So back in December I changed from a manual Scala which I loved and a got a mk3 2019 Octavia 1L tsi dsg. It has 70k on clock which I think would think is low. Now just over 4 months driving it and it has had the odd whirling noise when taking off from a junction between 1-2 gears.

It is going back into the garage for a check on this as it’s under warranty for a year.

They do have a 2021 Octavia manual, similar mileage. But they want 6k to change up to it.

Would that be a mad change?? I feel I have dsg fear that the gearbox will fail and cost me more in the long run.

It could also be nothing as I have only heard it happen 3-4 times since I got it and not sure how the previous owner drove it.

6K sounds quite a lot for two years younger - is the newer vehicle a similar spec?

1 hour ago, Warrior193 said:

6K sounds quite a lot for two years younger - is the newer vehicle a similar spec?

No mine is style model and the newer model is ambition

From memory style model is higher spec than ambition. Maybe the manual Gbox is more popular hence hold its value better.

Alasdair

Hi, I suspect you're not in the UK as trim levels here are not named "Style" and "Ambition", though a bit of Googling indicates these trim level names are used elsewhere and Alasdair1 is probably right about ambition being the lower spec. However I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) here in UK the 2019 would be a Mark3(facelift) and the 2021 would be a Mark4, so different model. Suggest you check this out further before making up your mind. Personally I would have the manual gearbox every time as there are countless reports of issues with DSG if not serviced properly, but then I prefer manual anyway so only a personal opinion.

If I'm right about the change of model (apparently in 2020) then this might explain the difference in prices.

37 minutes ago, BazzY said:

Hi, I suspect you're not in the UK as trim levels here are not named "Style" and "Ambition", though a bit of Googling indicates these trim level names are used elsewhere and Alasdair1 is probably right about ambition being the lower spec. However I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) here in UK the 2019 would be a Mark3(facelift) and the 2021 would be a Mark4, so different model. Suggest you check this out further before making up your mind. Personally I would have the manual gearbox every time as there are countless reports of issues with DSG if not serviced properly, but then I prefer manual anyway so only a personal opinion.

If I'm right about the change of model (apparently in 2020) then this might explain the difference in prices.

There's no service schedule for the DQ200 DSG

I owned a 2018 Seat Leon FR with 7-speed DSG for 7 years without any problem. Friends have same DSG in Golf, A3 & Octavia of various ages. No problems. The reported problem with that gearbox were in India {far hotter than UK) & problems solved by a change in oil spec.

I've just bought a 20 month old Karoq with same DSG. I'll never go back to a manual but I'll won't have DSG without the steering wheel paddles.

15 minutes ago, philbes said:

I owned a 2018 Seat Leon FR with 7-speed DSG for 7 years without any problem. Friends have same DSG in Golf, A3 & Octavia of various ages. No problems. The reported problem with that gearbox were in India {far hotter than UK) & problems solved by a change in oil spec.

I've just bought a 20 month old Karoq with same DSG. I'll never go back to a manual but I'll won't have DSG without the steering wheel paddles.

Agree, mines given no problem at all. Only had the recall work done years ago.

Sorry if I've misinformed on DSG service issues, I stand corrected, but there have been numerous complaints on forums about problems, though of course that could be a few dozen complaints among a million or so vehicles. Can anyone confirm the issue of model change (in whichever market Upsidedown90 is resident) as this may explain his query regarding price difference ?

On 08/05/2026 at 19:32, BazzY said:

Sorry if I've misinformed on DSG service issues, I stand corrected, but there have been numerous complaints on forums about problems, though of course that could be a few dozen complaints among a million or so vehicles. Can anyone confirm the issue of model change (in whichever market Upsidedown90 is resident) as this may explain his query regarding price difference ?

So it’s Ireland I am looking at for both models, like for the 4 months I’ve owned it, it drove like butter. There was 60,000 on it before I got it and a good couple of times the issue of the noise from 1-2 happens. Again this is my first dsg and just don’t want a large bill down the like. I have had manual for years and never a bother and enjoy driving them. So it wondering do I switch back for peace of mind (and gear box)

As long as the service interval is followed (and the filter is changed) you will have no problems. The only DSG issues I have seen are from hard use with constant launches, hard driving and increased power.