I dont recall on the VW TDI DCT that I recently drove, but I really didnt like the lack of useful neutral position that an MT has. It also wouldnt always shift into the gear I wanted for the speed, though going to that gear would not have caused lugging.
Im sure the fluid longevity will get better, but to pay a >$1000 premium for an ultra complex item, that then needs an expensive service every 40k miles, just is folly to me.
After driving the DCT for a bit, I eventually just gave up and let it do the shifting. There was not enough true control and benefit (or shift speed) to the DIY. IMO the shift speed was FAR faster when I let it do it by itself then when I tried to command it. So what's the point?
Id rather a DCT than a CVT, especially the stupid CVTs that make idiots who have no ability to drive an MT feel "sporty" because they can select their own "gear" in the CVT. LOL, poser is the word that comes to mind... Not that driving MT is anything beyond a personal preference based upon control feel and the ability to rolla round in neutral a bit more... But I just have to laugh at CVTs with "gears". Still, id rather have neither, save the $1-2000 in acquisition cost and the recurring maintenance costs.
Yes, on higher throttle, the shifting from gear to gear was ultra fast and smooth, which was impressive, and if one lived in the montains and downshifted a lot, that would probably be nice.
But I can get north of 160k miles on one clutch, so even if a DCT lasts as long as an MT, it will have twice as many parts to replace, which drives refurb cost up much higher, on top of intial acquisition and maintenance costs. Not sure if DCTs are lighter than ATs, but Id imagine they are somewhat heavier than MTs
