A few questions about VW's...

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pbm

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I've been perusing VW dealer ads on the internet and have seen some really enticing prices. It remains too be seen if the cars can actually be purchased at these prices.
I notice that Golf's list their A/T as "6 speed Tiptronic transmission"....while Golf GTI's list their A/T's as "6 speed DSG Tiptronic transmission's".

Does VW make a regular and a DSG A/T or are these actually the same A/T's?...Of course I could always buy an M/T.

Is the VW 2.0T much better than the 1.8T? Do either have known issues? (I once read about the 1.8T having RMS issues)


Thanks...
 
Originally Posted by pbm
Does VW make a regular and a DSG A/T or are these actually the same A/T's?..
Two different transmission - one is a traditional automatic, the other is a dual clutch DSG.
 
The standard 1.8T Golf uses a traditional 6 speed automatic, whereas the GTI uses a dual-clutch 6 speed auto. Both 3rd gen EA888 2.0T and 1.8T engines are pretty solid, there was some turbocharger failures on the GTI's early on in the MK7 platform, but seem to be ok now. I think water pumps were a problem on earlier models as well. I love the 2.0T in my GTI, the fact you don't have to rev the snot out of it to get up and go is nice. I average around 35mpg on my commute.
 
VW does have a great 6 year warranty. Just monitor for rear main seal (RMS) problems, and hope it happens in the first 5 or 6 years.
There was another thread on weird transmission noises on new ones. Test drive one and see what you think.
 
Originally Posted by Delta
The standard 1.8T Golf uses a traditional 6 speed automatic, whereas the GTI uses a dual-clutch 6 speed auto. Both 3rd gen EA888 2.0T and 1.8T engines are pretty solid, there was some turbocharger failures on the GTI's early on in the MK7 platform, but seem to be ok now. I think water pumps were a problem on earlier models as well. I love the 2.0T in my GTI, the fact you don't have to rev the snot out of it to get up and go is nice. I average around 35mpg on my commute.

I guess I will just say ditto...I chose the 6M transmission because I put ~30k miles/year on my car and DSG service at 40k miles is pretty pricey. It's an expense that would add up for me. The DSG is wonderful but like other automatics, a bit sterile in a hot hatch.

Over 12k miles since I purchased it in May I'm at 36.9mpg...about the same as my Mazda6 and Honda Accord. Most people on Fuelly seem to be in the boost a lot since average for the year is 28.73mpg. I was willing to accept a mileage penalty for a little more fun but it hasn't panned out that way. Mine is stock and de-badged so it's a sleeper.

Even if you go with the 1.8T, the motors respond to modifications if you are willing to kill your warranty or reliability.
 
There are several misconceptions here.
DSG is not automatic transmission. It does not have torque converter. It is robotic manual transmission that uses two clutches. Basically when you are rolling in third gear, the fourth is already engaged. That is why it shifts super fast. For VW/Audi it is made by Borg-Warner, Porsche uses also dual clutch called PDK and it is made by ZF, much better and more capable but much more expensive. Key with DSG is maintenance. Make sure if you get one to change fluid using strictly OE VW fluid, every 50 to max 60k.
6 speed auto in VW is Aisin (Toyota) product and it is really reliable, but do not expect shifts on par to Audi 6 speed auto which comes from ZF. I have that 6 speed in Tiguan and it is odd couple. VW did some software tweaks on it in 2013 but it remains just average auto transmission with good reliability track record. If that is your goal go with 6 speed auto, if you want performance then manual or DSG. Take into consideration that DSG will be best performer number wise, manual will be just bit behind but will be more fun.
As for 1.8T or 2.0T, go with 2.0T if you can. It has longer track record, it is generally very stout engine. Some had in the beginning issues with water pump, rear main seal and chain tensioner. 3rd generation has those issues mostly resolved but rear main seal will be an issue if your PCV valve fails.
In teh end, try all options and see what fits you.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted by edyvw
There are several misconceptions here. DSG is not automatic transmission. It does not have torque converter. It is robotic manual transmission that uses two clutches
I don't think you understand the phrase "automatic transmission". Maybe something is getting lost in translation. It's automatic, and it's a transmission, so it is an "automatic transmission". Sounds like you are referring to various types of automatic transmissions, such as conventional traditional ones (aka, 'slushboxes'), DCT, DSG, AMT, and CVT, all are automatic transmissions.
Yes, of course there are different designs for automatic transmissions, this is true.
 
Wow, will there be a test on this data,,,,for all of us that still remember 4speed manual shifts, does anyone still make an ancient manual shift where you have a clutch peddle on the floor...lol
 
VW offers a manual in the GTI, but not on every trim level. My GTI hasn't been perfect, but it is my favorite car I've ever owned. I bought it new and it has 136K on it thanks to my wife. I replaced the clutch kit, intake manifold, pcv valve or oil separator-whatever they call it and the high pressure fuel pump. The car is a fantastic driver.
 
Originally Posted by oil_film_movies
Originally Posted by edyvw
There are several misconceptions here. DSG is not automatic transmission. It does not have torque converter. It is robotic manual transmission that uses two clutches
I don't think you understand the phrase "automatic transmission". Maybe something is getting lost in translation. It's automatic, and it's a transmission, so it is an "automatic transmission". Sounds like you are referring to various types of automatic transmissions, such as conventional traditional ones (aka, 'slushboxes'), DCT, DSG, AMT, and CVT, all are automatic transmissions.
Yes, of course there are different designs for automatic transmissions, this is true.

Well, ok, I am going under premise that generally people consider automatic transmission one with torque converter.
DSG has in common with regular troq converter transmission only D position on lever, and that is about it. Each has pros and cons.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted by CourierDriver
Wow, will there be a test on this data,,,,for all of us that still remember 4speed manual shifts, does anyone still make an ancient manual shift where you have a clutch peddle on the floor...lol

BMW does as VW. Audi just gave up on it. Mercedes long time ago.
Not sure do Asians offer manual in small cars still. But yeah, threatened species.
I am looking at BMW 335i manual and they are priced much more then automatics. Then you have dealers who designate automatics as manual because you can shift manually. Talking about lost virtue.
 
Originally Posted by oil_film_movies
Originally Posted by edyvw
There are several misconceptions here. DSG is not automatic transmission. It does not have torque converter. It is robotic manual transmission that uses two clutches
I don't think you understand the phrase "automatic transmission". Maybe something is getting lost in translation. It's automatic, and it's a transmission, so it is an "automatic transmission". Sounds like you are referring to various types of automatic transmissions, such as conventional traditional ones (aka, 'slushboxes'), DCT, DSG, AMT, and CVT, all are automatic transmissions.
Yes, of course there are different designs for automatic transmissions, this is true.

I would say it's semantics and that you are both correct to some extent.
smile.gif


https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct-shift_gearbox
 
Originally Posted by edyvw
Well, ok, I am going under premise that generally people consider automatic transmission one with torque converter.
My guess is most people don't know what a torque converter is and if their vehicle has or doesn't have one.

The end result with either TQ transmission or DSG is the same: the vehicle shifts gears for you, and I believe that is what most people would consider 'automatic', but my guess could be wrong here.
 
Get a Golf and a stick shift. Even the base model sportwagen 1.8 is a lot of fun. Along with the fun is a level of useful practicality that is unmatched for under 20k negotiated price.
 
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Surprised people still buy VW after their willful decision to deceive their customers. Corporate culture doesn't change overnight.
Every company has some skeletons in their closet or did something wrong at some point in the past. If one had to eliminate every car maker from their list for doing something less than honorable in the past, one wouldn't have too many choices left.

BMW isn't much better than VW in that respect, so why do you keep buying BMWs?

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/20/business/energy-environment/bmw-diesel-emissions.html
 
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Surprised people still buy VW after their willful decision to deceive their customers. Corporate culture doesn't change overnight.
Every company has some skeletons in their closet or did something wrong at some point in the past. If one had to eliminate every car maker from their list for doing something less than honorable in the past, one wouldn't have too many choices left.

BMW isn't much better than VW in that respect, so why do you keep buying BMWs?

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/20/business/energy-environment/bmw-diesel-emissions.html



This is how I look at it. All companies are doing their best to cheat some system, the ones that get caught are vilified. Didn't GM do some thing where they changed the company name to avoid charges for the ignition issues? I remember something about that...

On the topic of VWs, I love my 2017 GTI. We took advantage of the discounts when they were having bad press. $24k before taxes for a DSG GTI sport. The DSG has its quirks, but it works well for the most part. In drive its pretty dull and upshifts way too quick. Not really a problem in traffic. and in manual shift mode its great if you are moving. Coming to a stop it seems to want to stay in 2nd to get moving again. Mine has just over 20k miles on it. No issues so far. Returns great fuel economy and is pretty fun to drive. No where near as raw as some hot hatches (I had an SRT Caliber for awhile) but its a very nice place to be.
 
Originally Posted by Quattro Pete
Every company has some skeletons in their closet or did something wrong at some point in the past.



Maybe other companies have skeletons in their closet (Iacocca/Pinto, anyone?), but they did not literally have slaves on their factory floor. VW did.

I'm done with VW/Audi after this scandal. The corruption was widespread, top down, and the lies and cover-up to disgusting to tolerate. It is way more than just the emissions cheating. Here's a good read:

https://www.amazon.com/Faster-Higher-Farther-Volkswagen-Scandal/dp/1543642519
 
The real crime is people buying a DSG and driving it like it has a torque converter.. then later complaining when the DSG fails and acting like it was a quality issue.
 
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