Constant cooling fan on
08 VW GTi - cooling fan comes on way after the vehicle is turned off and it'll stay on until the battery dies. I've checked the fuses. Everything is good in that aspect. Just need this little defect fixed.
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2008 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Volkswagen introduced the GTI as an offshoot of the Golf, originally in hatchback form. But after a major redesign in 2006 and the addition of a sedan version the following year, the GTI returns relatively unchanged for 2008. The biggest changes come in the form of SIRIUS Satellite radio and a special edition in Reflex Silver. Otherwise, the GTI sticks to its time-tested formula, offering an affordable, solidly built vehicle. The hatchback has two doors and seats five, and the sedan seats five as well. But beyond the number of doors, you won't find much difference between the two trims.
Both trims feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower inline-four engine with a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic. Their estimated gas mileage is 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway. Standard features include air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, a CD player, ABS brakes, traction control, and stability control. Options include a sunroof, powered leather seats, and a navigation system. In other words, the GTI includes basic performance and safety features, but also offers plenty of stylish options to anyone inclined to pimp their ride a bit. Passenger room comes out to a respectable 94 cubic feet, with approximately 15 cubic feet of cargo room.
How do drivers view the GTI? This established model gets solid ratings across the board. It's not super-fast or -smooth, but it offers an overall fun and responsive ride. It offers pretty good interior room and enough cargo room to hold everything you'd need for trips around the city and surrounding 'burbs. While the 2008 GTI's exterior and interior design won't turn too many heads, they get enough respect on the road to tide over most egos. The GTI's already enthusiastic fan base would, however, appreciate the chance to upgrade to a V6 at some point in the not-too-distant future.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2008 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Nov 17, 2021
Very solid, well built vehicle with many standard features Nov 17, 2021
by Anonymous
Aug 10, 2021
Love it! Runs great, with only some small cosmetic issues.Aug 10, 2021
by Limarys G
Apr 21, 2021
Great Condition, value, gas mileage, overall a great buy! Apr 21, 2021
User rating:
by Anonymous
Nov 17, 2021
Very solid, well built vehicle with many standard features Nov 17, 2021
by Anonymous
Aug 10, 2021
Love it! Runs great, with only some small cosmetic issues.Aug 10, 2021
by Limarys G
Apr 21, 2021
Great Condition, value, gas mileage, overall a great buy! Apr 21, 2021
by Topsy K
Apr 16, 2021
The only upgrade I would consider, would be to trade it in for newer models. But would not be a requirement.Apr 16, 2021
by Dave M
May 18, 2015
I love the engine and transmission combo in this car, and it's also the best handling car I've ever owned. You do need to purchase a couple of specialized tools for maintenance, but otherwise it has been a good, reliable car.May 18, 2015
by Elmir D
Feb 09, 2015
I love most everything on this car except for one thing and that's the tail lights. I think Volkswagen could have done better with the tail lights. I just didn't like the crystal red tails that they put on them from factory. In 7 years of ownership I did not have any issues with car and never made any weird noises or anything out of the ordinary. Car gets great gas mileage, I averaged about 26 mpg combined. No maintenance costs here, except for cabin air filter that was changed by Volkswagen. Car is plenty powerful it has torque in pretty much every gear, and that feels good. I never felt more in control then with this hatchback, take turns fast, lots of grip in and out of corners and braking power is great as well. If you want to get the hatchback feeling back into your life then this car is for you.Feb 09, 2015
by Anonymous
Dec 05, 2014
This car has a great look to it. The front end looks amazing and agressive, it fits four people comfortably on the way to vegas. It feels like it has more than 200 hp by the way it pulls and handles.Dec 05, 2014
by Anonymous
Dec 31, 2013
I drive a 2008 VW GTI. It has the hatchback look with my favorite type of engine setup, the 2.0 liter turbo. The engine has pep and mine comes with the automatic DSG Tiptronic transmission which can be switched from auto to manual modes, as well as allowing for a "sport mode" when you have the desire for increased "get-up-and-go." The interior is classy and refined, and the auxiliary jack allows for me to hook-up my mp3 player or smartphone with ease.
A few things to note: It doesn't handle like a sports car. It's a bit stiff and top heavy in hard turns. The trunk space is a bit deceiving as it's not that big unless you're putting the back seats down. One other thing that I find interesting is that I never get looks in it. To repeat this for clarity, I have never, not once, gotten anyone staring at the car while I'm driving down the road. My previous car was a 1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse, and I got stares all of the time with that thing. It also handled better than my GTI. I guess the hatchback is a specific look that is more for car enthusiasts than your average consumer.Dec 31, 2013
by Anonymous
Dec 28, 2013
This is a really sporty, great handling little car. Easy to park and drive - has great acceleration and cargo space. Wonderful for someone who has lots to haul or owns 4 dogs like me. I highly recommend this fun car.Dec 28, 2013
by Anonymous
Aug 14, 2013
The VW GTI is a solid hot hatchback. Much better than the Rabbit or the Golfs. Definitely make the upgrade to this if looking at those vehicles or other hatchbacks. Opt for the manual. Don't let it die! Learn and keep them alive!Aug 14, 2013
by Casey E
Dec 12, 2012
Never in my life would I thought I would own a hatchback let alone a VW. I have always owned trucks and older american power cars. Everytime I drive the car I have a smile on my face. The inside is actually nice for a cheeper car instead of the plastic rattle traps American cars have. Plenty of power for when you want to have fun, but an avg of 28mpg.Dec 12, 2012
by Jaron M
Jul 13, 2012
Performance is unmatched, price is good and saves gas. I would recommend this to a single person looking for a fun car with plenty of power and curb appeal. I wouldn't recommend it for a family. I would definately buy another if I get it with 4 doors.Jul 13, 2012
by Brian E
Jun 01, 2012
Good car stock. Awesome car lowered, with more power and opened up exhaust! Better mileage than my Audi Quattro, but thirsty compared to my wife's Jetta TDI.
No room in back seats, cozy up front, but a blast to drive!
Just watch out for radar...Jun 01, 2012
by John E
Dec 21, 2011
Awesome piece of engineering. Works just as well to dice the traffic light GP as to drive to the shop and back. Looks great, has a bit of the Mark 1 GTI styling with the bit of red in the front. For the rest it feels like a after market kitted car, only thing is it comes out the shop stock standard like that. AwesomeDec 21, 2011
by Matthias B
Dec 20, 2010
Great sport car with excellent handling. It's fun driving the car up the mountains.
Upgraded the car with 19" rims and a new sound system. The only negative side of this car is the manufacture - VW sucks (really bad service)Dec 20, 2010
by Marius C
Jan 05, 2010
Performance: it charges like crazy when you put your foot down, the brakes are good, fade free, handling is great for a hot hatch
Quality: overall very good, more Audi than VW, but the DSG is tricky
Appearance: aggressive stance, yet not too obvious
Cost: cheap on gas for a sports car, easy to maintain
Fun factor: this is where everything I wrote above doesn't matter anymore; it's a BLAST
Jan 05, 2010
by Nicholas G
Dec 18, 2009
the golf is a brilliant machine. with the dsg gear box, it flies. have just ordered the new mk6. one of the best and most reliable cars that i've owned. would recomend to any one who wants to have fun for little moneyDec 18, 2009
by Andrew D
Dec 04, 2009
This car has no problems I had VW sport put a chip it that puts out 170KW It handels well and it Accelerates very good . It is a car you can realy on. The dsg is outstanding
The service plan is outstandingDec 04, 2009
by George R
Oct 19, 2009
love it, treats me well as long i as treat it well back. has
enough pep to get my license suspended :( payments suck
for an 18 year old but its okay. Vw scene is great and would
recommend a vw for anyoneOct 19, 2009
by Eslam E
Sep 17, 2009
this car is pretty fast...
and its stable too so whenever you want to push it to the limit it never says no...
but you also need to know how to drive..
it has the looks also the way the 18 inch rim is fiitted under thhose fenders makes me wana drive it more and more :D:D once you own a golf gti you ll know what i am talking about..Sep 17, 2009
by Robert B
Sep 15, 2009
After nearly 2 years with this car I still enjoy getting in it as much as I can and I get bored very quickly. It doesn't have the outright pace of the my old Evo VIII but it can hold it's own on a race track (and beaten up on a few Evo's in the process). I have yet to find a new car in the US market that has the performance, build quality, practicality, and solid gas mileage for the price this car cost me. And I drive a lot of flippin' cars!Sep 15, 2009
by Jorge C
Aug 12, 2009
Quick response, acceleration, great braking and
handling. A classic from the VW family with a lot of
power. Great design and form. Excellent car with a lot
of technology. GTI is a great car for great drivers. I
love it!!Aug 12, 2009
by Roberto F
Jun 24, 2009
Engine performance and exhaust tone is great, DSG transmission ROCKS!!
Love driving this car, sport seats are supper comfortable, stereo is decent but
wouldve liked iPod interface as STD. VW needs to come up with more tech options
as std.
Spacious interior and versatile.
Overall a great car.Jun 24, 2009
by Craig W
Oct 02, 2008
This little "rabbit: is a rocket. Uses the same engine found in the audi A4 and a3. 200 and 200 with such a litlle car and this things moves. It can be chiped throught VW to get upwards of 280 and 290. The dsg transmission is fantastic giving the options of using the paddle shifters, the traditional stick shift, regular automatic or sport mode automatic which maintains high revs for fast responses. For those who think sports cars should only have a true manual; drive this transmission system ans then think again. FUN FUN FUNOct 02, 2008
by Benyamin W
Oct 02, 2008
It's super awesome. Handles real good, drives real fast, really comfortable, gorgeous looking, smooth shift gear, lightweight, surprisingly can fit a lot of stuff, provides good sound sytem, nice exhaust sound, nice engine sound, accelerate effortlessly, the seats are super comfortable and have a very nice interior....A REAL SPORTS CAR! Oct 02, 2008
by Humam K
Sep 07, 2008
Classy yet performance orientated hatchback, loved the evolution of the body from the Mark 4 to the Mark 5, for a stock engine and for what it comes out from the factory amazing power and handling. Great feel and control of the vehicle around corners and nice sounding back fires with the DSG Box. Sep 07, 2008
by Callum C
Jul 03, 2008
This car is a sensation, plenty of power and all the creature comforts of a family car. The handling is smooth and I love the adaptive steering, The gearbox feels solid and precise allowing for smooth gear changes on Volkswagen's manual box. Not to mention, this car looks awesome!Jul 03, 2008
by Andrew C
Jun 09, 2008
Having owned the Golf for around 3 months now and covered just over 2700 miles. The interior has got to be one of my favourite parts of the car especially the bucket seats that provide comfort and the support to keep you firmly seated in any corner. The biggest surprise to me about the GTI is the fuel consumption as it is not any worse than my C2 VTS was, although I have to admit that is when the GTI isn’t being pushed.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is by far the best car I’ve owned so far for a few reasons. It amazes me how whatever gear you’re in the power is still at hand. I’ve discovered that GTI feels extremely safe at any speed, really provides me with a sense security. The handling of the GTI is brilliant you can go into any corner with the knowledge that you’ll remain firmly planted.
Jun 09, 2008
by Steven T
Jun 03, 2008
Good car, good speed, handling and apperance. DSG gear box is brilliant !Jun 03, 2008
by Jay D
May 15, 2008
Dont look much but take 1 out for a drive...ul be surprised!can be driven round town at 30..ish..and when needed hammer to the floor and she wakes up with a pure punch of power.May 15, 2008
by Zachary C
Apr 13, 2008
The GTI remains the king of the hatchback world. With DSG dual-clutch technology, the VW
GTI can accelerate just as quickly as entry level Saabs, BMWs, Acuras, etc.. for a fraction of
the cost.Apr 13, 2008
by Jan K
Apr 07, 2008
Out of the box awesome. This car is ready to go - no after market, no bolt ons, no mods. The
only thing you need to turn is the key. It looks great, drives great and is daily driver friendly.
Just the right level of refinement for a sporty car, and amazing fit and finish for the price.
Make friends with YOUR fastApr 07, 2008
by Jason S
Mar 31, 2008
The 2008 GTI is, by far, the most fun I've had driving a car. I have an ECU upgrade, which gives it more zip, but even in stock form, it's a blast.Mar 31, 2008
by Ridhwaan L
Mar 28, 2008
I love this car, The DSG gearbox is amazingMar 28, 2008
by William C
Jan 08, 2008
So far... it's ok... only no powerseat... and no heat for fabric seat...Jan 08, 2008
by Shannon R
Jan 03, 2008
perfection yet classy with the modern look but the old gti habits.
red line grills etcJan 03, 2008
What users have asked
Electrical goes dark and shuts off when ignition is turned from ACC to ON, suggestions?
I recently removed my stock radio and hooked up an aftermarket Kenwood radio unit. I thought everything was gravy because the car appeared to be working normally (including the aftermarket radio) when I had the key turned to the accessory position. When I tried to start the engine, all of the electrical went dark immediately. The electrical does not come back on unless I disconnect the terminal from the battery and reconnect. The car continues to lose power and go dark whenever I turn the key ignition to ON. Starter does not engage, engine does not crank, no electrical power. I'm having trouble finding posts of a similar problem, any help or suggestion is highly appreciated!
73 views
Car dies while pulling out of driveway, now when key turned NOTHING? HELP!
Dash board only comes on when lights are manually turned on, but even then, only the brights and hazards function but not headlight, wipers, turn signals. Checked all fuses and are all fine. Tried jumping but again the key did absolutely nothing when turned. Any clue on the issue?
20 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2008 Volkswagen Golf GTI?Compare this car
2008 Volkswagen Golf GTI Pricing
Original MSRP
$22,730 to $23,230Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · IPod auxiliary audio input · CD changer: 6 · In-Dash CD: DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in center console · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.5 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: self-leveling
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
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: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · IPod auxiliary audio input · CD changer: 6 · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in center console · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brake width: 1.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brake width: 0.5 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · 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 · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
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: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel locks: front and rear
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: intermittent