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DSG or Manual?

NaOH

NaOH

Diamond Member
Picking one up soon and need opinions. I've driven both and they each have their tradeoffs. So it's hard for me to decide, unless someone can convince me otherwise.

Manual

Pros
- More connection to the car
- Cheaper to maintain
- Cheaper to buy
- Can take more mods

Dis
- Not as smooth and refined
- PIA in traffic, going to work, or going from A to B when your tired
-

DSG

Pros
- Super smooth, fast shifts
- More versatile
- Feel like an F1 racer

Dis
- More costly to maintain
- Costs more
- Idea of it seems a bit wussier in my opinion
- Can't take much mods


Of course, as always with ATOT, please feel free to tear my list apart. Thanks
 
I've gone from auto to manual a few times now, and personally if there is going to be much traffic in the cars future, it's just not worth the manual. I'd rather feel a little disconnected then pissed off sitting in traffic slipping the clutch in and out on a bridge cause some stupid ass caused a wreck.


<--- had a bad traffic day today
 
what kinda traffic do you usually drive in? ive tried the DSG and while it's fun to play with, i've found myself getting bored with it. But if you're sitting in rush hour stop-and-go traffic everyday, DSG might be easier on your left foot. That being said, I'd never ever pick a DSG over a true manual.

and if you're looking for mods (chip, bigger turbo) you can rule the DSG out
 
I'd go with manual unless you are going to be stuck in L.A. type stop and go traffic, or you like to do other stuff while driving.
You'll drive plenty of automatics when you are older. Traffic is PIA no matter what, at least shifting a manual is entertaining, and you are too tired to shift a manual, frankly you are too tired to drive, period.

 
Originally posted by: senseamp
I'd go with manual unless you are going to be stuck in L.A. type stop and go traffic, or you like to do other stuff while driving.
You'll drive plenty of automatics when you are older. Traffic is PIA no matter what, at least shifting a manual is entertaining, and you are too tired to shift a manual, frankly you are too tired to drive, period.
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Yeah, I'll be in socal traffic. That's why i'm so indecisive right now. Like I'll have time to take it out to the track or just throw it around going from point A to B. But I'll be in traffic every morning and probably in the evening.
 
In that case I'd probably go for a DSG. I mean LA traffic sucks with manual. Silicon Valley is fine, but LA it did get on my nerves a bit.
 
Just picked up an 08 GTI with DSG yesterday actually, better hurry, there are only 10 or so left in all of So Cal. The DSG is phenomenal, super fast smooth shifts, great in traffic, gets better gas mileage and is quicker from 0-60 than a manual. Granted, its not a stick, but I have absolutely no regrets not getting the manual. The choice is up to you regardless.
 
Originally posted by: PhoKingGuy
Just picked up an 08 GTI with DSG yesterday actually, better hurry, there are only 10 or so left in all of So Cal. The DSG is phenomenal, super fast smooth shifts, great in traffic, gets better gas mileage and is quicker from 0-60 than a manual. Granted, its not a stick, but I have absolutely no regrets not getting the manual. The choice is up to you regardless.
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I'm actually in norcal, and I don't know how many they have, but I'll be looking this weekend

Oh, how much did you get it for?
 
I drive manual and in LA traffic all the time. Yes it does suck but it makes up for it in the funness of the drive and chicks think it's hotter that a guy drives stick but it's your decision. Also when you get good at it, it basically becomes automatic for you to shift.
 
Yeah I'm sure manual would be fun. and I'm most likely going to get that because of price and due to the fact that I want to chip it later down the line.

But I'm on the line to just get the dsg and forget about heavy mods. I enjoyed it that much.
 
If you are already planning to mod for more power, why not just get something with more power (like Mazdaspeed3) to start off?
 
Originally posted by: senseamp
If you are already planning to mod for more power, why not just get something with more power (like Mazdaspeed3) to start off?
Click to expand...

I like everything about this car (exterior, interior feel, styling, etc). A whole lot more than the mazdaspeed. I mean, it looks really nice too, but the gti has a more rounded look that I like, and the interior is a world of difference. The power, I don't need quite so much. If the mazdaspeed had 300 hp, i still wouldn't buy it. I'm only modding because "I can".
 
There were actually no manual transmission 08 GTIs left in So Cal as of this past weekend supposedly so you might be hung up on that one. I got a 4dr with DSG/18" wheels/iPod adapter for just about 1k under invoice.
 
Originally posted by: PhoKingGuy
There were actually no manual transmission 08 GTIs left in So Cal as of this past weekend supposedly so you might be hung up on that one. I got a 4dr with DSG/18" wheels/iPod adapter for just about 1k under invoice.
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Noooooooo!!! Man, I definitely better check it out this weekend. I'll be so sad if they're out. I was looking at getting a candy white or united gray coupe base, with just the ipod adapter and the rubber floormats, and possibly the body kit.
 
That's actually a very rare combination, and supposedly the base models sell as soon as the dealers get them. You might be able to pick one up with DSG with the same options though. The body kit is definitely overpriced and not worth it, the monster mats on the other hand are pretty cool, I paid extra for them on mine and think it was a worthwhile investment. Contact your local dealer ASAP and have them locate one for you if its possible, I almost had one transported from Nevada for me, so they will find one if its out there somehow.
 
Alright, thanks for the heads up! Where are you located in la? I'll be moving down to irvine within the month. GTI meet!
 
Oh really?! Nice, I had a few friends that went/go there. I'll be working off of University so super close to UCI.
 
The DSG is fun. Go for it. I have an R32 and really enjoy the DSG and I'm coming from an '01 GTI VR6 (5 speed, of course). Gotta love the burble when the car blips the throttle during a downshift.

How much are you planning to mod? The stock DSG can take some extra torque; around 258-ish ft-lb. The DSG also employs a soft-limit to the torque applied to the tranny, but it can be removed.Anything above a Stage 2 turbo or supercharger and you'll want to purchase and install a DSG clutch upgrade.
 
Originally posted by: NaOH
Originally posted by: senseamp
If you are already planning to mod for more power, why not just get something with more power (like Mazdaspeed3) to start off?
Click to expand...

I like everything about this car (exterior, interior feel, styling, etc). A whole lot more than the mazdaspeed. I mean, it looks really nice too, but the gti has a more rounded look that I like, and the interior is a world of difference. The power, I don't need quite so much. If the mazdaspeed had 300 hp, i still wouldn't buy it. I'm only modding because "I can".
Click to expand...

I see, yeah, if you mainly want nicer interior, with modding as secondary, GTI is a better choice than MS3. I actually was looking at the Scirocco, which is supposed to be based on GTI, as potential replacement for my Mazda3s, but it's not clear when, if ever, VW will bring it to the US.
 
Originally posted by: biggestmuff
The DSG is fun. Go for it. I have an R32 and really enjoy the DSG and I'm coming from an '01 GTI VR6 (5 speed, of course). Gotta love the burble when the car blips the throttle during a downshift.

How much are you planning to mod? The stock DSG can take some extra torque; around 258-ish ft-lb. The DSG also employs a soft-limit to the torque applied to the tranny, but it can be removed.Anything above a Stage 2 turbo or supercharger and you'll want to purchase and install a DSG clutch upgrade.
Click to expand...

The only mod I was going to do was just the ecu tune..(stage 0?). After that, the most i'd do is bolt ons (exhaust, intake, downpipe), most likely i won't be doing any of that. I've already been in the modding scene and just want to keep this car reliable and not all angsty teen lookin. If the DSG can handle a little extra power, then i'd probably go for it. But if it'll start freaking out then i'd rather just get a manual since the DSG would be pretty expensive to fix.

I think if it comes down to it (no manuals left), I would probably get the DSG. I'm pretty torn, but it seems like i wouldn't regret either one at this point.
 
Originally posted by: NaOH
Originally posted by: biggestmuff
The DSG is fun. Go for it. I have an R32 and really enjoy the DSG and I'm coming from an '01 GTI VR6 (5 speed, of course). Gotta love the burble when the car blips the throttle during a downshift.

How much are you planning to mod? The stock DSG can take some extra torque; around 258-ish ft-lb. The DSG also employs a soft-limit to the torque applied to the tranny, but it can be removed.Anything above a Stage 2 turbo or supercharger and you'll want to purchase and install a DSG clutch upgrade.
Click to expand...

The only mod I was going to do was just the ecu tune..(stage 0?). After that, the most i'd do is bolt ons (exhaust, intake, downpipe), most likely i won't be doing any of that. I've already been in the modding scene and just want to keep this car reliable and not all angsty teen lookin. If the DSG can handle a little extra power, then i'd probably go for it. But if it'll start freaking out then i'd rather just get a manual since the DSG would be pretty expensive to fix.

I think if it comes down to it (no manuals left), I would probably get the DSG. I'm pretty torn, but it seems like i wouldn't regret either one at this point.
Click to expand...

Ah, you won't have any issues then. Go for it. :thumbsup:
 
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