Is Volkswagen Beetle a Good First Car? (8 Aspects Explained)
The iconic Volkswagen Beetle is a reasonable choice for a first car as it is compact and easy to drive.
Still, sufficient indicators point towards the plethora of Beetle alternatives being compelling options for new drivers.
8 Considerations Before Getting a VW Beetle as Your First Car
#1 Subpar Fuel Economy
The Beetle’s exterior design is one-of-a-kind and is sure to stand out among the crowd.
Still, strong fuel economy is a desirable quality in a first car.
The Volkswagen Beetle from 2014 onwards has significantly lower fuel consumption (between 28 mpg and 29 mpg combined) than the preceding models.
It’s a respectable performance for first cars, but below-average compared to other compact and subcompact cars.
| Fuel Economy | |
| Hyundai Elantra | 37 mpg combined |
| Kia Forte | 35 mpg combined |
| Honda Civic | 33 mpg combined |
| Toyota Corolla | 33 mpg combined |
| Volkswagen Golf | 32 mpg combined |
| Nissan Sentra | 32 mpg combined |
| Mazda Mazda 3 | 31 mpg combined |
| MINI Cooper | 31 mpg combined |
| Volkswagen Beetle | 29 mpg combined |
| Range Rover | 18 mpg combined |
VW Beetle vs. other cars in fuel consumption.
Fuel consumption varies between model years and trims, but opt for the newer Beetles if you want the best fuel efficiency.
Although the Hyundai Elantra boasts an impressive fuel economy, the Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf, and MINI Cooper are popular models thriftier than the Beetle.
#2 Mediocre Safety Ratings
Driver safety is a top priority for first cars or parents buying a vehicle for college-going teenagers.
Most modern cars commonly achieve impressive scores in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests.
Still, the Volkswagen Beetle’s performance in these tests is middling, although nowhere near worryingly so.
NHTSA rated the newest-generation VW Beetle (up to 2019) 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Meanwhile, IIHS rated it ‘Good’ (the highest rating) in all but one test, the Small Overlap Front Driver-Side rated ‘Marginal.’
#3 Somewhat Expensive Upkeep
RepairPal ranked the Volkswagen Beetle #24 out of 36 compact cars in reliability.
It costs approximately $612 per year to maintain a Beetle, higher than the average of $526 for compact cars.
A Honda Civic is considerably cheaper to maintain ($368/year), while a Mini Cooper costs significantly more ($854/year).
A used car’s condition varies depending on its service history and care regime.
If you can find a used Beetle in good condition, expect the upkeep to be less expensive, although many cheaper options are available.
(See the Beetle’s comparison with other first cars later in the post)
#4 So-So Reliability
Dependability is crucial for first cars because new drivers typically have a small budget and lack the technical know-how in maintaining their own vehicles.
Unfortunately, Volkswagen in general and the Beetle specifically have middling reliability records.
Consumer Reports ranked Volkswagen #24 out of 28 automotive brands – only better than Genesis, Jeep, Tesla, and Lincoln.
JD Power doesn’t rate the Beetle’s reliability favorably either:
| Model Year | Reliability |
| 2019 Beetle | 77/100 |
| 2018 Beetle | 79/100 |
| 2017 Beetle | 78/100 |
| 2016 Beetle | 81/100 |
| 2015 Beetle | 79/100 |
| 2014 Beetle | 79/100 |
| 2013 Beetle | NA |
| 2012 Beetle | 77/100 |
An 80/100 score is average, and the Beetle consistently achieves below that.
#5 Relatively Inexpensive Insurance for Teenagers
Coverage for teen drivers is considerably pricier than other age groups due to inexperience and the higher likelihood of a collision.
Thankfully, the Beetle is not an expensive car to insure for first-time drivers.
See the table below on the average full coverage cost for the various teenage age groups:
| 16-year-old | 17-year-old | 18-year-old | |
| Honda Civic | $4,746/year | $4,428/year | $4,136/year |
| VW Beetle | $5,092/year | $4,720/year | $4,392/year |
| Ford Mustang | $5,570/year | $5,224/year | $4,888/year |
| Subaru BRZ | $6,804/year | $6,332/year | $5,908/year |
| Chevy Camaro | $7,594/year | $7,064/year | $6,584/year |
Beetle vs. other cars insurance costs (CarEdge)
The Honda Civic is one of the less expensive cars to insure due to its excellent safety ratings and affordable price tag.
On the other hand, the costlier premiums for the Ford Mustang, Subaru BRZ, and Chevrolet Camaro let you know that you aren’t overpaying to insure your first car if you buy a Beetle.
#6 Relatively Easy to Drive and Park
Easy maneuverability is crucial for first cars because new drivers lack experience behind the wheel.
The compact and relatively lightweight nature makes the Beetle easy to drive.
The Beetle is easy to see out the front due to the large windshield and side windows, although the small rear window and thick pillars hamper the visibility out the back.
If you get the third and final generation Beetle (up to 2019), the comfortable and composed ride is suitable for long-distance commutes.
Plus, the Beetle is fun to drive.
#7 Unique Styling But Compromised Practicality
The Volkswagen Beetle is a strong option for first-time buyers looking for style and a bit of performance in a small package.
Unfortunately and understandably, high-style small cars typically suffer from a practical standpoint.
Built-in limitations of the two-door design mean entering and exiting the car require some effort from the rear passengers and the shorter space in the back limits knee room.
That said, adult rear passengers have just enough headroom.
The doors are long and heavy, so opening them will require effort and care in tight parking spots.
As with hatchbacks, the sloping rear-end restricts the height of items you can fit in the trunk.
The rear seats are foldable to increase the cargo area.
#8 Lacks Safety Features
New drivers need all the help they can get in their first car to assist in safe driving.
While some safety features are standard, the Volkswagen Beetle doesn’t have a pre-collision warning and adaptive cruise control system, commonplace in competitors.
Depending on the model year, your Beetle may have:
- Airbags.
- Blingspot warning system.
- Post-collision safety system.
- Stability control.
- Traction control.
- Antilock braking system.
- Emergency braking assist.
Tech and safety features vary between model years and trims, so verification is necessary before buying.
Best Volkswagen Beetle Year for a First Car
Table Guide:
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (base sedan; auto).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems (JD Power).
- Complaints: total reported problems (CarComplaints).
- Recalls: manufacturer or NHTSA-initiated.
| Model Year | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Complaints | Recalls |
| 2019 Beetle | 3.6/4 | NA | 26/33/29 | 77/100 | – | 3 |
| 2018 Beetle | 3.6/4 | NA | 26/33/29 | 79/100 | – | 3 |
| 2017 Beetle | 3.6/4 | 5/5 | 24/33/28 | 78/100 | 1 | 3 |
| 2016 Beetle | 3.6/4 | 5/5 | 25/34/28 | 81/100 | – | 3 |
| 2015 Beetle | 3.6/4 | 5/5 | 25/33/28 | 79/100 | 8 | 5 |
| 2014 Beetle | 3.6/4 | 5/5 | 25/33/28 | 79/100 | 8 | 6 |
| 2013 Beetle | 3.6/4 | 5/5 | 22/29/25 | NA | 14 | 7 |
| 2012 Beetle | 4/4 | 4/5 | 22/29/25 | 77/100 | 15 | 7 |
| 2011 – | – | — | – | – | – | – |
| 2010 Beetle | 2.3/4 | NA | NA | NA | 2 | 3 |
| 2009 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 16 | 2 |
| 2008 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 7 | 3 |
| 2007 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 19 | 2 |
| 2006 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 30 | 4 |
| 2005 Beetle | 2.5/4 | NA | NA | NA | 20 | 6 |
| 2004 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 36 | 6 |
| 2003 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 25 | 5 |
| 2002 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 15 | 8 |
| 2001 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 24 | 8 |
| 2000 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 37 | 7 |
| 1999 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 17 | NA |
| 1998 Beetle | NA | NA | NA | NA | 6 | NA |
Your option is the newer generation 2012 redesigned VW Beetle or the older ones (which look cuter).
The 2004 VW Beetle has many problems, including transmission failure, transmission slipping (engine revs but no acceleration), and window regulator issues.
The 2000 VW Beetle has more complaints overall, but they are comparatively less severe than the 2004 model.
If you want the most fuel-efficient Beetle, opt for a model between 2014 and 2019.
Volkswagen Beetle Compared with Similar Vehicles
This list features subcompacts and compacts in hatchback body style.
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg city/highway/combined (auto).
- Reliability: /100; higher = fewer problems; 5yr avg. (JD Power).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Safety (IIHS): 1 (poor) to 4 (good); IIHS tests average.
- Safety (NHTSA): 1 (poor) to 5 (safest); NHTSA overall.
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Fuel Econ. | Reliability | Maint. Costs | Safety (IIHS) | Safety (NHTSA) | Visibility | |
| VW Beetle | 26/33/29 | 79/100 | $612 | 3.6/4 | 5/5 | Average |
| Mini Cooper | 28/36/31 | 83/100 | $846 | 4/4 | 4/5 | Good |
| Fiat 500 | 28/33/30 | 76/100 | $522 | 3.4/4 | NA | Average |
| Honda Fit | 33/40/36 | 79/100 | $390 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Excellent |
| Honda Civic Hatchback | 31/40/34 | 82/100 | $368 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Toyota Yaris | 32/40/35 | 80/100 | $333 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Toyota Corolla Hatchback | 32/41/35 | 83/100 | $362 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Good |
| Mazda 3 Hatchback | 26/34/29 | 80/100 | $433 | 4/4 | 5/5 | Average |
The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most expensive to repair and maintain, second only to the MINI Cooper.
Further, the MINI Cooper is smaller and more fun to drive than the Beetle.
It is crucial to consider the total ownership costs to determine if these attractive and cute vehicles are worth the investment.
Many subcompacts better the Beetle in fuel economy, and with the Beetle’s production run that ended in 2019, more small cars will exceed it in the various first car aspects.
The Japanese compacts like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda 3 are compelling options for your first car with segment-competitive fuel efficiency (model year and trim-dependent), inexpensive upkeep, and solid safety ratings.
Still, if you have your heart set on a Beetle, it’s a good starter car, as long as you buy one fully aware of the above-average ownership costs.
References:
https://www.vw.com/en/models.html
https://insuraviz.com/vehicles/volkswagen/volkswagen-beetle-insurance/
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/volkswagen/beetle-2-door-hatchback/2019
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/VOLKSWAGEN/BEETLE/2%252520DR/FWD
