Do you guys think you lose MPG with the DSG over the 6M? If so, how much do you think you are loosing? I have a feeling resale may also be higher on the 6M? Thanks
I think the reported MPG difference is so small, that driving style, weather, tires, and other conditions can have just as much affect. However I'd think someone who chose to do so could squeeze a bit more out of a manual.
Resale value is tough to say. Given you will have to recoup an $1100 or so hit in the initial purchase price I think you will ALWAYS be losing money, even if their resale value remained level.
I know our shop has bought, fixed up, and sold quite a few Volkswagens, many diesels, and we always are able to sell the automatics just as easy as the manuals... and we ask (and get) more money for the manuals every time. I think VW buyers in general are still one of the last bastions of stick-shift lovers out there, unless you count some of the lower-production performance cars, like a WRX or Corvette.
So if simple dollars and sense is considered, a manual is still the way to go. They cost less to purchase, cost less to maintain, are more sturdy in the long run, generally will allow for better MPGs, and
probably will be worth just as much if not more at resale time. But I do not think this is anything new. My dad knew this when he ordered his custom-built 1984 Ford Ranger... which he still has... and the transmission has never been unbolted from the engine.