First MK5 GTi - DSG or Manual?

[Yetizone]

A NEWBIE here with a couple of questions about MK5 ownership.  

Currently own a MK3 which will be changed for a MK5 GTi in the coming months. No immediate hurry to change, so I'm going to take my time to do the necessary research and make an informed choice re spec etc. Narrowing it down, I'll be looking for a two door car in either red or black. As I do mostly urban driving, I'm leaning towards a DSG car.

An acquaintance who runs a VW tuning place has strongly recommended a manual over a DSG box, describing the semi-auto as a potential 'box of pain' if there are any problems, as opposed to a manual which is easier to maintain and cheaper to repair. The DSG owner facing potentially high maintenance costs if things go wrong. I've driven a DSG car and thought it pretty good overall, a very different experience to a manual car for sure, but for my driving needs, seems ideal.

So what are you thoughts? DSG or manual? Would be great to hear views / ownership experience from DSG car owners.  

[Kalpsn2000]

This question comes up a lot.

Basically it’s down to personal preference. I have a DSG and love it but there are members on here that are die hard manual fans.

In terms of issues it would be more costly to repair the DSG but I haven’t really heard of any major problems, apart from the mechatronic unit failing, but this usually happens early in its life and will be covered under warranty.

Anyway my advice is test drive both and see what you prefer

[psw mk5]

passing you the can opener       to open the can of worms       should get plenty of feedback   for and against............     manual all the way   like to feel my knob every few seconds     

[SeanyK]

DSG

Now i've owned a DSG I wouldn't go back to manual... It's a problem because I should have got a 5 door DSG in hindsight with the little fella, I looked at getting a Leon Cupra, but they don't do a DSG version so that's out the question, so thats how important DSG is now for me!

[Hendo]

Same for me wont go back to manual will be DSG all the way for me.

[prepree]

Owned my DSG for three and a half years and I love it, to the point my new car (next month) is a S-Tronic, these gear boxes are immense, as for tuning check out Hurdy & Jonny C's build threads for how much torque they loaded on the box, its more capable than a lot give credit in my opinion.

As others have said test drive both and go from there!!

[VC]

DSG is for OAP's and ladies.

Manual is for men and women who know how to drive.

[bart]

dsg all the way will never go back to manual 

[Saint Steve]

Dsg, first on the options list , followed by xenons 

[Homer]

Why do you guys prefer the DSG? I havent been in a car with it so just interested, ie why do you think its better?

[jas-ed30]

DSG! love it!! i was on the same boat and ive had alot of people tht said i was gay for getting an 'automatic'.... until they drove it!...then they had the same cheesy smile ive still got everytime i drive it! u get such a smooth fast and i mean fast!! gear change.....plus the dsg box can hold more power for when u eventually upgrade it ! and plus u still get a good engine brake when u go down gears on dsg just like manual...so u can't go wrong! i love it!

[SeanyK]

Why do you guys prefer the DSG? I havent been in a car with it so just interested, ie why do you think its better?

Just because you can be lazy, especially on the drive to/from work, get it drive, keep both hands on the wheel, put your foot down when needed, use the paddle shifters if you feel like driving it manually...

Just all round better in my view... Although yeah I get stick from friends about it as well, bizarrely the women seem to take the mick more out of me when they get in the car.

... The revenge? Ramp their seat heating to level 5... ;)

[JackG]

I was in the same boat a few months ago, went for dsg in the end! The way you can drive with dsg is unreall

[no golf clubs at all]

Dsg all the way.....gives a real problem though.....finding some just quite as good for your next car...

[Sunglasses Ron]

Welcome to the site mate..  

Mmmm, this old chesnut eh?   I was in a similar position when I first debated about getting DSG and whether or not I would miss a manual box.
I decided to take the plunge and 3 years later still love it to bits. So much so, the car's replacement was based a lot around what motors had a twin clutch gearbox   Don't honestly think I will go back to manual TBH..

That's not to say that you should do the same though, as ETTO. But unless you are a die hard, manual loving, petrol head. I would give DSG a go mate..