First new car purchase since 1995? Maybe...

"Ash78, voting early and often" (ash78)
10/11/2019 at 11:55 • Filed to: None

OK, Oppo hivemind, assemble (especially ImmoralMinority and Tripper!) We technically bought the wife’s van brand new 5 years ago and it’ll be paid off in a few months, but the title is still accurate for me . I wanted to wait until that van was totally paid off , but when opportunity knocks...

Long story: I’ve been “stalking” this Alltrack for over a year and it’s still freaking available (along with a red one with tan interior) . When you hear that VW is killing the Alltrack after 2019, this stagnancy makes total sense. The local dealer told me yesterday that 80% of ALL SALES are JUST the Atlas. What. The. Hell?

Since we already own a large family vehicle, we decided it makes little sense to have a fully redundant car. The wife also wants to occasionally drive something that does the job of getting the kids around, but without the 16mpg, floaty ride, and massive girth of the Odyssey.

Although this is a “base” S model, it’s really more a mid-range Golf (since Alltrack itself is already an upmarket trim of the Golf Wagon).

The biggest kicker: Since this is so old now, they’ve basically told me I can have it for under $24k. Sticker is still about $30k. They’ve already told me they’re losing money on this, even after dealer holdbacks and incentives, just to get it off the lot before all of VW’s remaining floorplan incentives expire (and they’ll be stuck with it ) . They’ve even parked it WAY off the lot because their hopes are pretty low at this point. Had to make room for 30+ Tiguans, too.

There are only a couple Alltracks left in a 500-mile radius and then that’s it . Forever. And the 2019 still has the 7-year bumper to bumper warranty on it, which is huge for a car that might have a spotty repair future. And in 7-8 years I could just hand it down to my son.

The reviews are generally fantastic, I enjoy the drive (it’s like 90% of a GTI’s performance, but with twice the useful space). It doesn’t have all the features I really want, but with inventory as limited as it is, pickings are very slim. I could sit back and see what shows up at Carmax over time, but even 2017 models identical to this are still selling over $20k. I wish it had the 2.0t and not the 1.8t, but for most daily driver it’s not far off.

Seems like a no-brainer, but I’d love to get an Oppo sanity check!

Oh, and before you state the obvious “What a bland color,” I want to share what swayed me on that issue — Marrakech Brown. Last time I checked, I still spend all my time inside the car, not outside :)

DISCUSSION (31)

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 12:13

10/10 would golf altrack. My local dealer stil l have a few of these and they are just a fantastic value.

punkgoose17 > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 12:18

Way to go dude!

Ash78, voting early and often > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
10/11/2019 at 12:19

Yep, I struggle when I go over to Subaru’s lot and realize even a lowly Crosstrek with similar equipment is $30k or so. Outback, closer to $40k.

Personally, I’m cross-shopping this with used luxury wagons, but everything I like (Allroad, E350) are things where you probably want a pricey extended warranty. Even an Acura TSX, if you can find one.

And most of all, I want something unique. I’ve seen 2-3 Alltracks on the road, ever. This fits the bill, for sure. Not just another crossover.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 12:20

Is a wagon a must? Have you considered something more sporty say, a GTI/GLI?

412GTI > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 12:22

Congrats, I think the Alltrack is a great vehicle! Did you go DSG or 6MT?

Ash78, voting early and often > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
10/11/2019 at 12:25

Generally, yes — I went to the “wagon side” about 4 years ago and never looked back. My first car was a Golf (1995!) so I’m well-versed in the ways of the hatch. Brother has a GTI, dad has an R32. They’re all great cars. But I do like the selective AWD here.

Also, the longroof helps with roof bag/box mounting more than with a hatch, plus with the seats folded you can stretch out and car camp (not easy in a GTI).

If I chip it, I can put out stock GTI power numbers, so I’m trying to split the difference a bit.

Ash78, voting early and often > 412GTI
10/11/2019 at 12:26

Not a done deal yet, but DSG. It works well, especially on a shared car. I inquired about the 6MT and the dealer searched -- not a single one had ever come through our regional inventory system in the past 2 years. It was basically a special order.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 12:27

Love the brown interior!

412GTI > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 12:28

Oh no doubt about that and it’s not like VW manuals are the greatest. I went DSG on my GTI and for the most part love it.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 12:30

You can still get an Outback “premium” for <30k but that’s cloth seats and that subaru reliability. The Outback is also a much larger car than the golf tho, the Impreza is more similar to the gold head to head.

I kinda wan a Kia Stinger AWD, 4cy. These can be had now for less than $3ok and it actually has power.

Ash78, voting early and often > 412GTI
10/11/2019 at 12:36

My brother says the same...he had 2 manual GTIs and his current one is DSG. Half his driving is Baltimore/DC rush hour and he’s glad he did it.

Maintenance, though? Isn’t it every 40k, drain and fill for about $100 DIY?

I know it’s a little more intensive than a traditional MT or AT.

Ash78, voting early and often > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
10/11/2019 at 12:37

Yeah, the class thing is hard to pin down. On paper, the Alltrack has comparable cargo room to the Outback — and passenger space isn’t much different. But sitting in them, Outback definitely feels bigger (and it is).

Around here where Subies are more rare, the Impreza basically doesn’t exist (in non-WRX form).

Nothing > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 12:38

For me, I want to make sure someone can sit behind me (6’4”) in the rear seat. That made the Alltrack a no-go, I have four people in the vehicle with hockey commuting 4-5 days/week. Otherwise, I really liked it, and would totally rock one if it was for three of us. I still think of getting a GTI as a zippy third vehicle from time to time.

412GTI > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 12:49

Rush Hour is ironically where the DSG gets a little clunky, but I guess it still is easier than three pedals.

Correct, DSG service is every 40k I’m only at 21k, so couldn’t tell you exact pricing, but I’ve seen my friends pay $400-600 at shops/dealers. DIY doesn’t seem that complicated, but I think I’ll do mine at the dealer just for peace of mind. Don’t wanna know what one of these costs to replace.

Ash78, voting early and often > 412GTI
10/11/2019 at 12:51

I may have to give this some more thought...that’s more than I’ve spent on servicing ALL of my trannies for almost 20 years combined :)

B_dol > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 12:54

Solid spec - these wagons are rampant here in the Twin Cities. Have you looked at the Buick wagon? Another modern platform going for fire sale prices and certainly less likely to be found around town.

Thisismydisplayname > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 12:54

Sounds like a no-brainer. Good price and the warranty make it a good option. I’d look at what else you can get for the money, but seems like a decent deal. That warranty alone could be worth a bunch.

MrSnrub > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 12:55

Absolutely do it. The reliability on these isn’t that bad, and the warranty is great anyway.

Ash78, voting early and often > Nothing
10/11/2019 at 13:05

I’m 6'2" and can just barely sit behind myself in this. I really kind of like the Buick TourX but the couple of leftover 2018 models disappeared quickly once the dealer slashed $10-$12k from the price. But it was a little on the big side, overall. Especially the length.

Ash78, voting early and often > B_dol
10/11/2019 at 13:07

The Buicks all disappeared, sadly. The 2018 models had their prices slashed and none of our dealers (like, within hundreds of miles) are stocking the 2019s. I didn’t love the cladding or the excessive length on the car, but it was pretty cool. I did a lot of research on them, but never drove.

HammerheadFistpunch > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 13:11

I loved the sportwagen. It was a fun little runabout, but its size sadly no longer works for us. Yeah, we fit, but its not as easy to do the van type duties and the cruiser isn’t a great family car. I would LOVE to buy an alltrack though as a commuter.

Ash78, voting early and often > HammerheadFistpunch
10/11/2019 at 13:22

Yeah, the thing is I don’t even really commute, but I know I’ll need a new car eventually and these are going extinct. So I guess the attitude is “get em before they’re gone.” I’m not particularly bullish on where cars are heading (features or price).

It’s weird to not NEED a car right now, but to also know that when you do need one, your current vehicle isn’t cutting it. We’re driving 30 minutes into the country for a soccer game tomorrow and I’m already a little nervous :)

Sovande > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 13:35

Can’t you get a TourX someplace else and have it shipped? If you are saving $12,000 under the MSRP it’s not like adding $800 in shipping is going to kill you.

Arrivederci > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 13:37

DSG service was about $300 at the dealer on my S3, should be similar for this. I also loved the DSG - it’s a fantastic gearbox.

Ash78, voting early and often > Sovande
10/11/2019 at 13:49

Nobody is taking that much off the 2019, from what I’ve seen. Those were odd 2018 models still around at the end of ‘19.

But yes, your point stands -- if I absolutely wanted one badly enough, I could definitely make it work.

Ash78, voting early and often > Arrivederci
10/11/2019 at 13:51

Thanks...that’s closer to the range I could stomach. Having done a couple of ZF auto tranny drain and fill procedures (flat on my back in the driveway, using VAG Com to measure the temp, and pumping fluid upwards until it spills — which is the official procedure), I hope to not repeat that experience.

The wife’s Honda will spoil you. It’s easier than an oil change for regular drain & fill).

Sovande > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 14:01

Cargurus shows 2019 models discounted over $12,000. Seems like a good amount of car for $24,000. There is one in MD that I will happily drive to you for the price of fuel and a plane ticket home.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/new/nl-New-Buick-Regal-TourX-d2609

Ash78, voting early and often > Sovande
10/11/2019 at 14:12

Southwest flies nonstop to BWI....tempting.

I’ve never used CarGurus before. I’m very wary of bait & switch situations, but I guess if it’s all in writing, then you’re pretty well covered.

Well, off to that rabbit hole now! Thanks.

Thomas Donohue > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 14:34

Do you need the wagon? If not, the Jetta GLI is fantastic....it has me second guessing the GTI.

Sovande > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 16:58

I actually first saw my current car there. It happened to be at the local Volvo dealership so off I went . I like the site because it seems easier to customize your search than some other sites.

Good luck!

His Stigness > Ash78, voting early and often
10/11/2019 at 17:55

I’m curious why you’re even asking about getting it and not just showing us your new car.

I mean, it’s a fantastic deal. The car is going to disappear . If it’s 2019 MY then it will retain the fantastic 6 year bumper to bumper warranty. You know VW products well. I think you said you have VCDS. You already know this is a great car.

I think this is a fantastic choice and you won’t regret it.

Shit, I want an Alltrack just to have a wagon.