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2013 Volkswagen Beetle Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Rating: 4.51
Based on 100 Owner Reviews ▶
Jovan | March 31, 2025
The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle represents a modern take on an iconic classic. This is the second year of this "A5" generation. Available as a two-door hatchback coupe, it offered a more masculine and sporty design than previous iterations. Key trims included the base Beetle, Turbo, and R-Line. Pricing ranged from approximately $20,000 to $30,000 when new. Its retro styling combined with modern features and driving dynamics made it popular for those seeking a distinctive and fun vehicle.
The Good

The 2013 Beetle offers a blend of emotional appeal and practicality. Its retro design and available turbocharged engine provide a fun driving experience. More practically, it provides a comfortable ride, decent fuel efficiency, and a surprisingly spacious interior for its size. While not the most reliable car, the 2013 model year improved over previous versions.

The Bad

Potential weaknesses of the 2013 Beetle include occasional electrical issues and potential problems with the DSG transmission (if equipped). Some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system. Regular maintenance is crucial. Be sure to check for any signs of water leaks in the trunk area and inspect the condition of the tires, as uneven wear can indicate alignment problems.

2013 Volkswagen Beetle: Quick Overview

  • Engine Options:
    • 2.5L Inline-5: Base engine.
    • 2.0L TSI Turbo Inline-4: Available on Turbo models.

  • Horsepower:
    • 2.5L: 170 hp.
    • 2.0L TSI: 200 hp.

  • Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated):
    • 2.5L: 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway.
    • 2.0L TSI: 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway.

  • 0-60 Times:
    • 2.5L: Approximately 8.5 seconds.
    • 2.0L TSI: Approximately 6.8 seconds.

  • Towing Capacity: Not recommended or rated for towing.

  • Trim-Level Features:
    • Base: Cloth upholstery, 17-inch alloy wheels, eight-speaker sound system, auxiliary audio input, and keyless entry.
    • Turbo: Sport seats, alloy pedals, boost gauge, fog lights, rear spoiler, sport suspension (some models).
    • R-Line: Unique exterior styling, R-Line badging, and performance-oriented features (similar to Turbo but with cosmetic upgrades).
    • Optional Features (varies by trim): Navigation system, premium Fender audio system, leather upholstery, sunroof, keyless start, heated seats, and upgraded wheels.
The 2013 Beetle offered distinct features based on the chosen trim level. The base model was designed for value, while the Turbo and R-Line versions catered to those seeking a sportier driving experience and enhanced aesthetics. The availability of optional features allowed buyers to customize their Beetle to suit their preferences and needs. Standard safety features across all trims include anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a suite of airbags.

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Specifications

Vehicle Information
Year 2013
Make Volkswagen
Model Beetle
Trim -
Style 2.5-Liter
Type Hatchback
Category Compact Car
Manufacturing Details
Made In Mexico
Manufacturing City PUEBLA
Dimensions
Doors 2-Door
Curb Weight 1454.22 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 1870.16 kg
Overall Height 148.59 cm
Overall Length 427.74 cm
Overall Width 180.85 cm
Wheelbase Length 253.75 cm
Standard Seating 4
Engine & Performance
Engine 2.5-L L-5 DOHC 20V
Engine Size 2.5L
Engine Cylinders 5
Transmission 5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Manual
Transmission Speeds 5-Speed
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System 4-Wheel ABS
Steering Type Rack & Pinion
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) $19,995 USD
Invoice Price $19,195 USD
Delivery Charges $795 USD

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What Problems Does the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Have?

Frequently reported problems for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle include electrical issues, particularly with the infotainment system and interior lighting. Some owners have reported problems with the window regulators and door locks. The 2.5L engine, while generally reliable, can sometimes experience issues with the ignition coils or vacuum leaks. The 2.0L TSI engine, though more powerful, may exhibit problems related to the turbocharger or direct injection system over time.

DSG transmissions (if equipped) have known reliability concerns, including rough shifting and potential mechatronic unit failures. Regular servicing and fluid changes are crucial to mitigate these issues. It's important to note that the 2013 model year had several recalls related to potential fuel leaks and issues with the side marker lights.

Long-term reliability concerns often revolve around the aging of plastic components, which can become brittle and prone to cracking. Suspension components, such as bushings and struts, may also require replacement as the vehicle ages. While the 2013 Beetle is generally more reliable than earlier models in this generation, prospective buyers should still carefully inspect used examples for signs of previous damage or neglect, and thoroughly review the vehicle's maintenance history.

How long will the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle last?

With proper maintenance, a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle can typically last 150,000 to 200,000 miles or 10 to 15 years. Owner data indicates that diligent maintenance habits significantly impact longevity. Regular oil changes, timely servicing of the transmission, and addressing minor issues promptly are crucial.

Long-term durability weaknesses include the aforementioned electrical issues and potential transmission problems. Rust can become a concern in regions with harsh winters and road salt. The interior trim may also show wear and tear over time. The key to long-term ownership is preventative maintenance and addressing potential problems before they escalate.
Positive Owner Reviews
Chris
I was initially looking for a used Golf, but the more I looked at the Beetle the more I liked it. When I found the one I ended up buying, it was love at first drive. This little car packs a punch with the 2.0T, and will throw you back in your seat. It’s an absolute blast to drive. Handles well around town and on the interstate, where it could easily get one in trouble since it wants to GO. The same engine as is found in the GTI, so this should be unsurprising. Easily gets 30+mpg on the highway when cruising along, typically around 20-25 city. These cars handle city driving just fine, but they are meant for the freeway in my opinion. I find the interior to be quite luxurious. Heated leather seats (not available in the Golf) with plenty of storage compartments. Not many frills, just a sleek and mostly practical dash. The trunk is big enough for grocery runs, and the rear seats fold forward for larger loads. It’s not going to haul large appliances or furniture, although it could possibly carry some bigger stuff on a roof rack. The Fender audio system is impressive, wouldn’t change a thing about it except it could benefit from an updated head unit with CarPlay. This hasn’t been an issue for me. I think the car is a real looker, it turns heads and has drawn the occasional compliment. My used model had some imperfections, but it’s still a great looking car that I want to look after and keep for as long as I can. It feels well built, the doors close with the satisfying weighty thud of a premium vehicle. Overall, I am very happy with my 2013 beetle. It’s not only fun, but it seems to be reliable with a couple caveats that some owners might not be aware of. The 2.0T engine is designed for premium fuel, using regular will eventually damage it. The 2.5 can run regular, but I believe the 1.8T will also want premium. The reason for this is lower octane fuel will cause detonation in these high compression engines. If you don’t know what detonation is, just know it’s bad. The oil needs changed more regularly than the manufacturer recommended 10k miles. 5k to be safe, 7k at a stretch. This is especially true for higher mileage vehicles. Speaking of stretch, there is a known issue with some 2.0T engines where the timing chain stretches over time and many miles, so if buying used that’s something I’d have a mechanic check out. This is an expensive maintenance item, but IF it’s needed, getting it done along with the tensioner and a new water pump for good measure will ensure that the new to you Beetle is reliable for many years and miles to come. The other issue is carbon build up. Getting it cleaned out is not as spendy as the timing chain but it’s also not a cheap fix. I believe this can largely be avoided by using top tier fuel (it contains detergents that help with this) as well as regular oil changes and some regular spirited driving. Would not recommend this car to someone who mainly does town or city driving, the 2.5 engine might be better suited for that. According to my research, the 2.5 is quite bulletproof BUT it’s not good for any engine to be driven at low RPM all the time.
Penny
I bought this 2013 TDI and I have the pano roof and color changing speakers but the TDI is so fun I just love to bomb around in it and punch it when driving good mileage, and with winter tires on it it’s like a tank can go through all elements.
Jane
The vehicle I purchased is very dependable. I would recommend it to all my friends. Thanks to all who help make this experience very enjoyable
Negative Owner Reviews
Jhoesman
I enjoy the car car totally. Leg room is great comfort is fantastic, speakers have good clarity. I just would prefer it better if it had an automatic transmission.
danny
i have a 2013 that the sunroof exploded on me driving down the highway at 75 their is a recall call but mine misses it by one month and Volkswagen wont do nothing about it and neither will the insurance company so i will pay out of pocket 3,500 and i will sell and never by Volkswagen again

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle offers a decent array of built-in tech and safety features for its time. Standard entertainment features include an eight-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio input. Higher trims or optional packages included a premium Fender audio system, which offered enhanced sound quality. A navigation system was also available as an option.

Driver-assistance features were limited compared to modern vehicles, but included standard features like anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control. Safety features encompassed front, side, and curtain airbags. There were no advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane departure warning or automatic emergency braking available on this model.

The 2013 Beetle received good crash-test ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall safety rating. IIHS gave it a "Good" rating in most crash tests, making it a relatively safe vehicle for its class. Specific crash test results may vary depending on the configuration and testing procedures.

What Colors Options are Available?

Exterior Colors
Candy White
Black Uni
Tornado Red
Denim Blue
Reflex Silver Metallic
Platinum Gray Metallic
Toffee Brown Metallic
Deep Black Pearl
Interior Colors
Titan Black
Beige

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Prices and Market Value

When new, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle ranged from approximately $20,000 to $30,000, depending on the trim level and options. Current used market prices typically range from $7,000 to $15,000, depending on condition, mileage, and location.

The Beetle has depreciated significantly over the years, but its iconic status helps retain some value. Factors affecting resale value include the vehicle's condition, maintenance history, mileage, and trim level. Turbo models and those with desirable options generally command higher prices. Low mileage and a clean title also contribute to better resale value. Color can also play a role, with certain colors being more desirable than others.

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cost of Ownership

Insurance costs for the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle are generally moderate. Fuel costs are reasonable, especially with the 2.0L TSI engine achieving decent MPG. Maintenance costs can be average to slightly above average, depending on the specific repairs needed. Repair costs can be higher, particularly for specialized components like the DSG transmission or turbocharger. Long-term ownership costs can be moderate if preventative maintenance is followed, but neglecting repairs can lead to more significant expenses. Overall, it's not the most economical car to own, but it's not excessively costly either.

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Type Gasoline
Fuel Capacity 54.89 liters
City Mileage 9.35 km/l
Highway Mileage 13.18 km/l

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Safety Rating

IIHS
Roof Strength Test Results Good
Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint Ratings Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test Results Good
Side Impact Test Results Not Tested

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Recalls & Defects

AIR Bags:frontal:sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Recall date 2012-11-15
Recall no. 12v540000
Source NHTSA
Summary Volkswagen IS Recalling Certain Model Year 2012-2013 Beetle Vehicles, Manufactured From February 2012, Through August 2012, and Equipped With Leather Sport Seats. IF THE Right Front Passenger Seat Gets Wet, THE Occupant Control Module MAY NOT Properly Detect THE Presence OF A Child Restraint Installed IN THE Seat.
Consequence IF THE Control Module Does NOT Detect A Child Seat Installed, THE Airbag Will NOT Turn Off. IF THE Airbag Does NOT Turn Off, IN THE Event OF A Crash Necessitating Front Airbag Deployment, A Child Secured IN THE Child Seat MAY BE AT AN Increased Risk FOR Serious Injury.
Remedy Volkswagen Will Notify Owners, and Replace THE Control Modules, Free OF Charge. THE Recall IS Expected TO Begin During January 2013. Owners MAY Contact Volkswagen AT 1-800-822-8987.
Notes Volkswagen's Campaign Recall Number IS 69i9/W6.owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Visibility:sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Recall date 2014-10-20
Recall no. 14v658000
Source NHTSA
Summary Volkswagen Group OF America, Inc. (Volkswagen) IS Recalling Certain Model Year 2013-2015 Beetle Vehicles Manufactured June 13, 2013, TO July 3, 2014. THE Glass Sunroofs IN THE Affected Vehicles MAY Break When THE Vehicles ARE Operated Over A Hard Road Surface or Strike A Pothole.
Consequence Vehicle Occupants Could BE Injured BY Falling Glass. A Sunroof Break During Vehicle Operation Also Increases THE Risk OF Driver Distraction and A Resulting Vehicle Crash.
Remedy Volkswagen Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Replace THE Sunroof, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began ON December 15, 2015. Owners MAY Contact Volkswagen Customer Service AT 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's Number FOR This Recall IS 60b9.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Suspension:rear
Recall date 2014-10-20
Recall no. 14v656000
Source NHTSA
Summary Volkswagen Group OF America, Inc. (Volkswagen) IS Recalling Certain Model Year 2011-2013 Jetta Vehicles Manufactured March 1, 2010, TO November 30, 2012, and 2012-2013 Beetle Vehicles Manufactured March 1, 2011, TO July 31, 2013. THE Durability OF THE Rear Trailing Arms MAY BE Reduced IN Vehicles Whose Rear Trailing Arms Have Been Previously Deformed, Such AS A Result OF A Rear or Side-rear Impact Crash.
Consequence THE Reduced Durability OF THE Trailing ARM MAY Result IN ITS Sudden Fracture, Possibly Causing Loss OF Vehicle Control and Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy Volkswagen Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Install A Sheet Metal Inlay ON THE Rear Axle Trailing Arms Designed TO Prevent A Sudden Loss OF Control IN THE Event OF Trailing ARM Sudden Fracture, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began April 7, 2015. Owners MAY Contact Volkswagen Customer Service AT 1-800-893-5298.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Unknown or Other
Recall date 2019-09-25
Recall no. 19v679000
Source NHTSA
Summary Volkswagen Group OF America, Inc. (Volkswagen) IS Recalling Certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 2018 Tiguan Lwb, 2007-2009 Jetta Sedan, 2011-2013, 2015 and 2019 Jetta, 2013 Jetta Hybrid, 2008-2009 Jetta Sportwagen, 2015 Golf Sportwagen, 2013 Golf, 2008-2010 and 2012-2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2008-2010 Beetle, and Beetle Convertible Vehicles. Modifications Made While THE Vehicles Were IN AN Internal Evaluation Period MAY Cause THE Affected Vehicles TO NOT Comply With All OF THE Applicable Regulatory Requirements.
Consequence IF THE Vehicles DO NOT Meet All Regulatory Requirements, There Could BE AN Increased Risk OF A Crash, Fire, or Injury.
Remedy Volkswagen Will Notify Owners and Repurchase THE Affected Vehicles. THE Recall Began November 6, 2019. Owners MAY Contact Volkswagen Customer Service AT 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's Number FOR This Recall IS 01d7. Note: This Recall IS AN Expansion OF Nhtsa Recall Number 18v-329.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Steering:column Locking:anti-Theft Device
Recall date 2019-08-22
Recall no. 19v615000
Source NHTSA
Summary Volkswagen Group OF America, Inc. (Volkswagen) IS Recalling Certain 2015-2019 Gti, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen and 2011-2018 Jetta Vehicles Equipped With AN Automatic Transmission, Manual Handbrake and Keyless Entry. A Build-up OF Silicate ON THE Shift Lever Micro Switch Contacts MAY Enable THE KEY TO BE Removed From THE Ignition When THE Transmission Shift Lever IS NOT IN "park."
Consequence Removing THE KEY While THE Shift Lever IS IN A Position Other Than "park" Increases THE Risk OF AN Unintended Vehicle Rollaway That MAY Result IN Personal Injury or A Crash.
Remedy Volkswagen Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Install AN Additional Switch and Circuit Board, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began November 19, 2019. Owners MAY Contact Volkswagen Customer Service AT 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's Number FOR This Recall IS 37m2.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:control Module
Recall date 2019-08-22
Recall no. 19v615000
Source NHTSA
Summary Volkswagen Group OF America, Inc. (Volkswagen) IS Recalling Certain 2015-2019 Gti, 2015-2016 and 2018-2019 Golf, 2012-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible, 2017-2019 Golf Sportwagen and 2011-2018 Jetta Vehicles Equipped With AN Automatic Transmission, Manual Handbrake and Keyless Entry. A Build-up OF Silicate ON THE Shift Lever Micro Switch Contacts MAY Enable THE KEY TO BE Removed From THE Ignition When THE Transmission Shift Lever IS NOT IN "park."
Consequence Removing THE KEY While THE Shift Lever IS IN A Position Other Than "park" Increases THE Risk OF AN Unintended Vehicle Rollaway That MAY Result IN Personal Injury or A Crash.
Remedy Volkswagen Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Install AN Additional Switch and Circuit Board, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began November 19, 2019. Owners MAY Contact Volkswagen Customer Service AT 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's Number FOR This Recall IS 37m2.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
AIR Bags:frontal
Recall date 2020-12-16
Recall no. 20v785000
Source NHTSA
Summary Volkswagen Group OF America, Inc. (Volkswagen) IS Recalling Certain 2012-2014 Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible Vehicles. THE Driver's Side AIR BAG Inflator MAY Explode DUE TO Propellant Degradation Occurring After Long-Term Exposure TO High Absolute Humidity, High Temperatures, and High Temperature Cycling.
Consequence AN Inflator Explosion MAY Result IN Sharp Metal Fragments Striking THE Driver or Other Occupants Resulting IN Serious Injury or Death.
Remedy Volkswagen Will Notify Owners, and Dealers Will Replace THE Driver Frontal AIR Bag, Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began March 19, 2021. Owners MAY Contact Volkswagen Customer Service AT 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's Number FOR This Recall IS 69bc.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
Recall date 2020-09-23
Recall no. 20e064000
Source NHTSA
Summary Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) IS Recalling Certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, Part Number 072-9831, Sold AS Aftermarket or Replacement Parts FOR 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle Vehicles. THE Fluid Seal Crimp ON THE Master Cylinder MAY BE Insufficient, Causing Brake Fluid TO Leak or THE Cylinder TO Come Apart.
Consequence IF There IS A Brake Fluid Leak, IT CAN Reduce Braking Ability, Increasing THE Risk OF A Crash.
Remedy Beck/Arnley Will Notify THE Distributors That Sold THE Master Cylinders and Will Work With THE Distributors TO Notify THE END Users. Affected Master Cylinders Will BE Exchanged FOR A NEW Master Cylinder (Part Number 072-9990), Free OF Charge. THE Recall Began October 30, 2020. Owners MAY Contact Tenneco Customer Service AT 1-800-625-9319.
Notes Owners MAY Also Contact THE National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline AT 1-888-327-4236 (Tty 1-800-424-9153), or GO TO Www.safercar.gov.

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Warranty

Basic
Original warranty 36 months / 36,000 miles
Estimated remaining Expired
Powertrain
Original warranty 60 months / 60,000 miles
Estimated remaining Expired
Rust
Original warranty 144 months / unlimited miles
Estimated remaining Expired

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Insurance

Insurance for a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Hatchback with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.

How Does the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Compare to Other Hatchback?

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle competes with vehicles like the MINI Cooper, Fiat 500, and Mazda MX-5 Miata (for the convertible). Compared to the MINI Cooper, the Beetle offers a slightly more spacious interior and a smoother ride, but the MINI is often praised for its sharper handling. The Fiat 500 is smaller and more fuel-efficient but lacks the Beetle's power and refinement. The Mazda MX-5 Miata provides a more engaging driving experience but is only available as a two-seat convertible and lacks practicality.

In terms of reliability, the MINI Cooper and Fiat 500 have historically had similar or slightly worse reliability ratings than the Beetle. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is generally considered more reliable. Price-wise, the Beetle is typically comparable to the MINI Cooper but more expensive than the Fiat 500.

Alternatives to consider might include the Honda Civic or Mazda3 for better reliability and practicality, or the Scion tC for a sporty coupe with similar features and price. For those prioritizing style and fun over outright practicality, the MINI Cooper remains a strong contender. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and priorities.

Ranks #152 Hatchback

1 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback (0.0★)
2 2023 Honda Civic Type R (1.0★)
3 2023 BMW i4 (0.0★)
4 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (0.0★)
5 2016 Ford Focus Electric (0.0★)
6 2023 Audi A7 (0.0★)
7 2023 Nissan LEAF (0.0★)
8 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV (5.0★)
9 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid (0.0★)
10 2023 Jaguar I-PACE (0.0★)
11 2023 Tesla Model S (5.0★)
12 2022 Porsche Panamera (0.0★)
152 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (5.0★)

Final Verdict: Is the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle a Good Hatchback?

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is ideal for individuals who appreciate retro styling and a unique driving experience, but also need some degree of practicality. It's worth buying, particularly on the used market, if found in good condition with a thorough maintenance history. The Turbo or R-Line trims offer a more engaging driving experience but may require more specialized maintenance.

Buyers should carefully inspect used examples for any signs of previous damage or neglect and be prepared for potential maintenance costs associated with an aging vehicle. If reliability is a top priority, alternatives like the Honda Civic or Mazda3 might be better choices. However, if you're looking for a stylish and distinctive vehicle with a touch of fun, the 2013 Beetle can be a worthwhile option.

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Owner Reviews

4.51
Overall rating
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Chris on June 21, 2024

I was initially looking for a used Golf, but the more I

I was initially looking for a used Golf, but the more I looked at the Beetle the more I liked it. When I found the one I ended up buying, it was love at first drive. This little car packs a punch with the 2.0T, and will throw you back in your seat. It’s an absolute blast to drive. Handles well around town and on the interstate, where it could easily get one in trouble since it wants to GO. The same engine as is found in the GTI, so this should be unsurprising. Easily gets 30+mpg on the highway when cruising along, typically around 20-25 city. These cars handle city driving just fine, but they are meant for the freeway in my opinion. I find the interior to be quite luxurious. Heated leather seats (not available in the Golf) with plenty of storage compartments. Not many frills, just a sleek and mostly practical dash. The trunk is big enough for grocery runs, and the rear seats fold forward for larger loads. It’s not going to haul large appliances or furniture, although it could possibly carry some bigger stuff on a roof rack. The Fender audio system is impressive, wouldn’t change a thing about it except it could benefit from an updated head unit with CarPlay. This hasn’t been an issue for me. I think the car is a real looker, it turns heads and has drawn the occasional compliment. My used model had some imperfections, but it’s still a great looking car that I want to look after and keep for as long as I can. It feels well built, the doors close with the satisfying weighty thud of a premium vehicle. Overall, I am very happy with my 2013 beetle. It’s not only fun, but it seems to be reliable with a couple caveats that some owners might not be aware of. The 2.0T engine is designed for premium fuel, using regular will eventually damage it. The 2.5 can run regular, but I believe the 1.8T will also want premium. The reason for this is lower octane fuel will cause detonation in these high compression engines. If you don’t know what detonation is, just know it’s bad. The oil needs changed more regularly than the manufacturer recommended 10k miles. 5k to be safe, 7k at a stretch. This is especially true for higher mileage vehicles. Speaking of stretch, there is a known issue with some 2.0T engines where the timing chain stretches over time and many miles, so if buying used that’s something I’d have a mechanic check out. This is an expensive maintenance item, but IF it’s needed, getting it done along with the tensioner and a new water pump for good measure will ensure that the new to you Beetle is reliable for many years and miles to come. The other issue is carbon build up. Getting it cleaned out is not as spendy as the timing chain but it’s also not a cheap fix. I believe this can largely be avoided by using top tier fuel (it contains detergents that help with this) as well as regular oil changes and some regular spirited driving. Would not recommend this car to someone who mainly does town or city driving, the 2.5 engine might be better suited for that. According to my research, the 2.5 is quite bulletproof BUT it’s not good for any engine to be driven at low RPM all the time.

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Wendy on January 22, 2024

Worst car ever!!!!

I sadly made the worst choice of my life buying this car. It started giving me problems since day

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BusyRN on March 17, 2023

LOVE MY BUG

I have owned my convertible bug for 10 years. I bought it brand new and have 98k miles on it. I have taken this car for its yearly inspection and oil changes at the dealership and completed all factory recommended service. Believe it or not I have not had to do anything besides buy tires...its on the second set...This car is still on all its original parts breaks, rotors etc...Its insane!!! I love my bug and it has been the best little car I have owned.

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Chelsea on August 26, 2022

Waste of money

Worst mistake of my life. I bought this car in 2015, so the car was 2 years old. Maybe 10 months later the throttle body busted which is of course a $1300 problem. Wasn't exactly swimming in money at the time so I couldn't afford to fix it so I had to make do. I finally had to buy another car which was with me for a long time before I had to get rid of that one. So I was back to the bettle. Fast forward about 4 ish years. Finally got the money to fix the thing, and its of course not just the throttle body. Battery needed replaced ($300) and four of the pins and wires that connected to the throttle body were also fried ($2100) everywhere you turn there is a problem and it's expensive! Do not waste your money! This car is a piece of crap.

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Mark Wyatt on August 3, 2022

Money Pit

We bought a used 2013 VW Beetle. for a whopping $14.000 at a car lot. We have paid more for repairs than our monthly car payments. and every time we have it fixed, it is thousands of dollars. Of course, the dealership wouldn't give us a warranty on it. It's a Euro piece of junk. I guess that's why you don't see very many on the road.

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Lillie on July 16, 2022

Bad deal

2013 Volkswagen convertible 68000 miles engine is bad can not be fixed oil change regular beautiful car leather interior but with no motor working not worth snything

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ERNurseBen on July 2, 2022

IN LOVE WITH MY BUG

I have only had to replace the alternator and a purge valve on my 2013 Beetle turbo. Both were day jobs and didn't break the bank to have done! I absolutely love driving the car, it's fun and sporty, but still eco friendly when you keep your foot out of it. The little car hugs the road unlike any other vehicle I've ever had (that includes an SLS roadster and a BMW M3). The fender sound system will rock your socks off and the interior is very nicely appointed. The seats offer enough bolstering to keep you planted while the lumbar support isn't too firm nor too soft. I love the look of the circular center steering wheel as well as the upgraded fender dash trim. I would suggest that if you are looking to buy one of these cars, definitely spring for the upgraded fender sound system with subwoofer..... very much worth the extra bucks. I sprung for the optional panoramic sunroof but I must admit that to my dismay, the roof only opens a slight amount due to the location of the radio antenna. It opens enough to get some wind in but it doesn't open "fully" as one might expect. Aside from this, and the occasional rattle of the dash trim, I have no qualms with this little car and I would highly suggest it to others. As with all VW's, the occasional quirk will appear, but, this only adds to the uniqueness and character that these little cars offer. Example) my keyless door touch unlock feature works sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. Oh well....no big deal. I'll just use the unlock button!

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Penny on April 3, 2022

Love love love my TDI

I bought this 2013 TDI and I have the pano roof and color changing speakers but the TDI is so fun I just love to bomb around in it and punch it when driving good mileage, and with winter tires on it it’s like a tank can go through all elements.

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dalexphoto on April 26, 2021

FUN, FUN, FUN to drive!

Kids are grown and this car is simply for FUN! The VW Beetle wasn't even on our list when we started looking for a convertible. We test drove the more "practical" convertibles including the Volvo C70 (2nd place on our list), the VW Eos, Toyota Solara, and Chrysler 200 convertible. The VW with the 2.0 turbo is the one that put a smile on both our faces. The others felt heavy and a bit TOO comfortable. The 2.0 Turbo has plenty of power and the new design is lower, longer and wider changing it from a cutesy-mobile to a very nice looking car. Ours has the Fender sound system which I HIGHLY recommend. At 6'2", I have NO issues fitting in this car, and the trunk--although not big--is not tiny either and is the same size w/top up or down. It's big enough for a weekend getaway or a basic trip to the grocery.

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David on April 11, 2021

retirement car

About two years now since got the TDI convertible. No problems and very reliable. One recall for some airbag issue; no problems with that, and nothing else save regular oil changes and an unfortunately flat tire. Awful lot of fun and a blast to drive. Not practical, but then we have a van to haul things.

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Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.