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71
Golf mk8 / Re: Mk8.5 gti key battery no warning!
« Last post by Watts on 20 February 2026, 15:39 »
Perhaps VW is sponsored by Panasonic batteries! Given the grief if they do suddenly give in, averagely happy to lose a couple of months for the peace of mind.
72
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!
73
Golf mk8 / Re: Mk8.5 gti key battery no warning!
« Last post by Exonian on 20 February 2026, 15:19 »
Quote from: Watts on 20 February 2026, 14:50
Had the low battery message on mine today at 8 months old. Used to get 2 years plus on the 7.5!

Just checked the date of my last post here, 30th November. That’s when my warning came on.
Today is somewhere around 20th Feb and I’ve still not changed the battery and the warning is still illuminated. I do have a few spare batteries but decided to perform an experiment to see how long the battery takes to fully expire. I’d like to claim it’s because it’s not good (understatement) to throw perfectly serviceable batteries in the rubbish but it’s mostly because I just forget as soon as I park up and throw the keys in a drawer at home (in a faraday pouch)
74
Golf mk8 / Re: Mk8.5 gti key battery no warning!
« Last post by Watts on 20 February 2026, 15:13 »
Quote from: Dav3smith on 20 February 2026, 14:53
I keep a spare battery in the glove compartment now. I had my key give up on me once. Never again. You'd be surprised (maybe not) the feeling of helplessness a dead key fob induces.

Had that too and agreed, it wasn't a great experience! Strange thing though was as I opened the car with the manual key, setting off the alarm which went for quite a while whilst I faffed about trying to stop it, not one person checked that I wasn't stealing it. Maybe they were VW owners too...

Got three spares now given how quickly they wear out.
75
Golf mk8 / Re: Manual vs DSG, do I go DSG?
« Last post by Watts on 20 February 2026, 15:08 »
I skipped the 8 as I didn't like the look but mainly as given how many issues they've had, I neither wanted the grief or the cost once the warranty had gone. I don't trust VW to admit liability for what is clearly their mistakes. Why not hold off the change until an 8.5 is within grasp? Very pleased with my CS. I wouldn't want a DSG car out of warranty either given the large bills if the mechatronics fail.
76
Golf mk8 / Re: Manual vs DSG, do I go DSG?
« Last post by flipflops on 20 February 2026, 14:56 »
Thanks, great reply. I agree, DSG, I don't love it, it's not terrible. I'd love a brand new 7 CS40 but also would like to keep pretty current which is where I'm thinking mk8.
I was looking at the TCR too but for the same money I can get a mk8 CS.
If I went manual GTI it might be a bit marmite when it comes to sell, also they're 245bhp so no benefit over the 7.5 PP
77
Golf mk8 / Re: Mk8.5 gti key battery no warning!
« Last post by Dav3smith on 20 February 2026, 14:53 »
I keep a spare battery in the glove compartment now. I had my key give up on me once. Never again. You'd be surprised (maybe not) the feeling of helplessness a dead key fob induces.
78
Golf mk8 / Re: Mk8.5 gti key battery no warning!
« Last post by Watts on 20 February 2026, 14:50 »
Had the low battery message on mine today at 8 months old. Used to get 2 years plus on the 7.5!
79
Golf mk8 / Re: Manual vs DSG, do I go DSG?
« Last post by Watts on 20 February 2026, 14:16 »
I had a manual MK7 PP and miss the gearbox but not the engine. I like the DSG but even though I'm on my second, I don't love it. Having said that for 90% of the time it does a very good job and makes boring journeys very easy. If I was happy to have an older car, I'd go with either a manual CS40 or 7.5R to get the better engine. I was always disappointed with the 7PP as the turbo would run out of puff just as things were getting exciting. Also, the torque comes in too hard too early causing wheel hop and slip too often, the bigger turboed cars are just so much better and if you want the car for the engagement and excitement, that's my recommendation (albeit I've not driven an R).
80
Golf mk8 / Manual vs DSG, do I go DSG?
« Last post by flipflops on 20 February 2026, 13:57 »
I'm sure this has been discussed at length, and it's also very much personal preference so there's no right or wrong here.

I'm looking to change cars, possibly mk8, either GTI or CS, ideally CS. There are a few manual GTI's but anything else is DSG

I love the interaction I get from a manual, have owned a DSG golf r in the past and it felt less engaging and almost like I'm a passenger.

Would be interesting to get peoples thoughts and experiences

At the moment if I want to stay manual I can go mk8 GTI or a 7 r, I've got a 7.5 pp at the moment

Or should I get with the times, go DSG and learn to love it?

Thanks
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