Diesels and dsg

[Sidewaysgt4]

Not really sure where to put this, am decided definitely that my next car will be a 09/10 Scirocco diesel 170. I've never been a fan of automatics but the the option of using paddles manually is very attractive and from what I've read unless you're caning it and it tries to protect the motor it doesn't intervene and mess up your changes. (I may be wrong feel free to chime in and tell me please) My question though is related to mileage, and I've not found an answer searching, diesel models here run extremely high mileage and I've seen plenty with over 100,000 miles on, I don't plan on buying mine here instead I want to go to the uk for it but I've also seen several with high mileage and money may play a part in whether or not I'm forced to go for one with high mileage. I know Diesel engines if properly looked after will generally tolerate high mileage well as a rule but what of the dsg box? What kind of mileage are owners here putting on diesel dsg boxes and are any major issues apparent after big mileage?
Thanks

[Sidewaysgt4]

Also meant to ask out of curiosity how many dsg owners don't use the automatic box and leave it in manual all the time or does everyone dip in and out of auto and manual . Reason I ask is I can't see myself enjoying the car (or any car) in auto at all and would prefer to be told it's not feasible to use in manual all the time rather than make the mistake of buying a dsg and finding the manual isn't suitable for use all the time

[the full force]

I always leave mine in auto, personally I think the paddles are just a play thing, I find it drives plenty quick enough in full auto and changes when it needs to, rather than really early like previous autos I've had did.

and to top that it's far more economical in auto.

[matthewlancs]

mine very rarely leaves auto too! unless it's the early hours of the morning on a nice quiet road ;-) .....

[wigit]

for me if i ever went diesel on a VAG car i'd be ticking the DSG box, just compliments the power delivery of the engine

[Mark V]

I agree - if you envisage the DSG being in manual mode nearly all the time the you may as well go for a manual gearbox!

The paddles are a bit of fun too I agree - although quite useful for quickly dropping a gear on a hill or when overtaking. The self-shifting is so good you rarely have to intervene to be honest.

Not sure I would want to operate a high mile DSG box though.... I had one replaced on a three year old golf once so am a bit wary now! Still love it though :-)

[Paralla]

I never actually put the gear lever into manual but I quiet often use the paddles when its in auto.

To provide engine braking coming into a roundabout or corner and so it's already in the right gear for the acceleration out the other side for example. I sometimes just wait for it to go back into auto after a few seconds or sometimes I force it back into auto by pulling and holding the upshift paddle.

I'm pretty sure if the OP bought a DSG with the intention of using it in manual all the time that idea wouldn't last very long. Auto does a pretty good job on its own, is so convenient.

I can't comment on high mileage though. I've only done 800 miles in three years.


Defo check for evidence that the DSG oil has been changed every 40 000 miles though if you do go for a high mile example.

[Sidewaysgt4]

Thanks for the replies. Starting to think the dsg may not be the way to go. I'm not a fan of automatics per se and would only be going dsg for the manual paddle shift and the general consensus seems to be that it's more of a compliment to a auto gearbox rather than able to function on its own.

[Mark V]

I think the conclusion you have drawn from the responses is a good one. Manuals cheaper too (and more examples to choos from)!

[Sidewaysgt4]

I think the conclusion you have drawn from the responses is a good one. Manuals cheaper too (and more examples to choos from)!

yeah i think thats the way to go. lots of them on auto trader but for sale by absolute dreamers from the price of them, almost 14,000 sterling for a 2009 is just ridiculous no matter how low the mileage is!

[rm0rgan]

I may be the odd one out here - unless I am in town I always keep mine in Manual as i like to use the torque more than having the box changing up and down the box when I want to overtake something, and also find it useful to be able to use the engine as braking....

I've covered 18,000 miles and mine changes quickly although not as smoothly as it did when new - maybe needs some recalibration but as it's under warranty will just ask the garage to take a look when it's next in for its service.

It is however miles better than any auto box i have had and well suited on a diesel.