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Subaru Impreza WRX

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  • redkey1redkey1 Member Posts: 270
    Is not that far to save that much money...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The White Flint location isn't far from a Subway. You could take a train down to Union Station, then hop on the Subway and be there in half an hour. Then drive it back.

    Just make sure they have a good enough selection that is close to what you want (color/options/body style/tranny choice).

    If you go there gimme a call, I'll split the $50 referral fee with you - we can get lunch when you pick it up. :-)

    You really do pay the internet price, by the way. We bought our Legacy there last May. $17,827 on the web, same price at the dealership. No hidden processing fees, ad fees, blah, blah. What a relief.

    -juice
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    I hear that Fitzmall is definitely the best when it comes to dealing. And NJ to MD isn't far, I live in Baltimore and can make it to NJ in about 3 hours. On the train, it would probably take about the same time. Go to Union Station, then take the Red Line Metro to the White Flint Mall stop. Fitzmall is right near there.

    Also, someone on the Mazda6 board just drove 5.5hrs to get their car, and the dealer even paid for the flight and picked them up at the airport!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Cool. They'll only do that while the margins on the car are good enough to cover that stuff, though. You won't find a deal at invoice plus those freebies.

    -juice
  • erics6erics6 Member Posts: 684
    Yep. I'm sure of the price. The weekend ad price at one dealer was $4200 off MSRP, and another at $4000 for all in stock WRX's. The Outbacks and other models are $4500 off and more. Great time to buy.
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    Dealer in southern NJ just quoted me 23K even for a 5MT sedan with the audio upgrade and security upgrade/mirror packages.

    I can't find that exact match anywhere, but edmunds says that's $2500 off MSRP, $400 under invoice, and spot-on TMV.

    I'm hearing all these people talking about getting them for $1000+ under that price. Are you haggling nonstop, or picking a vehicle from the lot and simply naming a price?

    DjB
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    DjB, here's what I get for math:

    item/invoice/msrp
    -----------------
    car/22158/24195
    freight/525/525
    pkg/253/413 (mirror/compass)
    pkg/263/350 (audio)
    ------------------
    total/23199/25483

    So, $23K is only $200 under invoice, not the best deal out there. I would shoot for $22500 or lower.

    I have worked with Fitzgerald in the past, via e-mail, and it was a good experience. I would definitely buy a car from them; it would be about a 3 hr drive for me. Luckily, my local dealer has been able to match their prices or come close enough to make a deal.

    I did the math, and I got my WRX for $569 under invoice in mid January. It was part of the $3K off MSRP deal. No haggling at all. For options, I got the short throw shifter, winter mats, armrest extension, turbo gauge, and spoiler. MSRP was $25957, sale price was $22957.

    I think most large dealers are offering similar deals (or better) now. If they are not, you should be able to print out the Fitzgerald price and ask them to match it. Also, here's a PDF of the deal I got:

    http://members.cox.net/craig.hunter/Pence_3Kdeal.pdf

    They don't show this on their website any more, but I am sure the deal is still available. You could also use this as leverage at a local dealer.

    Since $4K off seems to be the latest promotion, look for ads like that!

    Craig
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    After talking with the dealer I referenced above Monday night, I ordered the vehicle early this morning at that price.

    This afternoon he called to say "I didn't know this when we talked, but Subaru isn't taking more orders on the '03s. I'll have to start with one of the no-options vehicles we have already and have our people add the items you want. It'll wind up costing you just $250 more."

    Now, first off, isn't the "last call for factory orders" date pretty widely known?

    Secondly, fitzmall.com has a silver WRX w/ spoiler and mirror/security upgrade for 22258.

    I talked with the local dealer and he said the closest he could come on the vehicle with just mirror/security (no spoiler) is 22500.

    If I put down a deposit on a particular vehicle config'd in a particular way at a particular price, and then the dealer tries to mess all around, am I free to simply take back my deposit and go to another dealer?

    DjB
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    It's been said here on Edmunds and elsewhere that production stopped on the '03's over month or so ago and yes, the dealer should know that IMO.

    Yes, you can just ask for your deposit back. They might give you the runaround, but you can get it.
    You can call 1800Subaru3 and ask them to do a search on the specific car you want.

    -Dennis
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    The Subaru rep told me that search options are limited. The efficiency of online inventory search is dictated by individual dealers; some give full options lists for each car, others simply have the price and "call for details."

    No options for live/assisted searching.

    DjB
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    The orders for 2003's were done over a month ago, we're not seeing any new inventory.

    There's an increase in the dealer cash that lets us go $1000 under invoice if you hit the holdback for something. I don't think any dealer would do a locate and sell at that price.
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    Does it apply to vehicles currently on-lot? If so, and the local dealer is talking about adding mirror/security to a car he has right now, should I ask him if there's a holdback on this and ask him to go a bit lower?

    DjB
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    bruticus: I'd suggest you use the dealer locator on subaru.com to find the car you want. Make good use of a fax machine as well. Even if a dealer won't locate and sell, if the distance isn't a great haul for you you could pick it up yourself. IIRC you're in NJ so the high-volume dealers like Van Bortel in Rochester, NY and Fitzgerald in suburban DC would be doable.

    Good luck,
    Ed
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    Does it apply to vehicles currently on-lot? If so, and the local dealer is talking about adding mirror/security to a car he has right now, should I ask him if there's a holdback on this and ask him to go a bit lower?

    DjB
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    A dealer has to make a profit, I think dipping into the holdback is counter-productive for both the dealer and for you, since you won't have anywhere to go for service if they go bankrupt.

    I'd ask for the deposit back since they broke the contract and didn't provide you with the car they promised.

    You can count on good prices, but poor selection, that's just how it goes at the end of the model year. Be flexible and pay less, or get a 2004 for full price.

    -juice
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Hitting the holdback is entirely up to the selling dealer. I'm telling you what I am doing to move my last cars. I'm sure another dealer would match it.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    What do you think about your dealership going belly up?

    -mike
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Ouch! They decided to retire the franchise, not go belly-up. I don't know all the details.

    Management wants to concentrate on Volvo, Panoz, and high-end exotics.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Seems like bad timing. Subaru sales bottomed out in 1995 and have improved steadily since. They weather that storm and bail out now, while Subaru sales are near their peak?

    -juice
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Where'd you get that info?
  • vocusvocus Member Posts: 7,777
    Do you people ever stop on this forum?? :) Easily one of the busiest on Edmunds...
  • robmarchrobmarch Member Posts: 482
    If the dealer is willing to work with you, and local, I wouldn't push them about $250. Especially if they have good service, etc. I know it's a decent amount of money, but it would end up being more expensive, in time, gas, and mileage on your car, to travel several hours to find a car $250 cheaper.

    Good Luck, maybe you can get them to replace that $250 with several free oil changes?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I know a few people trying to get back their STi deposits from the dealership :( What I actually heard was that SOA pulled their franchise rights or something along those lines.
    edit:
    Just checked apparently the dealership didn't make SOA required updates (to the showroom or billboards?) and so they pulled their franchise rights as of 3/31/03

    -mike
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    I called my brother in law, who's bought a handful of cars for himself and others over the years. After we spoke, he called the dealer and said "I just talked with him, and I don't fully understand what he's relating, so wanted to get it from you. He doesn't know I'm calling so don't mention it to him."

    The dealer went over the numbers with him and there was no extra $250 for them to build the car as I originally wanted it. So the dealer dialed my phone and we talked on a conference line for a few minutes to make sure everybody was on the same page.

    So now it looks like the vehicle will be available this weekend.

    Man, I owe my brother in law. Also the dealer, because either I totally misunderstood him in the first place or he agreed to the price match.

    DjB
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Shouldn't be a problem getting a deposit back, no big deal really.

    Franchise rights were not pulled, the owner decided to bow out. SNE controls the region, not SOA.
  • sonya4sonya4 Member Posts: 92
    Excuse my ignorance, but what do you all mean when you talk about handling the AWD "in a slide" or "slideways"? The WRX is the first AWD car I've owned, so any tips would be helpful (especially on ice which, I know, tends to negate normal handling).

    Also, I was on a trip recently in Thailand, and I did not see any Subarus there. Saw a lot of Toyotas, Hondas, and Mitsubishis, but no Subarus...also saw a few (used) BMWs and Mercedes. So for those who say "(certain) vehicles are driven in Asia" they'd better think again...

    --sonya4
  • lark6lark6 Member Posts: 2,565
    bruticus: That's cool. Take him out to dinner, cut his grass a couple of times in the spring, or some such.

    Ed
  • hunter001hunter001 Member Posts: 851
    In a recent trip to Singapore, I did see some Subarus, including a WRX (or was it an RS?) Sedan. So Subarus are definitely available in that part of the world.

    Later...AH
  • bruticusbruticus Member Posts: 229
    Yeah, when my first service comes due and I take it there I'll offer to pop for lunch somewhere.

    DjB
  • krzysskrzyss Member Posts: 849
    sideways or slide

    AWD allows (when traction is limited) to put car in 4 wheel slide . It means that all 4 wheels have forward and lateral motion.
    It allows to take corners faster than in RWD or FWD car.
    If you do not know what it is you wil not willingfuly put your car in such position. It might happen accidentaly if you take the corner fast enough.
    DO NOT lift gas pedal it might cause the rear wheels to loose traction.

    Krzys

    PS All is hear say and no experience, yet.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Doesn't make you faster through the turns. Although if you do slide it, don't lift or you could spin.

    -mike
  • beanboybeanboy Member Posts: 442
    on limited traction surfaces like snow, ice and dirt.

    -B
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Practice slides in an empty, snowy parking lot. Just to learn how to control your car in emergency situations. The fun part is just a bonus.

    -juice
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    As already was said, do not lift off the throttle. If you hit a snowy curve and start to slide, you can give it a little throttle and feel the car recover. My wife was shocked when she did it to recover from a slide on a snowy, icy downhill road.

    Like juice said, find an empty parking lot and practice it. Your right foot can actually control the AWD. :-)

    -Dennis
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    No offense but you shouldn't be trying to go faster around curves in low traction situations. Unless you are running a rally on a closed course. If you are skidding by all means stay on the gas slightly, but don't do it to get around the curves faster in bad weather. You'll likely spin off the road if you do that too often.

    -mike
  • beanboybeanboy Member Posts: 442
    Hey, just replying to the "sliding doesn't make you faster through turns" comment. Nothing about safety there, tehe.

    I've done a couple of ice races on frozen lakes, the parking brake comes in handy with FWD. Soobies now have their parking brake on the rear wheels correct? Can you still use it to help rotate at lower speeds, or does the AWD take care of it all?

    -B
  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    I stopped by my local Subaru dealer yesterday, and after the obligatory test drive, was offered a (brand new) silver manual WRX at $22,200, and the dealer even offered 3 years' complimentary scheduled service. Are these things really selling so cheap (below invoice, according to Edmunds)?
  • krzysskrzyss Member Posts: 849
    are trying to sell them before 2004 arrives.
    When they arrive 02 and 03 will be even harder to sell.

    Krzys
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    It's pretty typical to be getting closeout 03 models for $500 to $1000 below invoice right about now. The 04s will probably be arriving within a few weeks.

    Craig
  • sopecreeksopecreek Member Posts: 203
    I see you live in Atlanta area. Which dealer did you visit? Did you test drive sedan/wagon/MT/AT, and what is your impression? From what I have seen in this board, you may negotiate even more although I am not sure how much WRXs are selling in this region.
  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    I visited Classic Subaru on Roswell Road, in the Sandy Springs area. I test drove a manual sedan was fitted with the short-throw STi shifter, a sunroof, and 18" OZ wheels and performance tires.

    My impression: The rally car heritage is obvious. The turbo is ferocious, but disappointingly lags in the lower RPM ranges. The steering, handling, and braking were very impressive; very reminiscent of a BMW 330's, but with better traction (and hence less oversteer when exiting corners). The STi shifter was uncomfortable and felt rather vague; I definitely recommend staying with the standard stick. The interior is disappointing as well. Granted, I'm somewhat pampered by my current car (a BMW 530i), but even my sister's '96 Accord's interior offers better quality materials, fit and finish, and design. As purists will probably argue, however, this car is not about interior appointments.

    Overall, a very fun to drive car, especially for the money.

    I'll confess my ignorance now, but can anyone provide a link for information about the '04 MY changes?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Gotta love that.

    -mike
  • c_hunterc_hunter Member Posts: 4,487
    Take a look at the most recent Accords -- the interior quality has gone downhill quite a bit since 96. Personally, I don't have too many complaints about the WRX interior. it totally gets out of the way during spirited driving. I test drove a 350Z, and it has what I can best describe as a "distracting" interior. And then there's the Altima, which is plastic city and looks like it belongs in a rental fleet. All in all, I think the WRX interior is quite good in comparison to some others out there.

    Just curious, since I used to study ergonomics and industrial design, what elements of the WRX interior didn't you like? What would you change?

    Craig
  • beanboybeanboy Member Posts: 442
    I'll pipe in and say get rid of that ugly silver-painted plastic.

    The door handles/locks need some help as well, higher grade plastic and a better feel while operating would help, same goes for the power locks/windows/mirror switches.

    -B
  • pheonixunopheonixuno Member Posts: 15
    Hey guys I'm in the market for a new used car and after a while of searching I've come to 3 cars. The Bmw M3, Audi A4, and the subaru WRX. Each have their own likes and dislikes. The M3 has a 240 hp engine, great handling, and is a BMW. I only dislike the rear wheel drive and the interior very stuffy. The a4 I loved the quattro, the interior, and the cheaper price. I disliked the exterior and it isn't very sporty. The wrx I liked the power, awd, and handling. I disliked that it had no moonroof and the interior was very civic like plus after the BMW and AUdi it is just a subaru. Right now I have a 96 honda civic cx and I'm ready to upgrade. Also I live in CT where it snows. What do you guys think? My budget is anywhere from 20k and below. THanx
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Folks lets not forget that the Impreza is still a Japanese sub-compact car. The current Impreza interior is a BIG improvement over the former generation. Keep the expensive interiors in the Foresters, STi's and Legacy's.

    -Dennis
  • himilerhimiler Member Posts: 1,209
    I could give a crap about the interior. As long as the seats are supportive and stuff doesn't fall off in my hand, I'm good to go.

    Buying a car like the WRX for the interior bits (as opposed to the mechancals) is missing the point by a country mile.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I too prefer flat black plastic over that fake pseudo-metal painted trim. Same for the Forester.

    Everyone is imitating Audi, but if you're gonna do it poorly, don't even bother. Audi uses real brushed aluminum, not painted plastic. Scrath is and the marks will stay, it'll look terrible.

    I actually prefer plood. Or bring back the unpainted black stuff to save costs, then use the money somewhere else.

    The seats are great, though the materials used on the Forester are nicer IMO. That dimpled black material is soft and textured and doesn't glare. In fact it's close to what Acura uses for the RSX-S.

    -juice
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