MK5 Golf GTI DSG
Discussion
Hi all! I was hoping that my first post in this forum would be to say how amazing my new (to me at least) S4 saloon was... Unfortunately after a trip to view one this weekend, it's joined the long list of saloons that I can't get my wheelchair into the boot of 
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So since it appears that life wants me to stay in a hatchback, I need a new car and I can't afford a new wheelchair as well, a Golf GTI seems to be my best bet! I was wondering if you learned VW fans could please answer a couple of questions about the Mk 5 Golf GTI with DSG that would help a VW novice?
First, does the DSG creep like a regular torque converter automatic? I've Googled and their seems to be no definitive answer. Some people say it does and others are convinced it doesn't. If it doesn't, do they have hill assist? I can only drive autos and have only ever had traditional torque converters, so how easy/difficult is parking/starting on hill etc?
I've seen a couple of nice 57 plate examples. One with about 55,000 miles and one with 20,000... What should have been done with a 5 year old car with that sort of mileage? Cambelt? DSG service? That sort of thing.
All help with the above and anything else you can think of is gratefully received
.
Cheers
Stu
.So since it appears that life wants me to stay in a hatchback, I need a new car and I can't afford a new wheelchair as well, a Golf GTI seems to be my best bet! I was wondering if you learned VW fans could please answer a couple of questions about the Mk 5 Golf GTI with DSG that would help a VW novice?
First, does the DSG creep like a regular torque converter automatic? I've Googled and their seems to be no definitive answer. Some people say it does and others are convinced it doesn't. If it doesn't, do they have hill assist? I can only drive autos and have only ever had traditional torque converters, so how easy/difficult is parking/starting on hill etc?
I've seen a couple of nice 57 plate examples. One with about 55,000 miles and one with 20,000... What should have been done with a 5 year old car with that sort of mileage? Cambelt? DSG service? That sort of thing.
All help with the above and anything else you can think of is gratefully received
.Cheers
Stu
Thanks for the replies! Very helpful . Good to know the DSG creeps. By the sounds of it, both cars I've seen would have to have the cambelt done by now, so that's something to check out on the service history.
EDIT: Out of interest, what are the OEM (or recommended other brand) tyres for the Monza II 18" wheels please? I can find out what size they should be, but not manufacturer. Cheers!
. Good to know the DSG creeps. By the sounds of it, both cars I've seen would have to have the cambelt done by now, so that's something to check out on the service history.EDIT: Out of interest, what are the OEM (or recommended other brand) tyres for the Monza II 18" wheels please? I can find out what size they should be, but not manufacturer
. Cheers!Edited by BlindandLost on Monday 4th February 21:34
cuprabob said:
DSG does creep like a "normal" auto.
Except that the on/off action of the clutch (brake) can be a bit grabby, making smooth manouvering up close to something a little more tricky than with an old-fashioned auto, plus (hill start assist aside) it doesn't hold itself on a hill as well as an auto either - otherwise great gearbox. Bitzer said:
I've got Avon ZZ3s all round on mine. For around £100 a corner they're excellent.
Thanks! .catso said:
Except that the on/off action of the clutch (brake) can be a bit grabby, making smooth manouvering up close to something a little more tricky than with an old-fashioned auto, plus (hill start assist aside) it doesn't hold itself on a hill as well as an auto either - otherwise great gearbox.
That's interesting to hear... Sounds like it might take a bit of getting used to when manouvering close to other things. Also interesting about the hill start. Unfortunately since I can't test drive one before buying (as I have to have hand controls fitted), I suppose I'll have to practice when I get one! Must remember to practice around soft things... 
Cheers for the advice
.EDIT to remove terrible English
I've the DSG in my TT which I appreciate is possibly different, but I'd echo what Catso says, particularly about hill starts. I've only experienced my DSG but compared to an auto I find it clunky, slow witted and usually in a higher gear than I'd wish. Hill starts will mean possibly slipping back a little and a lurch when it engages, and holding on the brake when stationary, or it'll creep. BMW auto hill starts, by comparison, just let go of everything and it holds you there until you accelerate again.
As a clutchless manual it's great, though I did read that the combination with the 2l turbo TT wasn't good at all.
There is the issue about them going expensively wrong, though I'm not sure if that's still a problem.
I appreciate you'll need the hand controls, but a dealer ought to be prepared to take you out, do some parking and hill starts, and make sure access and comfort meet your needs.
Eta another vote for Goodyear F1's.
As a clutchless manual it's great, though I did read that the combination with the 2l turbo TT wasn't good at all.
There is the issue about them going expensively wrong, though I'm not sure if that's still a problem.
I appreciate you'll need the hand controls, but a dealer ought to be prepared to take you out, do some parking and hill starts, and make sure access and comfort meet your needs.
Eta another vote for Goodyear F1's.
Edited by Sticks. on Tuesday 5th February 13:35
Because it's a clutch that needs to engage instead of a traditional torque converter you can get instances where it will roll back before the clutch engages. I find if you release the brake pressure slower you can feel the clucth start to engage which will stop it rolling back. I don't know whether that's possible using hand controls.
I think I'm right in saying the MK6 has auto hill hold. At least my GT does so I would assume the GTI has it too. That holds the car on a hill until you apply some gas and works well.
I think I'm right in saying the MK6 has auto hill hold. At least my GT does so I would assume the GTI has it too. That holds the car on a hill until you apply some gas and works well.
Hi all! Thanks for the further great advice. It's all very appreciated .
It does sound like there could be a bit of a problem when it comes to hill starts... I was thinking I should ask a dealer to take me out for a ride to see what it was like. I think this makes it a definite. I was thinking it would just be a case of getting used to it once I'd bought one, but maybe further investigation would be a good idea. Thanks for the heads up all!
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ETA: I'm not a diesel hater btw, I just don't do enough miles to warrant/need a diesel
.It does sound like there could be a bit of a problem when it comes to hill starts... I was thinking I should ask a dealer to take me out for a ride to see what it was like. I think this makes it a definite. I was thinking it would just be a case of getting used to it once I'd bought one, but maybe further investigation would be a good idea. Thanks for the heads up all!
SBN said:
Or you could look at the a3 as this can be found with normal auto (didn't use dsg) and the gti lump. Best of both worlds and you may get quattro, bose etc.
I have looked at A3s but I've not seen too many about that aren't diesel. Maybe I should look a bit more and look at both to compare. Whatever I end up with, it sounds like Goodyear F1s might be the tyre of choice when coming to replace them. Cheers! .ETA: I'm not a diesel hater btw, I just don't do enough miles to warrant/need a diesel
Not sure what your budget is but there are a few nationally and this one looked nice... as did others
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...
Sir_Dave said:
FYI, ive had a DSG Ed30 and R32 and never had any issue with hillstarts. Just plonk it in gear with foot on brake, remove foot, it holds on a hill/creeps on the flat, place foot on accelerator, away you go.
Even if you use hand controls, surely the same process would apply?
I think I'll get mine looked at. Thanks.Even if you use hand controls, surely the same process would apply?
Sir_Dave said:
FYI, ive had a DSG Ed30 and R32 and never had any issue with hillstarts. Just plonk it in gear with foot on brake, remove foot, it holds on a hill/creeps on the flat, place foot on accelerator, away you go.
Even if you use hand controls, surely the same process would apply?
R32's had hill hold and it was an option on Edition 30's too.Even if you use hand controls, surely the same process would apply?
If it doesn't have hill hold a DSG will roll back (or forward if reversing up a hill)
SBN said:
Not sure what your budget is but there are a few nationally and this one looked nice... as did others
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...
Nice! A bit more than I was looking at spending but nice... One question though, is S-Tronic not Audi's name for DSG? If it isn't I might have to reconsider some of the A3s I've already seen.http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...
Pugster said:
R32's had hill hold and it was an option on Edition 30's too.
If it doesn't have hill hold a DSG will roll back (or forward if reversing up a hill)
Maybe I should man-math the extra running costs to make it cost about the same as a GTI and get an R32 then... If it doesn't have hill hold a DSG will roll back (or forward if reversing up a hill)
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