Newbie Post - 6R Information

[mpfourfour]

Hi VWWC,

Our household is in need of a fuel efficient, semi-stylish, practical yet still fun car, and the first two cars that came to mind were Golf GTI and Polo GTI. Reading a couple of reviews, a lot of them question the price difference between the two and say go for the Polo GTI. However, after doing some very shallow research, it looks like the 6R 1.4 TSI mated to the DSG gearbox suffers from some serious reliability issues. We have traditionally only owned Japanese cars, and our two commuters have gone well over 200,000km without a single hitch. The Polo's main drawcards are performance (matches Golf GTI to 100), economy (6.1L/100 Claimed), relative stylishness, and attractive interior (love that Tartan). Looking on Car Sales, prices seem to still be quite high for a used one, especially given the issues. We are considering a 2010-11 6R with ~25-50,000KM on the clock. Is the reliability really as bad as some of you guys say? What should I look out for in terms of options and issues during test drives? Should I steer clear of this car all together? It's such a shame given the glowing reviews, engine of the year awards etc.

Looking forward to your responses and thanks in advance.

EDIT: the MKVI GOLF GTI is also looking like a handy proposition, downsides being 200KG heavier, worse fuel mileage, etc. But for a few grand more and a bit higher mileage, it looks like one can be had with ease, and perhaps less issues?

[dening]

The sort of issues that occur with the Polo won't really show up in a test drive.

Have you thought about a diesel golf? I had a mk5 that was great.

Sent from my GT-I9197 using Tapatalk

[Guest001]

If you are doing short daily commutes DONT buy a diesel as DPF may not get hot enough to regen.

Golf is a more comfortable touring car than a Polo.

A DSG driven properly is Ok We have two and no problems so far They do require getting familiarized with.

Eg don't hold them on the clutch on slopes at the lights etc don't decelerate and then whack your foot down as you confuse it and it will bang into gear. Make sure the GTI hasn't been owned by a boy racer as by reading on here some get driven spiritedly to say the least

[mpfourfour]

Considered diesel golf, but liked the extra poke on the GTI.

[AndrewBurns]

I lovey polo gti but I'd be worried that the ones for sale used are dogs that people are trying to get rid of. Some things you could pick up from a test drive, like shuddering clutches, but oil consumption you won't know for a few hundred kms and that's one of the primary risks. I don't think I'd buy one out of warranty...

If I were to be looking for a used gti I'd be going for a golf, used ones can be had for pretty cheap and although they've also had problems their engine and drivetrain are less likely to cause you issues.

[Hail22]

What I don't get is why not consider opening your options to a 6R TSI? With a stage one its the perfect shopping trolley, offers the looks, extremely fuel efficient and gets the job done. If you want a performance hatch as well as covering your butt in terms of reliability / avoiding out of warranty problems I'd get a Fiesta Sport...

[mpfourfour]

What I don't get is why not consider opening your options to a 6R TSI? With a stage one its the perfect shopping trolley, offers the looks, extremely fuel efficient and gets the job done. If you want a performance hatch as well as covering your butt in terms of reliability / avoiding out of warranty problems I'd get a Fiesta Sport...

Is there a significant drivetrain difference between the two? I would've thought the DSG calibration on the GTI would be much sportier.

[Hail22]

Is there a significant drivetrain difference between the two? I would've thought the DSG calibration on the GTI would be much sportier.

There is a significant power difference (77kw vs 134kw), braking difference...drivetrain I believe is the exact same design? It depends on how sustainable you wish to live your life.

Put it this way...a 25,000km Polo GTI if manufactured in late 2010 will be coming up to its DSG service at the "stealership" which is around $1,000 (or through an independent for $500 minus the DSG service...as the DSG service only needs to be done after 65,000kms)

Do you wish to purchase a vehicle that has a record (oil consumption, supercharger chirp/squeak issue despite being rare, possibly already having high stress on clutch pack unless changed), out of warranty, due for its 4th year service (been quoted $1,000 by several stealerships and 1 independent without DSG service).

My two bob...perhaps have a gander at the Polo TSI with sport pack, or the Fiesta Sport / Titanium.

[mpfourfour]

There is a significant power difference (77kw vs 134kw), braking difference...drivetrain I believe is the exact same design? It depends on how sustainable you wish to live your life.

Put it this way...a 25,000km Polo GTI if manufactured in late 2010 will be coming up to its DSG service at the "stealership" which is around $1,000 (or through an independent for $500 minus the DSG service...as the DSG service only needs to be done after 65,000kms)

Do you wish to purchase a vehicle that has a record (oil consumption, supercharger chirp/squeak issue despite being rare, possibly already having high stress on clutch pack unless changed), out of warranty, due for its 4th year service (been quoted $1,000 by several stealerships and 1 independent without DSG service).

My two bob...perhaps have a gander at the Polo TSI with sport pack, or the Fiesta Sport / Titanium.

Thanks for the heads up. Looks like it would be wise to stay away from the 6R GTI. Shame, given all the glowing reviews and how good it looks on paper.

[mpfourfour]

I feel as if I may have to start a new thread, but how does an 09-10 Golf GTI fair in comparison?

[Hail22]

I feel as if I may have to start a new thread, but how does an 09-10 Golf GTI fair in comparison?

I have a 2010 MK6 GTI Tornado red 3 door...never been happier with my weekend car only had the water pump changed under warranty due to a breakage in the pump cylinder. 40,000kms and still going strong! The only thing the Mk6 DSG hates is high traffic, it won't cause you any mechanical issues it just clunks and jerks a lot in the stop / start traffic.

[mpfourfour]

Forgive the terrible question, but being in a couple of 'DSG' golfs, they seem to behave exactly like standard autos when left in D? I have never been in a DSG GTI Golf or Polo though.

[Hail22]

Forgive the terrible question, but being in a couple of 'DSG' golfs, they seem to behave exactly like standard autos when left in D? I have never been in a DSG GTI Golf or Polo though.

I don't feel when driving in D its like a standard auto...then again I've never driven a TSI Golf or TDI Golf with a DSG box.

[bushman]

The polo 77TSI with manual gearbox is the way to go.
Still has a lot of poke as torque is quite low down.
Sportpac recommended.
Very reliable car and unless you really race hard is as quicker than many bigger cars

[nomadx38]

Ok I think we need to clear some things up here.

First - two versions (to keep it simple) of the DSG exist. A 6sp "wet" clutch and a 7sp "dry" clutch. As implied one has oil cooling the clutches one doesn't, meaning the 6sp is generally more reliable and can handle more stress.

Also the 6sp is much smoother and more consistent in its operation (but this also has to do with design which I will not go into) - this is what gives it the more traditional auto feel, as you can actually creep with it.

Becuase the 6sp has oil surrounding the clutches it has so be replaced every 45,000 as contaminants affect it. This is the added cost of the 6sp and yes it is about 1000-1500$.

You then have a 7sp which has none of these costs and is "sealed" for life. Problem is the 7sp is very prone to chew through clutches every 30-50,000km and at $2000 for a clutch its about the same price at the end. VW says the 7sp can do 150,000km on a clutch but in yet to see one that has had a faultless 100,000km.

On the other hand I know lots of people who have the 6sp an gotten 200,000+ km out of them and they are still running better than my 7sp.

6sp DSG's were in the MK5 Golf (all DSG models), and the GTI, R and TDI of the MK6/7

7sp DSG's make up the remainder of the Golf TSI's and entire Polo range.

Personally I would have another DSG, they are great boxes - BUT I would never have a dry clutch again. Save yourself a lot of hassle, anxiety and pain and get the 6sp wet clutch for gods sake - which means the Golf GTI...or get a manual