car stealerships yet again

[cookiedough]

went into local dealership to get a recall done, came back told me this and that needing done like my snow tires I just put on at 6 to 7 / 32" still easily 1 more winter season this year left I installed myself this Sunday were near replacement.  Then, said needing front end alignment at 20 bucks over anyone else charges at 100 bucks most 80 bucks around here which is not true either my OEM Kumho tires wore evenly all 45K miles or so just fine and snow tires wearing evenly for the most part car not pulling or drifting or shaking is fine.  

then, what really irks me is with the free recall done get free oil change.  Well, inspected last night when got home and although am sure will be fine,  they overfilled about 5-10 ounces since is a smidge above the full mark, guessing since takes 5 quarts they did a quickie drain while still running and plugged it up ASAP in 1 minute or so vs. letting get to drip status and left 5-10 ounces of OLD oil in crankcase judging by the dipstick is NOT clear oil still has blackness to it mixed in when checked last night.  Then,  I crawled under car and noticed the darn plastic snap cover is missing covering up the drain plug they had to take off and NEVER put back on PLUS either they never wiped up the drian plug area or is leaking oil out of it since oil residue around the drain plug which I know from experience doing 15 oil changes on it if for some reason the drain plug is NOT super tight, it does slowly seep oil out of the drain plug which I brought up to dealer while in warranty and they said is fine.  So, going back today to find the snap on cover and if not have it, order me one for free.  Plus, showing them any residue crawling up under there since if any oil residue by drain plug that I wiped clean last night is seeping oil out they need to re-tighten up tighter the oil drain plug.

Plus, showing them the 4-5 drips of oil on the plastic engine cover by filler opening when they were filling the oil in pointing to them their 18 year old flunkies doing it should have cleaned that up noticing that as well.

Come in for a recall, get MORE issues and wasted time and hastle of going back to stealership yet again this morning before work chewing their asses out.

If the recall causes the service engine soon light to come on putting car in limp mode top speed 55 mph with engine lethargic pickup speed as dozens have out of 100s done,  then will demand a tow truck come get my vehicle and redo the computer software B.S. since engine was running fine prior to recall.  Wanna bet it will be me?   I trust any stealership as far as I can pick up their bulding and tossing it in the dumps for items NOT needed NOW but 1 year from now like snow tires who replaces tires at around 7/32"???

Also, they screwed over a young lady on same vehicle headlight went out I just replaced mine for 15 bucks per bulb and they charged her for am sure same bulb 25 bucks and 20 bucks labor for a 1-2 minute easy install anyone can do.  they also told her car needed front and rear brake pads and new rotors all around at 900 bucks - WOW,  parts are 300 bucks total brake pads and rotors and they want 600 bucks on labor profit -- what rip off artists they are.    Ripping off customers is I guess how they keep their lights on?  Who charges 900 bucks for parts and labor on front/rear brake pads and all 4 rotors and gets away with it?  Yes, Madison WI yuppies who have not a clue with more money to burn than brain cells...

[mbramley]

 I took my Ford Fiesta in last year because I was hearing a noise up front. Of course they didn't hear the noise but told me I needed front brake pads and rotors at $400.00. I told them no put it back on the ground. When I got home I looked at it. The noise I was hearing was rust on the rotors rubbing. I picked up pads for 50$ (better than OEM) installed myself and knocked the rust off the rotors. It's just cheap parts as I had to knock the rust off again. I know eventually I will need to replace the rotors but they won't be from Ford. I believe they are all rip off artists.

[f6john]

Dealership service departments are a necessary evil. With the longer warranties of new vehicles they are even more necessary. I guess with trucks that retail for $50k+, service departments  feel $900.00 for brakes seem quite reasonable. The really sad thing is when they take advantage of people who have zero understanding of sometimes questionable diagnosis of problems that need to be addressed. They feed on people’s ignorance. I imagine there are some completely honest service departments out there but I haven’t experienced any and I don’t spend much time looking either.

[da prez]

 We have all out of warranty vehicles.  Our 2014 VW still gets recalls. I had a 30 minute oil change done once and two hours later (I was reading) I asked about my car. We couldn't find you was the reply. I was the only one in the waiting area (veterans hat on) . Are you blind or stupid.
 Got my car back and the fresh air filter was laying on the floor. I went back in and dragged the nimrod out to my car.
  That's the way it was when it came in. Get the owner now , I told him.
  Our cars are clean and taken care of. Assistant came and Started to question me. I said stop. Fix it , its your fault. They try to sell you a new filter every time.  It started to become an issue until a crowd gathered as the voice got louder. They said they would have to order a new door as the original was broken. TAKE one off a car in the lot and now. They did , I left.
  I got a survey , and filled it out. Full of nice rhetoric.
                                                                da prez

[old2soon]

            Uh Not ONLY dealerships. Looked online at several suppliers and the best price I could find on a 3 year full replacement battery and 2 years pro rata was-ta da-wally wurld. Now mind you Monday and Tuesday it was COLD here and I left cage in garage with a battery charger hooked up. Finally got to a w w that had my battery size-another story fer another time-and after the doofus pulled my Pancho into a service bay he comes in and tells me-your battery checks out good and I look him square in the eye and ask what is the voltage you came up with and did you do an amp draw test? Deer in the head lights look. Hey dude-it's my money the battery is 5 years old or a bit more I'm going to Chicago area before Christmas and won't be back til cursed near Feb. And trust me I splained-it may check good here but Jan in chi town it WILL crap out on me. Put the new battery in. My mechanic here in Willow Springs and I can talk about what's needed and what I might could put off a bit. And more importantly-I TRUST Randy-my mechanic-to do whatever job I take for him to do. RIDE SAFE.

[scooperhsd]

Yeah, my vehicles don't see dealerships much anymore either - only for recalls or things that an independent can't do. I was able to do an oil change on my Valk last summer.

[cookiedough]

drove back in this morning before work 730 am. and saw the service rep guy from yesterday walking in as I was pulling up.  I told him got oil changed yesterday and the tech forgot to put the oil drain cover back on so go find it NOW.   He was puzzled and caught him off guard.  I pulled into the shop expecting it to be VERY busy and only 1 car in at that time of day tells you something - NO ONE goes there.

1 minute later the oil tech guy comes out and hands me the plastic cover and apologizes he said he never forgets to put them back on until now or so he said??   I then popped the hood with oil tech who did oil change and service writer and shined a flashlight on the plastic engine cover telling both to be more respectful and careful and clean up after themselves showing the 4-5 oil drip marks still on the plastic cover of engine.  I also said did not care that is why I do my own oil changes can trust NO ONE.  If it was not free with the recall, I would have not done the oil change there for sure.  Live and learn I guess.  They drove it back and snapped the oil cover back on and in/out in 5 minutes so hope they learned a lesson since I could have escalated a simple oil change to the owner or service mgr.   The oil tech guy seemed legit and very sorry stupid mistake so I let it be just reminding him to take a little more time and not be so sloppy and thoughtless.

[Bighead]

I dont know of what plastic piece they forgot to put back on. But if you even saw someone before 8:00-8:30 you should feel blessed. I dont know what the big deal about a drop of oil left behind is but feel free to bitch about a  free hand job.

[cookiedough]

I dont know of what plastic piece they forgot to put back on. But if you even saw someone before 8:00-8:30 you should feel blessed. I dont know what the big deal about a drop of oil left behind is but feel free to bitch about a  free hand job.

there is a oval shaped cover (plastic piece) that snaps on before you get to the drain plug/oil pan on my car that has to be removed to get at the drain plug.  Was NO 1-2 drips but 4-5 on the plastic engine cover, plus oil residue all over the oil pan by the drain plug not having wiped that off either.  That is sloppy and careless so will bitch rightfully so.  About as bad as not installing an oil drain plug or oil filter have seen that happen to a guy I know having done an oil change at walmart loosing all his oil and ruining the engine.    Take your time and do it right not pushing people on thru like guinea pigs.

they open at 7 a.m. and knowing how busy Madison is at that time dropping off vehicles, etc. to see only 1 car in the pull in dual bays was shocked. 

[da prez]

  My GMC pick up is yellow. After paying for the oil change service , I saw two oily hand prints on my hood. I called the manager over and showed him. He said it has never happened before. B S was my reply. Would you like to see the picture of the last oil change. It is old and it is mine. It is also kept very clean. He got some spray cleaner and wiped down the hood. Open my drivers door , I asked him. He did without question. Now , look at your hand. There was grease on his fingertips. I suppose that has never happened before. I want my truck to go back inside and we are going to look it over. We found nothing else really wrong other than the U-joints were not properly flushed with grease.
  He offered me a free oil change. Yes , but train your employees to respect where their pay comes from.

                                      da prez

[SpidyJ]

I dunno man, my Subaru and Toyota dealers provide good service......so far.  


My FRS had a recall for potentially faulty valve springs.  The motor had to come out.  Came off w/o a hitch.  5K mi since job with no problems.  Gave me a brand new rental and took their time.  they had the car for a week.  I can't complain.........yet.   

[Challenger]

You have to be ever vigil anymore, after I had my truck in for a recall, the serv. mgr told me it was due for a power steering fluid flush. I told him I didn't realize that electric steering needed fluid or flushed. He then asked if I would like to schedule it. W.T.H. I also have to tell them NOT to complementary wash my vehicle after every appointment. My black vehicles are always kept spotless if possible. When they washed it, it was covered with white water spots and grease on the steering wheel. Goes to dealer for recalls only.

[old2soon]

      Big dealerships should have 1 or 2 people that do NOT get dirty working on vehicles to move them in and out of the bays. Couple times my mechanic has had me drive to the lift bay as all we were doing was an oil change. ALL the years he has serviced my vehicles no greasy door handles or greasy steering wheels. Like I posted earlier-I Trust my mechanic. RIDE SAFE.

[cookiedough]

You have to be ever vigil anymore, after I had my truck in for a recall, the serv. mgr told me it was due for a power steering fluid flush. I told him I didn't realize that electric steering needed fluid or flushed. He then asked if I would like to schedule it. W.T.H. I also have to tell them NOT to complementary wash my vehicle after every appointment. My black vehicles are always kept spotless if possible. When they washed it, it was covered with white water spots and grease on the steering wheel. Goes to dealer for recalls only.

yah, gotta watch them like a hawk and inspect vehicle EVERY time it supposedly gets done.  My newer toyota tundra picked up and the few times in had issues.  One was getting inside and 12 inch scratch thru the fricking paint below the door handle.  Dealer had to repaint the entire door on their dime, was I pissed.  2nd time in other local toyota dealer after they washed the truck,  noticed grease smudge marks and fingerprints all over the hood and door handle area, luckily they washed it otherwise probably would not have seen them.  Plus,  the light gray a-pillar where they were working on in front passenger seat area had horrible smudge marks all over from their greasy hands.  had to hold up the lineup of cars driving into their shop doors to get service guy to get some cleaning products holding up the other folks behind me from getting serviced, oh well, their problem quit making MORE issues vs. less.

[Rams]

Anyone/everyone should already know that when going to a dealership for a recall or one of those free oil changes that the dealership is going to look for “opportunities” to make another sale.   They are going to check everything they can.  They are in the business to make a profit.  Having said that, yes they are priced at the top of the ladder.    I try to avoid dealers if possible and do everything I can myself.  At least that way I know who to blame when something gets left off.

There are always things that need to be addressed that I don’t have the expertise or tools to work on.   If my dealership tells me I need something, I ask them to show me or prove it.   The Latin phrase Caveat Emptor is very applicable but that doesn’t mean one should expect perfection when dealing with humans, we all make mistakes.   

I thought I made a mistake once.  In fact I did, my error was in thinking I made a mistake. 

Rams

[Gavin_Sons]

I can't  complain about my service guy. He does everything exactly as I would do. Then again it is hard to bitch at yourself. 

[crow]

Stood on the street,  in front of Crystal Chevrolet with a sigh reading they were rip offs,  got imediant and satisfactory results

[cookiedough]

      Big dealerships should have 1 or 2 people that do NOT get dirty working on vehicles to move them in and out of the bays. Couple times my mechanic has had me drive to the lift bay as all we were doing was an oil change. ALL the years he has serviced my vehicles no greasy door handles or greasy steering wheels. Like I posted earlier-I Trust my mechanic. RIDE SAFE.

that helps, but is usually the case they have people who are not the grease monkey mechanics driving cars back and forth.  I had once at the Toyota dealer their grease monkey mechanic come out and talked to me to explain to him what I wanted done and he was filthy all over mostly hands and wonder why the vehicle all over has grease or dirt or grime all over inside and out.   Maybe all the dealerships need are NON mechanics to drive the vehicle even in the shop area around or have another detail person around to go thru the vehicles inside and out once done in the shop to inspect for dirt and smudge marks all over?  Obviously this is lacking at most stealerships in my area

[Tx Bohemian]

What kind of car/dealership are you talking about cookiedough? (guess I missed it)

[cookiedough]

What kind of car/dealership are you talking about cookiedough? (guess I missed it)

all of them.  One way or another,  been to Hyundai and Toyota and GM and every single one at one time or another has done wrong.  Guess have not tried Nissan, Ford, Dodge, Subaru, Mazda yet??  I doubt it would matter mfg. since I know from the few others I know that Nissan, Ford, and Mazda has done similar bad things.

I guess I should feel lucky though has been near 2 weeks driving and the recall done has not caused my vehicle to do what the recall was intended to prevent.  Been there, done that as well....

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

I have avoided replying to this, but I guess I should at this point. I was a dealer tech for about 26 years (2 dealers; one Chrysler/Jeep, and then Toyota). I can tell you that this is becoming the norm, and will probably get worse.

Dealers have decided that to keep profits high when times change, they cut expenses. That means that the higher paid employees get squeezed hard until they end up leaving. Many 40-something techs have left the field (myself included), with nobody to take their place. Where most dealers 20 years ago took pride in having a shop full of master techs, now they want one. Just enough to be certified with the manufacturer to perform jobs and recall campaigns that require it. The rest are entry or mid-level techs that they can pay less to do the standard repairs and recalls that don't require certification.

Entry-level techs used to be placed as an apprentice to a master tech, where they were taught well because they would join that master tech's team when the training period was over. Now, they live in the quick lube department perpetually, never learning a thing more than they already know. This leads everyone in the shop down a road of bitterness, knowing they'll never advance at that dealer,because there's no path for advancement. The master tech is buried with diagnostic work and low-paying recalls, never seeing any of the good customer pay retail work. Yet they get to watch all of that work being done (probably not well) by guys with little experience, all the while the dealer makes a higher profit margin. These techs will never go to manufacturer training classes, unless mandated by the manufacturer. They'll never advance toward master status, because then the dealer would have to pay them a higher rate.The hourly labor rate goes up, while the tech gets less of it every year.

If you think the techs don't care, you are 100% correct.  If the dealer you go to isn't like this, thank your lucky stars, but don't expect it to last. Dealer principals like to go to big meetings, and they always come back with a new way to cut their costs.

[cookiedough]

I have avoided replying to this, but I guess I should at this point. I was a dealer tech for about 26 years (2 dealers; one Chrysler/Jeep, and then Toyota). I can tell you that this is becoming the norm, and will probably get worse.

Dealers have decided that to keep profits high when times change, they cut expenses. That means that the higher paid employees get squeezed hard until they end up leaving. Many 40-something techs have left the field (myself included), with nobody to take their place. Where most dealers 20 years ago took pride in having a shop full of master techs, now they want one. Just enough to be certified with the manufacturer to perform jobs and recall campaigns that require it. The rest are entry or mid-level techs that they can pay less to do the standard repairs and recalls that don't require certification.

Entry-level techs used to be placed as an apprentice to a master tech, where they were taught well because they would join that master tech's team when the training period was over. Now, they live in the quick lube department perpetually, never learning a thing more than they already know. This leads everyone in the shop down a road of bitterness, knowing they'll never advance at that dealer,because there's no path for advancement. The master tech is buried with diagnostic work and low-paying recalls, never seeing any of the good customer pay retail work. Yet they get to watch all of that work being done (probably not well) by guys with little experience, all the while the dealer makes a higher profit margin. These techs will never go to manufacturer training classes, unless mandated by the manufacturer. They'll never advance toward master status, because then the dealer would have to pay them a higher rate.The hourly labor rate goes up, while the tech gets less of it every year.

If you think the techs don't care, you are 100% correct.  If the dealer you go to isn't like this, thank your lucky stars, but don't expect it to last. Dealer principals like to go to big meetings, and they always come back with a new way to cut their costs.

Well said,  I already knew most of what you were referring to since I know a few master mechanics in places I have worked outside of auto businesses quit working at authorized big name mfg. stealerships because of this.  They even had to supply their own shop tools and nearly refused to let anyone else touch their tools for fear of walking away being stolen.  One became a shop instructor at a tech college for mechanical auto repair since he said working at stealerships was getting frustrating.

get this, the hyundai shop guy told me after asking when I went back to tell them to find me that oil drain plug plastic cover of which he found ASAP forgetting (I wonder if he was ever going to report it to the service writers?) that when noticing a backup light bulb burnt out asking what bulb and how to change it,  he said remove that white clip and should be able to get at it.  I tried the other day,  NO GO,  and after watching a youtube video that one hidden way back socket is unable to be pulled out with the frame of the rear trunk in the way.  Youtube said have to remove 4 nuts holding the entire taillight assembly in place to get at that one bulb since when pulling out,  there was not enough clearance outward to get the bulb and socket assembly out.  Goes to show you even dealer techs make up stuff maybe??  even though he told me he has changed 100's of rear bulbs on hyundai vehicles like mine.  Maybe he has a special tool though or just smashes the old burnt out bulb to get it out which I guess could be done?

[3fan4life]

My vehicles don't go back to the dealer unless they are under warranty.

I learned a long time ago that dealerships cannot be trusted.

[scooperhsd]

Yes , the good master mechanics go into business for themselves. Partly to get away from the dealer BS, and partly to make more money. And to do the job they really want to do.

[3fan4life]

Yes , the good master mechanics go into business for themselves. Partly to get away from the dealer BS, and partly to make more money. And to do the job they really want to do.

My mechanic that I use (when I can't fix it myself) left a dealership several years ago to open his own shop.

He is one hell of a mechanic and a good guy too.

[old2soon]

Yes , the good master mechanics go into business for themselves. Partly to get away from the dealer BS, and partly to make more money. And to do the job they really want to do.

My mechanic that I use (when I can't fix it myself) left a dealership several years ago to open his own shop.

He is one hell of a mechanic and a good guy too.

             Right across the street from Randy's shop here in Willow Springs is the dealership-G M-that Randy learned his trade at. To my knowledge Randy has not talked bad about the dealership and the dealership has not talked bad about Randy. When I went to the dealer he initially told me how much a new fob would be for my Pontiac plus $30.00 to program. Dealer suggested I look at Amazon and order my fobs there-which I did. Fobs came in took new fobs to dealer both got programmed-NO/NONE/NADA/ZERO charge for programming. Go figure. And in my neck of the woods I've heard other great stories about this particular G M dealer. BUT Randy IS the guy I go to for Service! RIDE SAFE.

[Alberta Patriot]

The only time my vehicle has been back to the Stealership, other than the first scheduled oil change, was for a software system upgrade, with my specific instructions to Do Nothing Else!
When I brought  the vehicle in for the first inspection and oil change, the "tech" asked me to sign the W/O  for the oil change and inspection. The first thing I noticed was that they had 0W-20 blended oil listed. My vehicle has a turbocharged engine and the factory recommendation in my manual showed 10W-40 summer/5W-30 winter...full synthetic. I pointed this out to the "tech" who looked surprised. He went into the back to confirm my concern and returned saying I was right. The bearings in any turbo should be lubed with the best you can find.
I now only use an honest shop that I have trusted with my vehicles for many years and only use Mobile 1 full synthetic!!

[cookiedough]

as far as I know,  ALL oil filler caps have the 5w-30 or whatever the engine should take written right there.  NO dealership should be that stupid right???   

[Alberta Patriot]

Yep...Cap says "See Owners Manual"...and under that 5W-30
Question...How Many Turbo Engines have they done this to. I think the Turbo on mine is water cooled, but still???
In life, making the right choices is optional..."Techs" don't get that choice a second time with my vehicle!!

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

Most dealerships rarely give out oil bottles from the parts department anymore; too much waste, and higher profits from bulk oil. So, unless you request or supply your own Amsoil (good choice  ) or Mobil 1, you're probably going to get bulk oil from the tank. Most of the time, your repair order will show a quantity of a specific part number for oil, but you probably got bulk pumped from the overhead oil dispenser. Speed and higher profit margin is what drives dealerships now. My last place paid us .3 hours to do an LOF. 18 minutes to go find the vehicle, road test it, bring it in, put it on the lift, drain the oil, replace the oil filter, set the tire pressures, lube any grease fittings on the vehicle, check and document tire tread depths and condition, check and document brake lining thickness in MM at all 4 wheels (using mirror through the wheel openings; no time to pull wheels to get a good look), condition of the air and cabin air filter, and an overall check under the vehicle for safety, leaks, and any concerns noted. Then bring it out front and deliver the RO to the service writer. Anything over 18 minutes means you're losing money. Like I said in my previous post, your tech may be pushed to the point where attention-to-detail is no longer their concern.

[3fan4life]

Most dealerships rarely give out oil bottles from the parts department anymore; too much waste, and higher profits from bulk oil. So, unless you request or supply your own Amsoil (good choice  ) or Mobil 1, you're probably going to get bulk oil from the tank. Most of the time, your repair order will show a quantity of a specific part number for oil, but you probably got bulk pumped from the overhead oil dispenser. Speed and higher profit margin is what drives dealerships now. My last place paid us .3 hours to do an LOF. 18 minutes to go find the vehicle, road test it, bring it in, put it on the lift, drain the oil, replace the oil filter, set the tire pressures, lube any grease fittings on the vehicle, check and document tire tread depths and condition, check and document brake lining thickness in MM at all 4 wheels (using mirror through the wheel openings; no time to pull wheels to get a good look), condition of the air and cabin air filter, and an overall check under the vehicle for safety, leaks, and any concerns noted. Then bring it out front and deliver the RO to the service writer. Anything over 18 minutes means you're losing money. Like I said in my previous post, your tech may be pushed to the point where attention-to-detail is no longer their concern.

My VW is turbocharged and requires 5w40 synthetic oil.

Normally, I use Amsoil in everything.

But the dealer that I bought it from gives me free oil changes so it's hard to justify buying the oil and filter.

VW recommends using Castrol Edge which the dealership stocks in bottles, but you have to request that they use it.

Otherwise, they will use a Valvoline synthetic from their bulk supply.

The problem with the Valvoline is that it hasn't been certified by VW for use in their turbocharged engines.

Which could cause them to deny a warranty claim.


This is the first turbocharged vehicle that I have owned but I spent years driving them at work.

The one thing that I know about turbocharged engines is that oil is critical.

Use a premium quality synthetic, change it often and NEVER let it get low.
   

[scooperhsd]

I have TWO turbocharged VW diesels (a 2000 New Beetle (ALH motor) and a 2015 Golf (the last generation before the big VW dieselgate scandal)) - I know all about the oil requirements on them. The Beetle currently has 371,000 miles and had a transmission transplant at 252,000 mile to a 5 speed manual from the 4 speed autotragic. The 2015 has had all applicable recalls for the scandal applied - need to get another one next week on the transmission.

[3fan4life]

I have TWO turbocharged VW diesels (a 2000 New Beetle (ALH motor) and a 2015 Golf (the last generation before the big VW dieselgate scandal)) - I know all about the oil requirements on them. The Beetle currently has 371,000 miles and had a transmission transplant at 252,000 mile to a 5 speed manual from the 4 speed autotragic. The 2015 has had all applicable recalls for the scandal applied - need to get another one next week on the transmission.

Mine is a 2018 Golf Sportwagen 1.8L gas engine with the 4Motion AWD.

It has the DSG transmission.

This is my first experience with a VW.

My only real concern is longevity but that sounds like it hasn't been an issue for you.

One thing about the Golf is that it is really fun to drive, it's almost as much fun as a Valk in the twisties.

[cookiedough]

I do not know overall how the twin turbo or single turbos (overall that is) will hold up LONG term, in general.  I have my doubts that any turbo charged engine will last, IN GENERAL that is,  as long as a normally aspirated engine.  I will take my 290hp NON turbo V6 over any twin turbo say 1.5L engine in the world for hopefully long term use with more reliability. 

Like said, IN GENERAL,  am sure there are exceptions out there and some turbos go as long as non-turbo engines but the higher hp and rpms seem to non favor long term reliability IMO. 

[scooperhsd]

Many of use who drive one of the ALH diesels (1999 - 2003) think they are about the most durable motors ever made. Even "fortifying" the engine output (and I have done that as well) doesn't seem to compromise the durability as long as you use common sense. The 4 speed O1M automatic transmissions are a POS, however - so 5 speed manual is the way to go for durability. The rest of the car will rust / fall apart before the motor gives up. So far, my 2015 Golf with the DSG is being as good as you could ask. No problems to speak of.