Tiguan Pacific/6 spd auto/general performance: new buyer needs feedback

[Gumtree]

Hi all,

We’re ready to buy a MY12 Tiggie update for wife, probably heading toward the 132 Pacific with 6 spd auto (substitute for DSG), will turn it over in 3 years. I’ve had 6 spd DSG in a TDi A3 and a 147 TSI TT, so there is an aspect of it that makes me think it would be easier for wife with the substitute tiptronic auto. I know DSG is great, but I don’t want her to freak with some of its quirkiness.
We’d appreciate some user feedback on the 6 speed (Aisin?) auto in previous Tig variants (remember, this is to be wife's car), and maybe some reasonable speculation on these other things on my mind:
• The 2L TSI in Audi kit is well blogged with excessive oil use (>0.5L/1000km), ring & piston swapout being the extreme fix. Was there ever a final reason for what happened in design/production that I can feel wont arise in the Tig…? (My ’09 TT used oil but didn’t get to measure it…)
• VW Aust. will not specify fuel use, 0-100, carbons etc for the 6 speed auto Pacific due to an ‘embargo’ until 1st Feb 2012 launch – given it was previously 10.1s with the 6spd auto 125kw vs 7.9s for 132DSG, I’m wondering if there’s some bad news coming with this 'retrofit'…maybe due to one cog less...?

FYI, Pacific pricing so far (melb.), incl. sunroof, leather, tint, spats, metal paint: $43.5k driveaway…....
Thanx in advance!

[NZTiguan]

Can't help on the engine as I have a diesel but the 6 speed slushbox is fantastic as far as I'm concerned, I'm one of the few who prefers it to the DSG as I do a bit of rough track work which the DSG doesn't deal with as competently as the slushbox. Anyway, I've had mine for nearly 4 years now and LOVE it, it's a vastly superior gearbox to most older ones out there, very good at changing down and engine braking etc etc. I'm sure your missus would be thrilled with it.

Cheers

[Gumtree]

Thanx Derek...by referring to 'most older ones out there', are you referring generically to other types/makes of 6 spd, or earlier VW (Aisin?) units..?

I didnt mention we could of course wait for a demo drive when they get here, but we're looking at buying now, and not waiting 5-6 months in case we miss out - she's mandating a sunroof, so it makes our choices limited on generic stock coming in...

We drove a 132DSG, she loved the acceleration for freeway overtaking, so I'm wary about how much potential reduced performance given the 'slush' badge its been given...I dont think I've ever seen her flick to manual/tip mode with current/previous cars, she just wants the power on tap without having to think about it...

p.s. I wanted the diesel, but she's a bean counter and the numbers wont add up over 3 years...

cheers...!

[NZTiguan]

By older ones I meant that as a generic term, this is my first VW so I don't know about their specific older boxes. The fact that it isn't DSG doesn't effect acceleration at all, the only real change with DSG is that it changes gears faster and as it doesn't ever "slip the clutch" it's a bit more economic (closer to a manual). So it won't be quite as crisp as DSG but it's still MUCH better than all the competition I drove !!

Cheers

[coastvw]

Hi Gumtree, we have a 2011 Tig with 7 speed DSG, was my first DSG and we have no drama's in regards to "quirkiness". I think the only thing thats a little off putting is slow up hill sections where the kick down can be a little dramatic. My wife drives it more than me and prefers the Tig over the 2.0T Audi Quattro with a regular 6 sp tip auto.

Can cover your 2nd question as well, my Audi with the 2.0T engine uses about 1.0 litre of oil every 7,000 kms, about spot on the middle of the service interval. Was a bit disconcerting after being used to cars that never used oil, but then I thought back (showing my age now) and I remember my father changing oil in the 70's about every 5,000 kms. So who knows

[Gumtree]

thanx coastvw, my 3rd attempt to reply to you, so its getting more abbreviated, sorry..

My 2 prior DSGs were 6 speeds, so maybe 7 speed was an improvement on quirkiness. Unfortunately, the 132 Tig pacific only has 6 speed tiptronic for now, so I'm trying to understand our worst case situation...otherwise I'd go for a MY12 132 DSG (WITH SUNROOF, PARK ASSIST, COMFORT!!!) _if available_...._in Vic_

Your oil consumption still seems high to me, after 30 years motoring, but with these modern near race spec / synthetic oil donks, its hard to say whats normal...these days, its more about whats the contractual clause in the warranty...! anyway, have a surf on TSI oil use problems, there definitely was a problem >0.5L/1000km, and dealer fix of new pistons/rings, IMHO, is as radical/damning as it gets...

[Phil G]

Like Derek, we've also got the 6 speed Tiptronic behind the diesel motor - can't fault the auto - its a very nice transmission, and seems to be very reliable.

[Gumtree]

Hi Phil G, thanx for reply & feedback...

[Transporter]

Yep, nothing wrong with the Tiguan auto, better than the DSG, if you ask me. Yes, and it is an Asin transmission.

[Gumtree]

Thanx Transporter, and again to other replies...we handshaked yesterday afternoon at 5.30pm..

MY12 Tig Pacific (includes comfort, park assist, fogs as standard), reflex silver, 132 6 spd, leather, sunroof, tint, flaps, after market mats... fingers crossed, about 4-6weeks...

Dealer said "... might have to give you a loan VW in case I need to move your tradein" (before his wholesaler quote expires) - lets see if we get a clapped out kombi...!

[kaotickelly]

I know this is past your deal day, and congrats on the purchase.

I just had my pacific delivered (with leather). And I have to say the tiptronic is not too different to the DSG in the TDI I test drove. So I'm quite happy, and I think you will be too.

I actually had an option to get the DSG of the 132, but after advice from two race mechanic friends I decided on the tiptronic, as they both said that the DSG are great for the first 3-5 years, but expensive repairs are likely after that.

[Gumtree]

Hi & thanx kaotickelly, I've been absent and just checked back in...good to hear yr experience...would be good to get a follow up on yr consumption after run in...even bad feedback would have been welcome, at least I get a heads up with potential warranty issues...

Still waiting on an update on delivery date...regarding yr pacific, what was the reality vs promised dates...?

re...

I know this is past your deal day, and congrats on the purchase.

I just had my pacific delivered (with leather). And I have to say the tiptronic is not too different to the DSG in the TDI I test drove. So I'm quite happy, and I think you will be too.

I actually had an option to get the DSG of the 132, but after advice from two race mechanic friends I decided on the tiptronic, as they both said that the DSG are great for the first 3-5 years, but expensive repairs are likely after that.

[Transporter]

I know this is past your deal day, and congrats on the purchase.

I just had my pacific delivered (with leather). And I have to say the tiptronic is not too different to the DSG in the TDI I test drove. So I'm quite happy, and I think you will be too.

I actually had an option to get the DSG of the 132, but after advice from two race mechanic friends I decided on the tiptronic, as they both said that the DSG are great for the first 3-5 years, but expensive repairs are likely after that.

IMO, if you don't have a problem with the DSG in the first 3-5 years then the DSG would be as reliable as any other auto transmission.

[sunilr1]

IMHO the DSG is the better 'box. VW have a stock prob with DSG around the world so are selling this "special edition". Not knocking the gearbox as it is good & mated to a pokey engine , but how will it affect resale?

[Bayman]

Can't help on the engine as I have a diesel but the 6 speed slushbox is fantastic as far as I'm concerned, I'm one of the few who prefers it to the DSG as I do a bit of rough track work which the DSG doesn't deal with as competently as the slushbox. Anyway, I've had mine for nearly 4 years now and LOVE it, it's a vastly superior gearbox to most older ones out there, very good at changing down and engine braking etc etc. I'm sure your missus would be thrilled with it.

Cheers

Hi Derek,

Like you I have the same Tiguan TDI with the Tiptronic slushbox 6 sp. I am now worried it will fail before 100.000KMS and have you been informed it needs a oil & filter swap at 60,000kms?
Reason I am worried is my wife's Golf 2.0 FSI that has the same auto box (I assume) has just failed at 80,000kms. It thumps into gears when selected once started Cold or left for an hour or two. Looks like it will be a costly affair but fortunately we have extended warranty with VW (Allianz).

As for my Tiggy it is OK at 43,000kms, only faults so far are engine lite on , aux water pump replaced and DPF pressur sensor has been replaced after multiple lites up for a blocked DPF 1st stage. We have a sloping driveway which DSG is not friendly as it has a wave effect to drive over and a footpath to cross. Also DSG s can fail big time also, mmmmh ?

Dave