Ask an expert
![Kopisusu](themes/aaAle/images/interface/profile-pic-placeholder.47cf740a.png)
Hi,
I am considering purchasing a 2008 VW Golf 2.0 TSi Station wagon. It is a 2000cc 6 speed GSD with turbo. It has done 71544 Kms. Do you know of any issues with reliability or faults associated with these vehicles?
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
![ABayliss](themes/aaAle/images/interface/profile-pic-placeholder.47cf740a.png)
I'm fairly sure this car will be a Mk5 2.0 FSI with a DSG transmission. The TSI engines were of smaller capacity (other than the GTI).
If it is the FSI, the engine has a good reputation for reliability.
If it is a TSI, there have been some issues with cracking pistons, particularly if run on 91 octane fuel, which is not recommended by the manufacturer, but people still do it, misguidedly thinking they're saving a few dollars.
There has been the occasional electrical glitch, but probably nothing too serious.
Some DSG problems occurred early on, but have largely been ironed out - some being the subject of a recall last year - so if this car was part of the recall, make sure it's been done.
Generally speaking, the 2.0 litre FSI model has been fairly good.
![Kopisusu](themes/aaAle/images/interface/profile-pic-placeholder.47cf740a.png)
Thanks for the information.
Cheers
![chrishk](themes/aaAle/images/interface/profile-pic-placeholder.47cf740a.png)
Hi, I was thinking of buying a 2008 VW Golf TSI with 1.4 turbo engine, and the came across this post. More searching across the internet also talks about cracking pistons. Can you explain more about which Golfs potentially have this problem, and which don't, I am still not sure. Thanks
![Warren67young](themes/aaAle/images/interface/profile-pic-placeholder.47cf740a.png)
What has been described above is a TSi, rather than the FSi. We have one, i.e. 2 L turbo with DSG.
We say this based on owning one.
It is badged with TSi. Drives as if there is 2L turbo.
Fair to say I'm wondering about the reliability. The DSG is not what I've hoped it would be. General issue is taking off is sometimes no smooth.
There has been an ignition issues.