Looking to buy Jetta Soon

[Joesama]

Ok..
So pretty much me and my wife decided that it would be best not to get Jetta any more.
One thing though, I would like to know from you guys side.
The 7 speed DSG. I read in the General section of the recall debacle (In this forum) that you have to drive it like as if you are driving a manual? And that you shouldn't just let go of the brakes to creep up front when in traffic? Is this a true statement? I find this really hard to believe. Or can you drive it like any other automatic cars?
And the 118 TSI.. People are having issues with this particular engines?

I'm asking these questions because from my understanding, I thought that these problems were ok for the cars that were MY12 and beyond.
And can some one confirm if Jetta has drive belt or drive chain?
I still have a slim chance of getting the car if the above problems seems to be some made up comment by VW haters.

joe....

[wai]

The 7 speed DSG. I read in the General section of the recall debacle (In this forum) that you have to drive it like as if you are driving a manual? And that you shouldn't just let go of the brakes to creep up front when in traffic? Is this a true statement? I find this really hard to believe. Or can you drive it like any other automatic cars?
And the 118 TSI.. People are having issues with this particular engines?

I'm asking these questions because from my understanding, I thought that these problems were ok for the cars that were MY12 and beyond.

You have to remember that the DSG is essentially 2 manual gearboxes that operate automatically. When the transmission is in any moving gear, when you take your foot off the foot brake, the clutch starts to engage. You do not have to take your foot right off the brake. There is a pre-set point at which the system is given the signal to start engaging. Essentially, if the vehicle is crawling, then the clutch is engaged or partially engaged. This is no different to riding the clutch in a manual.

This is why you have to "drive it like a manual". Maybe VW need to have an indicator as to the amount of clutch slip, only this would probably freak a lot of owners out.

The issue with the recall is that such prolonged operation will result in the clutch overheating and transferring of this heat to the mechatronics unit which controls the operation of the gearbox. At elevated temperatures, as a result of electrolysis, conductive particles are produced through interaction with the housing, and these particles can settle on the circuit boards in the mechatronics unit which can produce a short circuit and this will blow the fuse. When the fuse blows, both clutches will open.

The recall is replacing the mechatronics unit with one that does not have this issue.

There may be more problems with some engines than others because of torque delivery and therefore engine speed at clutch engagement and associated heat generated. The recall is limited to the 7-speed dry clutch unit. The other transmissions have a wet clutch, and so have an oil cooler.

You have to decide for yourself, just remember that ALL manufacturers have issues requiring recalls. It includes every manufacturer from the most expensive luxury ones through to the cheapies. Just have a scan through the Recalls Australia web site. You will see issues from most manufacturers in the Australian market.