Dear All,

I have a Mk1 1.9 90bhp that does eveything I need extremely well. I drive around 25k miles a year so need something reliable (brilliant in that respect) economical (diesel, 53.43mpg over the last 1k miles, cheap to buy and service) and capable of taking all the usual luggage, dog etc without being too big. So a great car and I am very happy with it - but the problem is my left foot isnt. I have a problem which is causing acute pain and possible bone problems as well which may need an operation. It is a well known condition to do with the arch and sole, and unfortunately aggravated by using the clutch. I have changed the seat distance etc but it is getting worse and the condition is not going away anytime soon.

So, what next? The obvious answer is an auto Octy, and if I change the car I would take the opportunity to upgrade to a Mk11 with DSG and preferably in Elegance trim with the 2.0 tdi to give it a bit more poke. I have seen various cars advertised that fit the bill and I reckon I am looking at around a 3-3.5k cost to change to get a 54/05 vehicle with less than 30k miles to that spec. My current vehicle is an 04 Ambiente SE with a brand new MOT, two new tyres and in excellent condition.

I have searched the forum and found various feedback about the DSG box. Economy looks fine, but can be a bit lumpy on the change? I would need any car I buy, which would be about 30k miles, to run to at least 100k over the next three years with just routine service. A gamble I know but is this a sensible expectation?

Advice and comments welcome, my first post since joining a while back. I have enjoyed reading the informed comments here,

Thanks, Velocette

I went DSG because I have a back problem that was making the clutch hard going- from fabia vRS to the Leon- the choice was Golf/A3/Leon, as a Octy is fractionally too long for my drive, I always have VAG cars, and to be honest the Golf/A3 were just priced too high for the miles/condition.

I bought a 2.0 TDI 140 Leon Sport DSG at 23K miles from a car supermarket type dealer. I've done about 7k miles so far, and love it. The DSG box is fine- some people have had issues, but just remember how many are out there. My advice is to go and test drive one. Most changes are smooth, and none are worse than any auto I've driven. I wouldn't change back, even if my back problem went totally- it is much better now after an op, but is still there.

Make sure you take a LONG test-drive in the DSG. With plenty of roundabouts on the route. I've done about 25,000 miles in my Passat with the DSG and when it's rolling, I can't fault it, but the power take-up characteristics from standstill are a touch unpredictable. Sometimes it creeps like an automatic and pulls away smoothly and sometimes it just sits there, so you press the throttle a bit harder and then it thinks about it, then it rockets forwards. In traffic it's not such an issue, but away from junctions and roundabouts I now make sure there is plenty of gap before I pull away. Just to be certain. Given that it's young technology compared to a torque converter automatic, I'd say it's pretty decent and if you can't have a manual, then it's a decent alternative, but if I had the choice again, I'd buy the manual or I'd buy a car with a conventional automatic.

the tdi + dsg is a good combination, but you do need to get used to it. i didnt like mine to start with. previously i had non turbo petrol with 4 speed slushmatic. Now i wouldnt go back.

To smooth the ride the gearbox shifts to 2nd readily and slips the clutch. if you dribble up to a junction or roundabout it can feel like there is no power as the engine rpm arent up to the point to get the turbo working and the clutch is being slipped. I often make the gearbox go back to 1st to get better drive.

Many thanks to all for their helpful responses. Looks like a largely thumbs up but with a need to just check the pick up from a standing start. One of the things that I dislike about conventional autos is the slow take off as the things spins up, I had a Merc 300d with the straight six which was abysmal on take off but fine once moving. My current vehicle is indeed a turbo model, and within its limits performs well, it runs out of grunt at 2.5k or so revs but more than punches it weight at motorway speeds so i am sure a 140bhp motor will be much more relaxed if at the penalty of a few mpg. so I will start looking around and make sure I take a round town test drive. so if anybody has an Elegance dsg with less than about 35k on the clock, and even fancies a swap then just let me know!

Cheers, Velocette

I tested a 2.0 DSG TDI last year and thought it really smooth, although I agree with WJA96 that I found a disconcerting delay when moving off from stationary. I often deliver Mercedes-Benz cars and they pull away really smoothly but the delay on gear change in many situations shows just how good the DSG really is. I also drive Porsches and rest assured, their new PDK box (DSG to most of us) is fabulous in all respects.

DSG is great and i will never go back. I had it on the skoda 1.9 tdi 105hp and the 2.0 tdi 140hp.

On the 1.9 tdi 105 hp is ideal and you have more than enough power with this engine and no problem with starts. Less smooth on the 2.0 tdi but the car is quicker and less noisy than the 1.9

On the elegance there is everything you need. Hope you can get one within your budget.

Many thanks for the additional comments, confirms my own and others thinking. I dont worry too much about budget, I am more limited by how much I feel comfortable spending, not that I am rolling in it, than the cost as such. I am one of those who always looks for the deal, I enjoy the hunt and when I find the car I will certainly enjoy it. Had some terrible trade in suggestions on my current car from a couple of dealers so it will be an interesting challenge!

Thanks again all, Velocette

I would need any car I buy, which would be about 30k miles, to run to at least 100k over the next three years with just routine service. A gamble I know but is this a sensible expectation?

For what it's worth, I'm just coming up to 150k kilometres, so close enough to 100k miles, in just under 4 years in a 1.9 tdi with a DSG box, with just routine servicing, and no problems with the car or with the box so far.

I'm at 240,000kms with a 2.0tdi DSG and the box hasn't missed a beat !! (and its remapped from new)

I'm at 240,000kms with a 2.0tdi DSG and the box hasn't missed a beat !! (and its remapped from new)

That's good news for me! I was wondering whether to keep the car another year or so or change it...looks like it's staying!

These mileages are very impressive, and there are also very positive comments about the DSG on other sites as well. I am grateful to all for their comments - you've convinced me!

Velocette