2013 and earlier-Subaru Forester Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • kavoomkavoom Member Posts: 181
    I still know of a new one on the lot for 19,995. It could be lower now... In Lawrence KS. If you go to Subaru.com and look up dealers in KS they still had a NEW 04 Turbo Forester (as of about five days ago)... Lots of 05's...
  • lowrancherolowranchero Member Posts: 7
    thanks for the info guys. i've considered looking out of state. any ideas if a car purchased out of state will give me trouble with registration in CA? thanks, dan
  • bluechrtbluechrt Member Posts: 4
    About $17.8K to $18.8K per the following:

    I just received a quote for a brand new 2005 X Forester manual transmission, no upgrades at $19,100 that includes destination charges. This was the 1st quote I received without any negotiation. Then add-in the automatic transmission invoice cost at about $725 and subtrack about $1,000 for anything between 5,000 to 10,000 miles. This would give you a max price to pay at about $18,825. The least you should expect to pay is the dealer trade-in at around $17,750. As a negotiation tactic, go to a Subaru dealer and get a quote on a new 2005 X as a bargaining point.

    I estimated the $1,000 mileage deduction by going to Kelly Blue Book (KBB) used car prices and compared the difference in values between 1 mile on the used car and 5,000 to 10,000 miles. KBB gives you pricing for trade-in, dealer, and 3rd party; 5K to 10K miles for all drops the price around $1K. Note that I use KBB for used car pricing as I believe it's more accurate than Edmunds (but Edmunds has great user forums).

    Finally, I just did all of this for a used 2005 X manual transmission with about 5K miles I'm planning to test drive tomorrow.

    Good luck...
  • dbell1dbell1 Member Posts: 40
    Local dealer offered $24.1K for choice of any 2006 X Premium on the lot. Sticker is $26.3. Quoted $23.7K at another dealer who swears they're doing "Employee Pricing" on a 'top secret' basis. :P

    2006 X, no Premium was $23.6K sticker, $21.7 offer. Basically, they discounted the options.

    2006 LL Bean was $28.3K sticker, $26.0 offer. Loved it, but don't want leather (dogs, child).

    All include rebates.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Prices there are much better, the X manuals are already under $20k, and that includes freight and their $99 fee. I'd say those prices are $1700 too high.

    -juice
  • crystalccrystalc Member Posts: 1
    Today, 8/12/2005, I purchased a 2006 Subaru Forester 2.5X L.L. Bean Edition for $26,235 from Stohlman Subaru in Vienna, Virginia. The price includes a modest $500 rebate. I did not have a trade-in. I could have sat there for days and I don't believe the dealer would have budged from the price.

    FYI, the dealership no longer had any 2005 Foresters. I was literally a day late. The dealership sold its last 2005 yesterday. The sales staff was exceptional, laid back. No pressure.

    The Subaru is only my second car. My first was a Toyota Corolla that I've driven for almost 20 years. I vowed to drive that car until it just wouldn't move anymore. The Corolla is still going strong so I released myself from my vows, and purchased the Subaru. We'll see if it has similar robustness.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Hope you have as much luck with your Subie as you did with the 'rolla.

    Stick around and let us know how you like it. We'll try to help resolve whatever issues come up, if any. :)

    -juice
  • manamalmanamal Member Posts: 426
    I also baought an LLBEAN from Stolhman...back in march. Paid 23500 + fees. Sales staff was excellent. Service has me somewhat concerned. I had a problem with a dash rattle. I had it back 6 times of 4 weeks before it was finally fixed. And, they do not seem to be that organized....I made an appt for tuesday -- knowing full well that I was out of town on monday. Tuesday, they claimed the appt was for monday, and that they would not be able to see me for several weeks.

    I will give them a few more times....they are very convient for me.
  • bluechrtbluechrt Member Posts: 4
    I also just test drove a 2005 X with 11.2K miles, auto transmission, and only add-on beingthe self dimming mirror/compass. The dealer was asking $19,000 for it. I told them I had a quote for a new '05 X (manual transmission, no options, destination charge) at $18.9K. They then dropped their price a bit to $18,750 and indicated they had $1,400 profit at the number as if I was going to say I was getting a good deal. I was not planning on buying it that day, but if yes, I expect they would have gone to about $18.0 to $18.25 and I would not have paid anything more for it.
  • bluechrtbluechrt Member Posts: 4
    What was the price paid for just the car and the options? What specific options were added?
  • brightibrighti Member Posts: 1
    Hi all, I'm planning to purchase a 05 Forester XT Premium. The lowest price I got by far is 27260 minus the 1750 rebate = 25510 as the out the door price w/ armrest extension, auto dimming mirror/compass, cargo tray and net, rear bumper cover, and security system upgrade. Is it a good deal now? I was told that 27260 was 100 over invoice. If it sounds nice, I will go for it next week.
  • njswamplandsnjswamplands Member Posts: 1,760
  • deskdesk Member Posts: 20
    That sounds like a good price! I'm waiting for my L.L. Bean to arrive and I will be paying more, for sure. With my '98 trade-in I expect to pay $23,300 out-the-door and without the trade-in I'll pay $4k more but I don't know if that will be OTD or the price I'll have to pay tax on. Good luck with your new car. I can't wait for mine to arrive.
    Desk
  • getty3getty3 Member Posts: 1
    8/15/05 - I used the Edmonds internet pricing steps, e-mailing out to 3 local dealers on the 06 Premium, manual trans, crystal Grey, received 3 call backs from the internet or fleet mgr - all 3 came in between $22,000-22,450 "out the door" price - over the phone. I told each one the other had given a price (without naming it).
  • newmaixmanewmaixma Member Posts: 5
    Hi, first time to post here.
    I am planning to buy a 05 Forester X auto.
    Does anyone get one in great boston area? What is the price I can possiblely get including the destination and the rebate?

    I made a few calls. Some dealers don't have much selections and said they will get the car from other dealers if necessary. However, they will drive the car back so the milage will be increased.
    Is that normal?

    Also what is the remote anti-theft system option? Is that just the "R** Security System Upgrade Kit"? They ask for 350 for it, but the "R** Security System Upgrade Kit" only cost about 133 according to edmunds.

    Sorry for so many questions and thanks in advance.
  • kona9kona9 Member Posts: 6
    My wife and I purchased an 05 XT last week. We live in Buffalo, NY which is an area where Subarus are fairly popular for their AWD and reliability. So here's what we got:

    2005 Forester XT- w/o premium package, Automatic Transmission, Crystal Gray Metallic
    Accessories: Auto dim rearview mirror, splash guards, alarm upgrade, cargo tray, cargo net, cargo cover, and rear bumper cover.
    MSRP: $28k
    Invoice: 26,086

    I negotiated for $500 under invoice plus an installed Subaru trailer hitch. Dealer countered with numerous offers, but I insisted upon this price. So we got the car for $25,586 with the hitch installed and were still able to get the $1500 cashback rebate. In NY the rebate is applied after tax, so we wound up paying $26,196 after tax. This is my first new car and I had fun negotiating. Dealers hide profit in all sorts of places, but I still think I got a fair price for the vehicle. Any other Western, NY Subaru owners viewing this board?
  • rogerroyrogerroy Member Posts: 6
    Hi, I had been looking for a 2005 XS auto, and there the only colors anyone had were Black and White. Consequently, I wound up buying a 2006 X with the premium package. The sticker was 25,570 and we got it for $23201. Unfortunately the rebate is only $500 for 2006's.
  • bluechrtbluechrt Member Posts: 4
    Just purchased a new 2006 X2.5 manual transmission for $21,400 (with no trade-in) as follows:

    2006 X2.5 Forester manual transmission
    16" Aluminum wheels
    Wheel locks
    Auto dimming mirror/compass
    Splash guards
    Cargo tray
    $595 Destination charge
    $500 Rebate
    $50 Doc fee
    Total = $21,400 (note this is inclusive of dest charge, doc fee, and rebate).
    Edmunds MSRP = $23,504 - $500 rebate = $23,004
    Edmunds TMV= $23,088 - $500 rebate = $22,588
    Edmunds Invoice= $21,561 - $500 rebate = $21,061

    TTL added $1,510 for a drive out price of $22,910.
  • ithaca01ithaca01 Member Posts: 2
    Just purchased my first Forester. Used edmunds to get price quotes from several dealers---went to the cheapest one and was still able to get him to drop his price by $700. For those in the Finger Lakes NY or NW PA area, I recommend checking out Simmons-Rockwell in Sayre, PA---good prices, very low-pressure sales, and willing to knock off a couple hundred to close a deal. (One complaint: why do almost all their Foresters have "custom tailpipe covers"---are other buyers really clamouring for this?)

    2006 X2.5 Forester automatic
    Rear bumper cover, cargo tray, splash guards, cargo nets,
    auto dimming mirror/compass, shock sensor upgrade, custom tailpipe

    Edmunds MSRP = $23.8k - $500 rebate = $23.3k
    Edmunds Invoice = $22.0k - $500 rebate = $21.5k
    Price paid = $21.3k (includes all charges except $140 title and $1700 NY sales tax)
    Financing interest rate: 4.5%
    No trade-in
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Congrats and sounds like you got a great deal.

    FYI, the tail pipe cover is a pretty standard option (enhances the macho look :) ). I think that since it's a low cost option that most buyers opt for anyway, that most Foresters are pre-ordered with it.

    -Frank
  • park9park9 Member Posts: 1
    I must have missed something:

    With no current rebates or incentives on the 2006 Forester, getting a below invoice price means cutting into the dealer's holdback?

    How are people able to get the 2006 at below invoice?

    Thanks for the help.
  • shaheheshahehe Member Posts: 3
    One dealer give me a quote of new 2006 forester 2.5x (5M), there is a $275 SDAF fee? what is that fee, does everybody has to pay it ? can I negotiate it ?
    BTW the total O.T.D price (with 8.25 % tax rate ) is around 22300, is this a good deal?
  • markjennmarkjenn Member Posts: 1,142
    SDAF = standard dealer advertising fee

    This is a fee that dealers pay to pool money for regional advertising. Dealers do pay it on a per vehicle sold basis so it is a legitimate cost of business, but whether it should be charged for as a separate line item or simply a fee that gets paid out of dealer's profit is something that is argued both ways.

    All fees are negotiable. Usually is it easier to negotiate an all-inclusive price + TTL (let them include any fees they like as long as they're rolled into the price) rather than negotiating an "invoice" and then arguing about what fees are legit or not.

    - Mark
  • shaheheshahehe Member Posts: 3
    Hi Mark,

    You are the man! One more question: is O.T.D price of 22500 (tax rate 8.25%) a reasonable price?

    thanks
  • ithaca01ithaca01 Member Posts: 2
    Well Subaru I believe has a relatively larger holdback (3% of total price) than some other manufacturers (Toyota is 2% of base price, I believe). My dealer also said something about them being a "Preferred Subaru Dealer" which enables them to get below-invoice pricing from Subaru.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    "is O.T.D price of 22500 (tax rate 8.25%) a reasonable price?
    "


    Have you checked Edmunds' TMV calculator? It's usually accurate to within a couple hundred dollars.

    Frank
  • dstew1dstew1 Member Posts: 275
    I'm looking for people's experiences in requesting a Forester (or any other Subaru) that wasn't stocked on the dealer's lot - meaning they either had to bring it in from another dealership or special order it from scratch.

    From my understanding it would be much quicker to deliver one from another dealership, even if it's a couple states away, than to order one from the factory. A Subaru employee I spoke with yesterday said that the most recent Forester they'd ordered for a customer had taken five weeks to be delivered.

    I'm willing to wait longer if need be, but is there typically a difference in how much the salesman is willing to deal on price in either situation? What other factors play into price in this situation - special delivery charges, fees if it is acquired from another dealer, etc?

    In the past I've always taken what was on the lot, but if I'm going to spend the $$ for a new Subie, I'd like it in the color I like best. Unfortunately steel grey metallic XTs are few and far between within a 300 mile radius of where I live.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    A factory order takes 6-8 weeks, some folks here have done those.

    But yeah, they'll try to find something close by and sell you that instead.

    One issue a dealer employee once told me is that the original dealer still keeps the holdback for that car, unless you're talking about a swap, so they would lose that margin and probably have to charge you more for it.

    I think it's 2% so for a Forester figure around $400 higher cost to that dealership, possibly.

    -juice
  • dstew1dstew1 Member Posts: 275
    "One issue a dealer employee once told me is that the original dealer still keeps the holdback for that car, unless you're talking about a swap, so they would lose that margin and probably have to charge you more for it.

    I think it's 2% so for a Forester figure around $400 higher cost to that dealership, possibly."

    By "swap" you mean an equal trade between the two dealers - say a white one for a gray one? I wonder how common that is - for them it seems like more trouble, logistically, to exchange cars rather than exchange a few hundred dollars. Unfortunately they're my few hundred dollars. ;)

    In other news, the man I spoke with yesterday seemed fairly confident that the customer cash back incentive on MY06 Foresters had just increased from $500 to $1000.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Our Legacy was a swap. I know because it has pin stripes and our dealer never puts those on unless you ask for them.

    -juice
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    I special ordered my last Forester and the price I paid was identical to what I would have paid for one already on the lot. I think it took about 7 weeks to arrive. The advantage to ordering one is you can get it equipped exactly the way you want it and will know for certain that no one else has driven it (mine had less than two miles on the odo). The disadvantage is that waiting for it to arrive is a killer! :P

    -Frank
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    We usually eat the difference in a swap, it's part of doing business. You can lose a few hundred in holdback and with so many cars going at invoice sometimes that's all you make but the only way to look at it is it's better than nothing!

    As to ordering, Japanese-produced vehicles can take up to 12 weeks from order to arrival, most come sooner because they can be redirected to your dealer if they are already in production.
  • platypusplatypus Member Posts: 192
    Hi all,

    Wondering if you can give me some thoughts on this deal I've been proposed on a 2005 XT with 5-spd manual plus F4 and M3A options.

    According to Edmunds TMV:

    - MSRP is $26,755
    - Invoice is $24,647
    - TMV is $23,122 including a $2000 mfg to customer incentive

    Dealer has offered $22,364 (after rebate) plus tax, lic, and doc fees. So it's about $750 below TMV. Is this a "run don't walk before it's gone" kind of an offer or just an everyday good deal? FWIW, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of '05s with manual trannys left, or am I just not looking hard enough? TIA.
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    The dealer's offer is very good; with so few cars remaining they should be able to charge more for it! Since tax and license will be the same regardless of where you purchase (unless you're in Washington) find out what the doc fee is and figure it into the sale price.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I say it's a deal, go buy it before someone else does. They're motivated to get the 05s off the lot before they start showing off the 06s.

    You snooze, you lose.

    Fitzgerald had a Legacy sedan 2.5i Limited for a bargain price and we hesitated, it was gone before I even discussed the possibility with my wife. 06s are a good grand or two higher right now.

    -juice
  • platypusplatypus Member Posts: 192
    Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm gonna check it out tomorrow, so we'll see how it goes. It'll be my first time behind the wheel of a Sub. Plan on comparing it to the '06s as well. Not real crazy about the gas mileage though. This thing would suck more fuel than my M3! The green in me tells me I should go for the plain jane X, or look elsewhere for an AWD wagon. Unfortunately, there's just not a whole lot in the $20-$25K range, especially given that I'd really like to keep it closer to the low end. Not interested in a small SUV. I know, I know, the Forester is often placed in the small SUV class, but to me, it still looks like a wagon.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    True, but it's probably also quicker off the line. And you're moving a less aerodynamic shape with AWD to boot.

    The 06 XT automatic gets 21/26 mpg, pretty impressive.

    -juice
  • michael_lee76michael_lee76 Member Posts: 45
    already bought it. paid $25500 with Home link, mud guard, cargo tray, and tweeter kit.

    I think it was a good deal since it's about $2500 less than MSRP...
  • cwo4cwo4 Member Posts: 90
    A 2006 Forester LL Bean for $24700 with the $1000 customer cash that ends (supposedly) on October 3rd. And it's the Evergreen Metallic. I'm one happy customer.
  • andrelaplumeandrelaplume Member Posts: 934
    Internet price for an 06 automatic Forrester X, only option is a cargo tray...20K + tax. Sounds cheap compared to Edmunds price...would hate to waste my time at the dealer if this price is obviously bogus?
  • deskdesk Member Posts: 20
    oooh I'm jealous! Hope you enjoy it. I am not unhappy with the deal I got, but apparently lots of you have done better. I paid $23,300 after a trade-in allowance of $4000 on my '98 Forester, but it was out-the-door, tax and tag included. Regardless, I'm very happy with my new L.L. Bean (white).
    Desk
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    E-mail them and deal that way. Tell them you want an out-the-door price, no nonsense, no surprises.

    They will add freight, processing fees, blah blah blah and then give you their real price. Then see if that's below Edmunds TMV. If so, go for it!

    -juice
  • andrelaplumeandrelaplume Member Posts: 934
    20K + tax...not sure how they do it because that is $1500 under invoice and there is only a 1K rebate....we'll see.

    Questions:

    1) Is rear seat room as bad as it looks?
    2) How come no tinted windows?
    3) How is rear seat fore aft room?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Rear seat is OK for all but 6' plus folks. You'll usually carry kids back there. I've never had a problem (2 kids, the nanny can squeeze in). In fact, given the choice, I'd want more width for the 3rd person, not leg room. Plus head room is abundant so it doesn't feel cramped.

    In other words, it's not the car to carry around the high school basketball team, but for most people it'll be fine.

    Tint - we've heard this is now a port-installed option, factory. I have not seen it yet, but see if you can find one that has it.

    Front leg room is great, in fact the seat goes way back. Here is a comparo I did, note it has more front leg room that just about anything else, in fact that compensates for the rear seat leg room (just slide the seat forward an inch):

    Front Rear Vehicle
    43.6 33.7 Forester
    41.4 30.6 Grand Vitara (now that's tight)
    42.3 32.6 RAV4 (also very tight)
    40.2 35.8 X3 (less total combined legroom)
    41.6 36.3 Escape/Tribute (just 0.6" more comibined)
    41.3 39.4 CR-V (best back seat, cramped front)
    41.0 39.1 Element
    41.6 36.8 Santa Fe
    42.1 37.2 Tucson/Sportage (beats Santa Fe!)
    40.8 37.2 Liberty (cramped front)
    41.8 36.8 Freelander
    42.3 35.5 Outlander
    41.2 36.8 Vue

    So if you find front leg room is tight, nothing else in this class will do for you, they're all tighter.

    -juice
  • bonusbonus Member Posts: 1
    Bought 06 Forester X automatic with premium pacakge a week ago at a local dealer. After $1000 rebate, the price is $22000 + tax and title. The OTL price is $23600. It seems some dealers are willing to go below invoice. Perhaps dip into holdback and/or other incentive they have. Edmunds' price is a bit high for this model, in my opinion. Many dealers I contacted were asking $200 to $300 above invoice, not $900 as listed in Edmunds.
  • cthatchercthatcher Member Posts: 18
    2006 Subaru Forester X Premium (Manual)

    Dealer: Shortline Subaru, Aurora, CO
    Sticker Price: $25,384
    Included Options: auto dimming mirror/Homelink, cargo tray, bumper cover, splash guards
    Dealer Internet Offer: $22,800
    Rebate: $1,000
    Downpayment: $5,000 (we sold our used car privately and locally via the internet)
    Amount actually financed (after adding in taxes, fees, etc.): $19,035
    Financing terms: 4.8% for 63 months
    Monthly payment: $343

    Compared to the internet salespersons at the other Colorado dealerships I contacted, the internet salesman for Shortline Subaru treated me fairly and was honest about how low he was willing to go. I can't tell you the name of the salesperson I dealt with or the Edmunds bulletin board hosts will delete my post again, but he was straightforward, no b.s., and no sleazy salesman shtick-- if you want the latter contact the internet department of the Subaru dealership in Colorado Springs.
  • waterfallwaterfall Member Posts: 4
    the dealer gives (by email) me $20,500+tax+title for this "2006 Subaru Forester red 2.5 X 4dr Auto", From their website I found out "MSRP $23,190.00 ON SPECIAL: 2006 Subaru Foresters in stock. Prices starting at $22,990 plus tax and title."

    I just wonder why this car is "ON SPECIAL", what does "ON SPECIAL" mean? Since this dealer is too far from my home (around 100mile). How could I make sure this car worth it.

    Thx for your reply.
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    What's your local dealer selling for?
  • waterfallwaterfall Member Posts: 4
    what did you mean?
  • bodezbodez Member Posts: 1
    Bought mine 2 weeks ago. manual 5 speed, forester, 2006. 5000 trade in
    and 16134 taxes tag and title out the door. The dealer seemed desparate scince I had been looking at other places and the most I could get for a trade in was 4000. So far ok. But I notice when I back out of parking space the brakes lock up when trying to go forward. I pump the brakes a couple of times and they release. I know the car has that lock brakes on a hill feature (clutch vehicles) but it seems odd it would lock going forward. They do lock when on a hill. Guess I'll bring it in.
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