Don't Buy an Automatic Audi until you watch this!

[@brianridley1102]

Had my Q3 DSG from new, 2012 with 190,000 miles on it.....but I have had the gearbox oil and filters done religiously. The big issue is that Audi main dealers and Audi specialist dealers never ever prompt to get this changed. I have only done it because as an ex mechanic I read what you were supposed to do. Dealers letting people down....mind you it's not cheap to get done properly Cheaper than a new gearbox 😂

[@786ghostface]

Unfortunately the s tronic gearbox on these Audi a1’s are fully sealed meaning you can’t service them, so it means the mechatronic unit will have to be done at the interval stated or if u feel the gears sticking, the one I bought had it done around 75k and the mileage now is 135k so not looking forward to when it needs doing again as it’s going to cost me around £1200, saying that since I’ve had it last 2 years haven’t had anything gone wrong with it touch wood.

[@andrewbreese3037]

I had the mechatronics fail on my 10 plate A3 quattro I was quoted about £3,600 to replace the mechatronic unit and DSG clutch so sold it for salvage as i wasnt going to throw that sort of money at a 12 year old car Unfortunately a chap bought it at a salvage auction and found my phone number on some paperwork, he called me asking what was wrong with the car. When i told him he sounded so deflated, 2 years on the car still isn't taxed or been MOT'd.

[@carukchannel]

Great update james, I have been buying fitted car mats from amazon now, £11 + vat next day delivery

[@ChopsGarage]

Yeah motor factors rinsing me for 50 percent more than that

[@benparker2734]

Not sure I’d get another Audi. I had a 18 plate a5 Quattro 2.0TFSI. Lovely car to drive but at 50k miles I had no end of trouble - steering rack, suspension issues, the chassis needed bracing, starter recall. All things that shouldn’t have been needed on a car of that age and mileage and I meticulously maintained it.

[@alanhargreaves8974]

I would go further and say do not buy a car with a DSG gearbox, new or otherwise. My understanding is that they tend to be less unreliable with smaller engines and that it is torque that kills them (as in larger engined cars). Lovely to drive but I still would steer clear and go for a torque converter. Just my opinion.

[@Amazingfeet]

I've had several dsg with big engines they were mostly ok but the flywheels go which isn't serviceable

[@NotRubensDad]

Those Tipos are very good value. Estates especially are really quite nice if you like an old school unflashy motor. I like the bog standard 1.4, simple, nothing much to go wrong.

[@ChopsGarage]

Right on

[@colinnewlands743]

I also hate cruise control. People who drive a lot on motorways seem to rave about it but they don't seem to think about how much you need to feather on and off the gas depending on what is happening in front of you. I have had it on a lot of cars but after the first time I tried it I never use it.

[@red9zero]

Adaptive cruise control is better but constantly dabs the brakes in traffic.

[@MrEvilWasp]

I only tend to use mine occasionally to give my leg a break when I'm driving hundreds of miles at a time up or down the country

[@thindo]

Only ever used it only long trips during the night when there is no traffic around....rarely

[@neilgorin1037]

Manual speed limiter is far far better. Just set it to 75 and you never need to look at the Speedo on the motorway so can concentrate on the idiots around you as you can't go fast enough to get a ticket.

[@andrewwaller5913]

Pointless in the UK, works well in Texas.

[@henrykravitz468]

That Tipo is nice. I was a passenger in one a few years ago, as someone I knew had one. I'm glad you sold a car. You have some great stock, and hopefully, you'll sell more. Hopefully the Mokka isn't to much work. The range Rover could do with a clean. Have a great Sunday evening and week James.

[@ChopsGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@joshuatowler8804]

Anything dsg/s-tronic it’s all about service Interval. Working at Audi the amount I saw just over the service interval and gearbox going bad is crazy like the car knows.

[@ChopsGarage]

Yes I've heard this

[@reeced5521]

I think it's probably down to the service interval already being too long, just like oil change intervals. Manufacturers stretch service intervals to as long as they possibly can before failures exceeds what they deem acceptable. You should really be servicing them more often than the manufacturer intervals.

[@brianiswrong]

What financial mess must the ex owner be in to have a 66 plate tipo repossessed, i hope they are doing ok.

[@tiagofermar]

I hope God blesses them.

[@philcrampton4231]

Dry clutch DSG (smaller engined VAG stuff) do not have a interval for fluid changes on both the gearbox and mechtronics . I am lead to believe there were problems with the fluid In the mechatronics pre 2013 (fluid corroded electrical connections) and pre 2016 issues with weak selector forks. And also timing chain Issues on pre facelift 1.4tfsi engines (facelift have long life belt and are a much better engine) done a lot of research into these as daughter was insisted on one (ended up with 2017 done 34k) keeping fingers crossed we avoid grief!

[@frimleyfrodo]

My son wanted an A3 and I found him a slightly scruffy 2017 1.0 tfsi with very good history and 83k miles for just over £6k last June. We tidied it up and he’s since done 6k in it without any problems. It’s pretty nippy for a 1.0, is good in fuel and easy to service. It’s also very comfortable to drive.

[@robdiss387]

Hi Phil, my daughter is set on a 2017 A1 1.4 TFSI CoD S line auto which has done 72K, 1 owner, FSH. What's your opinion, I too hear they are a better engine? I will be getting the belt done. Cheers

[@philcrampton4231]

@@robdiss387 timing belt is 120k miles no time interval if the COD is the same, just watch insurance on COD as Aviva would not insure her on one , economy is decent enough on ‘normal’ (40+ mpg)

[@robdiss387]

@@philcrampton4231 Thanks Phil, yes, I have seen the interval on the belt, for peace of mind would still get it done. Concerned about this DSG as I don't know much about them. Any idea how much to negotiate off? Cheers

[@philcrampton4231]

@@robdiss387 depends how long they have had it in stock (and whether they have reduced it along the way) but in this day and age (and the desirability of small autos probably won’t move much) if you google dry clutch DSG you’ll frighten yourself, but I think a lot of improvements have taken place since it was introduced in circa 2008, and the conclusion I reached was post 2015 most issues were addressed (hopefully!) I personally would go for a lower miles lower powered 1.4 rather than the COD for my money though to give myself a fighting chance! If it’s the car I think your looking at they have had it since start of Nov and reduced if £500 since advertising it so might be a bit of flexibility

[@5ebra1]

My sister bought a new petrol automatic 2 litre Audi TT 6 years ago. Always serviced at Audi dealer. Never driven more than 70mph. Just had to have new Gearbox at a cost of just over £5,000. No contribution from Audi.

[@boyasaka]

Wow

[@klawlor3659]

My neighbour has had the turbo die on her 1.4 Audi junker. On 50,000 miles and cost nearly £2k to put right. Zero contribution from Audi but the dealership offered a free MOT when it's due as "compensation"😂😂

[@petersmith7126]

I bought a lovely Skojda Superb in March 2023 and would have loved an automatic but these VAG semi-automatic boxes can be a nightmare when not serviced correctly and main dealers dont normally change the filter in the box so even if it's been serviced it's a ticking time bomb.... Even cars serviced properly are known to go bang.... Then some models say that the box is sealed for life with nothing to service and they still fail too .....

[@e575fho]

100% agree! The first thing I did when I picked up my Golf GTD was book it in for a DSG service, even though it had been done as shown in the service book.

[@petersmith7126]

Unless the car has a receipt for the service I'd not trust the book as it's only a tick box to say it's been carried out

[@harry-james-books]

The Tipo 1.4 is the same engine as fitted in Alfa MiTo's and while it won't set the road alight it will surprise you if you're willing to rev it. It lacks the MiTo's DNA "chip tune" but they go well regardless. 6th gear is absolutely usable and needed if you're doing motorway miles

[@ChopsGarage]

Yes had back road run and it's ok

[@johnpritchard2772]

Hello James, good report on the various cars that you have brought in, also the Audi Auto - good advice for someone who is considering this model of car. Best wishes from Lincolnshire.

[@shabba890]

Chops you missed a trick with the Tipo clip! Its parked next but one to an Alfa Guilietta which is the platform it's based on. Park them side by side and the similarities are obvious. Rear lights, front door handles etc plus the dash. A comparison video would be great content!

[@WilliamStevens007]

I was going to replace my Stilo multiwagon 1.9jtd with one but I didn't like the 1.6 multijet and the dpf etc so got a 1.9tdi Caddy maxi with out a dpf or now a egr valve. Nice car though especially the estate.

[@ChopsGarage]

Good move

[@ThePoacher19]

Hi chocks I had the same problem with my mokka losing coolant in my case if you look on the bulkhead in the engine compartment where the pipes going to the matrix pipes on the right side as you look from under the bonnet there’s two hoses with plastic connections the o rings fail in the connecters very cheap to replace also the soundproofing was wet on the bulkhead near the connectors i was told the head gasket was gone i replaced the connectors all was sorted it’s worth a Quick Look chocks

[@ChopsGarage]

I know the bit yes. Just did on Astra 1.4

[@IanM18]

Chocks?

[@typhoontim125]

Wise choice. .she'll love the Note!

[@ChopsGarage]

Agreed

[@boyasaka]

When I was looking for a new to me car 6 years ago I knew I wanted a auto But it had to be a traditional torque converter box Which at the time was harder to do that it sounds Didn’t want a cvt which is common Didn’t wanna touch a dsg , which is in all vw Didn’t want a Ford ad they use power shift double clutch thing So after lots of research Bought a 3 year old Honda civic 1.8 auto Which has a torque converter box Had it 6 years , done 60k miles Had auto transmission fluid changed when car was on 40k miles And it drives silky smooth and like new Still absolutely love it and plan of keeping it forever

[@klawlor3659]

Honda civic bro.....that's where it's at. 177k miles on mine and still loving it! Wouldn't touch an Audi if it was the last car going.

[@boyasaka]

@@klawlor3659 yea mine is a mk 9 2014 I also wouldn’t touch a mk 10 civic the 1.0 is wet belt matched up with a cvt auto box Hence I’ve not changed to the newer model

[@klawlor3659]

@@boyasaka good luck pal. They're a good car, well worth keeping 👍

[@robdiss387]

Thanks James, a timely video as I am looking at a 2017, 72K A1 for my daughter. What would be a fair discount if no history of the DSG being serviced? Cheers.

[@philcrampton4231]

@@robdiss387 there won’t be any history of a DSG service as there isn’t an interval. Dealer is not going to offer a discount because there is no proof, as they’ll be stuffed both ways if it breaks… ie sold at a reduced price and liable for the repair If it occurs during sales of goods act coverage or under the warranty the car sold with

[@ChopsGarage]

It's £3600 plus vat for repair if it goes so big!

[@Broomehall]

The Multitronic gearbox has had the nickname Multi-Chronic for years in the trade, I won't go near them, and the early DSG can be dangerous too ..... anything ending in Tronic swap for Chronic 😮

[@johnnunn8688]

Can confirm, Nissan Note 1.5 DCi Accenta is a very good car.

[@kevoc3268]

Do these models have Mechatronic issues too?

[@Richhhh91]

Lots of dsg/S tronic gearboxes do it’s not just an Audi thing, the thumbnails a bit misleading

[@mikeware5282]

Great car the Tipo - shame it sold so badly!

[@ChopsGarage]

Yes

[@bellend69]

The 1.4 petrol Fiat Tipo has 95 Bhp and 6th gear is a game changer on the motorway!

[@WavingWoof]

It's weak sauce.. My Lexus has 205BHP. Even an Alfa Giulietta which is the same size as the Fiat comes with 150-170BHP.

[@DavidDouglass-uc6bi]

showing my age now i had a Fiat Tipo as my first car in the 1990's,my friends called it the teapot!

[@joedebattista7125]

I got a6 2018 from new changed gearbox oil at 40k and it drives like new again seamless gear changes

[@ChopsGarage]

It's nothing to do with COVID. You will pay 6k for a Auto Corsa or i10 on 12,plate

[@ChopsGarage]

That's the key

[@philcrampton4231]

@@ChopsGarage In deed, purchased a 58 plate Corsa Automatic 5yrs ago paid £3175 retail, did 20k miles with it, sold via an eBay auction a couple months ago for £2760!

[@clydewaldo3144]

Just a pleasure to listen to a honest car dealer

[@user-m-q9f]

Dwloolouder haha 😂!!!!! Yeah rite!!!!!!!!! You. Must just of landed on earth!!!!!!!! Wake up!!!!!!!

[@bllxy8226]

7k for a 12 plate Audi A1, Covid’s long gone🙅‍♂️

[@klawlor3659]

I'd sooner buy a frigging Ssangyong and that's saying something!😅

[@Jimmy180-b1n]

How much was it to do the dsg gearbox?

[@BatterseaBill]

Do you source cars for customers with something particular in mind?

[@ChopsGarage]

No

[@pauldavison9512]

What happened too the suzuki vitara?

[@gbcautoworks]

Usually the mechatronics go on them.

[@fatwalletboy2]

Are the wheels really worth the refurb on the Kuga? Id say not. Save your money James the cars dont need to be 100% perfect.

[@user-m-q9f]

A, car dealer rough with the smooth!!!!! Can't be gravey daily!!!

[@ChopsGarage]

Lol. It's never Smooth lol. It's just different levels of rough. The public only ever let go of cars when they develop faults, are going to cost too much next MOT. It's never just wash em.

[@johnelbro127]

You are so honest and genuine, keep it up James. 👍👍👍👍

[@ChopsGarage]

Thank you, I will

[@rogerhanbury677]

How much did you say Kia headlights are ?

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Hope you sorted that miss fire out on that A1 before you chucked loads of money at it (?) bud. Tipo should be a little flyer with either 98 bhp or 118 bhp, I think they're turbos, repos are dodgy, may be hand backs, it's done basically 65k miles in last 2 years, it was low miles 2 years ago, maybe private hire, Aston barclay include a taxi check on their reports now. All that trucking, sluggish and no history doesn't look great tbh. On mokka, obviously shouldn't use any water at all, so even 750 ml is 750 to much, being corsa engine maybe head, saying timing with cause water loss is just rubbish, current timing codes might be cams out, take top off and line it all up, could have had a chain if not noisy and not timed up right (?) if chains not rattling much on start up it's probably OK, take top off and pull chain to check for slack, if cars sluggish, points to turbo tbh. If it's turbo, head and chain you might be better with just a full used engine bud. At auctions you need to be extra, extra careful, run a quick history check, do everything you can, don't just stand there and think, that's cheap, I'll have it.

[@ChopsGarage]

You realised you have written head, chain and turbo there all as the reason 🤣 I know you like to be pessimistic but geez 😂

[@ChopsGarage]

Base Tipo is 1.4 16v btw bi turbo. 95bhp

[@roystonvehicles9129]

@@ChopsGarage I'm not pessimistic bud about these cars, I've just got loads more experience than you. I've given you absolute gold with advice in the comments, I've noticed you've had a few digs at me, so I'll leave it to you now, good luck in the future.

[@duncan-ellison]

@@roystonvehicles9129 Your comments have been very interesting to read and they certainly enhance this channel. You have been very generous with your wide and extensive technical knowledge which many people must have found educational. I'm sure you have been a help to the Devon gentleman as he started his now successful business. I have been a mechanic /dealer for probably at least as long as you and that is why I know that you know your stuff. It takes one to know one as they say. You have kept up to date with the newer stuff better than myself which is why I found your comments so interesting. Your customer experiences were things I could also really relate to. It's been very quiet here near Scarborough, 6 cars advertised before Christmas and not a sniff. Hope things are busier for you and good wishes to you for 2025.

[@Brian-om2hh]

You can't run a car with a DSG gearbox on a shoestring. They *must* be serviced at the specified mileage, otherwise you'll get caught out....

[@wynhughes9072]

There is a service schedule for the dsg and the mechtronic unit. If you don't comply with these service mandates you will have problems.

[@ChopsGarage]

True

[@frimleyfrodo]

My 6 speed DSG is on 237,000 with absolutely no problems - but, I’ve serviced it every 37/38,000 without fail and I don’t abuse it.

[@keithnewton8981]

This is fiats own platform LWB small wide bodied platform . This has nothing to do with GM or anyone else it is totally fiat. And its a very good car. Customers asked fiat to produce car that had no Italian flare thatvwas goid and reliable they did and evetyone one said its boring. But good. Ifbyou want a reliable economic small family hatch you cannot go far wtong with this . Similar size to vauxhall astra handling is slightly better than astra k .

[@timcollins380]

With a DSG gearbox, the clutches re engaged when sitting at traffic lights. Selecting neutral and driving more like a manual will help prolong the life of the clutches. In our service and repair workshop, we regularly replace clutch kits and mechatronics on Audi DSG transmissions.

[@ChopsGarage]

What do you charge for that out of interest (removing,rebuilding with new clutches and re installing)

[@frimleyfrodo]

I always slip mine into N when waiting at lights etc and with oil and filter changes every 37/38k, I’ve now done 237,000 miles without a problem.

[@timcollins380]

@@ChopsGarage The clutch kits are not mega $ for good aftermarket ones. Its a different economy here compared to the UK. Good Euro Mechanics attract a bit of a premium hourly rate and as you know, these jobs are labour heavy. I have a couple of Audi and Volvo trained mechanics.The last set of clutches we did were for a 2012 A3 and the job was in $1600 Australian Dollars (about £800).

[@ChopsGarage]

@timcollins380 bloody hell I paid lot more

[@tomoreilly9932]

Kuga looks quite an imposing car next to the little Audi,a lot of car for the money

[@ChopsGarage]

True

[@stepheng8779]

Tipo has been and will continue to be far more reliable than that Audi 😂

[@ChopsGarage]

True

[@russhumphreys8109]

Dry clutch DSG isn't really servicable. They're junk. Wet clutch DSG is a different thing. Serviceable and robust

[@kenrossaukrsa]

What we all want in a car in 2025 Under £4k Cruise control £0-£35 tax Satnav touch screen Auto lights and auto wipers Parking sensors Digital speed readout on dash Working Aircon 5 doors Petrol.

[@ChopsGarage]

A replaced wet belt don't forget lol

[@kenrossaukrsa]

@ I didn’t mention Ford 2013 up and Peugeot / Citroen hehe- y Captur and wife’s Clios mk4 has all of the above options .. Captur is for sale at £3500 2015 with 90200 miles

[@diametricopposition9232]

Mine - Audi A4 Avant 2012, 2 litre TFSI, 80k miles (25k by me), no oil consumption, 8 Speed Mechatronic, absolutely fantastic - smooth as silk. would buy again.

[@ChopsGarage]

I assume cellent history

[@markingle8487]

@@ChopsGarage The bigger engined VW group cars had the wet clutch gearbox, which apparently is pretty reliable particularly compared to dry clutch VW group cars if the gearbox is serviced regularly. Having said that, I don't think there's an inherent problem with dry clutch DCTs - KIA/Hyundai and IIRC Renault seem to have few problems with their DCTs.

[@kidcowdy1231]

@@markingle8487never mind all them, if it’s a ford power shift just forget it 😂😂

[@dinointhetube]

Was it just me but that Tipo touch feel and sounds worse than a tic tac box?

[@dh1380]

Audi owner here Most Audi owners do not look after their cars

[@ada-ey3xd]

Wouldn’t paint most of us Audi owners with the brush. I know a lot of Audi owners who really care for their cars me included.

[@ada-ey3xd]

A1 and a3 I expect to get abused as it’s usually the younger crowd who have them. A4/5/6/7/8 generally tend to be older generations who can afford to look after them.

[@jonnymallaney5051]

4 grand for a fiat with a 120k on the clock fml has this what we have came too 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@aceace5457]

[@rocker8080808]

🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 !!!!!

[@markwrigley9047]

What cars are actually any good to buy ,, your still talking 20 grand for a 4year old car

[@paramedicchrisbookseries]

Audi are expensive

[@chrishart8548]

I wouldn't buy an Audi at all.

[@Brian-om2hh]

Neither would I, but there are other VW group cars I would - and have - bought new and used over the last few decades. All have been satisfactory. I own one at the moment...

[@kenchilvers4596]

Why lmao great cars

[@kenchilvers4596]

Stop going on about brewer he's full of shit - your a better man

[@kenchilvers4596]

Why there class cars stick to your shit heaps

[@kenchilvers4596]

Audi tt is a class car mate you just can't afford one toby

[@jeremywentworth1833]

Fiats are better cars than they are given credit for as cheap run arounds certainly upto £4 grand I've bought the Mrs & the daughter Pandas & 500s. Ok they drop to bits but never had a problem with them not starting etc. 125,000 someone who does 5000 miles it will be roughly average if they have it 5 years. I've had several with quite high mileage for the age. I bought a 51 plate 7 months old GTTDi 150 with 50000 it which I bought from Smith knight Fay in Bolton VW dealer & before that a 15 months old P reg 96 B5 Audi A4 1.8T with 80,000 miles which I had 4 years & sold to a colleague at work with about 110,000. The A1 looks nice James but £7 grand ok if it's not high. I paid £12 grand for a diesel A1! about 7 or 8 years ago ok cars were cheaper then Maybe if it's the 180bhp 1.4 TFSi but certainly too much if it's the 140 or 120bhp S-line. Externally they are all identical having the double exhaust. They do look fabulous in sport or S-line.

[@brianmonkey1697]

Asking to much for that tipo

[@ChopsGarage]

Nope

[@martinafitzgerald6995]

DSG automatics do give trouble, I am hoping that in the future, vw will improve the design. But then CVT automatics aren't much to write about either. Car manufacturers seem to have set their stalls out for EVs. A mistake but that's just my personal opinion.

[@ChopsGarage]

Yes all the modern autos seem to give trouble

[@markingle8487]

I think CVTs got a bad reputation because Nissan used a particularly troublesome unit (Jatco) and carried on using it for years and years even though it was so unreliable - what were they thinking of! They may not be the most enjoyable to drive, but that's another thing.

[@martinafitzgerald6995]

@markingle8487 I think that Toyota may have used those gearboxes, and even Honda, too ! It's sad, we don't really know what we are buying anymore. Badges mean absolutely nothing. Prestige is gone...

[@garymorris801]

Them autos are bad news but great video as normal 😊