VW Type 1 Engine Swap
Can I put an older engine in a newer bug to protect it from an EMP? I can get a 2008 beetle for less than some older ones, but worry about all the engine electronics.
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2008 Volkswagen Beetle Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Not much changed for the Volkswagen New Beetle in 2008. Marketed as a modern interpretation of the original Beetle, this model comes in coupe and convertible versions. The New Beetle comes in 12 trims and sports a 2.5-liter, 150-hp inline five-cylinder engine.
Gas mileage comes out to around 20 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. All trims have 2 doors and seat 4 passengers. Convertibles have a max cargo capacity of 5 cubic feet, while coupes have a roomier 27 cubic feet.
With solid steering, good gas mileage, and a tasteful blend of old and new, drivers like this re-interpretation of the original Beetle. On the other hand, maybe Volkswagen should have added some more horses to the powertrain. Regardless, if you've got love for a truly old school foreign import, the '08 New Beetle could make it worth your while to drive.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2008 Volkswagen Beetle
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Nikki W
Jun 27, 2024
It’s quite a cute car! Drives smooth, had some damage at the shop before purchase, so I had to come to terms with spending a few extra $$ for repairs after purchase.Jun 27, 2024
by Sam G
Mar 22, 2024
This classic is fun to drive and a really cool car.One of the best cars I ever hadMar 22, 2024
by Sandra C. F
Aug 10, 2023
It drove smoothly and didnt have any issues. Aug 10, 2023
User rating:
by Nikki W
Jun 27, 2024
It’s quite a cute car! Drives smooth, had some damage at the shop before purchase, so I had to come to terms with spending a few extra $$ for repairs after purchase.Jun 27, 2024
by Sam G
Mar 22, 2024
This classic is fun to drive and a really cool car.One of the best cars I ever hadMar 22, 2024
by Sandra C. F
Aug 10, 2023
It drove smoothly and didnt have any issues. Aug 10, 2023
by Beatrice B
Jul 11, 2023
This car should be priced at $3,000 because it doesnt have much of a take off when trying to get into traffic, it is cheaper on gas if one keeps it in good running condition.Jul 11, 2023
by rdadiva27 w
Oct 27, 2022
Thats roof had a small gap in it dont know if itll leak if it rains...Oct 27, 2022
by Anonymous
Jul 05, 2022
Great car with easy transaction. Happy all around with deal. Jul 05, 2022
by Natalia P
May 31, 2022
I loved it. Great car. Thank you CarGurus. May 31, 2022
by Sally C
Apr 28, 2022
Love it! Its perfect. Great value considering the mileage. Apr 28, 2022
by Beatrice S
Dec 22, 2021
I bought this car on a Saturday and by Tuesday in dealership for oil leaking air bag light on its going to take 5000.00 to repair and because of it being a used car the warranty doesnt cover much.Dec 22, 2021
by Anonymous
Sep 25, 2021
It is not in the best condition for price and miles.Sep 25, 2021
by Staci B
Sep 09, 2021
It is a beautiful little bug! So much cuter and in better shape than I expected. The doors are solid. The lights on the drivers side and passenger side mirrors when you turn your blinkers on is a great feature and way to encourage my young new driver to use their blinkers. Gets great gas mileage. Definitely a great deal as promised! I got it as a surprise Birthday present for my almost 21 year old and she was thrilled with it. It was exactly what she wanted and we couldnt find this color anywhere close to home. Sep 09, 2021
by Donald M
Aug 28, 2021
good place to buy a used car very fair priceAug 28, 2021
by Nancy C
Apr 22, 2021
Lots of repairs needed for this one. Would not buyApr 22, 2021
by Anonymous
Oct 27, 2020
It was raining when I went for a test drive and realized I only had one head light! Then I stopped in a parking lot to test the convertible roof that would not open all the way. On my way back to the car lot I stalled by accident (5 speed) and the car died in the middle of traffic. Lucky two men stopped traffic and pushed me into a parking lot. They opened the hood and the battery cables were barely attached. They were able to get it started. When I returned no one apologized. I was told they are minor fixes.Oct 27, 2020
by Kimberly R
Oct 14, 2020
Yes!!! This car is an excellent choice great value!! I’m so glad I got the email from Cargurus.. and following this site!! I’m so pleased!!! Oct 14, 2020
by Anonymous
Oct 04, 2020
I love the battle style of when it came out again. I got a convertible. The back windows roll down. I love that. I dont know why all the beetles dont do that. I love my new used car. It had low miles and I am very happy with it.Oct 04, 2020
by Les T
Aug 12, 2020
2008 Beetle is clean inside and out. And it rides super smooth.Aug 12, 2020
by Sheila W
Jul 12, 2020
Several warning lights kept going off ondash during test drive & car quit running in middle of a busy intersection & had to be pushed out of road. Needs new door panels which salesman said were on order. Questionable air conditioning. BUT, it’s a cute car if you don’t mind it parked in garage cause It’s not dependableJul 12, 2020
by Shannon M
May 04, 2015
too small, not enough space. drives very well, very reliable not a lot of problems. I trust this vehicle, not good in the snow. Convertible top very heavy, annoying manual roof, putting the top down requires effort and a little muscle.May 04, 2015
by Dick B
Feb 01, 2015
She just loves her Beetles. Great vision, economy, hauling capacity and does everything she wants it to do. Obviously she likes red with a black interior. she has a nice radio that suits her as she only listens to NPR anyway.Feb 01, 2015
by ULISES G
Jan 05, 2013
It is very nice looking car, many people stop my wife asking questions about the car... They really want her phone number :(... Besides that it's fun to drive in summer time, a little bit noisy inside and very small cargo capacity... Can't go crazy on a shopping day... husbands love that :)Jan 05, 2013
by Rosa N
Jan 06, 2012
I was looking for this type of car when I bought it and it was definetly a great choice a great deal. There was nothing I didn't like about the car, if I was staying in the USA I would keep it and if it wasn't so expensive I would take it with me.Jan 06, 2012
by Maxine D
Dec 25, 2011
I like everything about this vehicle. I bought a minnie cooper and am a small 5Ft. female, the cooper is tooo tight, can't get hand down between the seat and the door. I owned a BMWZ4 , the Beetle convertable has that beat with more room, handling and comfort. Dec 25, 2011
by Arturo M
Nov 24, 2011
This car is a really fun ride! And this special "Hot Wheels" edition really
rocks, because of all the extras it has, like the color-concept leather seats,
the logos, plus the color of the mirrors, and all the standards that come
from the best equipped standard NB. And the nicest part is that this car is
one out of 240!Nov 24, 2011
by Adrián A
Feb 23, 2010
El auto tiene muy buena suspension, pero siento que el motor 2.0L, es insuficiente, y el motor 2.5 es muuy grande, me gustaría ver un 2.0 TFSI, y una caja DSG =), Se vale soñar. O nO? . Ya no tengo mas que decirFeb 23, 2010
by Meaghan L
Apr 24, 2009
Rides like a tractor but is the cutest little car I've ever driven! Very fun to drive, plus suits my personality perfectly. The only thing I don't like is that it has a ridiculous amount of wind noise, even with the top up, lol. But of course, that's what you get for driving a convertible!Apr 24, 2009
by Heather M
Feb 15, 2009
Its not a MK5 like EVERYONE else has!! Its a convertible and its low... i HATE that i broke an axle ALREADY and its a 2008.
It also tucks my wheels very nicely! :)
I Wish it was easier to get into the trunk! hahaFeb 15, 2009
by Katharina G
Jul 06, 2008
I love it, lolJul 06, 2008
by Andrew James M
Jun 15, 2008
I LOVE IT< ITS SOOOOO SEXY XDJun 15, 2008
by Becki B
May 20, 2008
This is a fun car to drive. It handles nice and gets great mileage. The 1 draw back is that it is small!!May 20, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 17, 2008
I just bought and the only thing I would like is performance muffler for it.Apr 17, 2008
by Caitlin W
Apr 15, 2008
Great car, love the colorApr 15, 2008
by Sarah 'Sozzled' A
Mar 06, 2008
I have wanted one for as long as I can remember and was the over the moon when Dave said ill get you one, what a supa dupa guy!Mar 06, 2008
by Amy C
Jan 05, 2008
nice car very good to drive i felt very safe in this carJan 05, 2008
by Sarah 'Sozzled' A
Dec 30, 2007
Soooo looking forward to March '08...Dave has ordered me a new Beetle a car I have always wanted...never wanted a sports car like boys dream of!...but a classic Beetle! I have always loved them and being VW, fantastic quality. 1.9 Diesel very similar engine to the Fiesta which is great and in Salsa Red. Me and Daisy can drive to Cromer in the summer in our cool retro car!yah!Dec 30, 2007
What users have asked
What can be the problem of my car not starting
My car don't wanna crank
7 views
where is the top down button on 2008 convertible bug?
Just bought our daughter a used 2008 convertible bug. Can't find the button to put the top down. Its not on the center console. Any suggestions?
1201 views
Drove through standing water (by accident) and now Check Engine Light is on
So last night, I was detoured several times due to flooding, but I still managed to drive through standing water. After I drove through the water last night, my check engine light started flashing. As I continued to drive home, which wasn't far, the light stopped flashing and just stayed on. This morning, the same thing happened on my way to work; the light began flashing again, then stayed on. The car is a 2008 new beetle, automatic, but it felt as if it was going to stall out like a manual. Did I get something wet on the inside? Should I wait it out and see if it dries out?
3308 views
?????
how do you get an answer
12 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2008 Volkswagen Beetle?Compare this car
2008 Volkswagen Beetle Pricing
Original MSRP
$17,365 to $25,625Price range
$7,376 to $7,792Average price on CG
$7,748YoY price change
$7,376 to $7,748Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.1 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: one-piece · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.1 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: one-piece · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.1 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Exterior Features
Rear spoiler color: white
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: one-piece · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.1 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: manual
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: one-piece · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.1 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: one-piece · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent