I never had the slightest problem with the 7 speed DSG semi-auto on my last VW Transporter (wet clutch type - oil changed at the recommended 40,000 miles interval).

After driving an auto, I would NOT under any circumstances go back to a manual.

How old was it and how many miles did it have when you bought it though?

The OP has a £20k budget for an automatic crew van. That may seem a lot of money but a wee look on Autotrader shows that it really isn't. If you don't mind how many miles the van has, there are over 100 listed. But that is going to include vans smaller than what the OP wants and will also include DIY conversions with and without rear side windows. Filter them out and you've probably got about 50 to choose from. Set an upper mileage limit to 80k and that list of "proper" (factory) crew vans will shrink to less than 20, nationwide.

So the question then becomes, would you be happy and confident parting with £20k for a 10 year old Transporter DSG with 75k miles and 4 previous owners (any or all of which may have driven it like they stole it)?

How old was it and how many miles did it have when you bought it though?

I bought it new

Well there you go then!.

And it also neatly sums up the problems of singing the praise of a DCT type gearbox. Your experience might be relevant for the OP if their budget would get them into a new van. As it is, your experience counts for nothing unless the previous owner or owners of any van the OP is considering has been driven and looked after in the manner you've done with yours. And how would you find that out on a used van?

I'd also still be interested in whether or not you'd have the same confidence in buying a used DSG Transporter of the age/mileage the OP's budget would secure (which would be at least 5 years old with over 100k miles, or at least 9 years old with under)?

Well there you go then!.

And it also neatly sums up the problems of singing the praise of a DCT type gearbox.

What else am I supposed to say, it was a pile of c*** and always in the garage?

You can say whatever you want, but I've no clue what the purpose of telling lies would be.

I've also no clue as to why you can't understand that the experience of someone who bought a DSG equipped van new (and has had no problems with it) is not applicable to someone who's budget dictates either a high milage or ageing example.

I'd also still be interested in whether or not you'd have the same confidence in buying a used DSG Transporter of the age/mileage the OP's budget would secure (which would be at least 5 years old with over 100k miles, or at least 9 years old with under)?

Still avoiding answering this question though, which speaks volumes (and is relevant to the OP).