DSG reliability and High Mileages

[1legdis]

Hi Guys,

I am on the verge of buying an Altea XL Stylance TDI 140bhp. I had dismissed the automatics but a dealer has one with a DSG box for about the same money as the manuals are going for. I currently have a Zafira 150bhp cdti with a tuning box and love the torque of the motor but cannot live with the reliability issues (but that's another story) .

I had a test drive today and was quietly impressed how sophisticated and well mannered the DSG box was, my last auto was a 3 speed honda civic which was reliable and took a lot of abuse but the auto box was grim.
My main concern is of reliability (I have been seriously traumatised by the Zafira) does anyone have a Seat DSG box with high mileage? I left the salesman saying I would sleep on it and call him in the morning.

They can't all self destruct at 50k surely?

 

[Phil_B]

I'd be really interested in peoples thoughts here too. I'm looking at used 2.0Tdi Sport DSG's at the minute, probably about '55-'06 reg with 40-50k on. I'll be using the car for 1-2 years as a daily drive which with my job will add another 50k then the plan is to hand it over to the wife for her to use as a run around, and get myself something newer. But I don't want to be handing her a bag of spanners in 2 years time that will be breaking all the time.

Also, and sorry for the slight hijack but I guess its relevant, how much is a new clutch for the DSG? Are we talking 2x clutches therefore 2x cost?

 

[CrispDust]

Generally they should be reliable HOWEVER in the states the DSG box for certain years (aroundf 2007 IIRC) has now got an extended 100k warranty. No word if that will apply in Euro land. Due to failres of the mechatronics unit.
Mine has run a remapped 185 bhp TDI for 2 years without problems. My mates Audi A3 has a crazy hybrid turbo and he's putting 360lbft thru his with no problems at 80k.
The DSG oil must have been changed, with filter at 40k. They do have issues but it seems to be duff "batches" rather than a problem across the range.
Bottom line is if it makes ANY strange noises, clunks thunks or judders - walk away. Plenty to choose from.
It only has one clutch, which is wet so shouldn't wear as quickly.
There has been a bit of debate about the wear in traffic stop/start as the clutch doesn't completely disengage with foot on brake - it slips = heat and wear.
I now put into neutral if I know i'm going to be stopped more than 20 secs ie lights or heavy traffic. Or crawl along as an alternative. Still less work than a manual.
Get an extended warranty?

 

[1legdis]

Generally they should be reliable HOWEVER in the states the DSG box for certain years (aroundf 2007 IIRC) has now got an extended 100k warranty. No word if that will apply in Euro land. Due to failres of the mechatronics unit.
Mine has run a remapped 185 bhp TDI for 2 years without problems. My mates Audi A3 has a crazy hybrid turbo and he's putting 360lbft thru his with no problems at 80k.
The DSG oil must have been changed, with filter at 40k. They do have issues but it seems to be duff "batches" rather than a problem across the range.
Bottom line is if it makes ANY strange noises, clunks thunks or judders - walk away. Plenty to choose from.
It only has one clutch, which is wet so shouldn't wear as quickly.
There has been a bit of debate about the wear in traffic stop/start as the clutch doesn't completely disengage with foot on brake - it slips = heat and wear.
I now put into neutral if I know i'm going to be stopped more than 20 secs ie lights or heavy traffic. Or crawl along as an alternative. Still less work than a manual.
Get an extended warranty?

Thanks CD,

I was hoping for a straw poll on the longevity side of things. I'd been reading the forums and was aware of the mechatronic issue but was curious if there were any high milers with a DSG box.

Went for a 20 minute test drive and it seemed to pull strongly and shift quickly with no hesitation but haven't got anything to measure it against.

Anyway, hope to pick her up Monday and will be posting in the Introductions forum soon after

 

[Phil_B]

Anyway, hope to pick her up Monday and will be posting in the Introductions forum soon after

Good luck. Will be interested in your opinion once you've got her. Hope to be joining you soon.

 

[chrishumes]

im also interested in this as ive just bought a one with 60k on the clock. seems ok so far, but would like to know how long they go for. anyone get one with 100k+ on ?

 

[chrishumes]

no one got an answer to this?