Volkswagen Golf - First car, 08 Golf Advice?

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Wed 7 Jul 2021 23:32
Volkswagen Golf - First car, 08 Golf Advice? - ahfae

Hi, seen this is a well respected and used forum so thought to seek some advice on here. I am in the market for a Golf DSG ideally no more than £4000 and I've come across the following. My initial worry was that it had 4 previous owners but let me know what you guys think.

2008 1.9 TDI Match Volkswagen Golf 5dr DSG with 87,000 miles. £3500.

Has full service history but only up to 78,000 miles.

The car has never failed an MOT though so I think that says its in good condition?

Dealer said he'd service it and MOT it obviously before but is it too risky with 4 previous owners and that lack of servicing from 78k to 87k (now) or is it still worth it? Tried to get more info about those previous owners from the guy but he said he couldn't give out any even though different dealers in the past often tell me?

If it helps, besides 2 minor stone chips on the bonnet, the bodywork and interior is pretty much spotless from the photos. Also I've been told this is a high price but I'm not sure if this is because it is an automatic and most people compare to the much lower average prices (little to no DSG mk5 golfs under £3000) or if car prices are just relatively high atm? All in all, what are your overall thoughts on the car, the price, condition etc?

Edited by ahfae on 07/07/2021 at 23:35

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Thu 8 Jul 2021 00:15
Volkswagen Golf - First car, 08 Golf Advice? - SLO76
A combination of the worst things you could combine in a cheap used car. A complex turbo Diesel engine and a fragile automated manual gearbox. If you’ve any doubts please Google VW DSG gearbox failures. At this money stock with petrol and if you want an automatic gearbox keep it as simple as possible and avoid any automated manual transmissions, stick with a conventional torque converter transmissions such as Mazda’s 3/6 auto or a Toyota CVT.

Edited by SLO76 on 08/07/2021 at 00:16

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Thu 8 Jul 2021 08:08
Volkswagen Golf - First car, 08 Golf Advice? - badbusdriver

As SLO says, terrible choice and terrible idea. The DSG 'box can be reliable, but that mainly depends on how it has been treated and driven by previous owners. So there is no way I'd be looking at a 13 year old example unless it has been owned by someone i know from new, and I know has been driven sensibly and serviced properly. The VW 1.9 turbo diesel engine?, I wouldn't have much concern about that, its reliability and longevity is legendary, but just not with the DSG.

Do you need a diesel and does that have to be an auto?

Edited by badbusdriver on 08/07/2021 at 08:09

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