Used 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
2008 Volkswagen New Beetle Review
By KBB Editors
Updated December 23, 2019
Pros
The most significant aspect of the 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is its familiar and friendly shape but, as a bonus, it is actually quite comfortable as a daily driver as well. Even taller drivers will appreciate the quantity of front-seat headroom.
Cons
If you need on occasion to carry four adult passengers, the New Beetle’s rear seats offer very little headroom and the cargo area is tiny. The instrument panel configuration takes some getting used to as it spans the considerable distance between the windshield and the driver and front-seat passenger.
What's New?
The new trim level names are S and SE. Volkswagen has deleted fog lights, leather seating and rain-sensing wipers from all models, but has added a tire pressure monitoring system as standard equipment.
The 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle remains a popular choice among those seeking a less conventional mode of transportation. Touting a shape based on the original Beetle (popularly known as the "Bug"), the New Beetle’s easily recognizable shape results in the most lop-sided interior dimensions of any car in its class. While the sloping hatch creates a nearly unusable rear seat, the arching dome roof provides an unbeatable 38 inches of front headroom, making the New Beetle the friend of the tall and very tall. Unfortunately, the roof design also creates some massive blind spots around the windshield pillars. Strict emission standards force the removal of the fuel-miserly TDI diesel engine, leaving the 150-horsepower 2.5-liter gasoline engine as the sole choice.
2008 Volkswagen New Beetle Pricing
2008 Volkswagen New Beetle pricing starts at $3,450 for the New Beetle S Hatchback 2D, which had a starting MSRP of $19,475 when new. The range-topping 2008 New Beetle SE Convertible 2D starts at $5,447 today, originally priced from $26,265.
Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$19,475 | $3,450 | |||
$21,080 | $4,483 | |||
$25,240 | $5,117 | |||
$26,265 | $5,447 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.
Driving the Volkswagen New Beetle
Because it’s based on the Golf platform, the 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle exhibits most of the same ride and handling attributes of its sister car. The 2.5-liter engine delivers strong acceleration and good fuel economy, a noticeable improvement over the previous 2.0-liter engine, but is not as much fun to drive as the old turbocharged models. On the road the Beetle offers an extremely smooth ride and handles well under normal driving conditions. Push it a little harder and its relatively soft suspension and 16-inch all-season tires begin to show their limitations. If you desire better handling, your VW dealer can upgrade the car to optional 17-inch alloy wheels and stiffer springs designed by VW, which will make it more responsive.
Interior Comfort
In order to create the New Beetle’s shape, the windshield and dashboard have been partially extended over the engine compartment, creating a tremendously deep dash and a large blind spot where the front pillar meets the side mirror. The New Beetle’s seats are some of the most comfortable we’ve experienced, with excellent back, side and thigh support for both driver and passenger. The trademark domed exterior shape provides ample front-seat headroom, but somewhat less for rear-seat passengers.
Exterior Styling
The 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle mimics what is probably the best-known automotive shape in the world, the original Beetle. Considering the price, the New Beetle is remarkably detailed and offers excellent crash-test results and projected accident-repair costs.
Favorite Features
Blue Instrument Lighting
Cornflower blue lighting in the instrument cluster is easy on the eyes both night and day.
Headroom
Because the driver’s and passenger seat sit in the very center of the car, the arching roofline and height-adjustable seats create phenomenal headroom, suiting even the tallest occupants.
Standard Features
The 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle includes a 150-horsepower, 2.5-liter engine, five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), electronic stabilization program, air conditioning, rear defroster, illuminated remote keyless entry, key-operated open/close feature for power windows and optional sunroof, dual heated power mirrors with built-in turn signals, front side-impact airbags, AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible CD player, cruise control, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, power locks, 16-inch alloy wheels and remote hatch release.
Factory Options
VW has bundled its most popular items into two packages. The Cold Weather Package adds heated seats and windshield spray nozzles. Package #1 includes the Cold Weather Package plus a premium sound system, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, 17-inch wheels and a power glass sunroof. It is standard on the SE and optional on the S. Stand-alone items include a trunk-mounted six-disc CD changer, power sunroof (S), iPod connector and SIRIUS Satellite Radio.
Engine & Transmission
The 2.5-liter 20-valve five-cylinder is a vast improvement over Volkswagen’s previous four-cylinder engine, the old eight-valve 2.0-liter. Not only does it bring an additional 35 horsepower to the table, it also provides the kind of low-end torque needed to move the New Beetle with some authority. Though not as quiet or vibration free as similar-size engines from Honda and Toyota, the 2.5 is nevertheless a good match to the New Beetle’s size and weight.
2.5-liter in-line 5
150 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
170 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 (manual), 20/29 (automatic)
2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
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2008 Volkswagen New Beetle Depreciation
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2008 Volkswagen New Beetle Annual Depreciation
Year | Vehicle Depreciation* | Resale Value | Trade-In Value | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | + $159 | $3,769 | $2,166 | ||
2023 | $354 | $3,415 | $1,809 | ||
2024 | $588 | $2,827 | $1,066 | ||
Now | $255 | $2,572 | $786 |
Unlock Forecast
2-Year Forecasted Depreciation
*Depreciation for the last 12 months of the private party resale value.
2008 Volkswagen New Beetle Depreciation
Annual Depreciation is an estimation of what your vehicle's value might be over time based on an average of similar vehicles. Estimations are calculated by comparing Kelley Blue Book Private Party Values of vehicles similar to yours over time, as well as forecasts from Manheim Auction data comparing current and projected auction values against current Kelley Blue Book Private Party and Trade-In Values. This is not a guarantee of actual depreciation. Local weather conditions, market factors and driver performance will also impact your vehicle's actual depreciation.
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Specifications
Dimensions, Weights & Capacities
Curb Weight | 2884 lbs. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
EPA Passenger | 81.0 cu.ft. | ||
Fuel Capacity | 14.5 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 38.2 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 39.4 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 4 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 4.6 inches | ||
Overall Length | 161.1 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 52.8 inches | ||
Trunk or Cargo Capacity | 27.1 cu.ft. | ||
Turning Diameter | 35.8 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 98.8 inches | ||
Payload Capacity | 772 lbs. | ||
Width with mirrors | 67.9 inches |
Exterior
Alloy Wheels | Available | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Fog Lights | Available | ||
Moon Roof/Sun Roof | Available | ||
Number of Doors | 2 doors | ||
Rear Spoiler | Available |
Fuel Economy
City | 20 mpg | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Highway | 28 mpg | ||
Combined | 23 mpg |
Mechanical
Drivetrain | FWD | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Manual | ||
5 speed | Available | ||
Recommended Fuel | Regular |
Performance
Horsepower | 150 @ 5000 RPM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Torque | 170 @ 3750 rpm | ||
Engine | 5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter |
Warranty
Basic | 4 years / 50000 miles | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 5 years / 60000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 12 years / Unlimited miles |
Comfort & Convenience
- Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release
Entertainment
- MP3 Player
- Satellite Radio
- CD Player
Interior
- Power Windows
- Rear Window Defroster
- Power Outlet
- Tilt Steering Wheel
- Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel
Seating
- Folding Rear Seat
- Heated Seats
Security
- Alarm System
Technology
- Cruise Control
- Remote Keyless Entry
2008 Volkswagen New Beetle Safety
2008 Volkswagen New Beetle Safety Technology
- Child Door Locks: Not available
- Child Seat Anchors
- Driver Airbag
- Passenger Airbag
- Stability Control
- Traction Control
- Front Side Airbag
Crash Test Rating
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Used 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | Used 2014 FIAT 500L | Used 2008 Saturn Astra | Used 2013 Nissan LEAF | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,431 | $4,158 | $3,785 | $3,357 | |
| KBB.com Rating | N/A | 3.2 | N/A | 4.0 | |
| Consumer Rating | 3.7 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.4 | |
| Fuel Economy | City 20/Hwy 28/Comb 23 MPG | City 25/Hwy 33/Comb 28 MPG | City 24/Hwy 32/Comb 27 MPG | City 129/Hwy 102/Comb 115 MPGe | |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Electric | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years or 50000 miles | 4 years or 50000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | |
| Horsepower | 150 @ 5000 RPM | 160 @ 5500 RPM | 138 @ 6300 RPM | 107 HP | |
| Engine | 5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter | AC Electric Motor | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
2008 Volkswagen New Beetle Rankings
FAQs
Is the 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle a good vehicle?
Yes, the 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is a good car. Its Kelley Blue Book rating of 0 out of 5 is within 10% of our average rating.
What is the MPG for a 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle?
2008 Volkswagen New Beetle city/highway fuel economy ratings range from 20/28 mpg to 20/29 mpg, depending on trim and equipment.
How much should a 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle cost?
Used 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle prices currently range from $3,450 for the S Hatchback 2D to $5,447 for the SE Convertible 2D when purchasing from a dealership, depending on a range of factors like equipment, mileage, and condition.
What's the cheapest Volkswagen New Beetle?
The cheapest 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is the S Hatchback 2D, with a Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price of $3,450.