DSG Gearboxes (probably again, sorry)

[Scott Mc]

Hi all, I am sure this has been done to death and I have searched but am still struggling as I'm either finding wildly conflicting opinions or the responses are either "I read somewhere they're rubbish" or "I'm an engineer, here's a response that will absolutely baffle you"

Missus currently has an old 05 polo with a standard TC auto box and now needs a new motor. Wants something a similar stamp so currently looking at used Polos, Fabias, Ibiza's, A1's.

These all seem to have the DQ200 dry clutch box which the internet screams is terrible and suffers loads of faults so my questions are:

Are they as bad as I'm reading?
Is it limited to older versions? (Say pre 2013)
Have newer versions solved the original problems?
Are there smaller cars that even have the (seemingly less problematic) wet clutch?

Don't want to sound like a dick but am really after first hand experience or factual knowledge rather than googled or hearsay. (please imagine my brain is an early 90s 1l, horsepower is limited)

[Boobonman]

I'm currently using one in a 2010 Fabia TSI. I'd say it's pretty good compared to most torque converter autoboxes, but not great when compared to a proper wet clutch DSG.

[J4CKO]

We have one in an old Golf diesel, been fine thus far and drives well enough, it’s my youngest sons and he was thinking of mapping it as it’s a bit gutless (1.6) but the conceived wisdom is don’t as they can’t handle more torque.

You only hear people who have had issues, often on very old, often neglected or abused examples, some are bad luck but nobody posts about their gearbox doing normal gearboxing tasks without issues.

[DS129]

We are running a Polo GTI, 1.8, 2017 plate.
7 speed dsg, 27000 miles and so far no problems apart from the very occasional message to go to dealer and leave vehicle in Park, which I believe is common.

[Rappa]

Hi Scott,

We have a 2010 Polo and a 2014 Golf both with the 7sp DSG (two sons). They have both had the metrotronic units go (and replaced) the Polo at 30k miles and the Golf at 120k miles but at £700 - £800 for a refurb one fitted which went on to do another 60k miles and counting it is probably not bad economics. But yes they say the wet DSG box is better.
We also have another Golf with one which has been fine.

Hope this helps.

[DKL]

We had a 13 plate fabia vrs and the box was plain awful, dangerous at times. I'd never have another. A conventional torque tube auto is much better.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

I was a fleet manager for many years. I looked after hundreds of VWs, Seats, Skodas etc with the DSG gearbox. I can't remember a single issue. Not one. I drove hundreds of them. Found them very good.