Should I buy a 2013–2018 Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 Petrol Manual?

Explore common problems, estimated repair costs and practical checks for the 2013–2018 Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 Petrol Manual. Use this guide to help assess a used car, then unlock a personalised report for the exact vehicle you're considering.

Common problems

1Moderate Likelihood

Camshaft adjuster bolt loosening / timing drive damage

Uneven idle, abnormal rattly engine noise, oil seepage around the timing end, or sudden non-start.

How to check

Start it from cold and let it idle with the bonnet open for a minute.

Estimated Repair Cost

£1,400

2High Likelihood

Turbo wastegate actuator fault

EPC light, engine light, weak acceleration, flat low-rev response or sudden limp mode.

How to check

Accelerate gently from low revs in a higher gear on a slight incline.

Estimated Repair Cost

£950

3High Likelihood

Front suspension bushes, ball joints and springs

Knocking over bumps, vague steering, uneven tyre wear or clunks when manoeuvring.

How to check

Drive slowly over rough patches and small speed humps, then steer gently at low speed.

Estimated Repair Cost

£600

MOT Failure Rate

0%10%20%30%40%50%0–20,000 miles: 9.9% (904 failed / 9,130 tests)20,000–40,000 miles: 16.4% (3,213 failed / 19,636 tests)40,000–60,000 miles: 21.8% (3,083 failed / 14,174 tests)60,000–80,000 miles: 26.0% (1,948 failed / 7,497 tests)80,000–100,000 miles: 27.8% (800 failed / 2,874 tests)100,000–120,000 miles: 31.1% (299 failed / 960 tests)120,000–140,000 miles: 31.1% (68 failed / 219 tests)140,000–160,000 miles: 26.5% (18 failed / 68 tests)160,000–180,000 miles: 36.8% (7 failed / 19 tests)180,000–200,000 miles: 42.9% (6 failed / 14 tests)020k40k60k80k100k120k140k160k180k200kMilesFailure rate
2013–2018 Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 Petrol Manual

Volkswagen Beetle buying questions

Is a 2013–2018 Volkswagen Beetle worth buying?

It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2013–2018 Volkswagen Beetle 1.2 Petrol Manual, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.

What common problems affect the Volkswagen Beetle (2013–2018)?

The problem cards above list the model-level checks for this guide. Read them as priorities for inspection and paperwork review, not proof that every example will have those faults.

What should I check before buying a Volkswagen Beetle?

Look for evidence, not just assurances: MOT advisories, service history, repair invoices, warning lights, fluid leaks, tyre and brake condition, and how the car behaves on a proper test drive. And of course, look at your personalised Should I Buy This Car? report, outlining a full list of common issues in detail, a personalised road test, a plain-English explanation and a MotorIQ score.

A model guide is useful. A report on its registration is better.

The guide above gives you the model-level pattern. A personalised MotorIQ report checks the registration-specific record and turns it into an ownership view before you commit.

Or enter the vehicle manually