DSG or Manual?

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krunchykrome

Lifer
Dec 28, 2003
13,413
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my buddy bought a new GTI with the DSG

he wanted the DSG because he was coming from a manual car but wanted the convenience of auto.

He's had the GTI for a little less than a year now, and I've never seen him use the DSG. I'd still get it though over the manual. Traffic in a manual is frustrating and exhausting
 

ayabe

Diamond Member
Aug 10, 2005
7,449
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I'm still on the fence with the DSG's, I would like to know the repair bill on one that grenades from power mods.

Autoblog or someone else broke their GTI's paddles, so I guess you need to be a little careful with them.

That being said, as much as I've lambasted them in the past, if I were buying an EVO X, the 5 speed would be a tough sell for me. Simply because I do so much highway driving, buzzing at 4K RPM in 5th at 70mph would be a showstopper for me. They should have had a normal 6 speed in the GSR and the DSG in the MR.
 

AstroManLuca

Lifer
Jun 24, 2004
15,628
5
81
I love manuals and would probably always pick one over most paddle shifters, but from everything I've heard, the DSG is about as good as it gets for those. I would not even consider any other type of paddle-shifting or slapstick transmission because they're horribly laggy.
 

Auric

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 1999
9,591
2
71
Originally posted by: senseamp

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.

The new Scirocco is rather appealing. I wonder how it stacks up against an A3? BMW X6 looks nice too but it's a wee bit pricey.
 

NaOH

Diamond Member
Mar 2, 2006
5,015
0
0
Originally posted by: Throckmorton
The only reason to get a manual is for fun, so if you like the DSG a lot, why don't you get it?

Because the manual is fun too, and would save me a good chunk of change now and in the long haul.

Leaning more towards the DSG now though.
 

Xyclone

Lifer
Aug 24, 2004
10,312
0
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IIRC the manual does 0-60 in 6.9, whereas the DSG does it in 6.7. But, the DSG is expensive to maintain and likely very unreliable (new technology being applied by VW, no less). If you want to mod it, no question, get the manual. The DSG cannot handle a large amount of power. Besides, the fun of driving a manual will allow you to easily overlook the .2s 0-60 difference, while it's stock.
 

NaOH

Diamond Member
Mar 2, 2006
5,015
0
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Damn, dad's being a total douche and is going away and won't be back until the 9th....
He was specifically saying he needs to be there to see the purchase through at the dealer so i won't get scammed.. =/
Since that date is after the clearance, I'm this close to saying screw that and just going ahead with it.

I swear, what is with father figures and their ego/pride about talking to the stealerships?
 

Auric

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 1999
9,591
2
71
Originally posted by: Xyclone
IIRC the manual does 0-60 in 6.9, whereas the DSG does it in 6.7. But, the DSG is expensive to maintain and likely very unreliable (new technology being applied by VW, no less). If you want to mod it, no question, get the manual. The DSG cannot handle a large amount of power. Besides, the fun of driving a manual will allow you to easily overlook the .2s 0-60 difference, while it's stock.

It was developed by BorgWarner and has been in production for more than five years so I would not worry too much about reliability beyond the expected difference betwixt automatic and manual in general (of equivalent quality).

Ja, it isn't suitable for high power applications but the VW group engines it has been paired with are not exactly slouches. Heck, even the 2.0 TFSI should be more than enough for most volks.

Still, I too would prolly opt for the manual anyway. There is no sassifaction in paddle shifting and not much reason to after the novelty wears off. If so inclined, the $1000 "savings" could go towards other options or upgrades.

But if constantly in stop 'n' go traffic jams then I can certainly see where an automatic would be worth it in which case the DSG is exactly that but without the usual disadvantages in fuel economy and performance.
 

Spicedaddy

Platinum Member
Apr 18, 2002
2,305
77
91
Manual and use the 1000$ to chip it. (it's actually 500$, so you'll have money left for window tint, lowering springs, etc...)

I drove my friend's GTI with Unitronic 94-octane software, and that thing is fast.
 

cbrsurfr

Golden Member
Jul 15, 2000
1,686
1
81
If maintenance and reliability is a factor why are you not waiting for the 2009 with a timing chain as opposed to the current timing belt? IIRC it needs to be changed every 60,000. Which can be costly if you plan on keeping it for a long time. Getting a good deal should not be a problem, you just might have to go through a few dealers.
 

Chunkee

Lifer
Jul 28, 2002
10,391
1
81
offer them 400 over invoice. that simple..keep going til you hit one that says okay. and...cut the fees in half... TL fees, not tax.

jC
 

Xyclone

Lifer
Aug 24, 2004
10,312
0
76
Originally posted by: Chunkee
offer them 400 over invoice. that simple..keep going til you hit one that says okay. and...cut the fees in half... TL fees, not tax.

jC

Agreed, GTI's aren't selling very well compared to the MINI Cooper S in its class. I blame average mileage and reliability concerns.
 

NaOH

Diamond Member
Mar 2, 2006
5,015
0
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One of them offered me an internet quote for the base that was under invoice + fees. How reliable are internet quotes.
 

Xyclone

Lifer
Aug 24, 2004
10,312
0
76
Originally posted by: NaOH
One of them offered me an internet quote for the base that was under invoice + fees. How reliable are internet quotes.

Very reliable, unless they started marking up the GTI (impossible) after they sent you the email. Monrovia MINI did that for the MINI; those assholes wasted our time.
 

NaOH

Diamond Member
Mar 2, 2006
5,015
0
0
Originally posted by: Xyclone
Originally posted by: NaOH
One of them offered me an internet quote for the base that was under invoice + fees. How reliable are internet quotes.

Very reliable, unless they started marking up the GTI (impossible) after they sent you the email. Monrovia MINI did that for the MINI; those assholes wasted our time.

oh ok. Never got a quote online and thought they were going to do the bait and switch once i'm in the negotiating room...Definitely going to check it out this weekend. I'll keep this updated for those interested.
 

Chunkee

Lifer
Jul 28, 2002
10,391
1
81
Originally posted by: NaOH
Originally posted by: Xyclone
Originally posted by: NaOH
One of them offered me an internet quote for the base that was under invoice + fees. How reliable are internet quotes.

Very reliable, unless they started marking up the GTI (impossible) after they sent you the email. Monrovia MINI did that for the MINI; those assholes wasted our time.

oh ok. Never got a quote online and thought they were going to do the bait and switch once i'm in the negotiating room...Definitely going to check it out this weekend. I'll keep this updated for those interested.

Print it, take it with you and tell them you want this car for the price quoted on their. Period...Any crap, say thank you for your time and leave. Do not be a wuss.

JC
 

NaOH

Diamond Member
Mar 2, 2006
5,015
0
0
Originally posted by: Chunkee
Originally posted by: NaOH
Originally posted by: Xyclone
Originally posted by: NaOH
One of them offered me an internet quote for the base that was under invoice + fees. How reliable are internet quotes.

Very reliable, unless they started marking up the GTI (impossible) after they sent you the email. Monrovia MINI did that for the MINI; those assholes wasted our time.

oh ok. Never got a quote online and thought they were going to do the bait and switch once i'm in the negotiating room...Definitely going to check it out this weekend. I'll keep this updated for those interested.

Print it, take it with you and tell them you want this car for the price quoted on their. Period...Any crap, say thank you for your time and leave. Do not be a wuss.

JC

Hahaha, yeah, that was my intention. I get turned off easily so I'm not going to settle.
 

Chunkee

Lifer
Jul 28, 2002
10,391
1
81
Originally posted by: NaOH
Originally posted by: Chunkee
Originally posted by: NaOH
Originally posted by: Xyclone
Originally posted by: NaOH
One of them offered me an internet quote for the base that was under invoice + fees. How reliable are internet quotes.

Very reliable, unless they started marking up the GTI (impossible) after they sent you the email. Monrovia MINI did that for the MINI; those assholes wasted our time.

oh ok. Never got a quote online and thought they were going to do the bait and switch once i'm in the negotiating room...Definitely going to check it out this weekend. I'll keep this updated for those interested.

Print it, take it with you and tell them you want this car for the price quoted on their. Period...Any crap, say thank you for your time and leave. Do not be a wuss.

JC

Hahaha, yeah, that was my intention. I get turned off easily so I'm not going to settle.

For learning purposes since I am also considering this vehicle... what was your quote for and packages you chose?

Thanks

JC
 

caboob

Platinum Member
Mar 31, 2000
2,214
0
76
I have an R32 and have found that Sport mode does a great job of keeping the engine at its peak torque range. No need to use the paddle shifters unless I'm in "D" mode and need a quick downshift for passing. I love DSG, the shift is fast and smooth.
 

NaOH

Diamond Member
Mar 2, 2006
5,015
0
0
I said, two door, manual, ipod connector, body kit and rubber floormats. I got an email back saying, we can sell you this car for $22000 + fees. FYI I need to confirm if that quote was with the options or not, but nonetheless, it's about 800 above invoice of the base model
 

Chunkee

Lifer
Jul 28, 2002
10,391
1
81
Originally posted by: PhoKingGuy
I got mine for about 600 under invoice so you can go lower.

where do you live and what was the dealership and what car was it with what options?

was it on the lot? Problem I have, there is no selection from where i live.

thanks mate.

JCoria
 

PhoKingGuy

Diamond Member
Nov 15, 2007
4,685
0
76
McKenna VW in Huntington Beach, CA

4door with 18' wheels, ipod, DSG

They got it for me from some other dealer in the area, gave me a great deal for it as well.