Hi guys, new to the forum here..

 

I'm hoping to clear something up about the 1.4/1.6/1.8 TSI/FSI's regarding DSG reliability.  Apologies if this seems a bit naive but I've been searching the internet and cant find a conclusive answer.

 

I'm in the market for a mkII Octavia around the 2009 - 2011 age group, has to be auto, preferably petrol due to the demonisation of diesels, particularly the proposed increase in congestion charge for diesels here in London.

 

So, the 1.4 TSI is appealing for the added economy, but I've heard the DSG box's tend to fail on the 1.4's due to the dry clutch.  But what about the 1.8TSI? Are they more reliable?  I've read the 1.9/2.0 diesels have a wet clutch, and therefore more reliable.. Not found anything regarding the 1.8TSI's though.

 

And then there's the MKI 1.6 FSI, I could be tempted by one of these at a lower price and use the additional funds to convert to LPG.

 

The Octavia is my preference, however the DSG complaints are a little concerning.. Unless someone can put my mind at rest I may go for my 2nd choice - A Toyota Avensis around the same age.  

 

If it makes any difference I'm likely to be doing 16 - 18k miles a year, around 65% urban 35% motorway driving.  Hoping to make it last 2 - 3 years without any major issues 

 

Thanks guys, any advice greatly appreciated!

Just realised the 1.6FSI I was referring to isn't the MKI.. my mistake! They just seem to be a lot older and cheaper on AutoTrader!

I've had a '11 1.8 tsi for almost a year and it's probably the smoothest drive I've ever had. Gearchanges are invisible. The only minor gripe is the kickdown switch but that's negated by altering driving style or fitting a packer. Get a aftermarket warranty and enjoy the drive.

Look at Warranty Max Claims.

 

With the 1.8 / 2.0 TSI the higher risk is the Engine, see pinned thread. 6 Speed Wet Clutch DSG not such an Issue.

 

With the 1.4TSI the engine is not the worry the 7 Speed Twin Dry Clutch DSG is. (DQ200) 

See the Pinned Threads in General Car Chat, and World Wide Recall which is a Service Campaign in Europe to change the Synthetic Oil to Mineral & do a DSG Software update.

Personally I'd go for the 1.4. 1.4 and 1.8 is a 7 speed dry clutch dsg. 2.0 is a 6 speed wet clutch.

My 1.8 needed the con rods, pistons etc. renewed, luckily under warranty. I'd be more concerned with the engine reliability of the 1.8 rather than the gearbox.

 

AFAIR the 1.8tsi DSG is the 6SP DQ250?

 

If you want DSG, I'd stick with DQ250 6SP for reliability.  As pointed out by Awayoffski, then the vulnerability is the engines in petrol 1.8 and 2.0 Tsi s. It does depend a bit on service regeime and luck I suppose.  Otherwise a diesel 2.0 with the 6SP DQ250 I suppose even though you said you'd prefer petrol.  What is your driving pattern like.

Edited 22 May, 20179 yr by TheClient

Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated.  A mixture of views, I'm probably more inclined for the 1.8 although the Avensis is slightly more appealing due to what appears to be a better reliability record.. It'll depend on whats going for the best price within the next week or so

13 hours ago, TheClient said:

What is your driving pattern like.

 

other than the occasional short drive, most will be long drives through London along with some motorway miles, 65% urban 35% motorway.. More or less 7 days a week.  The stop/start driving in London is what makes an auto transmission important for me

The 1.4 TSI & 7 Speed DSG should be perfect then.

If the DSG had bad Clutch Packs they should have been replaced years ago.

The DSG Service Campaign should have been done if it was one requiring it. 34F7.  

That will mean a sticker in the boot showing it done, and you need to check the Service & Warranty history known to Skoda anyway for at least the first 3 years what ever you buy.

Check with Skoda UK Customer Services or a Main Dealer.

http://master.skoda-auto.com/mini-apps/recall-actions

Sometimes shows outstanding stuff, not always though.