Questions and Answers

Volkswagen Beetle Oil Usage Q. Hi Vincent, I was wondering if you could help me with a question I have concerning my car. I purchased the car in June, 2002, when it only had 36,000 miles. I was recently placed on an oil consumption watch and need the oil checked every 1,000 miles for the duration of 3,000 miles. I had my first check-up the other week and the car had burned half a pint within the first 1,000 miles.

This equals three quarters of a quart per every oil change at 3,000 miles. To me, this sounds like a lot. Volkswagen says it's not enough to warrant replacing the engine.

Here's my question: Is this normal? Will this progressively get worse and eventually need a new engine? I've only had this car for 7 months and have had nothing but constant TROUBLE with it, which makes me think that this may develop into a problem. We no longer need two cars and want to sell this one, but I don't want to sell it to somebody if the engine will eventually go bad. Can you help?

My car specs are as follows:

• 1999 Volkswagen Beetle GLS
• 2.0 liter
• Manual transmission
• 44,000 miles
• Fuel Injection
• ABS brakes
• P/S - A/C - Cruise control

Thank you very much!
Heather

A. If you look through the European Q&A's, you'll see you are not alone. This is a "problem" with all the late model Volkswagens with the 2.0 liter engine. I took the first five and listed them here. There are more for the Jetta and Beetles. So reading these will give you everything I have on the subject.

Jetta Losing Oil?
Another Jetta Losing Oil
Another Jetta Using Oil!!
Yet Another Jetta Using Oil!!
Jetta Oil Consumption

Volkswagen does not readily admit there is a problem but, according to TSB#: 1701-01 Dated: 03/05/2001 Entitled: Engine - Evaluating Oil Consumption they are evaluating each complain on a case by case basis.