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Are Volkswagen Beetles good first cars?
I got my license a few months ago, and I am looking for a small car that’s good on gas and won’t cost me a fortune. Is a VW Beetle a good option for a first car?
Andrea Barrett · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congratulations on car hunting—buying your first car is always exciting!
Volkswagen Beetles
are a reasonable choice for first cars, as they’re compact and easy to drive. However, what’s best for you depends on what you’re looking for in a vehicle.If safety is your priority, the Beetle receives good safety ratings. The NHTSA rated the newest-generation VW Beetle (up to the 2019 model year) with a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it Good (the highest rating) in all but one test.
The Beetle probably isn’t the best choice if you want fuel efficiency, though. From 2014 onwards, the VW Beetle achieved significantly lower fuel consumption—between 28 mpg and 29 mpg combined—than the preceding models.
But compared to competitors like the
Hyundai Elantra
, Kia Forte
, and Honda Civic
, which achieve a combined fuel economy of 37 mpg, 35 mpg, and 33 mpg, respectively, the Beetle doesn’t fare so well. Other points to consider for the VW Beetle are:
- Expensive maintenance
- Average reliability
- Relatively expensive insurance for young drivers
- Easy to drive
- Unique styling
- Subpar interior space (cargo and passenger)
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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