Actually my VW is the 1.8T gasoline engine. I chose manual because I was afraid I would destroy the automatic. After pulling around an H16 for 3 years I moved up to the TheMightyHobie18. For the past 2 years there have been no problems. I replaced the clutch at 103,000 miles. I also lived on the Norht Shore of Boston for 4 years. This might explain how it wore out so fast.