Used New Beetle - Sound Investment

It was the car that kicked off the current trend for retro styling in vehicle design, and it gave a new life to one of motoring's greatest icons. VW's new Beetle, launched in 1998, is little more than a cuddly Golf - but that means good road manners, excellent refinement and one of the most distinctive profiles around.

Over the past four years, the reborn Beetle has been a hit with younger drivers thanks to its fashionable looks and perceived build quality, while it already has a 300-strong owners club. A new Beetle makes a good used buy, but there are a few things to look out for if you don't want problems to bug you...

Beetle checklist

• The most common Beetle problem is the fuel filler cap, which can stick in the shut position. Check it frequently.

• Front seats squeak in their mountings - adjusting them regularly helps.

• A few electrical problems have been reported, including lazy electric window motors and dodgy switches.

• Boots lock themselves automatically if you leave them unattended, so make sure you take the keys out.

• Engines are usually reliable, but ensure 1.8T's turbo works properly. Some owners have also reported ECU faults. Service history is vital on LHD imports.

Glass's Guide view

The trader's best friend says the Beetle is a sound used purchase, but prices have eased as VW has satisfied new demand - so there are a few good deals about. Don't expect big discounts, though. As with all VWs, the Beetle is a safe buy. LHD versions are worth about 20 per cent less than RHD ones.

My VW beetle...

Once you've caught the Bug, you never lose it. Ask Sharon Forster. Having owned two classic Beetles in the past, she found that no other modern car would do.

The 33-year-old nursery worker from Weston, Northants, bought her 1.6 last November and is delighted with it. "You get the same enjoyment from a new Beetle as you do from an old one," she said.

The only problem Sharon's had is a rattly dash after her dealer fitted a CD changer, but this was fixed free of charge. Her favourite feature is the dash-mounted vase. "I put different flowers in it depending on my mood," she said.

Pete Frost