Cartalk
Several issues with 2012 VW Beetle
I have a 2012 Beetle I got from my aunty. I love the car and have wanted it for a few years but since buying it off of her, I’ve only experienced issues. It first had issues with the spark plugs and kept misfiring. I had that fixed but the rattling on acceleration continued, the break defective light beeps every time I turn the car on and my ABS light comes up too. Every time I accelerate it makes a squeak noise on the right side under the car. The suspension is also bad as I feel every single rock on the road.
I got it checked and there’s nothing physically wrong apparently. The mechanic told me there’s something wrong with the coding and it will be around $3.5k to fix. Is it worth getting all of this fixed? I have read that these are common issues and the car can be unreliable. When I used to drive the car in 2021, it was perfect! Turbo worked well, very zippy car. Now it takes like 5 seconds to even begin accelerating from a full stop.
Discussion
Are you saying something is wrong with the timing?
I’m really not sure. I guess it’s not firing at the right time but it’s accompanied by a range of other issues. I’m just going off what my mechanic has told me. It rattles on acceleration so yeah timing is an issue too.
I don't know if I'd take him at his word. Ask to see supporting documentation of findings.
YES it could be a timing issue, but that type engin normally doesn't even start with timing problems let alone run.
It could just need a timing belt replacement but that'd be around 1k for everything.
Have any orang or red flashing lights on the dash? This is going to sound stupid but have you checked the air filter?
I have an orange ABS light that turns on every time I hop in the car and also a red flashing break defective light. I’ve had the breaks checked and mechanic says they are fine. I haven’t checked air filter. The mechanic I take it to has been looking after my aunty’s car for years but I think I’m going to take it elsewhere as he seems to be a VW hater.
Volkswagen's and most Europeans card are kind of their own beast. Unless you know what you're doing you can screw it up pretty easily.
Find a VW specialist in your area