Have not had a Beetle for a while, but pulled up next to one at a stoplight the other day. Could tell it was a 73 with the shiny new peashooter exhaust, large tailights and non shock absorbing bumpers. Don't know why but I rolled down the window and waited from him to pull away first, just to hear the sound. I guess it never gets out of your system. I would like to get a Beetle one of these days, but now is not a good time to ask the wife because I just got a new daily driver in the last couple of weeks. Got a used 2007 Honda Element with a 5 speed and 27000 miles. It is a nice vehicle to haul around bikes and the 3 dogs etc. I wanted a 5 speed and found one for sale
10 minutes from my house. by a priviate owner on Auto Trader. The next closest stick shift Element was at a dealer over 100 miles away. I guess not that many people are driving sticks anymore with the cell phones and other electronic distractions they have to contend with while driving.