To DSG or not to DSG?

[Dave7692]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to move on my MK5 TDI soon but will be staying in the VW (and possibly the MK5 ) fold.  I'm considering a DSG gearbox and have done a bit of looking in to the pros and cons of them.  Currently I'm looking towards a 170 TDI Scirocco but regardless of the car (Golf MK5/6, 'Rocco or A3) I'll be getting something with that 170 Engine in it.

Thus far I can see the pros are, automatic and manual modes, bit more relaxed driving if doing a lot of motorway travelling and not needing to upgrade clutch for Stage 2 remap.

As for the cons, relatively expensive service every 40k, a few reliability issues (likelihood reduced if service is carried out as recommended) and that some consider it a bit boring.

So at the moment I'm thinking it might be better for me but is there anything I'm missing?  Only thing I can think of on a daily basis is that maybe parking (particularly parallel) might be a bit of a faff with the paddles and that but I guess thats just a case of getting used to it.  Its the sort of thing that you can't really decide based off of a 10 minute test drive.

Anyway, opinions either way are greatly received.

[Golf_GT_TDI]

I've gone over to my first DSG car, no regrets so far.. lovely to drive 

[phillips]

Made the move this year to DSG love it!

[GrayMK5GTI]

The 170 engine in the MK6 / Rocco is MUCH better than in the mk5. The mk5 is quite troublesome with injectors & DPF problems being very common

[Dave7692]

The 170 engine in the MK6 / Rocco is MUCH better than in the mk5. The mk5 is quite troublesome with injectors & DPF problems being very common

Thanks for the replies thus far guys.

Yeah I've heard about the issues with the MK5 170 TDI, my parents also had trouble with the injectors on their Passat (which I assume is the same engine?) thats why I'm leaning towards spending that bit more money and moving up to a MK6/Scirocco with the Scirroco currently leading the chase.  I hope to maybe have it all sorted by Christmas but it can always be a bit slow trying to sell a car in the month or so leading up to Xmas.

[mac456]

my mk5 DSG has been spot on so far (touches wood  )

From what I have read it seems certain years were worse than others.

[gerbil]

My next car will be DSG, why wouldn't you.

[dansmith180]

I think the only reason you wouldn't go DSG Is if like me you prefer the driving experience of a manual. Beyond that its more economical easier and smoother.

[sanj]

I moved from a manual Editon30 to a DSG Golf 'R' and I love it,you won't be using paddle's(you can't) whilst parking as they are more suited for switching gear's when giving it some bean's!Go ahead and do it as you won't regret it.

[gerbil]

I think the only reason you wouldn't go DSG Is if like me you prefer the driving experience of a manual. Beyond that its more economical easier and smoother.

I agree that manual is a more involving drive for the most part, DSG is much better than previous offerings though and the launch control is a nice feature.

[driver rider]

I love my DSG car I've had no problems just make sure it's serviced on time and you'll be fine.

[numec]

my previous GTI was with DSG..my current GTI is with DSG   

[dansmith180]

I think the only reason you wouldn't go DSG Is if like me you prefer the driving experience of a manual. Beyond that its more economical easier and smoother.

I agree that manual is a more involving drive for the most part, DSG is much better than previous offerings though and the launch control is a nice feature.

I definitely see the pro's of DSG such as launch control and rapid changes. For me though unless you have serious power (lambo's Ferrari's ect) then DSG is a bit too easy and I don't feel like the I'm doing the driving and its not a rewarding. Its the same as 4WD for me, you can go faster but I would rather go slower and have to work for it.

[gerbil]

I think the only reason you wouldn't go DSG Is if like me you prefer the driving experience of a manual. Beyond that its more economical easier and smoother.

I agree that manual is a more involving drive for the most part, DSG is much better than previous offerings though and the launch control is a nice feature.

I definitely see the pro's of DSG such as launch control and rapid changes. For me though unless you have serious power (lambo's Ferrari's ect) then DSG is a bit too easy and I don't feel like the I'm doing the driving and its not a rewarding. Its the same as 4WD for me, you can go faster but I would rather go slower and have to work for it.

Totally... this would be my only concern as I'm debating going from ED30 to a Golf R DSG. I guess I'll just have to extract some extra power from the R to compensate, the APR stage 3 car was pretty exciting!

[Dave7692]

Thanks for the opinions guys, I get what you're saying in terms of it being a less engaging driving experience, however I'll be using the car as a daily driver for around 60-70 miles per day minimum so I think the DSG might be better suited to that. 

I probably will end up getting it Stage 2 mapped eventually so it'll be pushing just over 200BHP but I'll see how it goes.  I was impressed when I test drove one but as I said above its hard to assess whether there would be minor things that would annoy you when driving one day to day.