2013 and earlier-Subaru Forester Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • mactelmactel Member Posts: 6
    Price paid for a 2006 Forester 2.5XT Limited, Crystal Grey Metallic: 27,703+TTL

    MSRP is 29,290

    I was told I paid 375 over invoice. I bought this car via a credit union service. Once I found the auto I wanted they searched for it finding the lowest price. I spent a total of maybe 15 minutes total on the phone talking to my credit union's auto buying specialist. I gave her my auto details on Friday and my new FXT was delivered to my home at 9am on Saturday. Paper work took about 30 minutes and then the keys were turned over to me by the delivery person.

    The only downside about this method of auto purchasing is that the auto had more miles on it than I originally expected, since it was driven from the dealer that is not very close to my location. Other than that, the whole process was painless. I know I could have gotten a better deal on a 05 FXT, but my wife fell in love with the little changes the 06 received. Since we plan to keep this car for the long term, we decided we better get the one we really liked. Plus, an another member said, we are the first on the block with an 06 FXT.

    After my first 100 miles, I have no regrets buying the FXT, albeit I have not filled up the gas tank with "Premium Fuel". I had thought about using mid-grade fuel, but the manual says to us regular fuel only if premium is not available. I know others have used regular gas in there FXT but I don't want to take a chance.

    Handling seems great. Power is amazing (seems like i have a V6 under the hood).:shades: Ride height seems just right. I love the turbo and my wife loves the size of the car. She is just glad we did not go with my original intent of buying a highlander. I'll give a more detailed review after a couple of tank refills. I hope I did not pay too much, but that is a moot point because the contract is signed and the car is my garage.

    -mactel
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    "I hope I did not pay too much, but that is a moot point because the contract is signed and the car is my garage."

    That's the attitude. Nothing worse than second guessing yourself. I decided on an 05 FXT Prem due to the rebates. A little over $25 excluding TTL with every option except the turbo boost guage cluster.

    Of course more horsepower, better gas mileage, and improvements in the total package are always the order of the day, but I decided it wasn't worth the price differential.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    It may be easier for me to say since it's not my money but if you've found an 05 XT equipped the way you like, why risk having someone else buy it while you're waiting to see if you can save another $250?

    You must be pretty tall to hit you head on the sunroof? I'm 6'2 and don't even come close. That'll be pretty cool to have two 05 Foresters in the driveway... just don't let you wife behind the wheel of the XT or you may just end up driving the XS :P

    -Frank
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Buy now, you need a model with no moonroof and guess what - for 2006 that option disappears. Selection is dwindling and a reversal in the amount of the rebate seems doubtful.

    I'm serious, but it today, don't wait or you'll regret it. Stop reading this now and run.

    Why are you still reading?

    You are STILL reading? LOL. Go to your dealer now.

    You're not still reading are you? ;-)

    mactel: congrats on the new Forester!

    Don't say V6 around here, say H6. Besides, it performs more like a V8!

    Trivia question: which car in this list is the quickest from 0-60 per C&D tests:

    1) Lamborghini Countache 5000S
    2) DeTomaso Pantera
    3) Subaru Forester XT

    Hint: if you tire of the practicality, you can always step down in quickness to one of the other exotics.

    -juice
  • njswamplandsnjswamplands Member Posts: 1,760
    because once u get a f-xt it will be difficult to
  • duke79duke79 Member Posts: 7
    Ok juice ... I got the message! :blush: I didn't actually run to the dealer ...

    But there is now a new Black 2005 Forester XT in my garage sitting next to the Silver 2005 Forester XS (that was purchased on April 11 for my wife).

    I got it pretty loaded (by my standards) with the cargo mat/splash guards/rear bumper guard, cargo nets/spotlight, automatic dimming rear view mirror/compass/security system upgrade, armrest extension, and rubber floor mat options.

    The negotiations went pretty fast considering I was trading in three vehicles to get the XT. I got the great turbo-charged XT and they got a 1994 Plymouth Voyager (170,000 miles), 1997 Mazda Protege (113,000 miles), and a 2000 Saturn SL2 (42,000 miles). The kids graduated from college and the cars came back home to roost. Of the three I traded in the Saturn was really a piece of junk. Never again ...

    Since we had just gone through the process a couple months ago once the negotiations were completed the paper work went really fast. I told the finance officer that if I had to listen to the extended warranty speech again I was going to mark them down on buyer survey. ;) Needless to say I just signed off on the form.

    Thanks for the push to the dealer! Those two Foresters look pretty nice sitting next to each other.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    OK, now I'm jealous! Take it back! LOL

    -juice
  • shawnflyrdshawnflyrd Member Posts: 2
    This message board has been very helpful as I prepped for my negotiations. I hope my info helps someone else. Picked up the first 06 off the lot(Buffalo, NY) Friday. Paid $23,143 including Tax, Title, and all other fees. MSRP was $23,963. Included Spalsh guards, Bumper Cover, Cargo Tray, Rear Gate Bar, Tailpipe Cover, Cargo Net & tinted windows.
  • lowrancherolowranchero Member Posts: 7
    i'm looking to purchase an 05 x by summer's end and would like any help re. a good price to shoot for and any dealers worthy of a recommendation. i'm in san diego, ca and am willing to travel as far as arizona for the right price and buying experience. btw AAA has a new car buying service which is supposed to eliminate all haggling, etc. they recommend south coast subaru in costa mesa but as of yet the dealer rep has yet to return my calls or email. guess they don't want to sell a car. thanks for the help.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    as of yet the dealer rep has yet to return my calls or email

    Well that's one way to eliminate any possibility of haggling :P

    -Frank
  • upsunupsun Member Posts: 2
    hello,
    after weeks of test drives i finally settled on the Subaru Forester. the two runners up were the Hyundai Tucson (bad gas mileage on the V6 and not enough power on the 4 cylinder) and the Honda CR-V (i really thought i was gonna go with this one, but on my second test drive it was painfully obvious that when pushing on the gas pedal it took a few seconds to actually go-i'm no speed demon by any means but this didn't feel right to me). anyhow, that brings me to my question. i'm still debating on buying either a new 2005 model or a slightly used (no older than 2003 with no more than 20,000 miles on it) model. in my online searching it seems that used foresters with the above specifications are really retaining their value (good if you are buying new, not so good if you are buying used). so that led me to check out the 2005's (i'm aware that the 2006 models are already out and that there is currently a $1500 rebate being offered). so far the best offer i've gotten is $19,996 on a 2005 Forester 2.5 X Auto with an Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror with Digital Compass and a Security System Upgrade. i could do without these features, especially the auto dimming and compass, but this is what is available. am i going to do any better than this? if so how and with whom? also suggestions on places to look for reasonably priced used subaru foresters would be great. any input is appreciated. thanks.
    upsun
  • bkardonbkardon Member Posts: 2
    I'm looking to buy my first new car and hope to get some advice. I requested a quote through cars.com and the dealer quoted:

    msrp 22,820
    internet sale price 21,220 (I suppose this is because I went through cars.com)
    rebate 1,500
    total price 19,720

    Should I try to bargain this down or am I already getting a deal close to invoice via that internet discount? I'm tempted to see if he'll drop it $1000 dollars just to see if he'll meet me somewhere in the middle. Any advice?
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    The best you can realistically hope to get is within a couple hundred of invoice (minus rebates). It's possible to go under invoice and you can always low-ball the dealer but don't be surprised if your offer isn't accepted (or even countered).

    -Frank
  • jlybpjlybp Member Posts: 1
    Hi, I'm in MA. I got a quote from the dealer in June. I could get a 2005 Forester X with Auto about $18,500 (after the rebate). I'm sure they will drop it $1000 for you.
    Good luck!
    :D
  • manamalmanamal Member Posts: 426
    Subarus depreciate slowly. Act quickly, and get one of the remaining '05's for maybe a few grand more than an '03.
  • upsunupsun Member Posts: 2
    $18,500? that was my first offer to the dealer in houston texas and he said he couldn't do it. said the lowest he could go was $18,995 on a manual. the best i could get on a forester 2.5X in automatic (msrp 23,057-had a few add ons) was $19,815. i could hardly get him to budge from his first offer of 19,996 :(. maybe better deals could be had in june, i think the rebate was $2,000 then (although you would think they would want to unload them by now).
    upsun
  • henonhohenonho Member Posts: 1
    do you have any extra accesories when you bought the car?
  • graham4graham4 Member Posts: 1
    Recently purchased "06 Forester 2.5x in Raleigh NC for 24729.
  • firstnewcarfirstnewcar Member Posts: 2
    went to dealership in CT last night and priced a black 05 XS, auto, moonroof, spoiler and cargo tray for $23500 - that price includes the $1500 rebate.
    I really want this car but am not sure if that price is good. Also, it doesn't seem like they're desperate to get rid of them....
    Help! I need advice.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    What does Edmund's TMV calculator say the price should be? It appears to be a couple of hundred high for the southeast but Subarus are always in higher demand in New England.

    -Frank
  • firstnewcarfirstnewcar Member Posts: 2
    Edmund's TMV says it should be $23,300 after the rebate. If I get the car for $23,300, does that mean I'm getting a good deal or that this is the average price paid?
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    True Market Value is the amount that you can realistically expect to pay. It's been my expereince that the TMV price is usually within a couple hundred either way. Some people will certainly do better than that but of course YMWV depending on a whole host of factors.

    -Frank
  • mnfmnf Member Posts: 405
    Suggestions, Get some quotes from dealers in a 5 Hour drive zone use the lowest , Use 500.00 under invoice to start or offer 22,500 and go home and let them think about it.. Have fun and good luck....Matt
  • ezshift5ezshift5 Member Posts: 858
    ..$18553 (plus TTL) via internet.......

    ...'05 X, M/T

    ..that's a tad shy of $20500 here in the great Central Valley of CA.....looking at our 4th or 5th day of 100+F weax........ez :cry:
  • toymatoytoymatoy Member Posts: 1
    Just got this 4 days ago in Bellingham,WA. Its a platinum silver with upgraded security system, auto dimming rear view mirrors and compass and rubber mats.

    Negotiated $24,160 but I was paying the whole thing with a credit card to get the miles so they added a 2.5% surcharge.

    Thought the deal was pretty decent since I was driving it out of state hence no taxes.

    Its now on to accessories...
    toymatoy
  • msavadmsavad Member Posts: 14
    i was wondering if anyone could tell me if this quote is reasonable, or if it can be lower.

    MSRP: $ 25,929.00
    COST: $ 23,787.00

    this is with a rebate of $500 - for a 2006 subaru forester, with auto, and premium. buying it in NJ. another place had it for $200 less, but so was their MSRP. one site showed it to be that much more as well, they stated it was an AD fee of some kind, and not everyone shows that kind of info.

    so does anyone know if it can be lower than this? or do i have a good deal now? i'll try for the lower one anyway, but i'd just like to know. thanks.

    ---Mike Savad
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They juuuust came out, that discount seems more than fair for a brand-new model. You'll be one of the very first.

    In fact I'm surprised they already have $500 on the hood.

    -juice
  • bkardonbkardon Member Posts: 2
    I just bought a white 2006 Forester X with auto trans, Cargo Tray, Splash Guards, Rear Bumper Cover, Tweeter Kit, Tinted windows, and roof mounted bike rack for $23,350 "out the door". I could be wrong since this was my first new car purchase but I think it's a good deal. Anyone got a more expert opinion?
  • actionjacksonactionjackson Member Posts: 4
    Can you share the dealer you used. It appears you got an awesome price. Almost delaer invoice
  • msavadmsavad Member Posts: 14
    Lynnes Subaru of Bloomfield, nj, they just changed the price to 23,200 for me, though i'm not sure how solid that number is. or if they'll try to talk me into the extras like fee's and the like.

    ---Mike Savad
  • njswamplandsnjswamplands Member Posts: 1,760
  • msavadmsavad Member Posts: 14
    are you referring to me? or someone else?

    thanks

    ---Mike Savad
  • deskdesk Member Posts: 20
    I'm in the middle of negotiating on a white L.L. Bean Forester. I am trading in my '98 Forester (leather) which is in good shape. Options on the L.L. Bean model include the auto-dimming mirror with homelink, cargo tray, rear bumper cover, all weather floor mats, rear vertical cargo net, wheel locks and the custom tailpipe cover. The best OTD price I've found, and they told me by phone they would guarantee it, is $23,300, factoring in about $4000 for my trade-in. That seems to me like the price is fair for all concerned.

    Right now it's up to the dealers to determine who gets my business - whoever gets the desired car on the lot and will give it to me at the pre-determined price. And now I worry that something will happen to my current car while I'm waiting for the new one!

    As for the buying experience, I would recommend both dealers highly. My husband and I were treated very well by staff and salespeople. I'll be more specific after we complete the purchase, but I am very happy with them. I particularly like dealing with dealers who love their own Subarus!

    Desk
  • njswamplandsnjswamplands Member Posts: 1,760
    you
  • lzpooflzpoof Member Posts: 1
    So here's my buying experiences from last 2 weeks.

    I live in Rhode Island.

    I found multiple dealers who were willing to go 21200 + tax/reg for 2005 XS w/moonroof manu al trans but all anyone had was silver. A dealer was willing to grab the last crystal grey one in New England from Maine for me for 21600.

    I almost bought a silver one down here just to save the money (I was in a rental, couldn't wait) but turned out it had been in a parking lot fender bender. Didn't like the color anyway so went for Crystal Grey XS no moonroof manual trans.

    Price paid 20780 + tax/reg. Included cargo tray, tweeter kit, splashguards, and tailpipe tip. Seemed to be one nice deal.. about 500 below invoice when you figure that price included destination and all dealer fees.

    I know another dealer that would go 20500 for same thing with no accessories/options.

    I was going to buy used but dealers want some ridiculous prices on used foresters....

    Some other deals I found if anyone is interested (all are + only taxx/reg as far as I know).. USED 2004 XT manual 17K miles <19000. DEMO 2004 XT auto 6K tons of options 22500. NEW 2004 XT Turbo manual trans no options 21695. NEW 2005 X manual trans no options 18695.

    Thoughts?
  • msavadmsavad Member Posts: 14
    do you have a reason why i should be careful with them? i've read a few things, but none of them had a real story to go with it. and none of the stories had anything to do with buying a new car, mostly parts and service, which i don't plan on getting there. since i plan to go monday, anything i should look out for would be helpful. thanks.

    ---Mike Savad
  • terry92270terry92270 Member Posts: 1,247
    I just purchased (7/12) a 2006 2.5X Automatic from PALM SPRINGS SUBARU.

    Premium Package (Moonroof, Alloy Wheels, 6CD Changer & 4 Upgraded Speakers, Power Drivers Seat, Ltd. Slip Diff., All Weather Package and Auto Climate Control) Custom Tail pipe cover, Popular Equipment Group 1G (Cargo Tray, Rear Bumper Cover and 4 Splash Guards) Premium Sound Package 2 (tweeter & Sub Woofer) and the Auto-Dimming mirror/compass with Home Link.

    I paid: $25,083.00 :D

    Edmunds Customer Cash Adjusted True Market Value is $25,771, after the $500 cash incentive is subtracted, and the regional adjustment of $145 and Destination Charge of $595 are added in.

    Overall, I feel I got a very good deal. On a 2006, not a 2005. Not already depreciated one year in value. My total, including California Sales Tax of 6.75% and Title, Plate and Registration fees was $27,331.

    Those of you in California or Arizona, I can't praise the dealer enough. This was the most painless & easy car buy I have ever completed. No dodges, no up selling, no switches. I walked in, had the price quoted after looking at several 2005's and 2006's, went to my bank, got a Cashiers Check, and completed the purchase. Within two hours total time, from walk in, to departure, the car was readied, given a full tank of gas, and I was on my way. :)

    I too am a AAA member. They refered me to the same dealer you were. Their price was higher by a couple of hundred on a couple, the same on some others, so not worth the 100 mile drive. I did get called back almost imediately by their Sales Manager, who was very nice. But if you want a no-hassle deal, you should call or visit Palm Springs Subaru and check them out. Like I said, twenty years of car buying, this was the easiest!
  • susansmssusansms Member Posts: 4
    Sounds like some great deals--would you mind sharing info on where you found these deals--the 2004 XT manual 17K miles <19000 and the 2005 X manual 18695?

    Thanks.
  • lildude1lildude1 Member Posts: 3
    Hi, this is my first post but I have been following Subaru Boards for some time now. So after reading many of your reviews and remarks, I decided that the 2006 2.5X Premium was for me. While at the Dealership I test drove the L.L.Bean and really liked the leather. I also drove the XT and was very impressed with the power but the XT was a little much for my budget so I chose the L.L.Bean. I was determined not to pay more than Edmunds TMV price. But after all of my research I was unaware that there was a discount going this month (July). So my price was $500 under invoice. Was this a good Price? The sales people could not have been nicer, no strong-arm stuff what so ever. This was the most pleasant car buying experience that I have ever had.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You got a brand-new 06 so all bets are off. By that I mean any discounts at all this early in the game are an unexpected bonus. I'm surprised you got a price that low, actually.

    Congrats.

    -juice
  • lildude1lildude1 Member Posts: 3
    Juice, I have read so many of your posts on these Subaru boards the last few month that I fell that I know you personally. Your insight plus many others was the reason that I decided to buy a Sabaru.

    I bought my L.L.Bean at Courtsey Chevrolet (they also sell Subarus) in Kingsport Tennesse. If any one here in East Tennesse is in the market for a Subaru, take a look at them. I think the reason that they are giving such a good deal is because all of their General Motors vehicles or on rebate.

    One thing that my Bean did not have was rear bumper covers. I have look on a few aftermarket sites but can't find one. Any suggestions?

    Walt,
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    They also sell Chevys. ;)

    Order a stock bumper cover. Better yet, get a Chase Subaru card and earn Subaru Bucks, then get it for free. I haven't paid for any accessory and I have almost all.

    -juice
  • ihendrickihendrick Member Posts: 1
    I just a few days ago paid $21,000 including taxes, etc., for a regal blue 2005 X Forester including a few extra options such as security upgrade (bought for my daughter). Now, guess what!!! She's crying about the car color being too dark and so forth (I guess I did push her into making a quick decision). So, our options seem few, unless anyone can help with this. The dealer had me sign the form that says "legally, there's no cooling off period", meaning we can't just change our minds like that. So, he suggests get some seat covers - I'll look around but not sure that's the solution. What I'd really like to do is see if the manufacturer would change the color of the cloth. Apparently, for about a $1,000 we can change to any color in leather, but we don't want leather. Other than having some upholsterer guy charge a ton of money to put in new seats in cloth, does anyone know if Subaru manufacturers will change the cloth color. Too bad that they have so few options with the Foresters. We like the blue outside but the dark gray inside is really drab...and as my daughter says "the car makes her look invisible".......(and no, she doesn't want those Hawaiian seat covers that people are telling me to get). And I agree with her....

    Thanks.....
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's a tough one, because there isn't really a market (or demand) for cloth re-upholstering, though there is for leather.

    I would see if she would consider perforated leather, perhaps a flashy two-tone color scheme. Since it's blue, maybe black leather with bright blue inserts, that might look pretty wild. Or Blue/Gray.

    Katskins sells kits, so an upholstery shop would install for $900-1000 or so.

    I doubt you'll find a cloth kit. Definitely not from Subaru.

    Not a great link, but just to give her the idea, take a look at these:

    http://rdmelton.autoeducation.com/cars/stealth/seats.html#frontinstall

    -juice
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Just my two cents but if someone was buying me a brand new $20k plus vehicle, I would hope that I wouldn't be too picky about what color the upholstery was :P

    -Frank
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'll take it, and I don't care what color it is. You can paint it purple and I'd still take it. :D

    -juice
  • sonycsonyc Member Posts: 9
    Heylo all,

    Still enjoying my 05 Forester, actually my wife is. I was speaking to my local mechanic, a guy I've been using for the past couple of years about the Subaru and he mentioned that the parts for Subarus can be expensive (compared to Hondas). Any truth to this? or is his bias towards Honda causing jaundiced eyes towards other cars?

    Regards,
    Sony.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    No, I have not found them to be expensive, especially if you shop around the internet. There are plenty of wholesalers for parts.

    Examples - I was rear-ended and the entire bumper was $150. I didn't even have to paint it (Forester L). The complete tail light assembly was about the same price. I get oil filters for $5 or so, and that comes with a crush washer. Touch-up paint I paid $4 for.

    In my opinion those parts prices are cheap. Do not pay retail for them.

    -juice
  • lowrancherolowranchero Member Posts: 7
    a local dealer in san diego has two nearly identical 05 forester x's. both are grey, auto, and have under 10k miles. their asking price is $20, 995. what kind of price do you all think would be good/how low do you think they'd go? btw, the 06 is fugly. thanks.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    10k miles is a lot, that's way beyond the limit for a demo so that's just a used car, period.

    With that in mind the prices are high. You could find a brand new 05 for that price when they were still around.

    That dealer is being extremely optimistic. I think they are worth more like $18-19k.

    -juice
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