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Always love driving mine since the day I picked it up new in 2014. Electric handbrake is faultless as is auto hold. Yes a mirror came loose after year 8 but Silicone sealant fixed it and no issues since.

I went for DSG and is smooth as anything and can go into manual mode when needed(never). Wouldn't go back to manual ever now. Especially after a map and full CobraSport exhaust.

Sounds like you were unlucky as my GTI is better build quality than the BMW 335i that I had before it.

After the Mk7 remember they started removing knobs so I will be sticking to the older stuff from now on.

Fine, you convinced me. I ordered one. 

I will wait for your review 

I've always used just as I would a normal handbrake (plus no autohold).

Just turn the auto handbrake off

Do you mean auto hold? I always had that switched off. Didn't like it. I mean when handbrake is on and want to set off, get to biting point and handbrake automatically releases without you having to press the button. This was always jerky for me, not a smooth release at all. I've had plenty of cars with electronic handbrakes but I just didn't get on with the Golfs.

I bought my Mk7 in 2017 (when 3 years old), and have enjoyed 9 years of motoring except:

Used coolant, VW replaced coolant bottle and I think water pump under warranty after 6 months of ownership, been fine last 8.5 years.
My Drivers mirror glass also fell off on motorway
Alternator went at 60,000
First set of new discs and pads at 50,000
1 x new Battery
Heater matrix blocked, very common on many VW/Audi/Seat, new one installed, car now burning hot!
Drivers door electric window switch broke, replaced myself with OEM
No gearbox problems as auto
Normal Alloy white worm, wheels refurbed
Infotainment was crap, paid to have later VW OEM CarPlay headunit installed, its great

I think that is everything, all in all, I am very impressed with it, and will be keeping it for as long as I can, as it is now being talked about as peak car, ie. no lane assist or other boll0cks no one wants!

Sounds like you have been unlucky, but obviously all second car cars have issues. I wouldn’t touch a 8, better off with a 7.5 IMHO

Thanks for that, appreciated.

I've always had manuals but wondering if DSG would avoid the jerky auto handbrake release I had on my mk7 manual. Might seem like a small issue I found it really annoying. And as you said the notchy 2nd gear wouldn't be an issue.