My GTI has been absolutely flawless, while issues with my other Volkswagens have been extremely rare despite their age and mileage. The DSG is humming right along, even with a substantial increase in torque being channeled through it in my car's case.
The '08 GTIs have been returning excellent reliability numbers, regardless of the information source. The GTI is also widely regarded as the car to beat in its category. It has won numerous comparisons against its rivals, with kudos being given to the DSG in particular. The one thing that is typically listed as the point that could be improved upon is the power output. A simple re-tune places the power output equal to, or better than, its rivals.
There have been cases of DSG failures, usually related to the mechatronics assembly. In comparison, we can look at the record of failures that Honda has had with the simple planetary automatic. If there was a gearbox design that someone should have no problem executing with a level of competency, it is the planetary automatic. Yet, somehow, Honda managed to get it wrong not so long ago. Take a look at the reliability reports for older Odyssey vans...
In the past, I was paid to drive virtually every car that was available in the North American market, from Porsches to Yugos. In the grand scheme of things, I think this gives me a pretty good term of reference. Meanwhile, my family has owned Toyotas, Hondas, various domestics, and Volkswagens. In fact, we owned our first Toyota long before they were considered a common sight on American roads. By an overwhelming extent, we all prefer Volkswagens, on both the reliability and personality fronts.
As always, YMMV...
