Golf Gti DSG or Manual?

DSG, driven both, owned a MK5 gti and currently own a MK6 GTI.

DSG oil change is every 40k (check when you buy) and costs £180ish at the dealer.

VW Approved Warranty for parts only if needed, but the car must have full dealer history and at the specified time, think the warranty gives a ~2k mile window if after the due date. I went for fully comp for a ££ extra.
 
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From a reliability point of view the 6 speed wet clutch system seems better than the 7 speed dry clutch.

Oil and filter changes are critical, i would cut the VW service schedule in half.

Problem wise, the clutch pack itself seems very good and solid.

Mechatronics unit is one of the main issues, about 1k for a referb and refit, so not to dissimilar to a dual mass clutch change on a manual box.

Would i go back to a manual? No.
 
iaind said:
Make sure you take it for a long test drive and understand the negatives of gearboxes like this. For example, slow down from 50 approaching a roundabout, as you're rolling at about 10-15mph at the entry to the roundabout put your foot down.... A lot of DSG (and other auto boxes) have an uncomfortably long delay in circumstances like this - which is a situation in the real world you encounter a lot.

Otherwise read up on common issues and mechanical things to look out for, these go wrong fairly often and can cost a lot of money to put right. 2008 is starting to get on a bit in age so you want to make sure you're not going to be landed with any big bills
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I had the delay issue but it just made me pull the paddles in that kind of situation to pre-select the right gear.

After you get into that habit the delay is a non-issue.
 
Wow had quite a debate going here then! Views on the auto sound positive enough for me and surely with decent mileage and full service history it should be ok!

One ofher concern is can you still have fun in a DSG when you want to? Obviously paddles may help with this but when driving for plesure can you enjoy the drive as much as you would in a manual? (Whilst not breaking any laws ofc ;) )
 
Coming from an ex 2008 manual GTI owner I'd defintely go DSG. The manual box isn't exactly bulletproof, my one needed a rebuild at 58k miles (could have been abused by a previous owner) and clutches don't last all that long either.

The DSG box is really nice to drive all the time and quicker than the manual. If you want to remap it in future the DSG box takes the extra power much better than the manual. I found my manual to be a bit of a pain to drive in slow moving traffic and although the manual is supposed to be slightly more economical it isn't all that good on fuel. You'll also have better luck finding a nicely specced car with DSG than you will manual. It took me about 6 months to find a manual car with Xenons, leather and RNS510.
 
Got DSG in my Mk5 R32 and love it to bits....but then I find I enjoy wafting around more nowdays so it suits me. Besides paddle shift is nice when you want to take control a bit more
 
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