Faults:

Original radio broke, retro fitted a much better one.

Climate control issues.

ABS module.

The rest was just wear and tear expected of age and miles.

Serviced on time, the 2.0 TDi rarely gives trouble.

General Comments:

The Golf of this time was a decent car.

Reasonably reliable all things considered.

Comfortable, economical. Typical family hatch, these things are to be expected.

2.0 TDi felt strong and well suited to the Golf.

GT model is the one to have.

Only sold it last year as I had owned the car for ages and needed a change. Since moved on to a more modern Ford Focus. Seems decent enough, but doesn't feel as solid and well built as my old Golf, and I miss this car already!

Faults:

Air con no longer works.

Rear windows jammed.

Oil leak.

Engine misfire, did it intermittently for weeks but then went away on its own (dirty/weak fuel maybe?).

Rust on arches, front and rear, but it is 16 years old.

Plus the usual mechanical wear and tear. The car is kept serviced on time.

General Comments:

This is the last of the MK5 Golfs before the MK6 came along in 2009. This 2008 Golf is not the prettiest in my opinion. Probably the most boring Golf VW ever made. I've only kept it so long because it has been very reliable.

But, if you want a simple old reliable car, take a look. This 1.4 S model is as basic as it gets. Not much equipment. Poor even for a 2008 car. Seats are comfortable enough, but the car feels a little cramped. Dull grey plastic everywhere.

The car is boring to drive. Quiet and smooth enough, but the 1.4 has no performance. Not that economical either, struggles for 40 mpg on average, 38 mpg or less is more realistic.

Difficult to say much more, it is just a fairly modern dull hatchback, common as muck. You see them everywhere, but there is a reason they are popular, people just want a simple reliable car and will hang on to these older generation Golfs for as long as possible.

Faults:

Timing belt and water pump, brakes, suspension, oil changes, etc all maintenance and wear and tear, but very expensive.

DPF clogged, would not clear out, needed replaced, very expensive.

EGR valve.

Injector issues (over £500 to fix just one!).

Vibration from clutch/flywheel. Not failed yet, but been quoted nearly £1000 to fix!

ABS sensors.

It goes on.

General Comments:

For the naysayers - this Golf was bought with very low mileage for its age, looked after (full verified history) from an approved used dealer. I continued to keep it good, serviced and drove well. Got a decent deal, car was OK upon test drive, but the minute the used warranty was up, it went to bits.

GT Sport Golf is fast and economical when working correctly. Nice interior, engine is strong, and does 45 - 50 mpg.

Sold it last year, even with the clutch vibration. Had to be honest and take a hit on price. Never buy a modern diesel again - and yes I said modern, by anyone's standards a 2008 car is not exactly ancient. VW from this time period are overrated, and I am going back to a petrol Ford or Toyota, no more German diesels! Look at the reviews here and elsewhere, not exclusive to this car to be fair. Diesel problems that I have had are common. And there are more modern cars with this "adblu" system which can also give problems, so any money you save on fuel goes on repairs. What is the point? Don't buy diesel. Don't buy electric either. Buy an older petrol car - it may seem illogical at first, but they are more reliable in the long run, trust me I have been driving 40 years and every petrol car I have had has been fine, but all modern diesels have caused an expensive headache.