which gearbox to steer clear of?

[ericcs]

with all the hoopla about dodgy auto boxes, can someone who actually knows, please tell me which are the one's to steer clear of, or atleast to be wary of
one of my kids wants to buy either a mk5/mk6 golf or jetta, and it may well be an auto, but i'm getting confused now as to which cars have what box, or are they all problematic?
do mk5's have either a tiptronic or 6sp DSG's
and mk6's, 6 or 7sp DSG's?

regards
eric

[Lucas_R]

The problematic version of the DSG is the 7 speed version found in the lesser powered Mk6 range (77TSi, 90TSI and 118TSI). The TDI, GTi and R model in the Mk6 range have a more robust 6 speed DSG which is less prone to issues (although not perfect). If your kid decides to get a Mk6, steer clear of the 118TSI at all costs as they have a multitude of engine problems. Combine the 118TSI engine with the rubbish 7 speed DSG and you are bound to have problems.

So if Mk6, get a 77TSI or 90TSI in manual if you want a good little car.

The Mk5's didnt have the 7 speed DSG, so you are ok if you get a Mk5. They are all either tiptronic or 6 speed DSG and a relatively safe option.

So if Mk5, pick whatever you like pretty much.

[kamold]

MkV - tiptronic is a 6speed traditional torque converter auto. This is for petrol engines.
- 6 speed DSG is in the GTI and TDI versions. 6 speed wet-clutch. Not affected by recent recalls. As long as service history is complete and changes are smooth, no jerking off from lights they should be fine.

MkVI - 7 speed is dry clutch DSG (DQ200). This is the model affected by recent recall.
TDI and GTI versions still use the 6 speed wet clutch DSG (DQ250)

Moral of the story is 6speed=good 7speed=suspect.
If the recall has been carried out on the 7 speed it should be fine but it will forever haunt the car in terms of resale value.

[idaho]

Mk5 auto gearboxes (tiptronic) with the non-turbo engines can have serious problems if the fluid and internal filter are not changed. But, they were originally specified as "filled for life" and thus not requiring service. However, the life is (as expected) not very long without service.

[ericcs]

thanks for the advice guys,
on a side note, can you get a jetta mk5 147fsi with a manual box, plenty with the N/A engines, but have yet to find one behind a turbo?

[VW Convert]

thanks for the advice guys,
on a side note, can you get a jetta mk5 147fsi with a manual box, plenty with the N/A engines, but have yet to find one behind a turbo?

MK5 Jetta 147 were all 6 speed DSG, no manual versions ever sold in Australia.

Cheers

George

[mb1907953]

For the record, my dad had an 08 GTI Mk5 with the 6 speed DSG and it was absolutely brilliant. Of all the new semi-auto/ double clutch systems on the market today it was by far the smoothest and most responsive gearbox we'd ever felt. I don't know how they've gone as the kilometres rack up but it was simply unbeatable. Disappointing that the new 7 speeds have let the DSG reputation down.

[Transporter]

For the record, my dad had an 08 GTI Mk5 with the 6 speed DSG and it was absolutely brilliant. Of all the new semi-auto/ double clutch systems on the market today it was by far the smoothest and most responsive gearbox we'd ever felt. I don't know how they've gone as the kilometres rack up but it was simply unbeatable. Disappointing that the new 7 speeds have let the DSG reputation down.

I agree, but I also know quite a few owners of MK6 118TSI with the 7speed DSG who have no problems with their cars at all. They're just ordinary commuters in their 50's. So, if some one is looking for the more reliable VW, buy from the oldies.
It's not that I'm saying that all younger people drive like hoons.

As far as the reliability of any auto box goes, you get almost always longer life from the manual and the repairs and maintenance of the manual g.box will be cheaper as well.