Mk5, is it much of an improvement??

[Rhyso]

DSG faults are few and far between. There did seem to be a batch of problematic ones but they should have been sorted under warranty

Its very much love / hate thing though. My mate has the 170 Golf and although its a cracking piece of kit there does seem to be a lack of involvement compared to my Audi

But you wont be disappointed with a GTI unless it hasnt already been remapped 

[dTEA]

Ignore Rhyso, the remap aint an issue as they are fine in standard form...just not blisteringly quick.  I've had both manual and now DSG and I love the DSG, but do miss the involvement with the manual.  DSG when remapped can be the weak point...it too can be remapped though.  Quick search on here will tell you more, also check out the mkvgolfgti.co.uk forum for more indepth bits.  Remaps vary in feel and power as well, so do some research into what you want if the car hasnt already been done.

I know feck all about the ST butmy Golf feels like an all round car...i.e. it can soak up the road whether pushed or pootling.  Some cars just want to be thrashed everywhere, and thats what the ST reminds me of...quite lairy, but has its place. Horses for courses

[Poached]

A remap does liven things up compared to standard map.

You are more likely to have to replace the manual clutch than the clutch pack in the DSG once remapped.

[Black9]

I've owned 2 GTI's, 1 being a tuned edition 30 DSG and the other being a fairly stock KO3 GTI manual. I still own the manual car as I much prefer the box and love the look & overall package. The ST3 is a good car with a great engine but is known for not being a great handling car due to the heavy nose RE the 5 pot. Personally if it was my money id be looking for a well specked manual GTI

[danjthomas]

Just putting my mk 4 GT TDI up for sale as ive bought a mk5 gti.  Its worlds appart in comfort, performance, stiffness and the steering is crazy precise. It seems like its made in a completely different generation to the mk 4 which is still good even today.

If your not sure then a 1 min test drive will convince you im sure.  i got 39.5mpg on a run sunday and when its getting beans it drops to 20ish.  This isnt that much less that the diesel really.