Buying advice high millage DSG Audi A3 / Golf MK5
Discussion
I'm looking into buying a DSG Audi A3 / VW Golf from 2007-2009 era 90k-110k millage.(6 speed wet clutch specifically)
I know about DSG transmissions and the recommended DSG oil change at 40K miles, but most of these used examples have had few previous owners at this point with no full service history, many owners don't even know about DSG service.
my question is,is there any sign during test drive and personal inspection to indicate the DSG is faulty/due to become faulty?
what should I look for?
do they definitely develop faults if fluid was not changed at 100k?
if I go ahead and buy one that seems to drive fine and change gears smoothly, and then immediately change the DSG oil/filter ,will doing so eliminate future DSG issues or is it too late?
I know about DSG transmissions and the recommended DSG oil change at 40K miles, but most of these used examples have had few previous owners at this point with no full service history, many owners don't even know about DSG service.
my question is,is there any sign during test drive and personal inspection to indicate the DSG is faulty/due to become faulty?
what should I look for?
do they definitely develop faults if fluid was not changed at 100k?
if I go ahead and buy one that seems to drive fine and change gears smoothly, and then immediately change the DSG oil/filter ,will doing so eliminate future DSG issues or is it too late?
I've got an '09 A3 with a dsg box that's been serviced on time but been gradually getting worse since about 100k miles. It works normally until it gets hot so you wouldn't know unless you took it on a very long test drive. The gear indicator lights do sometimes flash on the dash but there wouldn't be anything obvious from a 15 minute drive.
Basil Brush said:
I've got an '09 A3 with a dsg box that's been serviced on time but been gradually getting worse since about 100k miles. It works normally until it gets hot so you wouldn't know unless you took it on a very long test drive. The gear indicator lights do sometimes flash on the dash but there wouldn't be anything obvious from a 15 minute drive.
By service you mean DSG transmission was serviced? because it’s not included with regular engine service even from VW main dealer.Is yours 7 speed dry clutch or 6 speed wet clutch?
GR2023 said:
Basil Brush said:
I've got an '09 A3 with a dsg box that's been serviced on time but been gradually getting worse since about 100k miles. It works normally until it gets hot so you wouldn't know unless you took it on a very long test drive. The gear indicator lights do sometimes flash on the dash but there wouldn't be anything obvious from a 15 minute drive.
By service you mean DSG transmission was serviced? because it’s not included with regular engine service even from VW main dealer.Is yours 7 speed dry clutch or 6 speed wet clutch?
Generally if they make it to 60k+ then they last a long time. The box itself is pretty much bulletproof, it's just the mechatronics that can give problems Fortunately that can be replaced without removing the gearbox and there are many companies around that will refurbush the mechatronics unit and gibve you a warranty should the worst happen.. They do have dual mass flywheels and a lot of the time when you hear of a DSG with jerky gearchanges it's the DMF so consider that almost a consumable, like it is on a manual.
Fluid changes aren't that difficult or expensive, if you get one just do it as a matter of course.
If you have the chance, scan it properly with VCDS to see if the box has any historical faults logged.
I have owned/driven many 6 speed wet clutch DSGs, my current daily hack is a 54 plate 2.0tdi Mk5 golf with 200k on it. Could do with a flywheel but the box never gives me any trouble.
Why go for the older PD engine? The first gen CR (2009 on) is a beauty.
Fluid changes aren't that difficult or expensive, if you get one just do it as a matter of course.
If you have the chance, scan it properly with VCDS to see if the box has any historical faults logged.
I have owned/driven many 6 speed wet clutch DSGs, my current daily hack is a 54 plate 2.0tdi Mk5 golf with 200k on it. Could do with a flywheel but the box never gives me any trouble.
Why go for the older PD engine? The first gen CR (2009 on) is a beauty.
Edited by TedStriker on Friday 24th February 00:32
Edited by TedStriker on Friday 24th February 00:34
GR2023 said:
Basil Brush said:
Yes dsg fluid and filter at 40k intervals. Its a 6 speed.
I see,are you able to use it now? did you show it to a garage? what needs to be changed? the whole box?
TedStriker said:
Generally if they make it to 60k+ then they last a long time. The box itself is pretty much bulletproof, it's just the mechatronics that can give problems Fortunately that can be replaced without removing the gearbox and there are many companies around that will refurbush the mechatronics unit and gibve you a warranty should the worst happen.. They do have dual mass flywheels and a lot of the time when you hear of a DSG with jerky gearchanges it's the DMF so consider that almost a consumable, like it is on a manual.
Fluid changes aren't that difficult or expensive, if you get one just do it as a matter of course.
If you have the chance, scan it properly with VCDS to see if the box has any historical faults logged.
I have owned/driven many 6 speed wet clutch DSGs, my current daily hack is a 54 plate 2.0tdi Mk5 golf with 200k on it. Could do with a flywheel but the box never gives me any trouble.
Why go for the older PD engine? The first gen CR (2009 on) is a beauty.
I'm after petrol.Fluid changes aren't that difficult or expensive, if you get one just do it as a matter of course.
If you have the chance, scan it properly with VCDS to see if the box has any historical faults logged.
I have owned/driven many 6 speed wet clutch DSGs, my current daily hack is a 54 plate 2.0tdi Mk5 golf with 200k on it. Could do with a flywheel but the box never gives me any trouble.
Why go for the older PD engine? The first gen CR (2009 on) is a beauty.
Edited by TedStriker on Friday 24th February 00:32
Edited by TedStriker on Friday 24th February 00:34
I got a quote for DSG oil/filter change of £320 does it sound right? (for Audi A3)
the flywheel is also expensive.
I was hoping to get one of these cars relatively cheap then use it for maybe 4 years.that's what I do my last car was a high millage 1 series BMW auto that I bought cheap I kept it nearly 5 years.
GR2023 said:
I'm after petrol.
I got a quote for DSG oil/filter change of £320 does it sound right? (for Audi A3)
the flywheel is also expensive.
I was hoping to get one of these cars relatively cheap then use it for maybe 4 years.that's what I do my last car was a high millage 1 series BMW auto that I bought cheap I kept it nearly 5 years.
DSG oil and filter can be bought for around £70-£80 for decent stuff. Any competent garage shouldn't take more than an hour to do it. I got a quote for DSG oil/filter change of £320 does it sound right? (for Audi A3)
the flywheel is also expensive.
I was hoping to get one of these cars relatively cheap then use it for maybe 4 years.that's what I do my last car was a high millage 1 series BMW auto that I bought cheap I kept it nearly 5 years.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203480757283
TedStriker said:
GR2023 said:
I'm after petrol.
I got a quote for DSG oil/filter change of £320 does it sound right? (for Audi A3)
the flywheel is also expensive.
I was hoping to get one of these cars relatively cheap then use it for maybe 4 years.that's what I do my last car was a high millage 1 series BMW auto that I bought cheap I kept it nearly 5 years.
DSG oil and filter can be bought for around £70-£80 for decent stuff. Any competent garage shouldn't take more than an hour to do it. I got a quote for DSG oil/filter change of £320 does it sound right? (for Audi A3)
the flywheel is also expensive.
I was hoping to get one of these cars relatively cheap then use it for maybe 4 years.that's what I do my last car was a high millage 1 series BMW auto that I bought cheap I kept it nearly 5 years.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203480757283
stevemcs said:
The company that we have used for a Ford box (same as DSG) advised it, basically any dirt will just get dragged about so while changing oil is great if its been done on time they can get used to the old fluid and really not like the newer stuff when its introduced.
Interesting.This is very important,is there any official recommendation from VW about it?
I may have to contact them and ask.
I rang 3 VW dealers in Kent for a price for DSG service on a mk5 gti a couple of weeks back and the prices were;
£290
£310
£315
Cheapest quote from an independant was £270 so prices definitely gone up (at least where i am).
I've ended up buying the stuff myself and going to DIY using the top fill method.
£290
£310
£315
Cheapest quote from an independant was £270 so prices definitely gone up (at least where i am).
I've ended up buying the stuff myself and going to DIY using the top fill method.
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