VAG aren't the only manufacturer to attract complaints from owners about DSG jerks - I know of two people who bought Ford Powershift models and got their money back as "unfit for purpose" - but of course officially no-one has ever complained!

I doubt that DSGs or automated manuals will ever be as smooth as the torque converter type - I'll stick with the tried and tested type - if people can't afford the small (nowadays) increase in fuel consumption of a "proper" automatic they can always downsize.

1. Like other makers thay had to rush out an automatic transmission that was more fuel efficient than the traditional auto, meaning better fuel figures and slightly lower VED bandings, no automated manual is proving reliable or pleasant to use, the jury is still out on other makes dual clutch efforts.

2. Unlike Toyota they don't have a hostile media waiting to pounce on every mistake they make. Unlike Toyota they don't admit or apologise for their mistakes or put them right, this applies to most other makers too.

3. Most motoring hacks worship at the VW altar so i take their views on VW products with a large pinch, cars they drive are either brand new or if issued to them are only kept for a few months, the cheapest 70's strike built rubbish could last 12k miles so its of no practical long term assessment.

Mk 7 is too new to know how good it will be but does it matter to the core buyers if its no better?, so long as it lasts 3 years or if it fails within 3 years they fix it under warranty, the typical buyer will simply buy a mk8 replacement anyway, what happens after warranty expires is of no interest to the new car buyer or some makers.

''We have found that it's no good talking to VW Dealers''

they're hardly going to highlight or admit the failings of their product, same goes for other high image makers, witness some seriously good acting talent behind service desks.

If you want honesty and good long term customer care trot along to your Toyota/Lexus dealer, preferably a family owned one.

Edited by gordonbennet on 25/03/2013 at 10:19

My daughters car is a VW Golf TSi with a DSG gearbox (2009) so it is out of warranty. It has a full service history. The gearbox has just developed a major fault, missing gears etc and also lacking power, maybe also a turbo failure, all at the same time.

We are told by a local VW dealer that she may require a complete new gerbox and turbo unit. As yet we don't know any costs but it is likely to be very,very expensive to fix. It has yet to undergo full technical inspection which she will have to pay for and then wait to see whether VW will give goodwill towards the cost of replacement, which we are told would be matched by the local dealer. At the moment we have no idea what will happen.

i am very curious if there have been many such problems with the DSG gearbox in the UK why this has not been fully picked up on by the press. It seems to me that the problem may be being swept under the carpet and a RECALL as in other countries should be beong considered if this is a problem.

i would be very keen to hear views from any other VW owners who have had similar problems. I don't know where to go to find out any other details of complaints but would appreciate any constructive advice.