2007 VW Beetle Convertible.. Review? Advice?

Hi Everyone!


For my first car I think I am going to purchase a 2007 VW Beetle Covertible..[Triptonic Automatic Transmission]


Most likely the Salsa red with a tan top, and grey leatherette seats.


PLEASE STATE YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCE OF COLOR AND TOP COMBINATIONS! =]] thanks.





What does everyone think of them?


How do they drive?





I'd really like others' comments to consider if I really want this car. I'd like to gather plenty of input before making that decision.





PS: ANY PET OWNERS WHO HAVE ONE?


ANY GERMAN SHEPHARD DOG OWNERS?


HOW DO YOU EFFECTIVELY TRANSPORT YOUR DOGS?


HOW DO ALL OUR GSD OWNERS CONTROL SHEDDING IN YOUR CARS?











Thanks to anyone who contributes!!





I know it's not really relevant, but does anyone think that


since I had been planning to get one for a few years, and my friend just bought the salsa red with a BLACK top, if it is copying her?


I just don't want to steal her thunder or make her feel like we are in competition or something.2007 VW Beetle Convertible.. Review? Advice?
I wouldn't believe the first inquiry too much - VWs are ranked among Mercerdes and BMWs typically in their performance and ability.





I look at the vehicle in two ways - the body type and the engine make.





The body is a revision since 2004 of the original 1998 hardtop design - pretty solid in general. In 2005, they made some crucial positive changes to the window actions with the top.





The engine is brand new - the 2005 model had the older 2.0L 4-cylinder engine which has now switched to a large 2.5L 5-cylinder engine. The press isn't out how well it's been performing over the long run, but VW has banked on this engine for almost every car it has, so it should be pretty solid.





I have the 2005 NB Convertible and I think it's a decent car. In the snow, it's one of the best handling car and this has been true since the original 1998 design. When the top is up, you should realize that the car has some pretty good unavoidable blindspots because there is a major piece of tarp up where your vision would normally would be. When the top is down, the vision is more superior than any other car normally.





The windstop is crucial for travel with the top down at temps of 55 F or higher. The windstop really does work well and is standard with all new models (not standard in 2005). The windstop does remove the back seat essentially. In summer temps, travel is good on city streets with the top down, and okay on highways for short distances.





As for dog hair, clean up is very easy because top down cleaning means you can vaccuum easier than any other car. The vinyl seats do not crack or chip at all (like circa 1970's cars) and will not collect dog hair.





You should know the size of the trunk - it is very small compared to most cars - however compared to most convertibles it is a decent size. Compared to other covertibles, the VW Beetle is immense (compared to Miata and BMW counterparts) and only a Cadillac is larger in size interior-wise.





Finally, as for copying your friend, not the case. There is an unsaid code among all VW NB Convert owners to wave to one another, getting stared at for having an awesome car is something you should get used to. It does happen because people wish they were having as much fun as you.2007 VW Beetle Convertible.. Review? Advice?
All I can tell you is that VW is having alot of issues with reliability these days. They actually rank lowest of all automakers in terms of reliability. Just be prepared for that. If you really like the car, factor in an additional budget for repairs and rentals and such.





There is a section in Consumer Reports that shows reliability. VW's always rank last.