2008 Volkswagen GTI Review
- 79,500 milesNo accidents, 4 Owners, Corporate fleet vehicle4cyl ManualMark Wahlberg Chevrolet (15 mi away)
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Columbus, OH
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (20 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWGV71K18W106345
Stock: PCA014257A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-13-2024 - 127,000 miles1 Accident, 2 Owners, Personal use4cyl Automated ManualSix Brothers Mega Lot (138 mi away)
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Youngstown, OH
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWFV71K38W210055
Stock: 210055
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-21-2024 - $6,700good price$252 below market161,645 milesNo accidents, 2 Owners, Personal use only4cyl ManualPurcellville Motors (281 mi away)
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Purcellville, VA
*This vehicle comes Virginia State safety inspected as well as emissions-tested. Come by Purcellville Motors Today for a no-hassle test drive. Call...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (20 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWGV71K18W282506
Stock: 11619A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-20-2024 - $4,950fair price$59 above market138,099 miles1 Accident, 1 Owner, Personal use only4cyl ManualElmhurst Car Center (296 mi away)
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Elmhurst, IL
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (20 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWGV71K28W071914
Stock: 1144
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-03-2024 - $6,700good price$252 below market98,025 milesNo accidents, 3 Owners, Personal use only4cyl ManualAuto Max Sales (337 mi away)
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Glen Burnie, MD
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (20 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWGV71K88W123272
Stock: W123272
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-13-2023 - 156,260 milesNo accidents, 3 Owners, Personal use only4cyl Automated ManualFox River Motors (404 mi away)
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Green Bay, WI
This is a local new car dealership trade in. 5 passenger seating. New tires. Non smoker. Power moonroof. Fog lamps. Owners manual. Nice set of rubber ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWHV71K28W141710
Stock: 8312
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-06-2023 - 176,921 miles1 Accident, 3 Owners, Personal use only4cyl Automated ManualRooster Detailing and Auto Sales (499 mi away)
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Vinton, IA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWHV71K98W189401
Stock: 2166A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-14-2024 - 156,416 milesNo accidents, 2 Owners, Personal use only4cyl Automated ManualMatt Bowers Hyundai (752 mi away)
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Gulfport, MS
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWFV71K48W253075
Stock: 2825B
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-11-2024 - 140,789 milesNo accidents, 5 Owners, Personal use only4cyl ManualCarisma Auto Group (828 mi away)
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- Alarm
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Tampa, FL
2008 Volkswagen GTI 2.0T Hatchback Sedan 4DDrivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)Transmission: ManualEngine: 4-Cylinder, Turbocharged, 2.0 LiterMileage: ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (20 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWGV71K28W072383
Stock: 072383
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-21-2024
Edmunds' Expert Review
Pros
- Hatchback utility, upscale features and interior design, strong turbocharged engine, optional sequential-shifting DSG gearbox.
Cons
- Higher price than many competitors, handling nimbleness dulled by beefy curb weight.
What’s new
The 2008 Volkswagen GTI receives a lower ride height for better handling, and minor equipment and trim level changes.
Edmunds says
The 2008 Volkswagen GTI trades outright performance for more comfort and daily usability. It's the grown-up's hot hatch.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2008 Volkswagen GTI 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Vehicle overview
When Volkswagen introduced its new GTI a couple of years ago, it ran a series of TV ads featuring a stereotyped German engineer, his leggy female counterpart and a variety of over-customized sport compact cars. The ad's Teutonic duo then "un-pimped" the cars by smashing or destroying them, hence allowing the introduction of the new GTI. The TV spots were fun (you can find them on YouTube, naturally) but more importantly, there was real substance behind them. After a string of lackluster GTIs, the latest edition is once again a key member of the hot hatch justice league. And unlike some rivals, it doesn't have to resort to spoilers, scoops and gimmicky interior trim.
The fifth-generation ("Mk V") GTI went on sale as a late 2006 model and heads into 2008 with minimal changes. As expected, the GTI starts life as your basic economy-minded Rabbit. It then gains a variety of upgrades that serve to increase sporting potential. VW and Audi's common but highly regarded 2.0-liter direct-injected turbocharged engine (aka, the 2.0T) is used here, and it can be fitted to Volkswagen's excellent Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission, an automated-clutch, paddle-shifted manual. Also on the GTI are more powerful brakes and a sport-tuned suspension that's been further enhanced for 2008 via a 15mm drop in ride height.
This is definitely the best GTI in a long time. It's also versatile -- it comes as a two-door or four-door and has a roomy and well-built interior. Your only pause for concern might be that the GTI is a bit pricey and lacks in performance when compared to other top sport hatchbacks or coupes. The Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper S are more nimble and fun to drive, for instance, and the well-rounded Mazdaspeed 3 packs more of a turbocharged wallop. There's also the Volvo C30 to consider this year as it, too, brings a refined European feel to this segment. Overall, though, the 2008 Volkswagen GTI is still a very good choice, especially for somebody wanting a hot hatch that's grown-up, comfortable and pleasingly "un-pimped."
Performance & mpg
Every VW GTI comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. It drives the front wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed, sequential-shifting automated manual called DSG. The DSG transmission can be shifted via paddles on the steering wheel or placed in fully automatic mode. For a GTI with the regular six-speed manual, expect a 0-60-mph time of about 6.7 seconds.
Safety
Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Rear side-impact airbags are optional on four-door models. In government testing, the four-door Rabbit/GTI earned four stars out of five for its protection of front occupants in frontal impacts. For that agency's side-impact test, the car earned a five-star rating. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the car scored a "Good" rating (the highest possible) in both the frontal-offset and side-impact tests.
Driving
Start the 2008 Volkswagen GTI and there's a deep, burbling engine note that increases in volume once the throttle is opened under load. It's an enjoyable tone that's rare in the world of turbocharged cars. The engine also provides plenty of torque at low rpm to make squirts through urban traffic quite easy. Around town, the GTI's ride quality is quite agreeable, and overall the car is an excellent choice for a daily driver. From an enthusiast's standpoint, however, the GTI falls a bit short of cars like the Civic Si and Cooper S in terms of handling and driver enjoyment. This year's lower ride height has helped matters somewhat, but the softy tuned VeeDub still suffers from a beefy curb weight and lackluster steering feel.
Interior
Like the Rabbit, the GTI's interior design is straightforward and traditional, with upscale materials and excellent build quality. A few special metallic trim pieces grace the cabin, and the GTI-specific sport seats are very supportive. Distinctive design elements include the standard cloth upholstery, which has a retro plaid print, and the flat-bottom steering wheel. The main advantage to the four-door GTI is its more accessible rear seat, though the two-door's front seats slide forward quite easily to improve entry and exit. With either body style, there's plenty of rear-seat room for a couple of kids. Behind the rear seat, the GTI can hold 15 cubic feet of cargo.
2008 Volkswagen GTI models
The 2008 Volkswagen GTI is a performance-oriented hatchback. Both two-door and four-door body styles are offered. Standard equipment includes xenon HID headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, sport front seats, a 60/40-split rear seat and a 10-speaker, six-CD/MP3 audio system with satellite radio, an auxiliary jack and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. This year VW is offering an Autobahn Package; it includes a sunroof, a premium audio system, leather upholstery and heated front seats. Most of the Autobahn's features are also offered as stand-alone options. Other upgrades for the GTI include 18-inch wheels, an iPod adapter and, when equipped with the Autobahn Package, a navigation system.
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Volkswagen GTI from 2008-2022.for Average Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).for Average Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).for Average Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2008 Volkswagen GTI.
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
The King of the 'hot hatches'
One of the best
Maybe the greatest car for your money...
08 GTI
2008 GTI Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $22,800 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $231/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
People who viewed this also viewed
5.0 average Rating out of 3 reviews. |
Starting at $45,665 |
4.8 average Rating out of 36 reviews. |
Starting at $23,950 |
4.0 average Rating out of 2 reviews. |
Starting at $24,170 |
Related Used 2008 Volkswagen GTI info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- BMW 2 Series 2021 Review
- BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 2020 Review
- BMW 3 Series 2021 Review
- BMW 3 Series 2020 Review
- BMW 2 Series 2020 Review
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Volkswagen Golf GTI 2015
- Used Volkswagen GTI 2016
- Used Volkswagen GTI 2022
- Used Volkswagen GTI 2019
- Used Volkswagen Golf GTI 2018
- Used Volkswagen GTI 2021
- Used Volkswagen GTI 2020
- Used Volkswagen GTI 2017 For Sale
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 5 Series Car
- F 150 Ford Lightning
- 2023 Hyundai Kona
- 2024 3 Series
- Dodge Intrepid 2023
- 2023 Challenger
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUV
- Audi Q5 2024
- GMC Yukon XL 2023
- 2023 Chevrolet S-10
Research other models of Volkswagen
- 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
- Volkswagen R32 2023
- 2023 GLI
- Volkswagen ID.4 2023
- 2023 Atlas Cross Sport
- VW Tiguan Car
- Volkswagen Atlas
- Volkswagen VW Arteon
- 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI
- 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport