2012 / 2013 VW polo DSG
Discussion
To add some counter-balance to the argument.
Back in 2017-2019 we had a 2011 1.4 Polo with a DSG box and it was faultless.
It was replaced with a 2015 1.2 TSi Yeti with a DSG box and it was faultless.
That was replaced with a 2018 Passat GTE with a DSG box and it has been faultless.
The only DSG issue I’ve ever had (and we’ve had 5 DSG equipped cars over the years) is with the absolute earliest of DSG boxes mated to my 2004 3.2 TT MK1. It required a rebuild at the cost of around £1200, which when you compare to a DMF clutch replacement isn’t too bad in my opinion considering it had covered 96,000 likely hard miles, it certainly covered 15,000 relatively hard miles under my stewardship, and it died whilst being thrashed round Curborough Sprint Course.
Back in 2017-2019 we had a 2011 1.4 Polo with a DSG box and it was faultless.
It was replaced with a 2015 1.2 TSi Yeti with a DSG box and it was faultless.
That was replaced with a 2018 Passat GTE with a DSG box and it has been faultless.
The only DSG issue I’ve ever had (and we’ve had 5 DSG equipped cars over the years) is with the absolute earliest of DSG boxes mated to my 2004 3.2 TT MK1. It required a rebuild at the cost of around £1200, which when you compare to a DMF clutch replacement isn’t too bad in my opinion considering it had covered 96,000 likely hard miles, it certainly covered 15,000 relatively hard miles under my stewardship, and it died whilst being thrashed round Curborough Sprint Course.
I had a later model DSG polo for a short period so can't comment on the reliability. But both me and Mrs Bert hated driving it so I moved on.
The problem was that the footbrake was the mechanism that disengaged the clutch as you came to a halt. Then you had to keep your foot on the footbrake or change to neutral.
Then starting off was horrible. If you were gentle with the throttle it took an she to get going. If you used more throttle the clutch engaged with a mighty jerk!
I more recently drove a 2024 cupra DSG with auto hold which controlled the clutch. Much improved but still not very nice. I'm still out off the VW DSG box.
My VW Touareg with its slushbox auto is much nicer.
The problem was that the footbrake was the mechanism that disengaged the clutch as you came to a halt. Then you had to keep your foot on the footbrake or change to neutral.
Then starting off was horrible. If you were gentle with the throttle it took an she to get going. If you used more throttle the clutch engaged with a mighty jerk!
I more recently drove a 2024 cupra DSG with auto hold which controlled the clutch. Much improved but still not very nice. I'm still out off the VW DSG box.
My VW Touareg with its slushbox auto is much nicer.
Most Polos with perhaps the exception of some of the GTI models will be using the dry clutch DQ200 DSG gearboxes, which deservedly have a bad rep - jerky and unreliable. In fact, most VW group models with 1.6 litre engines and smaller will likely be using the DQ200s. All the other DSG 'boxes are wet clutch and much better.
I'd tell your Dad to look at larger engined cars (ideally 2 litre models) with the better wet clutch gearboxes.
I'd tell your Dad to look at larger engined cars (ideally 2 litre models) with the better wet clutch gearboxes.
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