VOLKSWAGEN

10 February 2012

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2008 VOLKSWAGEN Golf reviews

VOLKSWAGEN Golf reviews by year of make: 1986 1990 1996 1998 2001 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Read all reviews

Number of reviews: 12

Brian Chidgey, Dorset

Volkswagen Golf TDi GT 2008

Best car I’ve ever owned, it’s my first venture with VW after 10+ years with several Ford Focus and I just can’t fault it. The 2L TDi pulls like a train with the six-speed box averaging 52mpg; if I’m really careful I’ve had it up to 65mpg. It took a long time to find one with the GT spec but worth the wait, especially as I didn’t want leather upholstery. The only trouble I had was getting insurance for it as I’m an advanced driving instructor working for the police. I’ll buy another next time around.

Submitted: 31/10/2011 08:22:46

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David, Lanarkshire

Volkswagen Golf GT TDi 170 2008

I am a driving instructor and I use my Golf as my driving school’s teaching car. The first thing I can say about this car is that it certainly does pull like a train, only when you have it in the appropriate gear though because it does lag for 1-2 seconds. But, on the downside, the Recaro bucket seats in the front can become uncomfortable if you’ve been driving for more than 1 hour. Because of the high mileage and the number of students that have driven this car, it has developed a few problems such as; when the car is in 2nd gear, the gear stick will rattle and bounce about. Also, the clutch has a high biting point which is very difficult to find and hold. Contrary to some reviews, the clutch does need to be replaced quite regularly.

Submitted: 14/08/2011 14:23:09

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Keith, London

Volkswagen Golf TDI GT SPORT 170 DPF 2008

Great car when it’s working as it should. Lots of power and torque in every gear. The Diesel Particle Filter DPF is useless especially when driving around town. At an urban speed 30-40mph the exhaust doesn’t get up to the correct temperature for the carbon deposits to burn away so after a while it blocks and a sensor sets off a dash warning light and you either drive like a mad person to ’solve’ the problem or go to VW to resinate it for you £109+ vat. Even a VW tech told me the DPF is not designed for city driving or low speed driving!! My pal has this problem with his 2011 Golf too!! overall 3/5 is being nice Probably wouldn’t buy another VW especially a diesel.

Submitted: 17/03/2011 21:57:51

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Francis Alan, Cornwall

Volkswagen Golf 2.0 GTTDi 140 2008

Bought my ex-demo Golf 2.0 TDi 140 on December 2008, by December 2009 it had a new clutch, flywheel, air con unit and instrument unit for speed ometer etc.. I wish I never bought it in the first place, VW customer services are apalling! I found the dealer quite rude/ in your face when I confronted them about the problems. I know a few people who have bought a Mk5 Golf and have also experienced problems but after reading all the reviews and videos on What Car I thought it would be a good choice, HOW WRONG WAS I! It makes my old Renault Megane look reliable, and that didn’t ever have problems as big as the Golf! After reading reviews and hearing problems from other I will most definitely never buy a VW again.

Submitted: 14/01/2011 21:57:37

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Samuel Mansfield, London

Volkswagen Golf 140 GT SPORT TDI DSG 2008

Having considered a Honda Civic Ctdi, I bought a Golf GT Sport with DSG gearbox, since the car felt more solid and heavier. The doors close with a satisfying cluck. Centre console has an armrest, large cup holders, and the door bins are massive. Large enough to hold a 1.5 litre mineral water bottle. The leather seats are very comfortable and the heated seats a godsend in cold weather. The gearbox is amazingly slick under full acceleration and the gear changes are lighting quick. However when the car is coming to a rest, the change down is less smooth, and you feel a sudden jolt. Same same jolt is felt when pulling off, this is overcome only by a very gentle left foot, so much so would be a nuisance to other drivers following you. The diesel engine is unrefined, noisy, intrusive, not too different to a transit van. The constant drone of the diesel is somewhat overwhelming. I normally arrive at destination rather flustered, I wish I had bought a Honda Civic.

Submitted: 28/11/2010 16:27:30

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M W, Yorkshire

Volkswagen Golf 2L TDI 140 2008

Excellent car. Had for 3 years. Yes, the alloys can - not always - go "milky". It needs man handling in diesel form but repays with gutsy performance and when needed, amazingly good fuel consumption, 70+ mpg easily available when driven sensibly. Handling also very confident and B roads can be real fun. Good on the motorway, cruises very smoothly and quietly.

Submitted: 05/08/2010 09:51:35

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John Breen, Yorkshire

Volkswagen Golf 1.9tdi dsg 2008

Having previously owned a VW Polo, which had been 100% reliable I chose a VW Golf TDI DSG for it’s replacement at my driving school. Now I’m wondering what the hell just hit me! And im stuck with it for 3years! I’ve not the time to list all the problems I’ve had with it. I’ve owned it just over a year and it has already cost me over £1500 in repairs and then there is VW main dealer service - wow that’s painful! VW, what happend? You need to spend money to build a good car. I think I will look at a Ford Focus next.

Submitted: 15/11/2009 17:52:50

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Arlene Currie, Dumfriesshire

Volkswagen Golf 2.0 GT TDI 140bhp 2008

Bought Volkswagen 2.0 GT TDI 140bhp in April 2008. Current mileage 33500 which I think is quite remarkable for FOUR YEAR OLD CAR. ESP light can’t be cancelled and I’ve been told I require a brake pump. I was also told this is a manufacturers fault but I’m still expected to pay total of £577. Volkswagen have offered to pay 40% of the total cost. I liased with Consumer Care Scotland who advised me to quote Sale of Goods Act. The original cost quoted for me to pay was approximately £1000 plus VAT and Volkswagen would pay the remainder 40%. There is a huge difference between what was originally quoted but I still think it’s outrageous and I will liaise with Trading Standards. When I contacted Volkwagen Customer Care Team I was asked about my loyalty as a customer. I’ve had many Volkswagen’s but I was asked for registration numbers and when I couldn’t remember ALL OF THEM I was then asked for chassis numbers! My idea would be if they are saying this is a manufactureres fault then I should not be paying anything! The retailing garage have been very supportive and I could not fault them BUT I’m very disappointed with Volkswagen and I would certainly have to consider whether to continue as a customer.

Submitted: 01/10/2009 10:35:36

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Helen Wilton, Yorkshire

Volkswagen Golf GTi DSG 2008

This is our third Golf and our second GTi, the first being the Golf GTi 180 (on a 53 plate and the second one a GT TDi 140 on a 55 plate). We have had no problems whatsoever with any of the above cars and especially our new one in white and with 18 inch rims and a host of other extras really turns heads! Its very comfy and the dsg gearbox is fantastic, covered just over 10,000 miles now and I think its just about run in as we’re getting over 36 to the gallon and we were worried when we picked it up we couldn’t get much more than 28 to the gallon. The satnav is a hoot to use and stereo with the 30 gig hard drive is a must when we travel to Devon from Leeds, it is full of over 80 cds. Anyone wanting to buy one should do so as the build quality and reliability are second to none.

Submitted: 07/07/2009 11:47:49

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Dave, England

Volkswagen Golf GT 170 Tdi 2008

Excellent car; loads of power and good on fuel too! Why bother with boring slow petrol engines when you can have a car like this?

Submitted: 05/05/2009 14:25:23

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Harry Kenyon, Flintshire

Volkswagen Golf Blue Motion 2008

Best company car that I have ever had. Very economical on a run, 65 plus to gallon, around town mid 50s Last 2 company cars have both been French; this puts them to shame. Very comfortable and full of lots of toys that all work not like last 2 cars. At first had noise from door seals at any speed but dealer has fixed this has been my only problem.

Submitted: 11/03/2009 09:16:08

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Gareth Davies, Powys

Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI 105 S 2008

I first bought a Golf in 2002, it was the Mk 4 and it gave me 5 years of reliable, pleasurable driving. I had never been so happy with a car so I did not hesitate in moving onto the Mk 5 when I felt it was time to upgrade my motor. The Gold now looks even better and every aspect has been improved upon. It is a fantastic all-rounder that gives sublime performance, reliability and practical for a busy lifestyle. I like to be able to make adjustments to get the best driving position and the Gold allows me to get the seat and steering wheel just right (until my girlfriend borrows the car and then I’m back to square one again...). I know that the residual values are extremely strong and although I plan to keep for car for at least 5 years it’s good to know that it will still be worth a decent amount even then. Green cars are very much in vogue at the moment and my variant has low emissions of 132g/km and high fuel economy of 56 miles per gallon. The Golf is a car that can fit into any household, it does everything you need from a car. 5 stars*****

Submitted: 08/05/2008 13:53:00

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Number of reviews: 12

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