125TSI, anyone driven the auto version?

**Tigga1** · 20-10-2008, 04:59 PM

looking at buying the above, going from Golf 2.0TDI DSG.

I've only driven the auto Diesel, but they're hard to get in right spec.

would have preferred manual 125, but again, they're hard to get.

anyone done a back to back with 103TDI or just driven the auto 125?

any experience/feedback would be appreciated!

**DJY** · 18-04-2009, 01:22 AM

I would also be interested in hearing about the 103TDI vs 125TSI.

I have driven an auto 13TDI... but with new shipments of the 125 in the last few months - I'm very keen to hear of people's experiences! I've read some comments in here about the 125 manual, and a couple of positive 125 auto comments... but how did people find the different variants compared to each other?

**clip** · 18-04-2009, 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by DJY

... but how did people find the different variants compared to each other?

I test drove the manual and auto TDI's - lots of times! I really did not like the TDI manual, felt like I was driving the land cruiser again, I just can't get used to all that short shifting in a car that you want to perform. I really enjoyed the TDI in the auto though.

I haven't driven the 125 auto so can't comment. Have driven a new 125 Jetta with the same auto (ie not the DSG) and it went OK.

Assuming you're not worried about economy, it might also depend on whether you're thinking of going for any performance upgrades. If you are, then the 125 auto would be awesome, and a remapped TDI would also be a great drive IMO. But if you're not interested in this, then you might prefer the bigger torque in the stock auto TDI over the stock 125.

**DJY** · 18-04-2009, 06:17 PM

Thanks mate!
You bought a 125TSI manual didn't you?
Have been reading of some of your experiences / observations btoh before and after your mods.

**clip** · 18-04-2009, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by DJY

You bought a 125TSI manual didn't you?

Yep, and loving it!

**Johnno** · 23-04-2009, 09:43 AM

I've driven both 125TSI and 103TDI cars. The transmission in both of them is very nice - the only issue I had with the TDI was (a) due to turbo lag and (b) due to me not being used to driving a turbo diesel in the first place.

That said, if the drive quality was the only thing deciding whether to buy a petrol or diesel, the TSI would win hands down. Its just that little bit more smooth and forgiving and the blast-off at the lights is a whole lot more

**DJY** · 23-04-2009, 10:25 AM

Thanks Johnno!

Did the 125 have enough power do you think? Was it Auto or Manual...
and are thinking of buying one - or was it with your brother when he was ordering his 125?

**Johnno** · 23-04-2009, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by DJY

Thanks Johnno!

Did the 125 have enough power do you think? Was it Auto or Manual...
and are thinking of buying one - or was it with your brother when he was ordering his 125?

Well, coming from a history of driving naturally aspirated, manual vehicles, the 125 had plenty of power. I'm not big in to V6's or anything like that. But the Tiguan certainly impressed me considering its size/weight. And it blows away the Holden Viva that I currently drive for work... The 125TSI I drove was an automatic. It has a tiptronic option.

I am thinking about buying one, but I'm waiting to see what happens with the market closer to July and the end of financial year. When I started shopping in January this year, I was turned off the car because of the price when it was optioned out. For example, a $34k vehicle with some fairly ordinary options (metallic paint, fog, auto etc.) would cost me an alleged $53k to put on the road. The dealer was selling me an '08 plated vehicle at the ticket price, no discounts/negotiation. And up-selling me the vehicle with wheels that I wasn't interested in, because "those are the wheels that are on the car and they can't be changed back to standard"...

I think the deal my brother got was fairly good, and I will be dealing with Fivedock rather than Waitara in the future.