Buy a Beetle and save a life

According to the literature for Volkswagen's new Beetle, in which its distinctive car is called a "peace pod on wheels," Beetle drivers have somehow (according to actual studies, the brochure explains) been shown to "reach out to those around them more than other drivers do."

Whether something like that can be quantified — and by a car manufacturer, no less — I'm not entirely sure, but if VW drivers are supposed to be a “force of good,” then I'd like to think that the person who actually tries to sell me the New Beetle is exactly that. If a company's car is supposed to inspire, after all, then your sales people should too.

I'm not sure if my experience at Agincourt Autohaus provided me with enough inspiration to go out and save orphans (but then again, I only drove the car once). It certainly did prove one of my most positive car shopping experiences, though. That in itself certainly says something for the “force of good.” Or at least for Agincourt Autohaus.

Now, the dealership — located on Sheppard Avenue at Warden — actually sells both Audis and Volkswagens, with separate sales teams for both. I can only speak on the VW side of things, having decided beforehand to try out the Beetle.

Like many prospective purchasers, I checked out the website first, filling in the test drive request form and hoping to get an appointment for that very afternoon. No such luck, at least not online — the website kept giving me error messages and refused to process my request. A glitch in the system, perhaps, and just a minor setback — I promptly called the dealership instead and found myself directed to Jakub, who was happy to see me later in the day.

Jakub wasn't the type of salesperson who purposely talks over your head, hoping to impress you with his knowledge and confuse you into buying. Rather, he discussed cars the way someone who knows them — talking to someone who doesn't — really should: with enthusiasm, straight-forward information, and answers that were never condescending. When I told him I wanted to go home and think my decision through, he more than took that in stride — he expected it. I would have felt comfortable buying from him, without that sense of unease that comes when I sign the dotted line for someone who's bullied me through the entire sales process.

In fact, in the end, I think what impressed me most about Agincourt Autohaus was the loyalty young Jakub expressed. After six years with the company — he started working at the dealership in high school, cleaning and then working in the shop before entering into sales — he told me he still felt happy getting up every day to come to work. And I believed him. Which, I think, says something for the dealership itself and maybe even for Volkswagen's “force of good.”

As for the Beetle, it drove well and was reasonably priced ($25,890 for a 2006 model, $24,180 for a 2007). If I were actually in the market I'd be signing on that line right about now. And who knows, maybe I'd save a few stray cats on my way home.

Image courtesy of stock.xchng.