Query about DSG

[southbynorth]

Hi everyone, I am thinking of px my mk 5 GT Sport for a GTD, I have never had an automatic before but everyone seems to rave about the DSG - genuine question here, whats good/bad about it? Any genuineadvantages/disadvantages to a 6 speed manual?

Thank!

[J400uk]

Sorry I can't help you with the DSG stuff, but why do you want a GTD??

They are ridiculously overpriced. A Scirocco GT TDI 170 with the same engine and more equipment will cost less, likewise with a Seat Leon. You could even get a AUDI A3 TDI 170 for less. For the same money as the GTD you could also get a BMW 120d which is more powerful and more economical.

You really pay through your nose here for the Golf brand


ETA - Just to be clear I don't think its a bad car, just too expensive for what it is.

[southbynorth]

To be honest I havent fully made my mind up yet - still int he shopping and research stage.

Scirocco is out of the question - while you are right that it has more equipment I need the 5 doors, a 5 year old and 3 year old dictate that unfortunately (:

BMW is also out for the same reason, I test drove one and loved it until I tried to sit in the back behind my drivers seat, the rear leg space was so tight I had to fight to get out of the car

Audi A3 - hadnt thought of that yet, I like them but arent they based on the old golf? Would rather wait until the new A3 comes out, I suspect that may not be too long away, maybe next year? (I am not in a rush if I get a better car for waiting a year/6 months)

Seat - I used to have a Ibiza FR and a Leon Cupra before that, loved them both, I love the interior of the current leon but the outside looks dont do it for me plus the nearest dealership is 50 miles away, I know I can get it serviced at the nearby VW dealership but warrenty claims/issues I would prefer to go through the purchasing dealership, I had issues in the past when I moved from kent to dorset and the dealer in Salisbury wouldnt give me a courtesy car as I didnt buy from them and Seat UK were unable to help - tbh that has kinda put me off the brand a little as their dealerships can be very hit and miss

[J400uk]

Audi A3, Golf MK5 and Golf MK6 all share the same platform, thats why a lot of people say the MK6 Golf is only really a facelift as its essentially the same underneath. The 2.0 TDI 170 CR is a new engine available in the MK6 GTD and Audi A3.

[maisbitt]

The DSG is as good as automatics get - fast and smooth changes, the economy is good too. There is almost no penalty over the manual when you fill up.

I don't have one (never felt the need to spend £1300 on one) but my Dad has a MK 5 170 TDI GT with DSG. Occasionally it's a little too smart for it's own good, it adapts to your driving style with it's changes, and if you start driving a little out of character it can do things you don't wan't it to do (like changing up/down later than you'd like).

If you're into automatics then you'll not be disappointed with the DSG.

[Robbie G]

Almost no penalty? Quoted fuel efficiency is better with the DSG than the manual.

[maisbitt]

Almost no penalty? Quoted fuel efficiency is better with the DSG than the manual.

1.4TSI with 7 speed DSG has better economy than manual, but 2.0TDI and 2.0TSI with 6 speed DSG have slightly lower mpg than manual.

[southbynorth]

Thanks for all the replies, while the DSG sounds good it doesnt sound like its worth the price so I will stick to manual

Off to look at an Audi A3 later this week but I may stick with the GT 140 - its nearly as fast as the 170 and there seems to be far more wriggle room for haggling with it for some reason

[maisbitt]

The A3 is quite a poor depreciator at the moment, this may improve if there's a facelift coming (as per Golf MK5 to MK6 improvements).

It's all opinions, but most people would probably agree that the Golf is a better looking car than an A3, and better equipped at comparable pricepoints too.

[Robbie G]

All I will say is that once you've used an auto, it's hard to go back to a manual (for every day driving).