The problem with this survey is it doesn't differentiate the car models.

For example

The 1.2 Polo Tsi have the following as more common issues:
- air cond
- turbo failure (especially high mileage models)
- mechatronic
- Clutch wear (judder)
- speed sensor
- interior rattling and creaks
- Premature battery failure (less than 2 years - covered by warranty)

The 1.4 Jetta/Golf mk6 Tsi have a few of the following problems:
- door lock
- piston crack or compression loss
- mechantronic
- Clutch wear (judder)
- Coil pack failure (less common)
- Interior rattling and creaks
- Premature battery failure (less than 2 years - covered by warranty)

The 1.4 Golf Tsi Mk7 have the following problems:
- Mechatronic
- Clutch wear (judder)
- Premature battery failure (less than 2 years - covered by warranty)
- Interior rattling and creaks

1.8 Passat Tsi have the following issues (based on my own experience):
- Clutch wear (judder)
- Mechatronic (less common) <--- did not happen to me
- interior rattling and creaks + boot noise
- Premature battery failure (less than 2 years - covered by warranty)

2.0 Golf mk7 GTI have the following problems:
- Premature battery failure (less than 2 years - covered by warranty)
- Interior rattling and creaks
- Lower arm/bush bearing issues

The survey is accurate at generalizing the problems on the whole, it doesn't actually isolate in detail for different VW models.

The jerking is a characteristic. The judder is caused by clutch wear.

I disagree. Though I didn't drive the 408 that much, I am pretty certain the Jetta handles better around corners hands down. The 408thp ain't bad but compared to the DSG pairing, the 408 just simply isn't as engaging.

Actually I'm also curious to know now.

You say the 408t is better than the Jetta in terms of handling, but what is your basis for that claim? If it's just on your personal experience or butt feel then it would be subjective at best.

Hahaha, I got some self proclaimed tree hugging energy expert behaving like a small child in another thread when I don't see eye to eye with him there... so I think you got off pretty easily here.

This post has been edited by zweimmk: Nov 11 2015, 04:28 PM

Just go for the Teana la.

I wonder how many of you people know exactly what are the problems that plague DSG has/have?

The following issues can plague the DQ200 7 speed dry clutch

1. Manual car like juddering at low speeds - you can't fix this, it's a characteristic of the gearbox. Whether it is mechanical or programming, it behaves like a manual car during half clutch. The problem is compounded when the clutch plate is worn. Thus people think it is a problem. Replacing the clutch will ensure the juddering is at a minimal, but it is still there if you really take notice.

2. Mechatronic failure - This problem is still there although most of the newer (2014 onwards) seems to have had this issue resolved. Not everyone will experience it. These days, the problem goes away permanently after the first replacement, although some people have had to replace it 2 to 3 times (2011 batch or earlier are more prone to this). Parts are now plentiful for this item, replacement usually takes 3 days or less. For some people, the mechatronics unit is replaced within 24 hours.

3. Clutch plate wear - This problem is due to wear and tear. Our traffic conditions wears the clutch plate faster, especially if you leave the car driving in D mode in slow traffic. Driving in manual mode is recommended in slow traffic to preserve your clutch. A replacement unit cost: RM2000

As far as I know, the only real problem is mechatronics failure. Everything else is either a characteristic of the gearbox or due to wear and tear.

Ya what to do

That's why whoever that buys it during the VW drop everything sale now can get their money's worth. Assuming if they take a 3 to 5 year loan.

I mean worse comes to worse, when sell off the car, can at least sell it at Vios / City trade in prices, lol.

Nothing to do with DSG what. That's engine. But as far as I know, it commonly affects only the 1.4 tsi twincharged engine model.

This post has been edited by zweimmk: Mar 24 2016, 02:19 PM

Buy Mondeo already then no point asking is there?

No, piston crack is not reported for the 1.8tsi EA888 engine. Unless the owner mod the car until over 350+hp then that's a different story

Whatever reason that you guys can think of not to buy the Polo/Jetta or Passat at those prices are pretty much invalid because of how cheap the car is now. With the warranty covering the major components of the car for 5 years and even factoring in all maintenance related cost, the car is still cheaper to own than any cars of the same and bigger competing segments

Then you buy back Japanese car if it is really something that concerns you - the reliability.

But at 88k & 110k+, I really don't have much reason to not take the leap of faith. And at those prices, you pretty much have to accept whatever problems or not, the car has to give.

Whether or not you want to take that chance is entirely up to you. But if you do, then can't complain.

Forget about resale value la. At best you can get is RM40k to RM50k after a few years.

How much would a City and Vios trade in after 3 to 4 years? Around 45k to 60k as well.

If you take 9 year loan, then tough luck.

No matter how you calculate, the inconvenience, using uber or renting a cab and factor in all the maintenance related cost. It will still cost a lot less than a 2.0 C segment car. As I have said before, anyone who wants to buy these car at those sort of rock bottom prices really cannot complain anymore because it means they've accepted the car for what it is.

Either do or do not, that's all.

For a 80k to 90k Japanese car. The resale value after 3 years cannot be 70k. At best, it should be in the 65k+ region. Years ago, my vios only sold for 59k after 3 years. Even if the Jetta trade in value is around 50k after 3 years, its still isn't too bad. Let's be realistic, you want to get anything back or have a decent trade in value - the important thing is still having a short loan tenure of no longer than 5 years.

Reliability can be an issue for some people, I do know of people like that though not many. But in the Klang valley, this issue is more of an annoyance than a major hindrance. Even if we factor in a month long use of a rental car, the overall cost of owning the car is still way cheaper than all available C segments and perhaps some B segments. From personal experience, it's really not hard to find an alternative form of transport. The bigger issue is the convenience of it.

Not sure how much money or resale you think you can get from Japanese but I'll say even looking at it from the worse possible case, the amount you can get for a Jetta will most likely drop to around 40 to 45k after 3 years of ownership. Yes, so it will still be less than your typical vios and city and maybe by as much as 10 to 20k. If that amount really bothers anyone that much, then by all means, stick to the Japanese.

Irregardless, I still stand by what I say - you want any decent money back, take a short 3 year loan if possible.

Again, do or do not. Nobody is taking a gun to their head and forcing them to buy.

TCS or ASR as they call it is part of the ESP function for VW vehicles.

This post has been edited by zweimmk: Apr 28 2016, 07:34 AM

Yes, the additional of an actual button like one poster has shared here allows him to turn on/off functions at a touch without having to go through the software every time.