Should I Buy This?

"Tripper" (tripe46) 06/19/2019 at 13:25 • Filed to: None

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JKM went on about trucks for- ev- er before he actually bought one. We go unnecessary car shopping with E90M3 all the time. Let’s face it all of us are car shopping all of the time. With that said, you’ve probably seen at least one of my many “I’m gonna by a Dad car now” posts, and this is...more or less another one of those.

My mother just rang up a 2019 GTI which our local dealer had to get from another dealer in VA. In perusing the lot my father found that they have a 2019 AllTrack in “TripperSpec” (It’s green and it has 3 pedals). My dad has heard me mention the AllTrack before, and of course he had to mention it to the sales guy...To make a long story short, I can have it for 6k off sticker.

I have not driven an AllTrack, but assuming I like it. Should I buy it?

Trade a perfectly good ranger for dog shit (I’ll guess 3 grand) for a car payment so that one of my three cars is safe for my daughter.

Or

Don’t and wait for XYZ...

XYZ can be anything, a different car, a different time of year, time of life, fiscal climate...

Happy Humpdizzle.

This is what we'll show whenever you publish anything on Kinja: > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 13:27

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Assuming Ranger is reliable, paid off, and doesn’t particularly leave you wanting I’d say hell to the no.

Ash78, voting early and often > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 13:29

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I like them...this is my top choice right now. Almost as sporty and fun as the GTI, but quite a bit more useful all around.

I’m 40 and I’m looking for something that will last at least 10 years and might bequeath to my son in 8-10 years, as well. It’s hard to plan car purchases at this point.

M.T. Blake > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 13:29

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Depends on the price. If it’s under 30k I’d say do it. 

BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 13:30

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Imma have to say no bc VW reliability from experience. And JKM’s experience. And everyone else who’s bought a problematic newer VW.

If you really want a good car, I’d recommend a CPO F31, maybe even a diesel if you’re lucky.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 13:30

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I looked at the spec and it’s tempting, still a bit down on power for my liking, I would like 200 HP or so and this is 170? The warranty is amazing tho.... 

Nick Has an Exocet > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 13:31

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You know what you should do? Drive this, but don’t buy it until you also drive one of these back to back :

JustAnotherG6 > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 13:31

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In the same boat and found that Subaru is offering 0% financing on 2019 Outbacks as is Buick on the TourX (though the TourX also has 5-6 k off as well)

Food for thought or something to lob at the VW dealership with their 1.9% financing.

412GTI > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 13:33

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um YES. Great color and these are decently fun with the manual. Safer than a Ranger if you’re putting kids in it. 7 yr 72k warranty is nice too. 

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 13:34

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manual AWD wagon? That’s Oppo-spec. Buy it!

Arrivederci > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 13:36

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They’re pretty anemic in stock form, but as you know from your time in VAGland, that’s easily fixed with a downpipe and tune and probably new clutch.  I think I’d still go DSG, but a quick little manual wagon would be fun.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Nick Has an Exocet 06/19/2019 at 13:37

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Really, the 5 door STi is pretty much the best car every built, ever, by anybody, anywhere.

Saracen > BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo 06/19/2019 at 13:53

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Two Audi’s, two VW’s, a Porsche...I’ve had minimal issues.  So I’d recommend the Alltrack.

Saracen > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 13:54

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6k off? So you’re getting it for mid-high teens?! I’d take that deal all day. I loved my GSW TDI, I can’t imagine how good the Alltrack is.

Textured Soy Protein > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 13:56

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If you want brand new... Hyundai Elantra GT N-Line has the 201 hp 1.6T and 3 pedals for $23k sticker. Only thing is if you want the tech package you need to get the DCT . That package includes:

Pano roof
Infinity stereo
Nav
Wireless phone charger
Power driver seat
Ventilated front seats
Active safety gizmos
Active cruise
Auto-dim mirror
Blue Link connected services

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 13:57

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I’ve considered how I could work one in that  very spec into my life. To support an Oppo idea, I’d point it comes with a 72k bumper-to-bumper warranty. That’s a lot of risk-free time to figure out if the car is going to be a mechanical keeper.

functionoverfashion > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 14:02

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I just sold my manual, awd, German wagon, so naturally YES I think you should buy it. This would be pretty high on my list if I were looking at brandy-new cars right now. I’d have to drive a V60 too, but no manual there. 

Dru > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 14:02

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Me: YES, DO IT

You: Okay, wacko, why?

Me: It’s Oppo spec, manual AWD wagon, and it’s green!

You: Alright fine, but let’s be real this is a big consideration and I have cars already.

Me: It’s under warranty, so if something breaks it’s their job to fix it, and it’s likely very safe. As a fellow dad with precious little time and a super precious infant daughter, I would do this if I were in a position to.

Glad we had this talk!

UserNotFound > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 14:04

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Find a 2015 TDI Sportwagen. Buy it.

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > JustAnotherG6 06/19/2019 at 14:06

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We went down this path as well. At least in the PNW Subarus also have the benefit of holding their value like no other. Yeah the VW would be nicer, but total cost of ownership would be a lot higher. The warranty helps with maintenance concerns to an extent (you still have the potential headache of not having a functioning car when you need one), but depreciation isn’t as kind as on a Subaru...so we now have an Outback. 

Tripper > BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo 06/19/2019 at 14:07

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I’ve had a couple of VAG products with no issues. 13' Jetta, 16' S3. I’m not super worried about it on a new car with a long warranty. I’m also out on the F chassis 3 series and have two BMWs. However I do like the aesthetics on the F wagons.

Tripper > Nick Has an Exocet 06/19/2019 at 14:08

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I’ve owned both a WRX and an STi, a new one of either isn’t off the table.

Tripper > JustAnotherG6 06/19/2019 at 14:11

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Oh good to know! We got 0% on my wife’s 17 forester.

Tripper > Arrivederci 06/19/2019 at 14:12

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True. It also doesn’t have to be the sportiest thing ever. It’s replacing a really slow old pickup and I’ve got the M3 and 02 for real driving duty.

Tripper > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 06/19/2019 at 14:13

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Yea definitely too slow to be my only car, but I bet it smokes the Ranger haha 

Tripper > 412GTI 06/19/2019 at 14:15

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Yea the baby has not nor will she ride in the ranger or the 02, I will put her in the M3 for short slow drives. Safe as it may be, it’s still a rag top.

We can make due like we have been, If I’m alone with the baby my wife leaves the forester with me and takes the ranger... but it would be much more convenient if I had a safe car too.

Tripper > Saracen 06/19/2019 at 14:16

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No, it’s as loaded as you can get it with a stick. Sticker is 34. They want 28. I would sign for 26 or 2k more than I’m guessing on my trade.

Tripper > M.T. Blake 06/19/2019 at 14:17

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28

Arrivederci > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 14:21

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You know you won’t be able to resist. I actually sold the APR downpipe from my S3 to a dude with a GSW.

Saracen > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 14:24

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Ooops, I guess I was thinking the non-Alltrack, AWD version of the GSW.  Pretty sure only the base models are available with a stick.  That’s still an utter bargain.  They’re great to drive, and my SEL had so much equipment.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 06/19/2019 at 14:27

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So I haven’t driven it with AWD but the FWD Golf wagons with this motor and the stick are decently quick.  Lots of low end torque. 

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 14:28

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You can tune the heck out of this motor.  Probably can hit 220 hp with just a chip.  Not sure what that would do to the warranty.  Green and stick is rare.  I’d have a tough time turning this down if I was in the market. 

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 14:30

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Get it. The 1.8t TSI is one of the best engines that VW ever produced, and is just about the most reliable. I miss mine on the daily (though the seats are HARD, so hopefully you find them comfortable). 

Tripper > Arrivederci 06/19/2019 at 14:30

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Yea I mean I will mod it lol I just mean I don’t have to

Tripper > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 06/19/2019 at 14:31

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Yea I think I’m probably going to make a move if there is one to be made, haha. This is all incredibly preliminary, but chances are I will go to for a TD and drive it home assuming they still have it and “want” to sell it.

Nothing > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 14:33

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Are you tall? My son couldn’t fit behind me in one when we went to drive one. He could fit behind my wife. He’s 9. I have to imagine if I had a rear facing car seat, it would be really tight in the front seat.  I was really interested in the, too, good price, good looking rig, but the rear seat room was a non starter for me.

Tripper > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 06/19/2019 at 14:33

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Thinking I will assuming they don’t sell it before I get there and all the numbers jive.

Nick Has an Exocet > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 14:43

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Fair. Just pushing you towards something a bit less dad-like. Maybe you should skip right over dad and go straight to gramps with a XF sporkbrake?

smobgirl > UserNotFound 06/19/2019 at 14:43

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I second this.

Arrivederci > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 14:49

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Until that first onramp where you get gapped by a CRV ;) lol

Tripper > Nothing 06/19/2019 at 14:52

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Not particularly, I’m 5'10". We can get her rear facing seat behind me in the M3 and comfortably behind the passenger in the Cooper, so I think we’d be ok. Good point though, I’ll make it a point to sit in the back when I go to drive it.

Tripper > Nick Has an Exocet 06/19/2019 at 14:55

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Haha well then it’s worth mentioning that I’ve got an E46M3 and a 1975 1502 cammed out with twin Weber side drafts. Funny that my 75 year old mother buys a GTI and I’m looking at an AllTrack.

Tripper > Textured Soy Protein 06/19/2019 at 15:02

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Definitely a good looking car. I’d have to find and drive one. I’ve not driven a Hyundai that does not look feel and act like the brands aging stigma. They’ve got the outside right, but I’d have to have a seat (and obviously a drive inside).

This seems more like a budget GTI as opposed to a budget AllTrack however. To me the fit and finish of the VW is probably worth the extra couple thou, unless the E lantra is really spectacular in person.

Tripper > Arrivederci 06/19/2019 at 15:03

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The Ranger has taught  me how to take it like a champ

Hooker > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 15:09

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Yes. And no. But yes. Also, no. It’s both a most excellent idea and a terrible idea. I’m apparently going to be zero help. 

Nothing > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 15:11

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Cool, that makes a difference, I’m 6’4”, and when I was shopping, I wanted a vehicle that would last into his teen years, so while it was a really  tight fit now, I knew it wouldn’t work in a few years. 

Tripper > Hooker 06/19/2019 at 15:14

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Yea it’s a tough call...My ranger is perfectly good, my wife’s forester is newish and perfectly safe for the baby. 

Tripper > Nothing 06/19/2019 at 15:19

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She is a year old today actually haha so I have a while to get that figured out.

For Sweden > JustAnotherG6 06/19/2019 at 15:21

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That Buick deal my god

Ash78, voting early and often > Nothing 06/19/2019 at 15:32

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That’s the same boat I’m in — son is 8, I want a practical, unpretentious, semi-fun car that will probably be his one day.

Even thought the statistics on the Alltrack say it has comparable — or better — legroom than my current B5.5 Passat, in real life I just can’t seem to make it work.

I’m 6'2" and willing to move the seat up, but not to the point of discomfort.

I didn’t think the legroom was any worse than the Outback, which is a much bigger car overall.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 15:38

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Depending on the price you can step up and get a TourX for high 20's. Bigger. Which means it’s better.

Nothing > Ash78, voting early and often 06/19/2019 at 15:39

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Of the wagons I drove, the TourX had the most rear seat room. It just wasn’t any fun to me. Then again, once I changed my mindset from fun nearlux wagon to utility wagon, it made more sense. I never got around to trying out the Outback, it was next on the shortlist.

In the end, the 4Runner won out, we have family that visits frequently enough that the third row for occasional use was practical for me. I’m still missing the handling and fun of a car, though. I think the 4Runner would be a decent hand me down car...although the wife’s Jeep, if it lasts that long, would maybe be the better choice.

TahoeSTi > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 15:40

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Had a TDI sports wagon, if it was awd We’d still own it....not sure on the if the sports tracks are the same but the sports wagon needed up rated rear springs, and Koni FSD struts to be a really high Cruzer when fully loaded.

That said the Outback we replaced it with is roomier and more comfortable...plus i get a 2.5 Turbo and a 5speed....which I can upgrade to a DCCD STi 6 speed later.

Tripper > Future next gen S2000 owner 06/19/2019 at 15:44

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I agree that it’s bigger I’ve seen them in person and don’t like. Unfortunately it still looks like a Buick

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 16:03

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My brother in law has a MK7 GSW it’s a nice, comfortable, nice looking car.

The added ride hight, and AWD would be welcome additions.

Also that color is sooo good. I say yes. 

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Future next gen S2000 owner 06/19/2019 at 16:04

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I’ve heard the interiors are rattly and not well put together. Not something I’d say about any of the 3 MK7s I’ve rode in. 

Ash78, voting early and often > Nothing 06/19/2019 at 16:05

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I’m slightly swayed towards SUVs, mainly the Wrangler/Gladiator, but we already have an 8-pax van, so we don’t really need a family vacation/hauler car. My other contender is a used Lexus GX (aka 4Runner) if I can find one -- the Jeeps and the Toyotas hold value really well.

I sat in the TourX and my only impression was “Bunker” — all the dealer models had black interiors, which didn’t help much. The legroom was good, I just don’t know if I want to feel that cramped without the benefits (like sports-car handling)

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind 06/19/2019 at 16:05

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The Germans love their grim seats. And so do I

Tripper > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 06/19/2019 at 16:11

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I’ll report back after a TD

Future next gen S2000 owner > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 06/19/2019 at 16:26

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I’ve had no issues in mine. We’ll see how it holds up.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 16:27

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Embrace your future Buick ownership. You can have a rear facing child seat and sit not have to adjust your ideal driving position. And you can fit a dog plus gear behind the rear seats.

Embrace DadLyfe

Hooker > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 16:35

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I mean, if I had the dollars and I wanted it, with their current warranty structure I would totally take it home. However, I have been known to make bad decisions. I know. I have seen me do it. 

B_dol > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 16:42

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Our choice for a family car

I definitely applaud any choice in the wagon direction (vs CUV/SUV), but not all wagons are created equally in terms of driving dynamics. Having an MT was also a must for us.

Tripper > Future next gen S2000 owner 06/19/2019 at 16:52

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Can you 3 pedals with the Buick? Storage space is only slightly larger on the T ourX , which is slightly less than my w ife’s F orester. We packed ourselves, the baby, our gear, 70 lbs of boxer, and 140 lbs of English Mastiff into it without issue to go to the cabin for a long weekend. So I’m saying we can do the same in an AllTrack minus some gear or not as we have a cargo box and other roof rack attachments for the Forester that could be used on another car with Thule bases.

Tripper > B_dol 06/19/2019 at 16:53

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Love it! If I found one or an older Audi wagon, I would be all over it.

facw > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 06/19/2019 at 17:29

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It would certainly kill the powertrain warranty. Other non-drivetrain related stuff would still be covered.

Nick Has an Exocet > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 17:29

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Haha, that’s irony for ya.

facw > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 17:32

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I say yes. Love the color, and I think Alltrack is a pretty good value in general. I wouldn’t say no to more power, but it’s not a huge car, so I’m sure it can at least get out of its own way.

B_dol > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 17:54

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If you are serious about looking, the f anatics on bimmerpost have a very active thread highlighting examples for sale on forums/craigslist/etc.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 20:13

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Good luck! Main reason I didn’t end up with a VW is that the dealers just were advertising deals that suddenly went away after the test drive. 

zipfuel > Tripper 06/19/2019 at 21:23

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This is a good point, our Jetta wagon was getting pretty tight with a 6yr old behind my 6" self in a car seat and I’d never have got the rear facing infant one behind me. It’s gotten a bit better since he went to a booster, but taking it camping was the last straw that lead to us buying a big-ass pathfinder.