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Golf mk8 / Re: Manual vs DSG, do I go DSG?
« Last post by Exonian on 20 February 2026, 15:37 »This thread could turn into a proper “down a rabbit hole” experience.
Having owned just about every incarnation of mk7, two mk8’s and now an 8.5 I could rattle on for ages if prompted but for everyone’s sanity I’ll withhold 😁
Agree with Watts (as usual) on all points above (there, that was brief!)
One thing I will throw into the mix, is do you use higher revs flipflops or are you more of a low rev lugger? The au naturel GTI with the smaller turbo is well suited for people (like myself) who hardly ever reach the higher rev range as it spools quicker and is a tad more economical.
Once you’ve spent a year or two with DSG you get lazy and a manual seems a bit of a chore, especially doing that dogleg into second gear every time you turn a corner around town. If you want real control stick with a manual (and a clutch makes manoeuvring easier) but I’d still hesitate recommending a mk8 manual for the above mentioned reasons.
Maybe go find a very late 7.5 manual? Better looking and less tech stuff to go wrong but still loaded with kit.
But if you want to keep with the times then it’s DSG only. Skip the mk8 and go 8.5.
Maybe an 8.5 R Line which you can probably get in a manual(?)
Yeah, rabbit hole, I’ll stop there as it could get complex!
Having owned just about every incarnation of mk7, two mk8’s and now an 8.5 I could rattle on for ages if prompted but for everyone’s sanity I’ll withhold 😁
Agree with Watts (as usual) on all points above (there, that was brief!)
One thing I will throw into the mix, is do you use higher revs flipflops or are you more of a low rev lugger? The au naturel GTI with the smaller turbo is well suited for people (like myself) who hardly ever reach the higher rev range as it spools quicker and is a tad more economical.
Once you’ve spent a year or two with DSG you get lazy and a manual seems a bit of a chore, especially doing that dogleg into second gear every time you turn a corner around town. If you want real control stick with a manual (and a clutch makes manoeuvring easier) but I’d still hesitate recommending a mk8 manual for the above mentioned reasons.
Maybe go find a very late 7.5 manual? Better looking and less tech stuff to go wrong but still loaded with kit.
But if you want to keep with the times then it’s DSG only. Skip the mk8 and go 8.5.
Maybe an 8.5 R Line which you can probably get in a manual(?)
Yeah, rabbit hole, I’ll stop there as it could get complex!