Buying 3.5 Yr Old Golf Wagon: Advice Welcome. Independent Inspection a Must?

LIceman82 on 31/12/2019 - 12:45

Looked at a 2015 MY16 Mk7 Golf 92TSI Trendline wagon with Driver Assist Pack and tow pack. First registered in June 2016, 43K kms, 3.5 years of use. Looks great. First owner, all services done, car in good condition as far as I could tell from my visit and a test drive.
The guy was really genuine and straightforward about everything. They've upgraded to something that can tow and carry more. Price is fair.

I've heard of the DSG complaints. This model should be better than the previous one that gave the DSG the bad rep. They drive different than a traditional auto. I get that. But other cars I was looking at have CVTs and people complain about them too. It seems you can't win at the moment. Will towing a small trailer with camping gear have caused any serious wear on the engine and/or transmission?

I know people say a used Euro will cost a lot to repair/service - but it seems more accurate to say that it could cost a lot more, rather than will because they don't all fall apart, surely?

Anyway, we have to wait several days for an RACQ inspection, or need to find another mechanic but I don't know a good one for VWs. I was initially willing to buy without an inspection, as it's been well loved and looked after and 3.5 years still seems 'young' to me, with only 43K done. How crazy is it not to do the inspection? What's a possible faster/easier (and cheaper?) way than waiting for RACQ?

Automotive Car Volkswagen

Comments

  • Muzeeb on 31/12/2019 - 12:48
    +1

    What else have they been towing in the past? How much weight in the camp trailer?

    • Iceman82 on 31/12/2019 - 13:04

      200kg camp trailer, about 300kg when loaded according to owner. unbraked it can tow (edit)670kg so well within capacity.
      I saw the trailer, it isn't huge, though could have been loaded up with more than 100kg cargo. Not likely 500kg though.

  • suchislife12 on 31/12/2019 - 13:14
    +3

    To be honest, Volkswagen's in general are renowned for their great driving abilities as well as their fit and finish. One thing they're not known or respected for is reliability, especially with DSG gearboxes.

    Friend at work has a 2017 Golf with 39k on the clock and has already gone through 2 clutch packs. Not a hard driver by any means and always serviced on time. I've heard of similar issues with the Polo as well. I know very few people that have owned DSG gearbox's have not experienced problems. I'm sure there are plenty of people that have though, I just don't know them.

    The reality is, that even with an inspection there is no guarantee underlying issues don't exist. I don't really think they pick up on much outside of major and obvious issues such as oil leaks.

    • Iceman82 on 31/12/2019 - 13:26

      Thanks, I appreciate the personal experience - or at least second hand experience!

      Regarding inspection, I'm inclined to agree. It's already had the required safety inspection / roadworthy check so the obvious stuff should have been identified, right?

      My brother in law has excellent knowledge of Mitsubishi and Subaru and I'd definitely have him look at one of their cars as he'd know the early warning signs of those underlying issues. But, as mentioned, I don't know where to start or who to trust with a VW apart from the obvious: I'm assuming a dealership would charge a high price for an inspection.

  • spackbace on 31/12/2019 - 13:27
    +1

    Looks tidy

    • Iceman82 on 31/12/2019 - 13:46

      Yes, very much so! Very well kept.

      I recognise your expertise in this area Spackbace. I seem to recall you're not overly keen on the VW/euro cars. Would you be inclined against this one?

      • spackbace on 31/12/2019 - 13:53
        +3

        I've only heard the horror stories about the gearboxes, like most have. But I don't know what percentage of the sales that accounts for, and how many happy Golf owners there are.

        You could always call the dealership he's got the receipts to, say you're the new owner and ask if anything has been replaced under warranty, if it's had any gearbox issues etc? Give them the registration number/vin.

        • Iceman82 on 31/12/2019 - 13:57

          Cheers. I thought of giving them a call and wasn't sure if it's okay to ask them to give out that info. I'll give it a go.

          As always, it's hard to know true customer satisfaction when you mostly hear from the vocal unhappy ones, or the enthusiastic fans.

          Thanks mate!

  • nubzy on 31/12/2019 - 13:36

    If you are set on Euro you would be better off looking at Peugeot 308 wagon. They use a traditional auto and are very well appointed and reviewed cars.

    • Iceman82 on 31/12/2019 - 14:18
      +1

      Not at all set on Euro.

      Selection process was something like this:
      - recently experienced new rental Camry, loved active cruise control (ACC) and other safety features
      - we're replacing a loved-to-death old Lancer, tempted by small/mid SUVs for carrying capacity because old Lancer doesn't have folding seat and had limited space for anything bulky, not even some IKEA flat packs.
      - Brother in law suggested Subaru XV. Loved that EyeSight kit has Adaptive cruise, but first Gen didn't have it, recent Gen difficult to find under $20k budget. Wasn't sure it was the right car for us - Impreza actually has more boot space!
      - Got distracted by older Foresters and Outbacks with Adaptive Cruise and realised I was going too big.
      - looked at Impreza hatch, which led to search for spacious hatches, which is a better fit for us - SUV not really necessary. Just 2 of us.
      - searches for cars with ACC brought up a Passat Comfortline wagon which looked awesome, so feature packed!
      - realised there was a Golf wagon too, which suits our needs: "small" car with efficient engine for city run-around, full safety features and phone integration, carrying capacity (finally) for holidays, camping, moving large items etc!
      - wife loves it, and will be the main driver.

      It might be weird to say, but Adaptive Cruise Control became the main criteria for narrowing the field. Then size: "small but spacious" hatch/wagon or SUV. Then whatever fits in the price range. Then compare features - VW has lots of features in earlier years so used cars in our budget were better equipped.

      VW Golf Wagon looks best. Happy to be proven wrong.

      • nubzy on 31/12/2019 - 14:21

        I wouldn't bother with Golf outside of GTI or R. The 308 wagon has adaptive cruise if you get the Allure model and up with the 1.6l petrol engine, but there are less of them on the market than the Golf.

        • Iceman82 on 31/12/2019 - 14:32
          +2

          Yep. That's where I ended up with Subaru: gutless, somewhat expensive, CVT not great. Ironically I'm now looking at a Golf that is also expensive and has a questionable transmission … perhaps not so gutless though. Better equipped IMO.

          Peugot has seemed a little too far away from a mainstream choice, so I've been much more hesitant to consider them than a VW. Mind you, I did see a lot of recommendations for the Skoda Octavia wagon and gave it serious consideration, despite being equally unknown to me as the Peugot. If this all falls through with the Golf the 308 wagon will get a good looking into. Thanks mate.

          • [Deactivated] on 31/12/2019 - 17:20
            +1

            @Iceman82: Subaru CVT are different by using chain instead of belt. CVT is fine unless you buy Nissan. For low output engines , CVT has no problems. If your heart is set on volkswagen golf , look at the skoda. Skoda is the same thing for less money

            • nubzy on 31/12/2019 - 17:26
              +1

              @[Deactivated]: Yep the Skoda are great value for money, definitely worthy of consideration. The 308 is also one of Australia's most underrated cars and absolutely worth a look. I prefer traditional automatics over CVT or DSG, more reliable long term and smoother. The Golf is a good car but that DSG is just a bit of a worry.

              • [Deactivated] on 31/12/2019 - 17:28
                -2

                @nubzy: peugeot and citreon are nice french cars. Renault on the other hand are trash

                • nubzy on 31/12/2019 - 17:39

                  @[Deactivated]: I don't mind Renault but they are boring and very little French about them these days as they mostly use Nissan parts. Aside from the RS models they are nowhere near as nice to drive and their interiors are very average compared to Peugeot/Citroen.

                  • [Deactivated] on 31/12/2019 - 17:49
                    -1

                    @nubzy: Even their sport models aren't as good. The Japanese and German brands are better than anything from the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance.Honestly, even the GTR isn't amazing. The Golf R with a stage 3 tune and turbo swap is just as good.

            • brendanm on 03/01/2020 - 16:43
              -1

              @[Deactivated]: All automotive cvts use a chain.

              • [Deactivated] on 14/01/2020 - 23:51

                @brendanm: Some of them are belts

                • brendanm on 15/01/2020 - 07:44

                  @[Deactivated]: Ok, which ones use a belt? I'll wait.

                  • [Deactivated] on 15/01/2020 - 19:46
                    -1

                    @brendanm: Most of them. Toyota corolla. You're an insufferable person.
                    "This CVT transmission, mounted longitudinally with a Subaru All-Wheel Drive, uses a chain rather than a belt. Thanks to this unique design, the Lineartronic CVT uses smaller pulleys, which make the whole unit lighter and more efficient overall"

                    Therefore,the competition would mostly be using a belt , which is why Subaru is differentiating themselves by mentioning they use a chain.

                    • brendanm on 15/01/2020 - 20:01

                      @[Deactivated]: Hmmmm, corolla uses a series of metal links all joined together, same as Subaru do. Nissan does the same. Audi does the same. They all do the same, as they are all the same thing, two pulleys and something to join them.

                      You'll lose your mind when you look at the Audi one, it's the same as the subaru, with course links.

                      Scooters and other low powered devices use rubber belts.

                      Marketing departments love easily manipulated people like you.

                      • [Deactivated] on 16/01/2020 - 04:51
                        -1

                        @brendanm: Mindblown. They perform the same function but structurally are different. One uses a steelband while the other uses a metal chain. They really are different things.They look totally different.
                        https://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/wp-content/uploads/2014/…

                        • brendanm on 16/01/2020 - 07:48
                          -1

                          @[Deactivated]: You obviously didnt look at the Audi one did you. You are correct, they perform exactly the same function, and are both a series of metal links joined together.

  • jasonbon818 on 31/12/2019 - 14:13
    +1

    Family own a golf 92tsi hatch 2015, while the car generally is good, it did changed a neutral switch under warranty. about the DSG, drive it like a manual not a automatic car specially in heavy traffic, the clutch will wear out very fast if u creeping like a normal automatic in traffic.
    keep in mind, the service cost is more expensive compare to similar Japanese car
    and u generally dont need RACQ if u have a mechanic friend or any garage that u trusted , just jack up the car, see any engine fluid leaks, hose leaks and suspension condition, then ask for list if anything need to be repair/replaced, then negotiate with the owner, after all an European small hatch is not much different than other cars, hope i can help u

    • Iceman82 on 31/12/2019 - 14:23

      Thanks mate, that's all good to know.
      My wife has only ever driven autos. I drive a manual, and understand what you meant by the 'creep forward' thing. But could you elaborate any more on what you mean by 'drive like a manual', because that phrase won't make sense to her. Just wondered if you have any other tips that might be useful for the DSG transmission.

      • p1 ama on 31/12/2019 - 14:50

        But could you elaborate any more on what you mean by 'drive like a manual', because that phrase won't make sense to her.

        Basically don't ride the clutch.

      • jasonbon818 on 31/12/2019 - 19:46

        in simple English, during heavy traffic, leave a little more space before press a little bit throttle to go forward then brake when u get close enough , DO NOT half release the brake paddle and let the car ROLL, similar thing apply when u reversing, just like a manual

  • pegaxs on 31/12/2019 - 15:20
    +2

    Yeah…. Don't. (Brace for incoming wave of negs…)

    but it seems more accurate to say that it could cost a lot more

    It's not a case of if but when…

    Looked at a 2015 MY16

    Cant wait for that thread to kick off in 2023…

  • JimmyF on 31/12/2019 - 15:55
    +2

    Buying 3.5 Yr Old Golf Wagon: Advice Welcome. Independent Inspection a Must?

    Hmmmm just when the 3yr warranty expired……..

    • Iceman82 on 31/12/2019 - 16:15

      Yeah, totally a fair call.

      His story checks out regarding the upgrade, but I'm sure they started to think about replacement options once the end of the warranty arrived.

  • WreckTangle on 31/12/2019 - 18:29
    +1

    I initially thought this was a conversation about a golf cart

  • Iceman82 on 31/12/2019 - 18:34

    RACQ coming Thursday morning, sooner than first stated. Should get the all clear, or otherwise, in a couple of days!

    Any other decision making input you guys have is appreciated. It's been very helpful so far. Thanks.

  • No on 31/12/2019 - 19:52
    +1

    Hey, I have had 2 golf's. A 2008 GTI and currently a 2014 GTI. They are great cars but I do wonder about the long term reliability of the electronics. The 2008 was fine but the 2014 has had a faulty rain sensor, faulty window switch & faulty fuel door lock. I think if you factor in the possibility of some repairs into the price you get it for and its still good value then go for it. I have no regrets and still prefer VW over the Subarus I used to buy.

    • Iceman82 on 01/01/2020 - 00:53

      Great first hand feedback, thanks. I'm glad to know you haven't had any DSG issues, like others mention. I spoke to a lady at a VW dealership service dept, and she admitted that is hard to see cars with so many electronic components lasting a long time without issues. Not comforting, but at least realistic. Every electronic device I use frustrates me with their quirks or glitches, especially over several years. If the costs to deal with this are realistic, I can deal with it.

      Which Subarus did you have?

      • brendanm on 03/01/2020 - 16:44

        Both his Cara had wet clutch DSG, not dry like you are looking at.

      • Velt on 05/01/2020 - 15:27

        GTIs have different gearbox

  • Haroharo on 31/12/2019 - 20:21
    +4

    Just to add my own personal experience I had a 2015 MY16 Audi A3, which I believe uses the the same 7 speed DSG as the golf you're looking at.
    Clutch was replaced 2 years in under warranty, but then the DSG started playing up again at the 3.5 year mark and they wanted the whole gearbox replaced (no longer under warranty). Based on this I'd never touch VW/Audi again and couldn't consciously recommend to anyone.

    • Iceman82 on 01/01/2020 - 01:01

      Not a good story, sorry mate, definitely sucks. Thanks for sharing though.

  • brendanm on 31/12/2019 - 23:31
    +1

    Dry clutch DSG that's been towing? No thanks. This coming from someone who is a mechanic and owns 2 DSG VW's. Any reason you don't want the diesel?

    • Iceman82 on 01/01/2020 - 01:22

      Occasional light towing when camping. But yes, it's extra load, and he specifically mentioned that the Golf wasn't best suited to reversing it up an awkward steep turning driveway. One reason for the upgrade to the Rav4.

      What do I need to know about 'dry clutch' I'm not up to date on the specifics?

      Not against the diesel, just didn't find one when searching. I'm also aware that they rose and fell in popularity fairly quickly. I'm a bit wary as to why they've lost favour with people. I'm picking up that you prefer them, why is that?

      • brendanm on 01/01/2020 - 11:24
        +3

        Dry clutch is the bad DSG. The clutches wear out quickly and the plates warp, especially when slipped a lot, like creeping in traffic, or reversing a trailer up a driveway.

        The wet clutch box has the clutches lubricated and cooled by the gearbox oil likes motorbike. They give very very few problems and last a long time. Slipping also doesn't damage them anywhere near what it does the dry ones. I pull my 1500kg boat/trailer up the ramp with my 390k km diesel Passat with DSG.

        The diesels are excellent. They last an extremely long time and get great economy. Looking up used prices for engines gives you an idea of their reliability, you can get most of the diesel variants for $1k or less, as they simply don't give problems. My older Passat is averaging 6.1l/100, my 14 averages 5.3 or so.

        • Battlestar666 on 01/01/2020 - 12:33
          +2

          I can vouch for Skoda with wet clutch gearbox (6 speed), owning a 2010 Octavia VRS wagon for 6 years. Read with bemusement issues discussed about DSGs, I don’t experience any of it, just occasional lag on takeoff (not always). Been very reliable, although I only do low Kms. Skoda Octavia wagon is direct equivalent to golf wagon, I believe based on a previous generation golf chassis, but with more space and bigger boot. I believe it might just be the high torque engines that get the wet clutches, diesels and golf GTI engine based. Low km VRS might be just out of your price range, but should be plenty of other variants, but not sure which ones have the wet clutches.

          • Battlestar666 on 01/01/2020 - 12:37

            @Battlestar666: BTW, I believe the Golf All track with the 132kw engine has the wet clutch gearbox, and low km versions can be found around the 25k mark.

            • Iceman82 on 01/01/2020 - 14:07

              @Battlestar666: Awesome feedback guys thanks. RACQ just called and asked for anything in particular to look for. I mentioned my concern about the DSG. Not sure what the inspector will be able do to check it out tomorrow morning, they don't pull it apart obviously. Any tips?
              Would they be able to check for extra wear from trailer use?

              Starting to feel frustrated that we found a ''perfect " car to suit our needs, but it's going to be unreliable. Or rather, we can rely on the fact that the DSG will become a problem.
              I'm not referring to the way it drives. We both will get used to it. But it's sounding like it's guaranteed to fail. If we drive it carefully, 'like a manual', can we avoid this?

        • Iceman82 on 01/01/2020 - 15:43

          @brendanm What's the easiest way to look up info on which models have the wet clutch? I'll get searching, but my mechanical googling isn't as effective as I'd like.

          Can I get some clarification on the diesel situation:
          * They became popular because of fuel efficiency and torque, right?
          * They're disappearing because of emissions issues?
          * So to get the best engine, it's still a diesel, it's just less common in newer cars because of emissions targets and manufacturers giving up? (In part thanks to VW's "dieselgate"?)

          • brendanm on 01/01/2020 - 18:13
            +1

            @Iceman82: All the high torque versions have wet clutch, eg the diesels and GTI etc.

            Diesels aren't disappearing. Heaps available. No emissions issues either, don't know anyone that's giving up. Diesel gate was only for a certain time period, and was massively blown out of proportion.

            If you only do short driving a diesel is technically not suitable, but I've never had an issue with mine doing short trips. Certain manufacturers don't seem to be able to program dpf regens properly.

  • Wandersen on 01/01/2020 - 09:18

    Is this model covered by fixed price servicing? If not be prepared for some pretty horrendous servicing costs. We bought a 3 year old v6 Passat about to 7 years ago and every single service was $1500 -$2000. We got to a point where we thought that anything under $2k was a bargain. And then the air conditioning compressor started to go. It was $1800 just for the part (an independent doesn’t help then) so we ditched it. The same part costs US$250 in the US VW Australia certainly know how to rip off their customers.

    • Iceman82 on 01/01/2020 - 14:10

      We spoke to a VW service adviser and they showed us the upcoming service costs. 4th will be around $590, the next $390, then it's timing belt and some big stuff so a bit over a grand. It didn't look terrible. But service costs are clearly not the same as some of the exorbitant repair costs I've started hearing about.

      • brendanm on 01/01/2020 - 18:15

        The 1.4 is a timing chain engine, a bit worrying the VW dealer doesn't know this.

        • Wandersen on 04/01/2020 - 07:09

          It’s the stuff that’s not covered by the standard service charges that is the issue.

          -a cv joint boot (a piece of plastic basically) - $500 fitted
          - an o2 sensor (there was two of them in the car, both needed replacing) about $800 fitted

          It just went on and on every service there was at least a grand in essential “extras” over the normal servicing cost.

          A knob fell off the sat-Nav they wanted $4k for a new unit! I bought a new knob on eBay for $10 and fitted it myself.

  • OzHunterNSW on 01/01/2020 - 09:20
    -1

    You look for P plate holder, and tow bars. In both scenario the vehicle has been thrashed.

    • Peter Enis on 01/01/2020 - 23:48

      Such a broad generalization. I fitted a towbar to my own car to tow my little 6x4 box trailer for infrequent tip runs. You think my car is thrashed now?

  • backpaqer on 01/01/2020 - 11:11
    -1

    I saw this article …didn't give me much faith in VW.

    • brendanm on 01/01/2020 - 11:49
      +1

      Yes, a single article by a nobody on quora. Much accuracy, wow.

  • HeWhoKnows on 01/01/2020 - 13:22

    Surely
    a) Its still under warranty
    b) VW offer capped price servicing but for the Golf I think its $550 so not cheap compared with $250 for some Jap cars

    That is where your higher maintenace costs come it

    Also ask how many people have been stuck in the country with VW breakdowns and no parts available for days or weeks.

    • brendanm on 01/01/2020 - 18:16

      Lol no parts available for days or weeks? Got an alternator pulley for mine the other day, in stock on the shelf at the local bursons.

  • Densor on 01/01/2020 - 21:42
    +2

    A mate and I share a golf wagon at work. It's just done 30k. A really economical car and drives great but I don't trust the gearbox. It's found a false neutral twice and left me with out power in the middle of the road. My mate has a really steep driveway and the car really struggles to drive up it. You can really smell the clutch slipping. Great to own under warranty but I wouldn't take on the risk once it expires. Definitely not a car to tow with.

  • Iceman82 on 01/01/2020 - 22:45

    For anyone still playing along, I've spent the day trying to find a diesel version of the Golf wagon, with wet clutch DSG, in our budget and I just can't find one that has adaptive cruise control. It seems that the 2.0 TDI was only on the Highline model, and no one seems to have the DAP (driver asstance package) with adaptive cruise added. I'm not sure if it wasn't an option. Seems crazy that people would by a premium model like the Highline with the TDI and not choose the DAP. Weird. Later models included it in the Highline spec, but not the ones I'm looking at in my budget.

    Anyway, I've also looked for some of the alternatives mentioned. Found a SKODA Octavia that looks good. Still under warranty, big tick! Opinions welcome as always:
    https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2017-skoda-octavia-…
    I found a review for the previous model that says it uses a wet clutch DSG. I hope that's true. Several other reviews and comments around the place mention how it's basically the same engine and transmission as the Golf. That might imply that it would be a dry clutch. Any clarification would be appreciated.

    I'll keep searching…

    • nafe on 02/01/2020 - 09:15

      That Octavia does NOT have the wet clutch gearbox. You will have to buy the RS Model to get that.

      Forget the Adaptive Cruise, my wife's car has it and I hate it.

      • Iceman82 on 02/01/2020 - 11:06

        Is your wife's car a Skoda Octavia? i.e. is it the same version of adaptive cruise?

        I've only experienced the new Camry's version with significant use: 5 day road trip from Cairns to Brisbane. It was excellent.

        I've done a test drive of the Golf for about 10-15 mins and it was great in that short period.

        • nafe on 02/01/2020 - 12:09

          I've driven several cars with it, and wife's is Skoda ACC. I simply don't like it. I've adjusted the radar to a shorter distance etc but found it to be too senesitive still and picks up cars in neighbouring lanes. Maybe it needs adjustment.

  • smux on 02/01/2020 - 00:18

    I've owned two mk6 golf petrol wagons for about 3 years and haven't had to replace a gearbox yet. Lucky me I suppose, but I feel like I'm playing with fire owning these cars.

  • locknuts on 02/01/2020 - 09:56

    Major oil leaks are common on pre 2017 mk7 holds.

    • Iceman82 on 02/01/2020 - 11:07

      Just read the inspection report. No oil leaks mentioned. Discoloured oil needing a change soon, but no leaks.

  • DBBROS on 02/01/2020 - 11:16
    +1

    I have an MY18 Skoda Octavia 110tsi which has probably the same DQ200 dry clutch. Just had a 60000 kms service and no issues. From what I've heard,wet clutch gear boxes are more reliable but the DSG service itself will cost a lot although it only happens every 60000kms or so. Adaptive cruise control has been great for me. The base model of the Octavia is packed with features and the RS is great in terms of power

    • Iceman82 on 02/01/2020 - 11:22

      Cheers mate. Any thoughts on road noise, or ride quality with respect to the rear suspension? (see post below … was writing it while you sent your message)

  • Iceman82 on 02/01/2020 - 11:20

    We're about to head out and look at the SKODA Octavia wagon. 2017 MY18 with 60K kms, 1.4T with 7sp DSG auto.
    What should I be looking for on this one?

    What I've read so far: Apparently they have a lot of road noise, and don't always get power down on the road (slips etc). Lack of independent rear suspension might make ride less stable.

    How do you investigate all of this on a quick road test without looking like a hoon?

    • DBBROS on 02/01/2020 - 11:39
      +1

      The start stop feature is a bit annoying but you can disable it. The road noise is mostly on country roads and you will notice a difference with some good tyres. Stock suspension is fine and you won't have any trouble with the power even on the base model. You can check for the digital service record at the dealership if you need to.

    • Battlestar666 on 02/01/2020 - 12:31
      +1

      My 2010 Octavia RS does have road noise on the highway, and ride is “taut” being a sports model, non RS models will be more comfortable (or later RS models). I think it was the diesels that had the wet clutch, seems to be the 6 speed models, but I don’t know if all 6 speeds will be wet clutch.
      Don’t forget the Golf alltrack with the 132kw engine and 6 speed box if your budget can stretch. Though fuel consumption will be higher due to AWD and I don’t know if there are higher servicing costs for the VW AWD cars.
      With the smaller engines, check that you’re happy with throttle response and possible gearbox/engine lag on takeoff or shifting down when accellerating at low speed.

      • Battlestar666 on 02/01/2020 - 12:34
        +1

        Note that with the Octavia there is a lip behind the rear seats when you fold them down, so not flat, not sure if golf has that.

      • 1337 on 02/01/2020 - 12:36
        +1

        Can confirm DSG 6 is always wet clutch. It’s for higher torque ie Diesel or higher power Gasoline engines.

      • Iceman82 on 02/01/2020 - 12:51

        I've seen the comments that the ride isn't as comfortable with the sports models, thanks for backing that up.

        I think I've got the wet and dry clutch sorted: 7sp dry for <= 250Nm torque. 6sp wet for > 250Nm torque (diesels)

        If I was to stretch the budget to the Golf alltrack range, I'd also reintroduce something like the XV models with EyeSight since they're AWD too. Then I'd start to lean towards the Subaru again as I can get help from my brother in law for service and repairs. Does that seem reasonable?

        • Battlestar666 on 03/01/2020 - 11:02

          XV boot is pretty small, and doesn’t have vents to the rear seats if they’re issue for you. Superceded model no CarPlay either, and requires 6 months service intervals, current model has 12 month service intervals.
          Could go with the current model Impreza wagon/hatch rather than XV to keep cost down?

        • brendanm on 03/01/2020 - 16:48

          Xv is a very average car, gutless and an oil guzzler.

    • Iceman82 on 02/01/2020 - 12:51

      … and it's gone. Someone else put down a deposit.

      There are others out there in our price ranges, so we'll still be looking at the Octavia.

  • 1337 on 02/01/2020 - 12:33
    +1

    My cars right now:
    Skoda Octavia (Laura- India) 2011/12 - DSG 6 Speed Wet - 130k kms. From back when wet clutches were considered unreliable. Never missed a beat.

    VW Jetta 2014 - DSG 7 Speed Dry - 45k kms. Never missed a beat although I’m more concerned about the 118TSI engine on this as older builds has piston cracking issues.

    Skoda Octavia 2018 - DSG 7 Speed Dry - 45k kms. Never missed a beat. 5 year warranty. More tech for same price as VW. Cheaper fixed price servicing. Skoda’s are high volume cars (in the UK for example) and generally a bit more reliable than VW - although same drivetrains. Speculation this may be due to minor detune (reduced DSG gearshift aggressiveness). On the negative, more road noise than Jetta/Golf - like i30 - although not as much as Corolla/Mazda. Wheel hop / slip under heavy acceleration even on dry roads.

    I do, however, drive it like a manual ie no creeping on half brake in stop slow traffic.

    My recommendation: get a newer Skoda within 5 year warranty. Avoid tow bar on DQ200 (7sp Dry DSG).

    • Iceman82 on 02/01/2020 - 12:53

      great feedback mate. You clearly haven't been put off Euro cars. Good to know that there are people out there happy with them, and cars doing fine.

  • Iceman82 on 02/01/2020 - 12:55

    Just spotted this:

    2017 Ford Mondeo Trend MD Auto MY17
    $19,000*
    70,000 km
    Wagon
    Automatic
    4cyl 2.0L Turbo Diesel

    Haven't heard much about these. Any good?
    Seem a bit bigger than the others I've been looking at.

    • 93vector on 02/01/2020 - 13:55

      Ford had HUGE issues with their DSG equivalent, the PowerShift. https://www.caradvice.com.au/570740/ford-powershift-transmis… It does appear that the issues were mostly resolved by 2017, however be prepared to take a huge resale hit when you sell it because it's reputation has been badly tarnished and people will be reluctant to touch it. There are usually 5-10 Mondeo's on gumtree at any given time that need new gearboxes.

    • 93vector on 02/01/2020 - 14:03

      I've had a MK5 GTI and two MK6 TDI's with the 6 speed wet clutch.

      No issues with any of them. The MK5 has 190k kms, and the Mk6's have 140K kms and 240k kms.
      The only difference between them all, is that the lower km Mk6 is a bit smoother to drive than the higher km version.

      I now have a 110TSI (2018) with the 7 speed dry clutch. It's far smoother and 'apparently' they've ironed out most the kinks, but some are still having issues. It only has 30k kms, so time will tell.

  • Oofy Doofy on 02/01/2020 - 14:10

    i30 or i40 tourer wagons. Diesel.

    Forget about VW.

    Coming from a wagon family…

  • Iceman82 on 03/01/2020 - 23:02
    +2

    Skoda Octavia is the winner. Got a 2017 MY18 one. Thanks for all the help.

    • Battlestar666 on 04/01/2020 - 16:29
      +2

      Congrats, hope you enjoy your new car.

  • DrRalph on 14/01/2020 - 23:53

    Inspections for newer cars are pointless.

    • smux on 15/01/2020 - 14:02

      I guess they could tell you if it's been in an accident?

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