DSG reliability...

[Muzza904]

Hi guys I'm new to the forum and desperate to get my hands on a scirocco!! I'm going to view one on Friday that has a dsg box and it's done 38500 miles to date and has just had the 40000 service done on it costing around 500 notes (or so I'm told). It's never had any problems yet and is on a 2010 2ltr tsi. I was just hoping to get some advice on reliability when they get to these sorts of miles and general servicing cost? This is going to be the most money I've ever spent on a car and I want to spend it right first time haha!

[PAJ]

The most common problem at that age/mileage with this engine is the inlet manifold. Mine in common with many other peoples had to be replaced at about that time (search the forum for details). Check that it has had a DSG oil filter/oil change as that is due at 40K or if not budget for it. Mine now has 58K and the DSG has been fine up to now but has just developed an oil leak! Having said that I love the DSG and don't think I would ever go back to a manual change. You could consider an extended warranty for a few hundred pounds unless you are getting one with the car. Servicing costs are pretty much the same as most modern cars or other VW's and at least there is no cam belt service cost to worry about. If you are getting it dealer serviced the costs can vary between dealers and I think you can even get a fixed price deal with monthly payments.
Peter.

[kanedingle]

Dsg are pritty much bomb proof as long as you change the dsg oil and filter as per vw guidelines
Dsg oil is pricey tho. But well worth IMO. Would not go back to a Manuel again (vag wise anyway)

[Cuprabob]

Most common failure is Mechatronics Unit which is expensive to replace however companies like ECU Testing van repair and refurbish them for a few hundred quid, so not as big a risk as it used to be. Also, Internet focusses on the negatives, therefore there are many units without any issues.

DSG has it's quirk but once you learn to drive around them the box is a beauty.

As said above, oil and filter.change at 40k miles is critical and costs around £180

[skippy]

Yes - a lot of people seem to focus on the negatives of the DSG, but the fact it is, it has been around for about 10 years now. For sure, if it were to go wrong, it would prove expensive to fix, but as with anything, so long as the car is maintained and serviced correctly, there is no reason to be concerned.

[moulin12]

Just to note here, as on another thread, VAG have at last issued a UK recall for the DSG7 (1.4s) on the 'freewheel' issue experience in hotter climates.

[skippy]

Thanks moulin12 for that update, interesting. We have a 7 Speed DSG Polo , when I checked with VW last December they again just said the recall was for hot climates.

Maybe they are extending the recall?

[Muzza904]

Thanks for you replies guys it's given me a bit of peace of mind about having a dsg gearbox now.Yes this one has had its 40k service 1500 miles early actually but it's never had any previous faults so hopefully it's a good un! I've only ever driven manuals or normal autos so quite exciteted to try it out

[moulin12]

Thanks moulin12 for that update, interesting. We have a 7 Speed DSG Polo , when I checked with VW last December they again just said the recall was for hot climates.

Maybe they are extending the recall?

It would appear so since, when I enquired about this at the time it hit the news late last year, there was (as you have said) no UK recall on the books. My recall letter is dated 17 June, though only received today.

Text is below - reads in parts as if written by someone with English as a second language...

Dear xx,

As part of regular product monitoring, Volkswagen AG has found that vehicles with DSG 7 Speed Gearbox filled with synthetic oil, the synthetic oil used can lead to an internal short circuit and to the blowing of the fuse in the Gearbox. The failure causes the clutches to open and the vehicle freewheels. The functions of all other systems (e.g. engine, steering, brakes and lights) are not affected.

In order to prevent a possible breakdown, we would like to offer you a free precautionary check al at Volkswagen Authorised Repairer. If necessary, your gearbox oil will be changed to mineral oil. The work required will take approximately two hours and will, of course, be performed free of change.

We strongly recommended that you take up this offer to avoid any inconvenience you may incur if your vehicle develops this condition.

Please contact your local Volkswagen Authorised Repairer as soon as possible..[etc etc].

I'm not sure what possible checks would be undertaken: more like a discussion of the pros and cons of using mineral oil over synthetic oil, I suspect. Though equally, I'm guessing that if it's not done, the remaining of the existing warranty on the box may be challenged, especially if I decline against advice.