If you visit the TDI forum--http://forums.tdiclub.com--you'll find almost 100% agreement that VW dealers suck and have no ability to service VWs. Another reason they're cheap, I guess.

I test-drove a DSG-equipped GTI a few weeks ago. Yeah, the GTI has the 2.0T gasser motor, but I was nothing but impressed with the DSG. Smooth, the ECU matches revs during shifts every time, up or down- and it shifts fast - as quickly as you can bump the stick or press the paddles, it changes gear and is back on the power. There is a "launch control" function that gives you a drag strip launch if you press some short combination of buttons. The shifter is like a normal manumatic so ignorant people just assume its like a normal automatic- and if you just select "D" - it works, and feels just like an automatic.. It also has a "WOT" switch on the pedal that downshifts automatically, whether you are in auto or manual mode - the switch is pretty easy to find (you have to try to press it) so the system isnt intrusive.
You don't get the efficiency loss that a Normal Auto-trans becuase a DSG has no torque converter - its 2 computer controlled clutches.

Not that MSshop is big on computer controlled stuff, but hey, I drove it, and I love it (I only drive std shifts myself). I'd rock one in heartbeat.

I know you hate VW's hattie, but test drive one, or doesn't Audi have a DSG equipped model ? Its just cool.

DSG is a brilliant Idea, but if VW service is terrible, this new complicated transmission sounds like a recipe for disaster.

We have an 06 TDI with the DSG and yes the transmission is amazing. Aside from a couple of things in interior that fell off that the dealer fixed, we have had 0 real problems with our TDI. It has ~40k miles in the last year and nothing has changed. Still drives tight, its quiet, and gets WONDERFUL mileage on the road. However, i do wish it were german made. We are going to replace it with an 09 next month. Hopefully it will be as solid as this one has been.

Where is the 09 Jetta made? I thought it was made in Germany, is it made in Mexico?

my 06 is made mexico and the engine is made in poland, i'm assuming the same goes for the 09.

Jetta still made in Mexico. But there is strong rumor that it will move production to the US soon.

I am taking my old man to test drive the 09' TDI soon. will a 6 speed be avaiable??


and I am pretty sure that the DSG tranny has been in the works since the early 1980's Audi rally cars. what was the name of that famous Audi. . . . the one that sounded really cool. . one you you rally heads will know.

Our Mexican '06.5 Jetta has been flawless. We have the 5-speed manual gearbox.

hold on it long enough and you will have typical vw problems :)

After my wifes POS '00 VR6 I will *never* by a water cooled VW again.

You couldn't drive out of the dealer shop without it blowing a bulb they just charged you $3 for. Emissions nightmare. Money pit.

The sedans are *supposedly being made in Mexico, and the wagons in Germany.

Yes, they will have 6-speeds available.

Our 05.5 JEtta TDI that was killed by a head on did have GP harness issues. It was fixed. No issues w/our 06 TDI so far and 42,000 miles later. But this car does see 80 miles a day. The service advisor we have at Metro VW in Irving does say these cars need to be driven on the highway as well, not going 5 min to work and shut down.

Yes, I prefer my MB due to space and ride comfort, but the TDI w/the DSG handles well and is quite fast. It will flat out beat my MB in any speed contest. Ar far as longevity, well that is a different matter altogether.

I agree with Forced on this one. What happens if you have to work on the car?

If you say you don't plan on working on the car because you'll sell it in 2-3 years and get a different car, my suggestion is to not buy a Diesel.

Of course the smell, the sound, the concept is all appealing (to us). But with the economics/longevity of buying a diesel, it'd make more sense to spend less on a gas vehicle. It may not last as long, but in 2-3 years, I wouldn't worry about it.


Of course... if you plan on keeping the car a LONG time and putting miles on it, then buy a diesel. But again, what Forced said, working on the VW will be a Pain in the Rear! Working on the E300D Turbo will be a pain but not nearly as much of a pain.

And...

instead of the TDI having expensive turbos and injection pumps breaking every 100k miles and the occasional blown head gasket, with the Mercedes you'll just have to worry about replacing old fuel lines and other small stuff (electronic parts etc) and maybe spring perches but I believe the dealer covers that.

I'd take a 10 yr old E300D over a TDI any day. And I'd work on it myself and save the money, but that's just me. It'll be MUCH easier to work on and with Rear Wheel Drive, you can reach most things that will break without tearing too much off.

vw bashing?
 

actually my A2 jetta diesel has had alot less problems than this 300D i have. Tho u don't have the rubber timing belt to deal with on MB but the newer ones will go 100K i'd say? For the money really vw jetta diesels are best cars on market having owned 3 i can attest tho. they don't look as classy ride new 25 years later but they do get 40mpg are pretty cheap and the parts aren't overly inflated. The dealer's i'd rank equal they both suck i wouldnt trust anything they say or do honestly. But the new plant is in tennessee not sure what they'll build i think jetta's and rabbits? If they can import enough i think they'll edge the market alot places have done sold there share of diesel cars for the year which is pretty amazing.

I had to read through 30 posts before someone indicated the meaning of DSG. :(