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"Tripper" (tripe46) 07/02/2019 at 11:00 • Filed to: None

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The VW Sales guy texted to say that the car won’t be ready by our agreed upon time, and it’s an automatic, not a manual.....

I had no idea it was so hard to buy a new car!

Even though it’s not the Golf Alltrack’ s fault, I feel like I’m not meant to have one. My attitude is juvenile when things like this happen, “T his was supposed to be easy/fun and it isn’t? I hate you now.” haha.

Now I’m just stewing in annoyance over spending so much time thinking about this car. Should I even get a “dad” car now I wonder?

It would really be nice to have something safe in addition to my wife’s car for my daughter, but it feels like everything is saying not to.

Dru > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 11:03

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2 Things:

1. My dad’s favorite adage is “when in doubt, do without,” sounds like you’re in doubt about this transaction, so maybe let it lie.

2. I get super petty just like you when things like this happen, mostly because wasted time can’t be replaced. 

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 11:05

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Should I even get a “dad” car now I wonder?

Buick dealers will practically give it to you for free these days

Tripper > Dru 07/02/2019 at 11:07

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My dad said the same thing, although he is pushing me to contact another dealer, haha. He also loves cars.

Yeah, like what the fuck guy. I just want to make sure I like this car then I want to buy one. Now I’m like fuck you car, you’re dumb and slow.

Either way I’m backing off for now.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 11:08

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You want a manual with good seats for kids and is cheap?

412GTI > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 11:08

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I’d be pissed too and shopping at a different dealer at a minimum. Like I said before, I can’t see how dumb this person is to say “Come drive our manual at x time” and then fail on both of those promises. Just plain stupidity.

Personally, I’d still try to drive one just to see, but I completely get that attitude. 

Tripper > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 07/02/2019 at 11:08

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I know it. I wish I could get on board with the looks/colors and they could get on board with the pedals.

Tripper > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 07/02/2019 at 11:12

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You I want a manual with good seats for kids 4 doors that is convenient for someone with kids and is cheap a car that I like to drive.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 11:14

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Focus ST?

Tripper > 412GTI 07/02/2019 at 11:15

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Honestly I want to call another dealer because part of me does really want the car and the other part of me (out of spite) wants to be able to text this guy back and say, “ I’m working with another dealer eat a fat dick ”.

I would still like to drive one, but all of this difficulty is making me feel like it’s the wrong thing to do. I just can’t tell if that is superstition/angst with the current situation, or if I’m really felling like now is not the time.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 11:18

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Kia stinger 2.0T AWD.

PartyPooper2012 > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 11:22

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Try different dealer. If stars don’t align then, give up. Get a tesla minivan with no pedals.

However, it might be just the asshole dealer who can’t tell the truth. Easy to slap some keys on keyboard and see if you have a manual available. If it sold, say - hey. The car you were wanting to drive just sold and you can no longer drive it. You can try the automatic for test drive. One you will receive if you buy will have the right pedals.

That is easy to understand. Hard to understand a statement like - we had a manual to lure you in here but all we have is a minivan. Hope you like your new dump truck we will get for you after all is said and done

random001 > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 11:23

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STINGER

Tripper > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 07/02/2019 at 11:23

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STi is next on the list. That’s one where I could do everything by email because I don’t need to drive it, I’d just order one.

However I think I’m holding on doing anything for a few days/weeks

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 11:23

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WRX? It’s very safe, fun, turbo, manual 4 doors .

random001 > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 11:25

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Can’t edit, meant to say G70 with the stinger crossed out.  i suck at kinja.

Tripper > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 07/02/2019 at 11:25

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STi is second on the list of new cars.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 11:26

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B etter! might be the one. But I’ve heard Subaru dealers become extremely dickish when you go for a STI test drive, they love it when you want to test drive an Outback/forester tho. Good luck!

Tripper > random001 07/02/2019 at 11:29

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Gotta have 3 pedals, and I’m not a big fan of the stingers looks or big cars . STi is next on the new cars list.

If I was to go for a big ish car, I’d sell the ranger, and the M3 and scoop up a very nice E39 M5. However I would like my dad car to be new as my cars now now are 18, 19, and 45 years old

Tripper > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time 07/02/2019 at 11:34

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They are! I scheduled a TD with a sales guy in 07 when the hatches first came out. I had previously purchased a brand new 05 wrx and a very slightly used 04 STi. I get there and the guy won’t let me drive it unless I sign!!

Luckily, I don’t need to drive it. I’ve owned an older one and driven dozens of newer ones. My buddy just bought a white 2019 a few weeks ago.

If this be the path I choose I’ll order it. STi Limited, lip spoiler, Cool Khak i Grey. 

nermal > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 11:52

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Skip the VW and go look at a Jeep. You can get a 4 dr Wrangler w/ manuel for low $30ks if you buy them right.

You’re not really giving up any reliability, but you are getting a removable roof, so there’s that. They’re also available in a sweet teal green color. 

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 11:57

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You should be able to do a bunch via email. Search all the nearby dealerships and email the ones that have the cars. Should even be able to schedule a test drive and be done. Of course if you’re looking at unicorns, then it might be tricky, but you should be able to shop around online.

I know I’ve done just that when I was looking a few years ago.  Emailed a dozen or so dealers and got good responses from a few and setup everything via email.  Stopped in to the dealership, grabbed keys and drove around a bit.  

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 11:58

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S4 6MT?  That’s a fun little car.  And just enough room for a kiddo.  

Tripper > merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc 07/02/2019 at 12:03

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Yea I did that and then began talking with this dealer who was supposed to do what I need . I’m not real fired up to do it again. All I need to do is quickly drive any stick shift alltrack. Then I can order the one I want for all I care, I’m in no rush to get it.

However I don’t like to be disappointed, and this dealer has done that twice. Now I’m feeling like I’ll just buy another car or wait until it’s an easier process.

ttyymmnn > 412GTI 07/02/2019 at 12:13

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A friend of mine went to buy a car some years ago. He went to a dealer, did the test drive, haggled, and then asked the salesman if it was his final price. He then asked the salesman if he could use his phone, and then called another dealership and said, “I’m here at XYZ Motors and they’re offering this car for X dollars. Can you make it worth my while to come to you instead?” He then hung up the phone and left. I think he did this three times until he got the price he wanted to pay.

Cash Rewards > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 12:14

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That lead gif is just so weird without kermit

Textured Soy Protein > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 12:55

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Brutal honesty time.

You’ve wasted enough time and energy chasing a unicorn color and transmission combo of a car and if the purpose of this car is something safe to cart around your kid in, don’t buy a damn stick shift anyway.

Fuck off with the fucking manual transmission fucking dad car fucking nonsense.

A stick shift makes it harder to pay attention to your kid. It’d be one thing if you were talking about this as your only car and you want it to stay a stick even though you’ve got a kid, but y ou have other cars that are fun and have 3 pedals. You’re not getting rid of them. This car should be something that helps you p ay attention to your kid . Get an automatic.

You want something fun and dad-like and plentiful? Get a Mazda CX-5 turbo. Or wait for the new Outback XT. Or even an automatic Alltrack!

If you want to get fancy there’s the Volvo XC40 that’s all fun and funky and has lots of nifty packaging, or the BMW X2 M35i is a hot hatch in disguise, and the upcoming 2020 Mini Clubman and Countryman JCW get that same 300 hp + AWD + LSD drivetrain.

Or screw the 2-box shape entirely for that sweet sweet normal ride height and look at any number of midsize sedans sedans that become at least somewhat entertaining with their step-up engine options including the Mazda 6, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, and (shocking I know) Toyota Camry.

MiniGTI - now with XJ6 > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 13:30

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It’s pretty tough these days when most dealers don’t even know manual = 3 pedals.

My new Dad car (actually mom drives it mostly) is a 2016 Volvo V60 we got last week . Decent driving dynamics and SUPER COMFY on our 600 mile trip. Kid fits good too. It’s a nice size, only a little bigger than the GTI it replaces. Stole it for $23k without even trying.

Woulda looked for manual Golf Alltrack but I’m mad at VW right now. Other than that there’s absolutely nothing you can get in Manuel so I didn’t even bother trying.

Tripper > Textured Soy Protein 07/02/2019 at 13:52

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Yea I hear ya, but I’m not spending my hard earned dollars on something I don’t like to drive , and I shouldn’t have to. The Alltrack ticks all of the boxes on paper and two of the exact color combinations that I want with manuals have gone through that dealer since I have been truly interested. Not to mention that I can order one the way I want if I have to because I’m not in a rush to get it. I can’t do any of that until I drive one, and the dealer I chose to work with has made that so difficult that I’m questioning the car and the timing of purchase.

I don’t believe that an automatic transmission makes a driver any more or less attentive/accessible to their child in the car.

My S3 had one of the neatest automatics out there but, I still eventually grew to dislike it even with the M3 parked behind it.

I just want to drive one to make sure that I like it, normally that is the fun part. When I have shopped other “new” cars. I make an appointment, drive one, then they go and get one specd the way I want...

One time I bought a car because it was the “right” car for the situation even though I didn’t really like it. I had it for 10 months and took a bath when I traded it in.

Tripper > MiniGTI - now with XJ6 07/02/2019 at 13:55

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I really love the look of the V60! I will probably take a step back and re evaluate after all of this riff raff. I’m not under the gun to do anything.

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 13:57

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That blows.  Did you get any other responses back from your first round of inquiries?  Perhaps another dealer you could get back in touch with and explain how this dealer hasn’t treated you as you desire, and could they help you out?  It wouldn’t hurt to get another dealer in the mix so you can work the best deal for yourself once you do pull the trigger.

Tripper > merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc 07/02/2019 at 13:58

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Avant? Absolutely!! Boy are they tough to come by and expensive when you find them. That’s honestly the “semi-realistic” dream dad car for me, with the “completely unrealistic” option being and E63 AMG s wagon.

Tripper > merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc 07/02/2019 at 14:00

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I’m sure another dealer would “help” but that means starting this process all over again with a dealer that is farther away for maybe the same result. Obviously I may have to do that, just not looking forward to it.

I actually contacted Tom McParland to see how his services work. So I will see what happens there also.

MiniGTI - now with XJ6 > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 14:39

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The salesman had worked there SINCE 1980. I told him how dearly I wished it could be had with 3 pedals and he agreed. I think they exist up to about 2009 but must be extremely rare.

Fortunately I drove the MINI mostly. It’s been pretty reliable so hoping to keep it a couple more years. It will absolutely be replaced either with another manual MINI or something electric. 

Textured Soy Protein > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 14:44

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Both kids and driving are unpredictable. I’m not as concerned about the manual shifting pulling your attention away from the kid, I’m concerned about the kid pulling your attention away from manual shifting.

If the kid’s in the back making a fuss that you need to deal with, and then something happens on the road where you need to quickly shift your focus from the kid back to driving, you might find yourself in a situation where you’re distracted by the kid and need to bang out a quick gearshift to react to something in traffic. Maybe you nail that shift, maybe you stall in the middle of a busy road with your kid going nuts in the back seat.

On top of that, you say you want to make this purchase so you have a safe car, but any active safety gizmos designed to bring the car to a stop are incompatible with a manual transmission. The car won’t stop itself for you because doing so would stall it. And these are exactly the kind of features you want if you’re driving around with a kid who might pull your focus away from the road.

VW calls this Front Assist, and they don’t really go out of their way to specify this limitation on manual transmission cars, but it’s incompatible with the manual.

https://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2737

Tripper > MiniGTI - now with XJ6 07/02/2019 at 14:48

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Man I loved my wife’s R53, both of us miss it dearly.

Tripper > Textured Soy Protein 07/02/2019 at 15:06

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I have to have a car that is super safe in the event of an accident. I don’t have to have all of the preventative bells and whistles. If I don’t end up with the all track or an STi. I will most likely end up with a big SUV that has all that stuff by default.

Textured Soy Protein > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 15:15

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You’re all over the goddamn place!

Tripper > Textured Soy Protein 07/02/2019 at 15:22

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The lane warning/assist, auto braking, auto start/ stop ... that’s all noise to me. If my car has it cool, but most manuals don’t as you stated. I’m much more concerned about someone on their phone driving into my car where I’m not on my phone.

I’ve been in the same place this whole time. I want a vehicle that is safe and convenient for my kid that I also like to drive . My top contenders have always been an Alltrack and STi with the various SUV’s I have mentioned as a backup if I can’t get what I want/decide I want something different.

This post was because I’m having an unreasonably tough time finding and driving a super common/not special car. Other than the fact that it is a brand new manual wagon in the USA.

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 20:41

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I actually had greater service from a dealership that was over 70 miles farther away than the next three closer dealerships.  They even dropped off a vehicle for me to test drive over the weekend and then my wife and I decided on a different option package and they located one from one of their lots and brought it to me and took back the loaner.  Signed paperwork in my kitchen for it.  It was excellent.  So don’t be put off, each dealership does things a bit different.  And that’s why I would be upfront with the other dealership and lay out your expectations and see if they feel they can meet them.  

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > Tripper 07/02/2019 at 20:42

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Oh yeah, and there’s a reason Tom has a job like he does, because there is a market for it.