Should I try a DSG first ?

[Soundlab]

Hi all,

I have no doubts that this question has been posted over and over, but having NEVER driven a car with anything remotely like a DSG gearbox, is it definitely something I should try before I ask my local VW dealer to find me a car ? (i'll be looking for an '06 car by the way).

The problem I'm going to have is, both of the cars that they currently have available are manuals - I've driven one of them (which is what persuaded me to choose it as my next car), but I've not driven a DSG.  Do I ask them to get one in for me to try or do I just stick with what I know ? 

I don't really want to waste a private sellers time by testing driving their car just because it has DSG.  I know I'm going to get it from the local dealer (one of the salesmen is an old school mate so will look after me) but the more I read the more I think I ought to give it a try.

Thoughts ?

Daz

[RedRobin]

....I'm afraid there's only one answer, Daz! You MUST try a DSG to see if you like it or not. You can't afford to miss the opportunity and then later find you want one.

[Phil mcavity]

you'll love it, dsg is awesome imo and most other peoples too on here.

[DamoGTI]

Well sorted bit of kit. I do get ripped a bit from my more purest petrol head friends but for day to day use its fantastic.

[Teutonic_Tamer]

I have an even more "scientific" way to evaluate the "DSG" concern. 

Firstly, arrange a test drive in a "normal" automatic - which, if you are a manual-only person, will realise how crap the majority of auto boxes are. 

Then, now this is the important bit, arrange a "full day" test drive in a DSG.  You'll need a full day, because the DSG does need a little time to get used to. 

Finally, hand the DSG car back, and get in your own manual car at the height of the stop-start rush hour. 

Outcome - your mind will be made up - you will have a DSG! 

[gazbutmk5gti]

Go to another localish dealer and try a DSG

[NewGolf]

I had manuals all the time until I test drove a car with DSG. Its nothing like a standard automatic, its soooo much better. DSG all the way here 

PS Welcome to the forum Soundlab 

[Soundlab]

Thanks for the feedback guys - I think I'll see if I can find one to test somewhere   

I've driven a few auto cars in the past and generally HATED them...so I guess that is what originally put me off a DSG.  Now I've actually read up a lot more about it, i'm a lot more interested.

[RedRobin]

....Don't think of DSG as an automatic - Explore using the Manual-mode. Use D and S only when needed.

[SO8]

I have driven loads of autos .... and drive 530d's at work every day.  I am very, very used to driving an auto quickly. The BMW auto is the only one I have driven that comes close to the DSG.

FWIW ..... though I have DSG on my Edition 30 and love it - it is because of where I live (outskirts of London) and not because I get on with the box brilliantly. 

It gives much more in the way of options to a normal auto and that is something I still have to get fully used to.  On a country road I would be quicker with a manual because my small brain has trouble adjusting to using paddles as opposed to a stick   

I know in spirited driving mode  I would prefer the manual.  For everyday though where most driving is far from spirited it has to be DSG ..... I would not swap and hope I continue to learn how to get the best from the paddles !