Q: My daughter drives a hand-me-down 2003 VW New Beetle with a 1.8-liter turbo engine and five-speed manual transmission. We are thinking of buying her a new car next year when she graduates from college. She wants another Beetle, and she likes driving a stick. Looking online, I can't seem to find current model Beetles with manual transmissions. Our local dealer tells me that VW does not sell Beetles with manual transmissions here due to the low market demand, and that if she really wants to drive a stick she should consider a Golf. (If it were my choice, I would go with the Golf.) My question therefore is whether VW makes a 2017 or 2018 Beetle with a manual transmission for sale in the U.S., and how do I go about purchasing one? Do I just need to be insistent with the dealer and have them order one for us?

– R.M., Haverford, Pa.

A: Being insistent will get you nowhere. The dealer is right, VW does not sell Beetles with manual transmissions anymore for the reason you were told: low demand. Your best bet may be to buy a used one. The 2015 R-Line is the most recent non-TDI model. Golfs, however, are available with a manual transmission in the S and Wolfsburg models.

Q: I drive a 2013 Ford F-150. I am now getting a "battery saver mode" message after I turn the key to "off" position when the radio is still on. I don't think a new car battery should need replacing in three years. The vehicle still starts right up every time. I have asked different Ford dealers and have received several different responses, from I need a new battery to it could be the battery in my key. What do you think is the issue and how can I solve it?

– D.O., Hingham, Mass.

A: If the battery is getting weak, the vehicle's system will shut off any key-off drains so that you will have enough voltage to start the engine. Yes, your battery is wearing out. When shopping for a new one, the most important consideration is the amp-hour or reserve capacity rating. Reserve capacity describes how many minutes a fully charged battery can be discharged at 25 amps before the voltage drops below 10.5. The battery with higher ampere-hours or reserve capacity will generally last longer. Check the specs on your original equipment battery and choose a better one.

Q: I have owned Buicks and other General Motors automobiles for over 40 years. In 2007 I purchased a Buick Lucerne and then in 2010 I purchased another Buick Lucerne. With the previous Buicks and other GM automobiles, I always thought they had a nice comfortable and soft ride. I have been very disappointed with my two Lucernes in the ride performance. Is there anything that can be performed on my present Lucerne to make it a soft, comfortable ride like I was used to in my previous automobiles?

– R.B., Lansdale, Pa.

A: Softer ride control components (shocks and struts) may provide a softer ride, but we would not recommend them, even if you could find some. Your original shocks and struts have built-in magnetic ride control for safety and stability. We know of no new Buicks that ride like the old Roadmasters.

Bob Weber is a writer and mechanic who became an ASE-certified Master Automobile Technician in 1976. He maintains this status by seeking certification every five years. Weber's work appears in professional trade magazines and other consumer publications. His writing also appears in automotive trade publications, Consumer Guide and Consumers Digest Send automotive questions along with name and town to motormouth.tribverizon.net.