I worked at West Herr for almost 6 years, and I remember their policy was to fill new cars completely and used cars to half tank. I’ve never understood it since typically dealerships make more money on used cars, but that is what we did.
So far I think the best advise on here has been to go straight to the owner of the dealership. I used to see a lot of unreasonable customers get what they wanted when the complained to the higher ups.
Also, whenever I think of a sensible vehicle for a college student, a late model, fully loaded 3/4 ton pickup is the first thing that comes to mind. Not a mid-90s Civic, Corolla, or Golf.
If you’re such a truck guy, why not get a Tacoma or Frontier? Or even a Colorado with it’s horribly cheap interior, but charming 5 cyl.