why do i have a flashing red temp light on vw1999 beetle gls
why is the temp light flashing red on my 1999 beetle
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1999 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Volkswagen revved up the power of the 1999 Beetle by introducing a 1.8-liter, 150-hp turbocharged engine, which joined the two other engine options -- a 2.0-liter, 115-hp gas engine or a 1.9-liter, 90-hp turbodiesel. The new turbocharged Beetle, called the 1.8T Turbo, was distinguished by a neat little spoiler that automatically emerged on the car's rear as speed was increased. Anti-lock brakes were also added as standard equipment.
Other standard features included power steering, power brakes, power windows and door locks, power heated mirrors, front and side airbags, air conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, and an anti-theft alarm system. A five-speed manual transmission was standard while a four-speed automatic was available as an option. In addition, features such as leather seats and a sunroof were available as options on most versions of the '99 Beetle, and as standard equipment on higher-end trims such as the GLX 1.8T Turbo.
Overall, drivers were very happy with the New Beetle, finding positive points in its handling, uniqueness, gas economy, and even its roominess (for a small car). Most were happy with the engine and transmission, though some drivers noted they had problems with the powerplant, and a few had to replace the engine. Others noted that a number of minor parts had to be replaced, and some were frustrated with the layout of some of the interior appointments. It's clear that while the car turns heads, it's not intended for everyone.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1999 Volkswagen Beetle
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Christina N
Aug 26, 2020
We took it to our mechanic and purchased it after a little price loweringAug 26, 2020
by Anonymous
Apr 20, 2014
I would reccommend this as a first car, or if you're commuting it's great too. It comes with some small problems, but nothing too big..it's a very nice looking car with a spiffy interior that looks very futuristic for its age. despite the cons, i love my vw beetle and I will always be a customer of volkswagen.Apr 20, 2014
by Todd D
Oct 13, 2013
I have to say there are blind spots, like the A piller area. The window track cables often break. The most often thing is the air bag system,wire breaks under seat to the seatbelt buckle,fault light then on. This problem with the air bag system I feel should be recalled by manufacture as it has happened on five beetles that I have owned. Oct 13, 2013
User rating:
by Christina N
Aug 26, 2020
We took it to our mechanic and purchased it after a little price loweringAug 26, 2020
by Anonymous
Apr 20, 2014
I would reccommend this as a first car, or if you're commuting it's great too. It comes with some small problems, but nothing too big..it's a very nice looking car with a spiffy interior that looks very futuristic for its age. despite the cons, i love my vw beetle and I will always be a customer of volkswagen.Apr 20, 2014
by Todd D
Oct 13, 2013
I have to say there are blind spots, like the A piller area. The window track cables often break. The most often thing is the air bag system,wire breaks under seat to the seatbelt buckle,fault light then on. This problem with the air bag system I feel should be recalled by manufacture as it has happened on five beetles that I have owned. Oct 13, 2013
by Anonymous
Feb 18, 2013
I was stupid and ended up buying an 2000 for $4900. In a smart persons reality its worth $2500. A 2000 is 13 years old! People need to get over this over pricing their old vw beetles 98-2000. Everyone thinks their old (new style) beetles are worth 5k and its bs and completely wrong.Feb 18, 2013
by Anonymous
Mar 28, 2012
I always wanted a beetle, and I was so happy when I got one for my 18th b-day! I love the style but with all the mechanic trips I'm wondering if it's worth it to keep it, or sell. Not to reliable if you ask me.
Update 11/2/2013: I was having trouble for about a year with the car dying unexpectedly, finally someone said replace the ignition switch, and BAM the car works fine now. I will say however, the car is still very bad on gas, not too good for a smaller car... Overall, maybe 4/5 stars since the car has been fixed.Mar 28, 2012
by Anonymous
Dec 23, 2011
Bought for my daughter in hopes she would learn to drive a 5 spd. She learned but prefers an automatic. Runs great and is fun. Perfect for a new driver or someone who parks in the city frequently or to drive to and from work.Dec 23, 2011
by Chuck E W
Sep 05, 2011
I've done a lot to this car and not done yet still have more to go. My next plan is to bag it. I like to rebuilt the motor too and supercharge it. Doing some interior work as well.It has two first place trophies I got at some shows. Sep 05, 2011
by Nicholas B
Feb 18, 2010
Sold it it had alot of repairs that cost a whole lot of money could not afford to run
it ,it is very expencive to fix. i loved the car but it needs to be better built .
Appearance was good Gas milage great ,fun to drive .Feb 18, 2010
by Gavin L
Nov 09, 2009
Please be specific. For example, write about:
Performance - acceleration, braking, handling
Build Quality - has it needed repairs? squeaks/rattles
Appearance - both interior and exterior styling
Cost of Ownership - gas mileage, maintenance
Fun Factor - is this car fun to drive? BallinNov 09, 2009
by Tyler S
Oct 07, 2009
* Performance - It moves
* Build Quality - Clutch is a little tricky. going out in first gear
* Appearance - beautiful can say much else!
* Cost of Ownership - got the thing for free.. great gas milage
* Fun Factor -fun fun fun can say much elseOct 07, 2009
by James F
Sep 16, 2009
Very fast for a 4 cylinder, excellent braking ability, handles like a porsche! no repairs except for ac module. Styling is great very aerodynamic interior is light gets dirty quick . gets like 40mpg.Also this car is super fun to drive with manual transmission it flies!!!Sep 16, 2009
by Aaron N
May 28, 2009
I love this car.. 573,000 km (yep!) and still going strong. It's not the fastest, but it'll cruise all day at 160 km/h, and it's still a blast to drive.
Even after all the mileage, I doubt the car has had $1000 in repairs. Still gets 64 mpg, and drives like the day it was new. Plus, you can't beat the personality of a bug.May 28, 2009
by Wilson C
Feb 20, 2009
This car looks nice on the outside, inside is comfortable only the front
seats. No power at all, braking and handling also average. Build quality is
bad, my friend own this car one year, things started coming off, engine
also sounds terrible. Overall, a very average car in terms of performance.
But the appearance of this car is really nice, suitable for girls that just like
to have a good looking car.Feb 20, 2009
by Kaleena C
Feb 18, 2009
My car is very cute and perfect for a hippie like me. :) The acceleration and handling are surprisingly great and she does wonderful in the snow/slick road conditions. It is super fun to drive IMO, but males probably shouldn't drive it. ;PFeb 18, 2009
by Timothy P
Dec 12, 2008
i like the fact its a beetle. but its not an old beetle like from the 60's era so it doesn't look as cool. i like the fact it has a sunroof. i hate the fact that unlike old beetles the engines in the front. its fun to drive/ride in, it has had a flat tire once.Dec 12, 2008
by Ashley K
Dec 01, 2008
Small engine, but it's fun to drive. It's a manual transmission, so that's always good. I haven't had any problems with the tranny. The stock brakes suck, but that can easily be fixed. Mine is red with some mirrored side trim and a spoiler. Overall, I think it's a good car, good maker, and it's fun factor is definatley up there, not to mention, it's good on gas! Dec 01, 2008
by Amy E
Sep 07, 2008
I bought this car after owning a 92 Honda Civic Hatchback. I was so stoked when I was approved for the loan and test drove it. When I got it home, I had a few issues within the first week. After I spoke with a few other Bug owners, I realize that these cars are not all that. I will have it paid off in a few months,,,, I think I will go back to a Honda :)Sep 07, 2008
by Hector T
Sep 03, 2008
Its a good looking bug. It does not consume a lot
of. Dependable and the best part is that it is a stick
shift. I got a great deal on this car. With new
plates and insurance it came to a total of about 2
grand. This good if you want a car that is
economic.Sep 03, 2008
by Crystal C
Aug 11, 2008
What can I say? I love my car! I think that I have surprised MANY drivers on the 401 when I zoom by them pushing 200km/h, great car, lots of power...just wish it wasn't automatic. And of course, my 1972 was cooler.
I love my heated seats and mirrors, I have 276 000 km's and the only thing I have replaced is a tie rod and the battery and brakes. Aug 11, 2008
by Vanessa M
Jun 13, 2008
This car has been my dream car since I first laid eyes on it. I love every minute of driving, riding, and even looking at it. Yeah, I love my car.Jun 13, 2008
by Anonymous
May 29, 2008
Bought this used six months ago with ~90K miles for our teenage daughter to drive, but dad has to drive it sometimes, too. Acceleration, braking, and handling are very sporty, more so than expected. When we brought it home, it already needed a headlamp replacement, and steps/photos on the web were really helpful, but people need to know the parts that slide do get stuck and getting the assembly back in can require numerous attempts before you get it right. Then a brake cylinder failed on one of the wheels. Check Engine light came on and VW dealer said it would be $110 just to hook it up to their computer to diagnose the code- that is something the owner should be able to do for free! He did disclose that most of the codes are for emissions-related reasons, so discovery that the daughter had left the gas cap behind at her last refueling stop meant we fixed the problem for $6. But you have to know that a missing gas cap will alter the vacuum pressure throughout the fuel system, the engine compression, and finally the emissions to realize that. And it takes 5-10 times of starting and running the vehicle before the light goes off. Now it's making an ominous rattle every time it starts, so we're back in diagnostic mode, hoping to figure it out before something else fails. In summary, it's a very fun car to drive, but not exactly reliable, built to last or simple to maintain yourself.May 29, 2008
by Kat A
Apr 21, 2008
It's a great little car for someone who drives by themselves a lot. Overall preformance is pretty good. Handles well, has pretty good pick up and stops on a dime. Bad part is everything is computeried so when it breaks, it's usually hard to fix and expensive. The overall design of the engine sucks. Nothing on the car is easy to get to.Apr 21, 2008
by Devin J
Apr 17, 2008
18" Italian Wheels, Track Brake Kit, Ported & Polished Motor, Supercharged, New Pistons, Valves, Valve Springs, Gaskets, Cam-Shaft, Headers, Full Exhaust- Headers Back, Induction Cold Air Kit, Performance AudioApr 17, 2008
by Brittany M
Apr 14, 2008
I loved this car. It had great power...ran well! Rode great...very comfy and freking cute as hell. Just needed a newer more reliable car for the future! I will miss her!Apr 14, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 11, 2008
Bought car recently and have spent a lot of time trying to get it in good shape. The car drives fine but seems to be geared a little on the low side. It is a 5 speed and the gear ratios just dont seem right a little to narrow at the low end and not tall enough in 5thApr 11, 2008
by Cristan G
Apr 09, 2008
Will start many converstaionsApr 09, 2008
by Jason T
Apr 04, 2008
I think it's cute.Apr 04, 2008
by Rof S
Apr 01, 2008
for a young the best carApr 01, 2008
by Matt O
Mar 30, 2008
Umm, it was cute, so it would be cruel to say what I really feel about it.Mar 30, 2008
by David S
Feb 26, 2008
?? always needs lowering ???????????Feb 26, 2008
by Wendy G
Jan 14, 2008
Heated seats are nice.Jan 14, 2008
by Sophoun P
Dec 21, 2007
the beetle is good and save alots if gas but exspensive to repairDec 21, 2007
by Anonymous
Aug 02, 2007
Got this little bug used, but shes a great running little car. Nifty sports package, dual exhaust, rear spoiler, the works. Yummy bright green exterior, you can see her coming for milesAug 02, 2007
by Anonymous
Jul 10, 2007
car is fun to drive and great on gas. for us though it is to low for country life. We are going to have a 4" lift put on it and it sould be great.Jul 10, 2007
by Anonymous
Jun 12, 2007
like it alotJun 12, 2007
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1999 Volkswagen Beetle?Compare this car
1999 Volkswagen Beetle Pricing
Original MSRP
$16,425 to $21,425Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: vinyl
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent