If you're thinking of buying or financing a used Volkswagen Beetle, we answer any questions you might have below.
Available as a three-door hatchback or two-door convertible, the Beetle is full of retro charm. It’s relatively compact yet those up front have lots of space. Long and wide-opening doors make access easy. Back seat space is fine, but there are more practical choices as a family car. The large hatchback boot lid makes loading luggage easy. The Dune version has a raised ride height that gives the Beetle a more rugged look and makes it a bit better suited to any bumpy tracks you choose to tackle.
The VW Beetle is based on a previous version of the Golf hatchback, so it’s good to drive. You can lower the convertible’s fabric roof in seconds for wind-in-the-hair thrills and both it and the hatchback are relaxing on long journeys, thanks to soft suspension and responsive engines. Compact dimensions mean it’s easy to drive around town and the optional DSG automatic gearbox makes life easier in stop-start traffic. The optional park assist function, which controls the steering to guide you into a space, is worth seeking out.
The Beetle is roughly the same size as the VW Golf that it’s based on. It has four seats, with large side doors giving you good access to the rear pair. Legroom and headroom are good in the front and better than you might think in the back. The Beetle’s 310-litre boot is bigger than the MINI hatchback’s and can fit a couple of medium-sized suitcases and a pushchair. Folding the back seats allows you to load longer items. The convertible’s boot is smaller, at 225 litres, but that’s still enough for two small suitcases for a weekend away. Overall the Beetle is well equipped, with the entry-level car getting Bluetooth, DAB radio and air con. Design trim features a touchscreen infotainment system and climate control, while Sport, R Line and Dune trims add sports seats.
Pricing for the Beetle is similar to rivals such as the MINI and Fiat 500, but it generally has more standard equipment. The VW’s efficient engines are cost-effective to run, with the diesels being best for drivers who cover more than 12,000 miles a year. Tax and insurance costs are competitive. Volkswagen has a good reputation for quality and reliability, while the Beetle scored a five-star rating when tested by independent safety organisation Euro NCAP in 2011.
The Beetle is a similar size to the Volkswagen Golf, but has a slightly smaller interior and only seats four. The three-door Volkswagen Scirocco coupe offers the same kind of practicality as the Beetle but it’s a sleeker, sportier option. The Beetle is more practical than the Mini three-door hatchback and the Fiat 500.
£8,895
Volkswagen Beetle
2014 - 2.0 TDI Sport 3dr
£9,995
Volkswagen Beetle
2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Design Cabriolet 2dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (11
£5,895
Volkswagen Beetle
2014 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Design 3dr
£10,495
Volkswagen Beetle
2016 - TDI BlueMotion Tech Sport 3-Door
£8,940
Volkswagen Beetle
2014 - TSI Turbo Black 3-Door
£8,450
Volkswagen Beetle
2016 - 1.2 TSI Design 3dr [Start Stop]
£5,995
Volkswagen Beetle
2013 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech 3dr
£12,440
Volkswagen Beetle
2016 - TSI BlueMotion Tech Sport 2-Door
£7,899
Volkswagen Beetle
2025 (63) - 1.2 TSI Design DSG Euro 5 3dr
£8,995
Volkswagen Beetle
2025 - 1.2 TSI Design DSG 3-Door
£9,999
Volkswagen Beetle
2016 - 1.4 Beetle Design TSi BlueMotion Technology 3dr
£5,650
Volkswagen Beetle
2015 (64) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Design 3dr
£8,990
Volkswagen Beetle
2015 - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Design 2dr
£8,745
Volkswagen Beetle
2016 - 2.0 TDI 150 Sport 3dr
£5,195
Volkswagen Beetle
2004 (53) - 2004 Convertible 2.0 2dr restored
£2,395
Volkswagen Beetle
2004 (53) - 1.6 3dr
£7,595
Volkswagen Beetle
2015 (65) - 2.0 TDI 110 BlueMotion Tech Design 3dr
£3,495
Volkswagen Beetle
2012 (12) - 1.4 TSI Design 3dr
£9,950
Volkswagen Beetle
Design (Leather Package) 1.2 TSI DSG 3-Door
£7,495
Volkswagen Beetle
2013 (62) - 2.0 TDI Design 3dr