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Volkswagen Jetta 2008 Problems

Are you having problems with your 2008 Volkswagen Jetta? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 2008 Volkswagen Jetta issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Can a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta run on 95 octane or run on E10?

All Australian-delivered, fuel-injected Volkswagens built after 1986 can run successfully on E10 petrol. Most E10 petrol in Australia has an octane rating of 94RON, and that’s the lowest you’d want to go. Back in the day, VW said the Jetta was better off with 95RON ULP and was not able to use the standard 91RON stuff that many cars could/can use.

Used Volkswagen Jetta review: 2006-2011

Graham Smith reviews the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 VW Jetta as a used buy.

A three-box version of the Golf, the Jetta is best driven with a clutch pedal.

VW cashed in on the soaring popularity of the Golf by adding a bootlid and rear window in 2006 and calling the variant the Jetta. For all intents and purposes a Golf with a boot, it was essentially aimed at those who wanted more cargo security than a hatch.

The Jetta's underpinnings and drivelines were shared with the Golf. Even better, the boot was huge and with the split-fold rear seat it could be expanded to make it even more useful.

As in the Golf, the Jetta's cabin was comfortable and spacious, the seats presenting a good balance of support and comfort.

Three 2.0-litre engines were available in the first iteration. The base petrol engine was a good all-rounder with 110kW, there was a fuel-efficient turbo diesel and, for a more spirited drive, the petrol turbo produced 147kW.

The transmission options were both six-speeders, a manual and a DSG dual-clutch setup.

An update in 2009 added to the Jetta's appeal. Visually there was little to pick it from the previous model — those with a keen eye would pick the new alloy wheels and the addition of front and rear parking sensors.

The biggest change was under the bonnet. There were now two petrol engines and three diesels. Those wanting the former could choose from a new 1.4-litre that was both supercharged and turbocharged, for low-end zip and high-end performance, or a 2.0-litre turbo.

Catering for varying demands for performance, the diesels' outputs were 77kW, 118kW and 125kW.

Transmission options also widened with the addition of a seven-speed version of the DSG.

Given its close relationship with the Golf, the Jetta had the same engaging driving dynamics that made the Golf such a joy to steer.

The troubles that VW has endured in recent times have been well documented and they should serve as a warning to anyone considering buying a second-hand Jetta.

Most notable of them has been the problems that have plagued that generation of the DSG auto.

VW was slow to move when it became obvious that the DSG had problems, which made it even worse for owners who wanted them fixed.

Owners reported their vehicles would stop without warning, change gear erratically and roughly, as well as doing other odd things.

It was only after a huge outcry from owners that the company conducted a voluntary recall.

The troubles with the DSG and VW's slowness to respond to the issue soured the image of the cars in the eyes of owners and second-hand shoppers, and also damaged the reputation of the company.

As most buyers would have chosen the DSG, the majority of examples on the used market will be equipped with the potentially troublesome transmission.

If you really want the driving experience of the Jetta, it's best to opt for the manual versions if you can find one. If you must have the automatic, get it road-tested by someone with experience of the gearbox.

VW servicing can be expensive but you can save money by having it done by an independent specialist mechanic.

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VW recalls 2.6m cars worldwide, over 44,000 in Australia
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VW recalls 2.6m cars, over 44,000 in Australia
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Used Volkswagen Golf and Jetta review: 2005-2012

Volkswagen Golf, a solid and sensible German car, is a major player in the European car market and in the last decade has made its mark in Australia as well.

Those who need a practical car, but who enjoy driving will find the Golf goes a long way towards meeting each of these conflicting needs. Golf is a pleasant car to drive with good handing and sharp steering feel to let you get involved in what the car is doing, and with plenty of road grip even when pushed hard.

These cars remain comfortable even on rough bush roads, though they are more at home in the suburbs than the far outback. These days Golf is a medium-sized car, having grown in size over the years, mainly to provide the extra space needed for occupant crash protection.

There's some more interior room as well. In Europe, Golf is often seen as a full-sized car and it’s not unusual to see them carting four large adults about.

Aussies tend to regard them more as transport for a family with preteen children, but if you live in an inner city area in Melbourne of Sydney you may need nothing more than a Volkswagen Golf to fill all your motoring needs.

Golf is sold as a three- or five-door door hatchback. A ‘Golf’ four-door sedan was called the Bora from 1999 until the launch of the fifth generation model in 2005, when it was renamed Jetta. Boot space is substantially better than in the hatches and the four-door models are certainly worth consideration.

VW Golf Cabriolet was sold until 2003. It has good roll-over protection for an open-top car and still offers a reasonable amount of space in the back seat. Access to the boot is difficult due to the odd location of the hinges. The Cabriolet was replaced by the New Beetle Cabriolet, but in a surprise move, VW reintroduced the Golf Cabriolet in 2012.

Engines come in various guises: petrol and diesel; with four-, five- and six-cylinder units. Four-cylinder petrol engines are the most common, coming in capacities of 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 litres. The 1.6 will suit most drivers, but those who like to drive hard may find it a bit dull. The 1.4-litre is a brilliant, relatively recent, design and the little turbo unit provides performance with economy.

Volkswagen in Australia started a big push in the diesel field several years ago and these engines are now far more common than in the past. With capacities of 1.6, 1.9 and 2.0 litres they provide plenty of grunt and turbo lag isn’t too bad.

Those who enjoy a really good drive should consider the VW Golf GTi. A fun machine for the keen driver, it’s rapidly becoming regarded as a classic in the Australian hot-hatch market.

Then there's the Golf R range of extreme hotshots. These traditionally had a large V6 engine – 3.2 litres in a smallish car gives plenty of performance. These are tagged as Golf R32. The latest model, launched in 2011, takes a different tack, going for 2.0 litres and a high-pressure turbo. Disguising the smaller size of the engine is the change of name to simply Golf R.

Six-speed manuals arrived with the fifth-generation Golfs in 2004 and are popular on the used scene. The DSG gearbox, also launched in 2004, is a self-shifting manual gearbox. It provides far better performance than the old-style four-speed automatics used until 2004.

This VW is a relatively easy car to work on and spare parts are not overly expensive. The dealer network has expanded from a low point during the mid-1990s and nowadays we hear very few complaints about parts availability or servicing.

Insurance charges are about average for an imported European vehicle on most Golf and Jetta models. The high-performance Golf GTi may attract higher premiums, the Golf R32 and Golf R almost certainly will.

Interiors generally stand up well, but some older Golfs that have been kept in the open continuously may suffer from sun-dried dashboard tops. Feel and look for uneven tyre wear, particularly on the front wheels.

Look for scrapes on the bottom edges of the front mudflaps, they will often drag on the ground if the car has been cornered hard. New mudflaps could be a suspicious sign. Engines should start quickly. Listen for untoward engine noises, especially when it’s cold.

Look for smoke from the exhaust when the engine is driven hard, particularly on long uphill runs. Make sure a manual gearbox doesn’t crunch on fast downchanges.

Check that dual-clutch transmissions are positive in their shifts and don't hesitate too much at very low speeds. Be sure the brakes pull the car up evenly. If ABS is fitted you should feel a pulsing through the pedal during hard stops.

Rust isn’t common in Golfs and is more likely to be the result of bad crash repairs than vehicle design. If you do come across any have the car inspected professionally or pass it up for another one.

If there’s a problem in a used car get it fixed before you buy it. Don’t fall for the sales persons’ trick of saying you can bring it back later and everything will be sorted out then. It can be a lot harder then...

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Dealer trust

I'm not surprised the dealer won't budge; he doesn't want to be held responsible for giving poor advice if something happens as a result of missing or extending the service intervals. I would take the same approach and say that you should do the service as they suggest.

Jetta temp. control

Press your case with the company, they should come to the party with a replacement, after all, the car has only done 33,000 km.

Ask Smithy Xtra VW tyres scalloped

The mileage you’ve had from the tyres is about average for a front-wheel drive car of that type, so I would doubt you’ve got any claim against VW. Tyres are not covered by the warranty, by VW, or any other carmaker.

Peeling paint on VW Jetta

From what you say it does appear that it's a problem with the painting and not the result of a stone chip. Have it checked by the VW rep and make a claim against the warranty. If the rep rejects it you could go direct to VW and present your case directly. If you have no joy there you could consult a paint specialist for an independent appraisal, but as that would likely cost more than the repair you would be better off it have the dealer repair it.

Sneaky speedo

I DON'T subscribe to the conspiracy theory, I believe it's a result of the conservative approach of car companies to making sure the speedos don't understate the actual speed and get owners into trouble with the police. There are many tolerances that accumulate in a car that can throw out things like speedo readings.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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