Manual vs DSG, do I go DSG?

[flipflops]

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

[Watts]

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).

[flipflops]

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

[Watts]

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.

[Exonian]

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!

[CarbonGTD]

Yep, definitely rabbit hole territory.

I have owned a Mk 7.5 GTI 6 speed manual, a Mk 7.5 GTI PP 7sp DSG, a Mk 8.5 Golf R Line 6 speed manual and now a Mk 8.5 GTI 265 7 sp DSG.

Which do I prefer?  DSG - but that doesn't mean I always love it.  Yes of course a good manual box is more engaging and rewarding, but imho the gearbox (and clutch) in the Golfs just isn't that great - they are fine, but the shift and throw and clutch bite point just aren't brilliant and don't really reward as they should.  Worth noting that (I think) the DSG mapping is considerably improved in the 8.5 over the 7.5 and when the DSG is at its best it is really very good indeed.  If you can stretch to it I would def hold out for an 8.5 GTI - with the subtle engine power increase and the improved DSG box mapping even the bog standard GTI 265 is now very good indeed.

[flipflops]

It is interesting and there's no real right or wrong answer, I really appreciate everyone's input.

I've owned so many golfs and had an 8.5 CS for a few weeks, couldn't get my head around the bings and bongs and DSG, maybe I should have given it more time.

I don't want to stay in the past and cling on to a manual till the end of days or I'll never benefit from the newer golfs which I do like, even the MK8 looks pretty nice, apart from the buttons which can be swapped.

[Exonian]

The DSG does take a bit of adapting to but it’s so well sorted on the mk8 and 8.5 now as others have said.

As for the bings and bongs, they’re less on an 8.5 than an 8 but some are unavoidable and will be common to most marques that have similar tech.
If the camera has any obscurities in cold weather etc you’ll get bongs. You get used to them and will know which ones are actually worth paying attention to after a short time. As soon as the car warms up most of them fall silent and the orange warnings go out.

[Watts]

I dreaded all the tech gremlins and bings and bongs but so far, it's been pretty good. The odd one now and then which even I can cope with. As long as you remember to switch the speed warning and lane departure off before each drive. DSG will always be annoying now and then but you sort of come to an understanding. When you pop it in sport and give it a good poke, it does change gear rather sharpish. And as you say, unfortunately you do have to move with the times. Overall I think it's a compromise worth making.

[fredgroves]

My mk8 is the first automatic I've ever had for more than a few days.

Scary at first but now I hate driving any of the other family cars lol

DSG is smooth, doesn't mind slow driving or towns or traffic jams... But what it disguises is that HMS Weasel is actually a Q ship... And can really, really hammer it. Not that I'd ever do that on public roads but on a closed private road it is ridiculously fun. Into flappy paddle mode and using the holding left paddle thing to smash it down the gears to fire it out of corners and feeling the lsd just hang on... Addictive.