Golf GTi - DSG issues?

[Matt UK]

Just looking at 2009 models and it seems that the DSG cars are slightly cheaper than manuals?

Any know issues with the DSG box?

[the-photographer]

Typically, it should be the other way round!

The DSG box needs regular oil changes (40,000 miles I think), otherwise there are no fundamental problems.

However, any problems outside of the warranty could be expensive.

[mackie1]

The mechatronic unit can fail in some cases but I think it's faily rare, especially with later DSG cars.

[Crusoe]

plenty of issues out there but they have sold thousands so bound to be a few going wrong. Two clutches to replace in there at a fair cost when they do need done eventually and more expensive electronics that could go wrong. If you like it over the manual the risk is probably worth it unless you are going to keep it for a long time or do a large milage. Example of issues http://www.my-gti.com/832/volkswagen-dsg-mechatron... sure there are similar if less regular problems with manual gearboxes needing to be replaced too though.

[FamilyDub]

It'll not be a popular opinion, but I think DSG suits derv cars or the R32's nature... but not the GTI, despite the DSG being faster, more economical, etc...

I preferred the manual 'boxes when I was doing the GTI test drives, plus the (albeit tiny) chance of the DSG blowing up made my mind up.

Edited by FamilyDub on Wednesday 25th May 19:51

[Baryonyx]

Thats one thing, you see a lot of these cars now with fancy electronic clutches and DSG type systems in them. Yes, they're get for passing emissions tests now but what about 10 years down the line when the boxes are getting old? They'll be a nightmare to fix no doubt with bills being more than the value of the car!

[Donatello]

The mechatronics can be an issue. The DSG boxes were apparantly built in two factories. One of the factories has had a recall issued due to faults.

My OH's brother has an R32 and it was VERY jumpy when slowly pulling away from junctions/lights. It was the mechatronics and VW quoted a £3,500 fix! Another local VW garage looked into it, mentioned the two factories and how his was built in the 'problem' factory. They offered to do the work as a gesture of good will, as the car was only 3 years old with less than 26k on the clock.

Take it for a thorough test. You won't miss the jumpy start as it nearly snaps your neck!

[rev-erend]

2009 is still under warranty ..

[Matt UK]

rev-erend said:

2009 is still under warranty ..

True enough, but it won't stay that way if I keep it a couple of years.

Thanks for all the inputs though, probably going to narrow search down to manual cars only.

[Unlight]

I wouldn't be put off - the DSG in the GTi is a fantastic option - they have a very low failure rate, just make sure you get them serviced as per schedule!

Go take a drive in one, I would say you'll be impressed!