2013 and earlier-Subaru Forester Prices Paid and Buying Experience

kavoom

Great price, I thought about 18K on a manual was the best I've seen. Even with the doc fee you are way ahead... but they got you on the warranty. My dealer offered at their price $350 at sale. But 40K down the road and you have a problem, you will be ahead and even with it, you are way ahead of almost everyone I am aware of.

herhey

Thanks, it took a while to get the right deal but the dealer was excellent to work with in Manchester. Not sure we are talking the same warranty length. I could have had the 5 year/ 60K Gold Plus for your price but opted for the 5 year/ 100K which listed for $1500 and got it for $850 which was 44% off retail. Worked this deal through six dealers and couldn't get it any lower. Went with the 100K warranty as the 60K really only extended the 3/36K basic as the power train is already at 5yr/60K.

kavoom

You are right. I was talking about the 60 Gold. Wow, amazing deal.

ezshift5

..two weeks ago - following up on a loss leader Bee ad - I called the dealer about an 07 F X. Sales dude took the partial VIN but couldn't find the car to verify type of transmission.

...$16,851 (Only one at this price)

..very impressive, ez..

ateixeira

Well, if it's a phantom car then it's just a bait-and-switch price strategy.

herhey

Patrick Subaru in Wilmington, Ma does the same thing. They use the 5 speed model. When they strip the destination fee out of it they advertise them for $16,900 and in the small print at the bottom of the ad it says that the price does not include the $625.00 destination fee. They do have a bunch of them but them but the true cost is $17,525.00 and their doc fee is $254.00

ateixeira

In that case the true cost is actually $17,779.

Around here the processing fee is usually much less, $99 or so. That amount should be included when we comparison shop.

kavoom

Under 18K for a Forester??? Those are fantastic prices...

herhey

Yes. I have found the Forester X 5 speed manuals are in a range from $17525 to $17999 and the automatics $18235 to $18999. Excellent prices! Also have been told that the factory to dealer incentive is $1200 if that helps anyone. Coupled with the $2000 rebate you should be able to work a deal around $3200 or so under invoice.

2gbj

I've been offered $21,749 plus tags and tax in the Northeast. Any thoughts?

ateixeira

Sounds good. I remember when an MT5 wouldn't go for under $22.4k. That's nuts.

herhey

That's good.....I have the invoice on that at $24,004 so you're getting the 1K rebate and the 1200.00 dealer incentive off of the invoice. Good deal.

2gbj

'Preciate the feedback.

imm1962

Any idea about the rebates and APR in May???
Thanks

tifighter

Check here.

pbai

The premium package costs $2500MSRP about $2200 invoice. It looks ok.
However, it seems that premium has $1000 less in rebate. So I would pay like $3200 for the premium package. Since I am in bay area california, heated seats and mirrors are useless. I could upgrade alloy wheels and sound system seasiy myself with very low cost.

So it seems that I would pay $3200 for the moonroof and climint control. Does it worthy it? The moon is HUGE through.

BTW: I stopped by a dealer yesterday and I can let me drive away a base X manual for 18k + fee/tax. I though it can do down to 17500, so I walked away.

Now, premium, premium not, ...

ateixeira

You also get the rear limited-slip differential, for a little extra traction. The rear brakes go to discs on the Premium models, vs. drums on the base X. Plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a power seat. The sound system also gets a 6CD changer.

Even in warm climates, the heated mirrors will clear your side mirrors in the rain. It's really cool, Bob showed me on the way up to Philly one year. In a misty rain, the side mirrors were crystal clear. Very cool.

Go for the Premium, and this is coming from a guy who has owned a base model L for the past 9 years.

pbai

Thanks ateixeira.

Do anyone know if the dealer get more incentive for selling a premium mold compared to a base X?

I really want to know what is a lowest possible price for a premium. If it is $3200 more, I am reclucent to pay. but if its $2200, I will jump right now.

ateixeira

I see a $2100 or so difference in invoice price, plus an extra grand for the rebate. So I don't think you'll get the difference for less than $3k.

p0926

That's supply and demand for you. More buyers want the extra features that the premium offers so Subaru doesn't need to give as big an incentive.

If you're looking for basic transport that is safe (best in class safety ratings), dependable (excellent reliability ratings), functional (large cargo volume for its size), agile (AWD) and reasonably well equipped (AC, power windows & locks, etc) then the base Forester is a fantastic value :surprise:

-Frank

tifighter

FWIW, I went through the same thing last year and ended up getting the X. If I could do it again, I'd get the premium pack; there have been many times I wish I had the sunroof, the heated seats, etc. Limited slip and rear discs are nice upgrades too. It's no fun to be wishing you had something that you don't a year into the purchase. Good luck.

kavoom

I had an X and my girlfriend has one. I bought an 07 Premium. The bottom line appears to be that you can get an X Auto for about 19K (yes I know there are better and worse deals).

I was able to get my Premium for 21,970 or thereabouts within a few bucks with a 500 rebate and 500 loyalty discount last Oct. Mine is a manual transmission. So, the roughly 3K difference in price appears to hold as a generalization would be my take, maybe the 32 to 3500 for an auto.

So, any deal that has a less than 3K diff between a base and a Premium would be pretty good. I've seen one deal better than mine so far.

gsquared

Hello Everyone,
I would like to solicit advice from those experienced with the Forester Model. I've narrowed my vehicle of choice to the Subaru Forester.
I've an opportunity to purchase a 2003 XS (premium package), 41,000 miles, 2 owners (current being the second), w/ added amenities of sound system, rear window mirror w/compass and adjusting tint, tailpipe cover, cargo net, and running board on back bumper. Sellers are asking $17K +, but may take $15K + (US).
All servicing thus far can be validated via receipts, and Carfax returns clean.
Not sure if this is something to jump at immediately, or maybe not. All help is greatly appreciated as this will by my first entry into the forester model.
Thanks.
G.

pbai

Thanks all for the informitive replies.

It is really a tough decision to make :confuse:
When I went to test drive, I talked with the manger and he can give me manual base X for 18k. So that is no problem to get auto X for <19k.

But now, several friends on this board said Preimium worth the money. I kinda seduced. $3200 more for the package and rebate; Plus, most dealer only carry auto premium, so another $750. I will end up ~$4000.

so Base X,man = 18k
Premium = 22k

herhey

Right now the dealer incentive is $1500 on all Foresters and the rebate on the Premium is $1000 as stated in earlier posts. That said, you should be able to get a Premium with the manual transmission for around $20566 (invoice $23066) and the automatic is approximately $21293 (Invoice $23793). You can add $211 more to each price if you live in an area of the country that requires the California emissions such as some of the New England states and New York. Pay no more or the dealer is just keeping the factory to dealer incentive.

franklele

Just joined the Forester club here.

$19200 OTD

In Oregon so no sale tax

In May Subaru is running 1.9% APR and $2000 cash back for 2.5x and 2.5x sports

kate5000

Great deal, wow!

kate5000

Given all the discounts and incentives on Foresters right now, I'd go for a brand new, with factory warranty and all. I think even 15K is kinda high for 4-yr old Forester with 41K miles on it.

gsquared

Thanks Kate,
Thinking more clearly and having done a little more research, you're absolutely correct. On several subaru websites I'm seeing the '07 2.5x Premium for ~23K, I've offered ~20K cash OTD to 2 dealerships who'll take the offer - too much inventory I suppose.
Will keep you posted. Thanks for the reply.
Cheers.
G.

ateixeira

Congrats.

Boy, I paid exactly that much 9 years ago, and the new ones have so much more content. You folks are lucky! :shades:

franklele

Thanks. I hope dealer didn't steal too much from my pocket.

Now I am struggling if I should buy the gold plus extra warranty. What is a reasonable price you guys think for a 5Y/60K?

kate5000

I would not buy 5/60. It only adds 2 years to B2B factory warranty and most of important stuff is covered by factory Drive Train warranty 5/60 anyway.

I'd buy 6/100 or 7/100 and then sell car when it has 90-95K miles on it and a year or so left on the warranty.

I've found out from my experience in the past that buyers are much more willing to pay top $ for the car in private sale if it has a decent amount of warranty left.

Do not buy 3rd party warranty - buy only Subaru factory-backed Added Security warranty.

ateixeira

Also, keep in mind you get roadside assistance with those 6/100 and 7/100 warranties. My wife has a Subaru Gold one on her 02 Legacy.

erics6

Good deals are available. Carr in Beaverton had the X Sport on ad this weekend at $17,995.

coast41

Good work, what dealer?

gsquared

Update to last post. ~20K Premium OTD was a phantom offer, but here in Central California at Herwaldt Subaru I'm about to sign off on an '07 X $21,800, any thoughts ? Also thinking of purchasing the Economy Extended Warranty = 6y/80K mi. and 36 month every 5,000 mi. maintenance for an extra $1685.
Total = $23,485 includes tax, doc. fee, dmv fee, etc.

Appreciate any advice.
G.

kavoom

21,800 for an X Premium is a nice price, very good. They are gettin you on all that other stuff. But if you've got the $$ and want it, its your choice...

gsquared

You think the standard 3/36k mi. would be sufficient ?

jeffmc

Wait, wait... $21.8k for an X, or for an X Premium? Too high for an X!!

erics6

Too high. Should come up north.

http://adserver1.harvestadsdepot.com/portorgonian/ss/carrsubaru/

kavoom

Depends on the warranty. Some dealers will give you their price which is roughly half of the "retail" price. Get the gold one.

I know if I had bought one on my 99, I would have never gotten my money back.

gsquared

Thank you everyone for the great advice and tips. I closed the deal yesterday, 2007 2.5 X,4 spd. auto, US $21,150.
Would have been lower if California Sales Tax was not 8.3%, and license fees are not 0.9%. At the end of the day all that matters is I own outright the car I've wanted for some time, it's an incredible ride and incredible drive. Proudly I've joined the esteemed ranks of Forester fans/owners.
Thanks again.
G.

PS. Kavoom - I'm still negotiating with the dealer on the Gold Package, will keep you posted.

charleyliu

Hi, could you tell us, where can we find the online specials.
We are also considering extended Warranty. Our dealer recommend 7/80k $1650 detail price. Which is the best price of the warranty?

kate5000

7/80K for 1650 doesn't sound as a good deal. Call extended warranty dept at Subaru itself, they're likely to offer you a better deal. Stay away from dealer-specific or 3rd party warranties - buy only factory-backed Subaru Added Security warranty. It's accepted at all dealerships, covers genuine subaru parts and is transferrable (for free) to the new owner which helps to sell car (private sale) later on.

kavoom

You are getting hosed on the 7/80. I looked at the gold 5/60 for 350 bucks... Do a google online for Subaru warranties price or something like that. I don't even see a 7/80 at stevemoyersubaru.com . That site has prices, with 10% off (Remember, it doesn't matter who sells you the Subaru Warranty, it's good anywhere).

And what you see on his site is double what the dealer pays for it... Mine showed me his pricing sheet to prove it.

Oh, you new owners, check out subaruforester.com great site.

ateixeira

You can get about 40% off list prices for warranties, usually.

dsj

Howdy All,

I'm working with a dealer now about buying what would be my first Subaru. I wanted to run it by y'all see what you think.

07 Forester Sport XT
automatic
dealers first offer (invoice plus rebates)
Total $25125

I was going to trade in my 4x4 dodge and go for $20k

bigwave1001

I am thinking to buy a Forester soon and looking for people with the same intent to form a buyer group in hope for some decent discounts. We do not have to buy the same cars as long as we go to the same dealership. If you are interested, please email me at usbz@hotmail.com. I live in Columbus, Ohio and willing to travel to other metro Ohio cities. I am also flexible with other makes of cars, such as Honda or Toyota.

ateixeira

Ask what the Dodge would trade for in the Real World Trade In Values thread. Most people overestimate the value of their trade.

dsj

I have been offered $4100 from a local Ford dealer as a trade so I was using that figure as a guide.