AudiMick

As long as you never need to replace the transmission you will be fine!

I guess there's an issue with the "Mechatronic Control Module" that Audi is running away from in their normal manner until the lawyers get at them.

I would never own a CVT or DSG Audi. When the cars get to high miles they are an expensive maintenance problem. There's pretty much no-one who can fix them except the dealer.

And the dealers answer seems to be "replace the transmission".

At least the Tiptronic's are sorta OK, albeit nowhere as reliable as the manuals.

M power this!

chain guides in the VR6s, as mentioned will need to be replaced! not free. the DSG is undoubtably more expensive over 150k to upkeep than the 6spd stick.

and if you're getting a TT for cheap maintainence, get ready to say, "Whaaaat?"

this doesn't even go into the rotors are more expensive, pads are more, etc. and modding of course makes the 1.8t a no brainer.

Big turbo TT

Yes,the mechatronics in the DSG 1st version are crap,stay away from DSG unless you want expensive repair bills later.
I am on the opposite end of the spectrum,I have the RARE FWD 1.8T coupe 5 speed with 460bhp,keep it simple!!

Drollomite Man

I own an '05 3.2 with nearly 50k, and have not experienced any DSG problems so far. A number of other Mk1 DSG owners on this forum have reported similar reliability. Will that hold up over extended miles? Don't think we know that just yet. There might be an issue with the S tronic on the Mk2, and the '08 R32 as well, as several owners have experienced intermittent failure attributed to the mechatronic unit. Then again, more and more DSG/S tronic cars are on the road, so you would expect to hear about more problems. I would be cautious about making generalizations, especially without firsthand knowledge.

TTmini

same here 2005 DSG 3.2 TT, no DSG issues, 55,000 miles.

challett55

I'm in the process of changing my timing belt on my 2000 tt right now. It has 145k on it and as far as I can tell it's never been changed before. It also has a timing chain. It drives the cams from the other end. I may change that as well.

JettaRedII

Whoa! The chain on the 1.8T is only to turn the cams! You do not need to (and should not) replace it.

Geomeo

Just a few points to make. 3.2 litre engines are more expensive in fuel costs.

And someone said something about timing chain conversion kit...It's not the timing belt that goes in the tt's it's the tensioner that breaks down first. You might just want to look more into using a different material for the tensioner.

TTinCT

it is difficult to predict failure. Trying to rationalize timing belts over the coarse of 180K (w/60k intervals) and a "mere" 1000$ per repair is probably not wise. You will probably spend more on tires in that time if you really drive it...

1.8t has way more mods and upside on it than the 3.2......just my impression...