//// How to Flat tow a 2000 Beetle ? //// (2024)

A

Andyinchville1

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2016
Location
Virginia
TDI
2003 Jetta TDI wagon, 5 sp, 226K miles

Jul 7, 2017

  • #1

HI All,

I do a long distance courier run and about 60 miles past my furthest out point for a delivery a man is selling a 2000 VW Beetle 5 speed TDI for little or nothing ($300 for a running driving car that even looks good!).

I have not looked at it yet in person (I saw pics tho) but per owner he said car is fine and only reason for sale was the fact he bought a new car.

My run is 550 miles NOT including the extra 60 miles (one way) past my normal turn around point where the car is.

Due to the large distances involved, I was leaning towards just flat towing the bug back home (I figure I can use my Gran caravan to do it since it is set up to tow) rather than breaking out the dually and trailer (only 15 MPG's empty).

Can anybody here recommend a good quality flat tow bar and how would one attach the pull bar to the beetle? (I don't even have a beetle to look at to see where / how it would attach).

I realize it would probably be easier just to trailer the beetle but I didn't relish the 15 mpg max for 670 miles and figure the caravan would do better mileage wise (it gets 23 empty BUT I have never towed anything with it as heavy as a beetle.....the hitch is rated for 3500 lbs tow weight and I have a big aux tranny cooler added.....I'd probably run it out of OD when pulling to help the tranny and help with braking...Of course I'd go real easy flat towing since there would not be any braking from the beetle just the caravan...

I have trailered plenty with the dually but never flat towed anything before....any tips or tricks I need to know about?

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Andrew

Tdijarhead

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Nov 10, 2013
Location
Lawrenceville PA
TDI
2003 TDI Jetta Daughters Car, 2001 TDI Beetle, Wife’s car, 2005 Golf TDI Mine, all 5 spds

Jul 7, 2017

  • #2

Page 11, Post number 159 shows how one member did it.

UhOh

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Dec 24, 2014
Location
PNW
TDI
2003 Golf GLS (2005 Mercedes E320 CDI)

Jul 7, 2017

  • #3

How much would it cost to have someone deliver it? In the grand scheme of things, headaches and risks etc, it might be an option. Maybe gritting your teeth and running your dually is worth the reduction in risk?

What kind of FE would the Caravan get lugging a Beetle? Might not do better than the truck. In this case figure break even on the return trip. The trip out would be a difference of 8mpg. Delta of 8mpg over 610 miles with fuel at (just guessing) $2.50/gal is about $36. Running the truck would be a $36 insurance policy.

Dealing with new things, new setups and a longer distance like this is a cause for extra scrutiny.

jettawreck

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Aug 2, 2004
Location
Northern Minnesota-55744
TDI
2001 Jetta and 2003 Jetta

Jul 7, 2017

  • #4

Find a buddy to drive the van back from the trip to get the NB.
Just in case the deal isn't what it's seems/sounds like you then don't have much fuel money or tow bar costs incurred. If all is ok, then you get acquainted with the TDI on the way home.

UhOh

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Dec 24, 2014
Location
PNW
TDI
2003 Golf GLS (2005 Mercedes E320 CDI)

Jul 7, 2017

  • #5

If he were to drive the truck both ways and come back empty-handed he'd be looking at doubling the fuel cost differential of $36 -> $72. But, yeah, with someone else coming along that would present the opportunity to get time behind the wheel of the NB: going this route would save about $6 in fuel (over the towing/hauling options).

Windex

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Apr 1, 2006
Location
Cambridge
TDI
05 B5V 01E FRF

Jul 7, 2017

  • #6

...Assuming the car runs and drives as advertised.

Ever showed up to a car only to find it wasn't exactly as described? //// How to Flat tow a 2000 Beetle ? //// (6)

B

belome

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Apr 8, 2010
Location
Mid MI
TDI
2002 Jetta GLS TDI 5-speed

Jul 7, 2017

  • #7

Sometimes being cheap just isn't worth it.

UhOh

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Dec 24, 2014
Location
PNW
TDI
2003 Golf GLS (2005 Mercedes E320 CDI)

Jul 7, 2017

  • #8

Yeah, taking someone else on a 1,200 mile round tripper and not land what you're wanting could be a bit uncomfortable.

I bought MY car sight unseen (other than a few pictures), though I did have some good Car Fax records. Paid $950 to have it shipped. Can't say one way or another whether this was cost effective/worth it; but, I still have the car, and I like it enough to have some body work done on it.

As belome puts it, sometimes being cheap isn't worth it. I won't cheap out on anything that involves a safety risk. I'd like to think that my numbers show that there's really not a lot of savings to be had by going a more risky route.

T

TdiRN

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2015
Location
FL
TDI
2002 VW Jetta, 5 speed, 400k milesish

Jul 7, 2017

  • #9

Dually and trailer it. If something happens on a flat tow that far from home....that could really suck.

drucifer

Veteran Member
Joined
Dec 21, 2013
Location
fredericksburg virginia
TDI
2004 jetta sw tdi pd

Jul 7, 2017

  • #10

Does this make sense?
On your next courier run check out the car to see if it's a runner or has to be towed. If it's good pay the man get the title and return home. If it's a tow job take the truck. If its a runner go to the dmv and get tags. Bring your friend knowing you'll have a running driving car that you own on the other end.

S

scooperhsd

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Aug 19, 2003
Location
Kansas City KS
TDI
NB, 2000, RED(5 Speed conversion) 2015 Golf SE

Jul 7, 2017

  • #11

drucifer said:

Does this make sense?
On your next courier run check out the car to see if it's a runner or has to be towed. If it's good pay the man get the title and return home. If it's a tow job take the truck. If its a runner go to the dmv and get tags. Bring your friend knowing you'll have a running driving car that you own on the other end.

I like THIS option best ....

turbobrick240

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Nov 18, 2014
Location
maine
TDI
2011 vw golf tdi(gone to greener pastures), 2001 ford f250 powerstroke

Jul 7, 2017

  • #12

I think it would flat tow fine with a grand caravan. Just keep it under 60 mph or so, and leave plenty of room ahead of you.

E

eddieleephd

Top Post Dawg
Joined
May 27, 2012
Location
Battle Ground, Wa
TDI
2002 jetta Wagon

Jul 7, 2017

  • #13

In this situation, I would either drive and look at the car paying for a storage space if I did buy it, or have a buddy/family member (son, daughter, etc.) ride with and drive it back. I have pulled one back on a uhaul car trailer behind an old van as I didn't have anyone to go with.
My other option is to have my motor club tow it 250mi at a time until it gets there.

My usual preferred method is to have someone go with, provided that someone is available, and drive it back myself.
In this I would take my go bag (all the tools I usually need for most work) and fix if necessary. If I don't think it can make it that far, I would pass on it unless it's something I am comfortable with repairing.

I bought mine and the rear brakes were screaming, I don't use my brakes if I can help it anyhow.

Lightflyer1

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Sep 13, 2005
Location
Round Rock, Texas
TDI
2015 Beetle tdi dsg

Jul 7, 2017

  • #14

Have you considered just renting a tow dolly there and bringing it home? Seems much simpler. A tow bar will cost you some money for the bar/mounts/electrical anyway. Rent/borrow one and deadhead there (and back maybe).

jettawreck

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Aug 2, 2004
Location
Northern Minnesota-55744
TDI
2001 Jetta and 2003 Jetta

Jul 8, 2017

  • #15

Lightflyer1 said:

Have you considered just renting a tow dolly there and bringing it home? Seems much simpler. A tow bar will cost you some money for the bar/mounts/electrical anyway. Rent/borrow one and deadhead there (and back maybe).

A tow dolly is a great option and I have used them from a couple sources before. Uhaul probably won't rent one if you tell them you are using the G Caravan as the tow vehicle.

A

Andyinchville1

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2016
Location
Virginia
TDI
2003 Jetta TDI wagon, 5 sp, 226K miles

Jul 8, 2017

  • #16

Hi All,

Thanks for all the input....

I actually "cheated" and went to look at the car today...rather than trying to do it all in 1 step...

It seems to run OK BUT it is really gutless....the engine light is on and the owner claims the turbo actuator is not working (he bought a vac pump and could not pull a vacuum on the actuator).

The car is relatively gutless BUT it will make 65 MPH so I guess it is driveable (we ran several miles in town and several on the highway....merging onto the highway was a little scary since acceleration is very gradual despite pedal being on the floor (no coal rolling either even at full throttle).

I'm heading out in an hour so I can pick it up tomorrow afternoon....My girlfriend is giving me a ride out and she'll follow me back just in case....

If I can make it to within 200 miles of home I can call AAA if I break down and get it flat bedded home for free ( I have the 200 mile towing option).....

I'm keeping my fingers crossed but I think she'll make it back....

Ill let you all know what happens.

Thanks for all the input.

Andrew

T

TdiRN

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2015
Location
FL
TDI
2002 VW Jetta, 5 speed, 400k milesish

Jul 10, 2017

  • #17

Did you get it back? Have you pulled the engine code yet? Did PO tell you when last timing belt change was done?

A

Andyinchville1

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2016
Location
Virginia
TDI
2003 Jetta TDI wagon, 5 sp, 226K miles

Jul 10, 2017

  • #18

HI All,

Just an update...I got the car an drove the car back 236 miles with no real issues beyond what the previous owner told me (of course some of the stuff I noticed / saw / heard he did not tell me over the phone).

Here are some of my findings about this car.....(due to work constraints I have not had time to really go through the car yet....maybe this weekend)....I'm dying to see why the check engine light is on (what code)..

2000 Beetle TDI 5sp, AC, PW, PL, 190K miles screaming at you yellow (or is it lemon yellow?...HA)

Car is rust free and clean outside (only damage is 1 fog light missing and lower grill damaged / missing....1 dent along lower rocker panel).

AC does not work, PW (both) do not work....yes it was a hot drive with sunny 85 degrees outside and no ac and all windows up! , clutch engages high up (don't know if that means worn clutch?....Can it be adjusted to engage lower / earlier?

A check engine light is on and the car is low on power (can make 65 on the highway if relatively flat or 47 mph on a steeper hill with pedal to the floor (no coal tho)....owner says it is a bad vacuum actuator (he put a vac gauge on it and could not pull a vacuum....he assumes a torn diaphram).

Tires worn evenly and had about 80% tread left (not a big name brand name tho).

State inspected within the last month.

The brakes make a grinding noise when applied but don't feel like metal on metal through the pedal...not sure why the noise but probably grit or needing new pads?

Oh...there is a rattling noise under the hood...Maybe a idler pulley or ??...owner thought bad AC compressor noise...

Timing belt supposedly done last year.....he was looking for receipt tho.

Engine did not seem to have any blow by but I did see a drip or two of oil under the parked car...

Last edited:

Windex

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Apr 1, 2006
Location
Cambridge
TDI
05 B5V 01E FRF

Jul 11, 2017

  • #19

Clutch is non-adjustable, see if it slips.

Yet another timing belt "done last year", but magically cannot find receipts... //// How to Flat tow a 2000 Beetle ? //// (13)

A

Andyinchville1

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2016
Location
Virginia
TDI
2003 Jetta TDI wagon, 5 sp, 226K miles

Jul 11, 2017

  • #20

Windex said:

Clutch is non-adjustable, see if it slips.

Yet another timing belt "done last year", but magically cannot find receipts... //// How to Flat tow a 2000 Beetle ? //// (14)

HI,

Just curious but since the clutch is non adjustable does that mean if the clutch is grabbing only close to the very top that it's practically worn out?...My Jetta engages closer to the floor than the beetle does but I am really not sure how much more life the Jetta clutch has either.

As far as testing for clutch slippage, the beetles engine power issues are such that the engine makes too little power to even think about slipping the clutch....maybe a more fair test can be done when the check engine code is figured out and the beetles engine is brought back to stock levels of performance.

I'm hoping the PO can find the receipt for the timing belt....he's supposed to send me more info on the car when he finds the file folder...Yes, I know...."it's in the mail" ....HA

Andrew

nokivasara

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 25, 2008
Location
Sweden @ Lat 61N
TDI
Tiguan 4-motion, Golf mk7

Jul 12, 2017

  • #21

Don't worry about the clutch, our Golf is like your beetle and my Skoda is the exact opposite.
If it doesn't slip when you get all the power back you'll just need to get used to it grabbing that far out.

dweisel

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jul 28, 2006
Location
Wheeling, West Virginia
TDI
dweisel isn't diesel anymore!

Jul 12, 2017

  • #22

Windex;5301850Ever showed up to a car only to find it wasn't exactly as described? :D[/QUOTE said:

That's ALL part of the challenge and adventure. Some people can't even handle a simple pick up and drive it home situation.

dweisel

A

Andyinchville1

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2016
Location
Virginia
TDI
2003 Jetta TDI wagon, 5 sp, 226K miles

Jul 12, 2017

  • #23

dweisel said:

That's ALL part of the challenge and adventure. Some people can't even handle a simple pick up and drive it home situation.

dweisel

So true...It's the hard / issue filled trips that seem to provide the best memories!

A

Andyinchville1

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2016
Location
Virginia
TDI
2003 Jetta TDI wagon, 5 sp, 226K miles

Jul 12, 2017

  • #24

nokivasara said:

Don't worry about the clutch, our Golf is like your beetle and my Skoda is the exact opposite.
If it doesn't slip when you get all the power back you'll just need to get used to it grabbing that far out.

Glad to know that the clutch should not be automatically written off just because of a difference in when the clutch grabs.

Thanks for that info big relief.....(BUT I would still like it to grab sooner!...oh well I guess Ill just have to get used to it....).

B

BoostedOne

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 5, 2013
Location
Fl
TDI
82 Caddy, 02 Jetta Wagon TDI Converted

Jul 13, 2017

  • #25

You might try bleeding the clutch and see if that helps. Never had it happen on a VW but on another vehicle my foot slipped off the pedal and popped the clutch and the pedal came back so fast it pulled more fluid in from the reservoir which essentially held the clutch partially open. Which meant the clutch engagment I did have was at the very top of the pedal. So bleeding it(more like relieving the residual pressure) got it back to normal.
If that doesnt change it, once you get it running right if its not slipping, it may just be the difference between the early and later clutch since that may still have the single mass flywheel and a "normal" clutch, not the dual mass nonsense..

Getting your hands on a VAG com will go great lengths to troubleshooting the lack of power.

$300 for a running driving beetle with only minor issues like yours is a steal, even if it was a 2.0. I bought a TDI 5 speed last year for $500, and not only is it so beat up its not worth putting back on the road, virtually no parts are worth selling off it, LOL.. After I got it a friend of mine was asking if it had this, that(common NB breakage parts). I finally had to tell him, dude, unless you need a window or some nuts and bolts, I cant help you, haha.

Y

y2kbird

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 29, 2006
Location
earth
TDI
'02 Black Jetta, '03 Blue Jetta

Jul 13, 2017

  • #26

congrats on risking it and making it home. now park it until he 'finds' the timing belt receipt, 'remembers' the mechanic he used to get a receipt copy, or until you use the AAA towing to have a trusted tdi mechanic do the timing belt kit.

UhOh

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Dec 24, 2014
Location
PNW
TDI
2003 Golf GLS (2005 Mercedes E320 CDI)

Jul 13, 2017

  • #27

I'm itching to pick up a project car (a bunch of good candidates have popped up) but am totally overwhelmed with other things for the foreseeable future, so for now I'll just live vicariously through others//// How to Flat tow a 2000 Beetle ? //// (18)

TB first*. Brakes second: I'd just pull the calipers and check things out- might just be neglected slider pins; if you're lucky, cleaning and greasing will resolve the noise issue.

* Keep in mind that just because someone can produce receipts that that doesn't mean that it's for THIS car OR that the job was done properly. PO of daughter's wagon flashed a receipt at me and wouldn't give it to me (needed it for tax purposes); he didn't replace all the TB components! (WP had failed so he just replaced it and the belt- maybe the tensioner, but I couldn't quite tell- if unsure then time for a complete TB job!)

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//// How to Flat tow a 2000 Beetle ? //// (2024)

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