu ft
149 lb-ft
2712 lbs
See Full Specs for All 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Styles
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1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Depreciation

A 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle has depreciated $223 or 12% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $1,614 and trade-in value of $722.

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1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Annual Depreciation

Year
Vehicle Depreciation*
Resale Value
Trade-In Value
2022
$25
$1,837
$855
2023
$85
$1,752
$784
2024
$112
$1,640
$719
Now
$26
$1,614
$722
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2-Year Forecasted Depreciation

*Depreciation for the last 12 months of the private party resale value.

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Depreciation

Annual Depreciation is an estimation of what your vehicle's value might be over time based on an average of similar vehicles. Estimations are calculated by comparing Kelley Blue Book Private Party Values of vehicles similar to yours over time, as well as forecasts from Manheim Auction data comparing current and projected auction values against current Kelley Blue Book Private Party and Trade-In Values. This is not a guarantee of actual depreciation. Local weather conditions, market factors and driver performance will also impact your vehicle's actual depreciation.


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Specifications

Dimensions, Weights & Capacities

Curb Weight
2712 lbs.
EPA Passenger
84.3 cu.ft.
EPA Total Interior
96.3 cu.ft.
Fuel Capacity
14.5 gallons
Front Head Room
41.3 inches
Front Leg Room
39.4 inches
Max Seating Capacity
4
Minimum Ground Clearance
4.2 inches
Overall Length
161.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room
52.8 inches
Trunk or Cargo Capacity
12.0 cu.ft.
Turning Diameter
32.8 feet
Wheel Base
98.9 inches
Payload Capacity
992 lbs.
Width with mirrors
67.9 inches

Exterior

Alloy Wheels
Available
Moon Roof/Sun Roof
Available
Number of Doors
2 doors
Rear Spoiler
Available

Fuel Economy

City
19 mpg
Highway
24 mpg
Combined
21 mpg

Mechanical

Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission Type
Automatic

Performance

Horsepower
115 @ 5200 RPM
Torque
122 @ 2600 rpm
Engine
4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter

Warranty

Basic
2 years / 24000 miles
Powertrain
10 years / 100000 miles
Corrosion
12 years / Unlimited miles

Entertainment

  • DVD Entertainment System
  • MP3 Player
  • CD Player

Interior

  • Power Windows
  • Tilt Steering Wheel

Seating

  • Leather Seats
  • Dual Power Front Seats
  • Power Driver's Seat

Technology

  • Cruise Control
  • Navigation System

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Safety

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Safety Technology

  • Child Door Locks: Not available
  • Child Seat Anchors
  • Driver Airbag
  • Passenger Airbag
  • Rear Side Airbag
  • Front Side Airbag

Compare to Similar Vehicles

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See Details
Price
$2,236
$2,332
$2,320
$2,678
Consumer Rating
3.7
4.6
3.8
4.6
Fuel Economy
City 19/Hwy 24/Comb 21 MPG
City 20/Hwy 30/Comb 24 MPG
City 19/Hwy 27/Comb 22 MPG
City 18/Hwy 25/Comb 21 MPG
Fuel Type
Gas
Gas
Gas
Gas
Seating Capacity4554
Basic Warranty
2 years or 24000 miles
4 years or 50000 miles
5 years or 60000 miles
3 years or 36000 miles
Horsepower
115 @ 5200 RPM
138 @ 6000 RPM
124 @ 6000 RPM
147 @ 5500 RPM
Engine
4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
4-Cyl, 1.9 Liter
4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter
4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter
Drivetrain
FWD
RWD
FWD
FWD

1998 Volkswagen New Beetle Rankings

FAQs

Is 1998 a good year for a Volkswagen New Beetle?

Owners of the vehicle give it 3.7 out of 5 stars. To find out if the 1998 New Beetle is the right car for you, check out the pros and cons, trims, specs and options at Kelley Blue Book.

Is the Volkswagen New Beetle 1998 a good Hatchback?

Owners of the vehicle give it 3.7 out of 5 stars. To find out if the 1998 New Beetle is the right car for you, check out the pros and cons, trims, specs and options at Kelley Blue Book.

What is the MPG for a 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle?

The 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle gets 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

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