DSG or Manual ????

[mance23]

I have been looking about for a new car since I sold my GTI in March and I may have decided on a car but it comes with a DSG box, they sounds good but have the potential to be expensive when they go wrong. 

Anyone experienced any problems with one ? 

[RedRobin]

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Not meaning to sound unfriendly but I wish I had a pound for every time I've answered this DSG question.

A few, not many, earlier GTI's had Mechatronics Modules failing (me included) but VW worked hard to solve those issues. What's important is to do the DSG Service every 40k miles and, if buying, to check this has been done.

If remapping, the DSG is very strong but if you overdo the torque the DSG box could suffer.

Otherwise, it is human-proof and so the clutches can't get abused by the driver.

It's much more than just an 'automatic' - You can shift gear exactly when you want just when you do with a Manual but with the paddle shifters. It's the best of both worlds in my opinion.

[Daffy]

Maybe just me but I had 2 separate mechatronics issues on a 57 plate repaired under warranty and third was on its way out when I sold the car. I found it OK but nothing special, better than a normal auto but much prefer the manaul. In my own experience I could not recommend one and not just because of the reliability issues.

[RedRobin]

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Well, DSG will always have those who dislike it and who much prefer Manual. After 100k miles in my DSG GTI I would not buy any car which didn't have DSG or its equivalent system.

I don't think that anyone can say that DSG is better than conventional Manual, nor vica versa, but only that we each have our own preferences. The only way to decide for or against is to drive a DSG car.

[GTI Osprey]

A lot of people will have a personal preference ... mine is  DSG for two reasons - first as a daily driver I can drive around town like with the selector in "D" and just not have to worry about the clutch / gear. Secondly, I can then either move the selector to "S"tupendous or "M"anic  :rolleye:and drive it like I've just stolen her with all the beenfits of a manual - personal shift point etc but few of the downsides like having to lift off throttle when changing... however

and this is a big HOWEVER

I recommend you  drive both and decide for yourself because it is a personal preference ...

[sub39h]

another vote for DSG - i think it's the best of both worlds

also no need to worry about clutches unless you're going for Ferrari-topping power.

but as above, drive them both and see what you prefer.

[DSG-GTI]

Same here another vote for DSG and will probably never have another manual... maybe its an age thing but I love it... Love just effortless wafting away from the lights and the little phraap as it changes gear     but maybe not for everyone bud try em both and make your choice...

[RedRobin]

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What I don't understand though is folks who never use the Manual mode in DSG. For enthusiastic driving in 'auto' D-mode it rarely stays in the gear you would want.

S-mode can be pretty manic but useful momentarily while on very busy roundabout junctions.

[Saintsteve]

My advise would be to the use the Forum search option.... For the answer you seek.

[MC71]

Manual, every day of the week for me! When I bought my ED30 I drove a few of each and just didn't "feel" it with the DSG. I'm sure if it was everyone flavour, it's all they would build.  It's a personnal preference thingy and as everyone else has said, try them both and see!!

Good point about the clutch though,  for me if I go to stage 2 I'll upgrade to a Sach or similar and i will still be happy that I'm driving a manual.

 

[Luka]

After all the fun and playing around with flappy paddles for a week, you're still going to end up sticking it in D and driving it like an auto. I personally think the manual mode is just a gimmick. You'll never get a proper manual mode with an auto box. Plus you can't engine brake, slip the clutch etc. These are the main reasons why I sold my DSG R32 and got a manual GTI. And they're expensive to fix!

[sub39h]

It's not technically an auto box. It's an automated manual. With a DSG remap you can even get it to hit the rev limiter without changing up, just like a manual.

And you can engine brake, I do it all the time.

[simonp]

I can accelerate from standstill to almost 60mph and then slot my car straight into 6th gear. Can you do that with a DSG car?

I can see why people like them, but flappy paddle 'boxes just seem really soulless to me...

[sub39h]

I can accelerate from standstill to almost 60mph and then slot my car straight into 6th gear. Can you do that with a DSG car?

yes 

[rich83]

I can accelerate from standstill to almost 60mph and then slot my car straight into 6th gear. Can you do that with a DSG car?

I can see why people like them, but flappy paddle 'boxes just seem really soulless to me...

Well.... No. But you know that.

You'd have to accelerate to 60 and then go through the gears 3456 to get to 6th.

Stupid thread leads to stupid arguments... ;-)