Tiguan Pacific/6 spd auto/general performance: new buyer needs feedback

[kaotickelly]

I know this is past your deal day, and congrats on the purchase.

I just had my pacific delivered (with leather). And I have to say the tiptronic is not too different to the DSG in the TDI I test drove. So I'm quite happy, and I think you will be too.

I actually had an option to get the DSG of the 132, but after advice from two race mechanic friends I decided on the tiptronic, as they both said that the DSG are great for the first 3-5 years, but expensive repairs are likely after that.

[Gumtree]

Hi & thanx kaotickelly, I've been absent and just checked back in...good to hear yr experience...would be good to get a follow up on yr consumption after run in...even bad feedback would have been welcome, at least I get a heads up with potential warranty issues...

Still waiting on an update on delivery date...regarding yr pacific, what was the reality vs promised dates...?

re...

I know this is past your deal day, and congrats on the purchase.

I just had my pacific delivered (with leather). And I have to say the tiptronic is not too different to the DSG in the TDI I test drove. So I'm quite happy, and I think you will be too.

I actually had an option to get the DSG of the 132, but after advice from two race mechanic friends I decided on the tiptronic, as they both said that the DSG are great for the first 3-5 years, but expensive repairs are likely after that.

[Transporter]

I know this is past your deal day, and congrats on the purchase.

I just had my pacific delivered (with leather). And I have to say the tiptronic is not too different to the DSG in the TDI I test drove. So I'm quite happy, and I think you will be too.

I actually had an option to get the DSG of the 132, but after advice from two race mechanic friends I decided on the tiptronic, as they both said that the DSG are great for the first 3-5 years, but expensive repairs are likely after that.

IMO, if you don't have a problem with the DSG in the first 3-5 years then the DSG would be as reliable as any other auto transmission.

[sunilr1]

IMHO the DSG is the better 'box. VW have a stock prob with DSG around the world so are selling this "special edition". Not knocking the gearbox as it is good & mated to a pokey engine , but how will it affect resale?

[Bayman]

Can't help on the engine as I have a diesel but the 6 speed slushbox is fantastic as far as I'm concerned, I'm one of the few who prefers it to the DSG as I do a bit of rough track work which the DSG doesn't deal with as competently as the slushbox. Anyway, I've had mine for nearly 4 years now and LOVE it, it's a vastly superior gearbox to most older ones out there, very good at changing down and engine braking etc etc. I'm sure your missus would be thrilled with it.

Cheers

Hi Derek,

Like you I have the same Tiguan TDI with the Tiptronic slushbox 6 sp. I am now worried it will fail before 100.000KMS and have you been informed it needs a oil & filter swap at 60,000kms?
Reason I am worried is my wife's Golf 2.0 FSI that has the same auto box (I assume) has just failed at 80,000kms. It thumps into gears when selected once started Cold or left for an hour or two. Looks like it will be a costly affair but fortunately we have extended warranty with VW (Allianz).

As for my Tiggy it is OK at 43,000kms, only faults so far are engine lite on , aux water pump replaced and DPF pressur sensor has been replaced after multiple lites up for a blocked DPF 1st stage. We have a sloping driveway which DSG is not friendly as it has a wave effect to drive over and a footpath to cross. Also DSG s can fail big time also, mmmmh ?

Dave

[kaotickelly]

I was quoted on three weeks, but came within a week. Though I may have been lucky with the delivery, as they probably had my optioned model on the boat already (when I went to the dealer first time, the first batch of pacifics are on the boat). Hope you get yours soon.

300km in, getting about 10-11L/100km, still first tank and a little light on the throttle so hard to say yet.

Hi & thanx kaotickelly, I've been absent and just checked back in...good to hear yr experience...would be good to get a follow up on yr consumption after run in...even bad feedback would have been welcome, at least I get a heads up with potential warranty issues...

Still waiting on an update on delivery date...regarding yr pacific, what was the reality vs promised dates...?

re...

[Sanman]

Tiggy it is OK at 43,000kms, only faults so far are engine lite on , aux water pump replaced and DPF pressur sensor has been replaced

Classic. Same failures as mine, TDI @ 50,000km
The auto gearbox is Japanese (Mitsui?), a very good unit in my opinion, I don't expect any problems. Though after sending some time with a DSG TDI Tiguan, DSG is superior, it wrings every ounce of performance and economy from the engine. Though the Pacific deal is good, probably I'd take it as it offers the options I want, and I don't think a DSG Tig will go for more in 4 years time.

[203132]

I have a 125TSI with 6spd auto. It's rubbish and here is why:

1. After going up a hill in 3rd gear and when the ascent flattens, it will stay in 3rd gear if you are light with the pedal. I have to rev it past 3k to make it change to 4th/5th or use tiptronic. This is seriously fustrating cuz it's jerky when you lift the throttle at 3000RPM on flat road.

2. It is in 4th gear at 60km/hr when it can do 6th at 60km/hr. (mine is chipped to 185Kw 395Nm) It just isn't as fuel efficient as the DSG. So I always use the tiptronic when driving. I can get sub 10L/100kms using tiptronic. With auto I get high 10s/11s if I'm light with the throttle and change at 2.5k.

With a heavy footed driver in the family who doesn't give a damn how far they press the throttle. The box will change at 3k in first from stand still, which is super inefficient.

3. I dunno if this is common to Tiguans but sometimes from start up and going to reverse, it can be quite clunky and hard to move.

I've driven 64,000 Kms. Some tiny things but I hate the auto. But um, anybody experience these things? Cuz my mates X1 had number 1 issue. Maybe I should get it checked out. It seems very dim witted

[franjae]

After experiencing the DSG box in my previous GTi, I think it is the best gearbox, fast n crisp changes. Don't think any regular slush box can match it. However there appears to be way too many failures and that is now the only thing holding me back from buying a VW. Some might say it is a small percentage but no other manufacturers appear to have this many gearbox issues.....

[Transporter]

After experiencing the DSG box in my previous GTi, I think it is the best gearbox, fast n crisp changes. Don't think any regular slush box can match it. However there appears to be way too many failures and that is now the only thing holding me back from buying a VW. Some might say it is a small percentage but no other manufacturers appear to have this many gearbox issues....

...and remember also that the VW cars are easy and cheap to up the power and torque, which may affect not only the DSG reliability. You can also see the posts where people don't wait until the engine and transmission are run in and IMO do power upgrade way too soon.

We have both Tigs (TDI), auto and DSG and I have to admit that the DSG is much nicer set up than 6 sp. auto. The TDI with the DSG is noticeably faster of the marks but it seems to me that the suspension is harsher in 2012 Tig when compared to 2010 model. I've also noticed that the later Tiguan looks a bit taller. Did anybody notice the same? I will take the pictures when both cars are at home.
In the future when no auto is available, I will have no problems to buy the DSG, but for now I’m happy with the auto and don’t regret (I ordered deliberately) the decision to order one week before they stopped making the auto/TDI combination.