2013 and earlier-Subaru Forester Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • tinycadontinycadon Member Posts: 287
    After test driving the X Premium I was impressed with the vehicle but not the engine power. After telling myself I didn't need a Turbo I went and test drove the XT and spent the extra 3k and got it. Talk about night and day, I still can't believe it's a 4cyl car and there's no noticable turbo spool/lag time, it launches pretty quickly. Got it for $100 over invoice and the 4.5% financing through Subaru, was better rate than my credit union believe it or not. Breaking it in by taking my 400mi trip up north, got 23.8mpg driving between 65-75mph, so it's hitting the 24mpg rating right out of the block. And the extra $0.20 per gallon for premium, so what, instead of shelling out $60 for a tankful I know spend $63.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Congrats. Hang around and keep us posted with your experiences with the car. :)

    Bob
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Wow, let's see....

    Congrats to Lindsey, nice deal too.

    Congrats to Bill. Wow, you got the top model and loaded it up. I'm a bit envious. Under $29k ain't bad, given a few compact SUVs get in to the $30s and aren't any better than yours.

    Finally, congrats to Tiny. You drove the turbo, you bought the turbo. See? That was your mistake. The base engine is fine, but you sampled the turbo and that was that! :D

    willy: maybe next time. I was going to say, prices are unlikely to go up, so not having the deal in writing wasn't a big deal.

    If you're shopping again a year from now, who knows? Perhaps some small incentives will appear by then.

    I'm not holding my breath, though. Demand is hot. Period. Up 49% in April and does anyone really think May was any slower? Look at all the congrats going around.

    Someone asked, well we ordered a Limited model (replaced the LL Bean) with mud guards, cargo liner, cargo cover, 2 cargo nets, bumper guard, and a few other minor things.

    We paid a couple hundred extra for the PZEV, which makes 175hp instead of 170hp, plus it's cleaner. :shades:

    Newport Blue Pearl over Titanium leather.

    SoA says it's been built (I have a VIN) and it en route, should arrive on the East Coast the first week of January. They have to install all the accessories we ordered at the port, then ship it down to Fitzgerald Subaru.

    Funny thing is we don't even have a final price yet. We will be getting VIP pricing, so basically 2% under invoice. If any incentives appear by the time it arrives, we get 'em. I wanted it that way, though I'm not that lucky, I doubt incentives will appear.

    Price came in right around $25k with the options/accessories and freight included. Subtract $1600 Subaru Bucks, and it will be around $23.4k or so. Plus 6% MD tax, tags, etc.

    I looked and the left over 2008 LL Bean models are only about $500-600 cheaper, that's why I do not expect incentives. With a $500 rebate the price would be flat from 2008 to 2009, so I doubt that.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    SoA says it's been built (I have a VIN) and it en route, should arrive on the East Coast the first week of January.

    Hmmm...

    Bob
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,637
    That is one slow boat... ;)

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  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    That's why it's taking so long... it's not on a boat at all! They're driving it over from Japan instead. :D Let me tell ya, Siberia's slow going.
  • bigfrank3bigfrank3 Member Posts: 426
    I bet it was the wrong J and he meant to say Jaugust.

    Either that or he told them to row slow to increase his chance of getting an incentive.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    :D

    No, I meant June 2. That's the date SoA said the boat would arrive.

    Maybe they added a turbocharger to the boat's engine. ;)
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    I took the dive today and went to pick up my car at Valley Nissan/Subaru in Longmont, Colorado :lemon: They had given me the best price (Internet quote) to date for my new 2009 Forester X premium. They had called me Monday to say my car was in! I was out of town, so I stopped by on my way back home, rather than wait another day. I went for the test drive. The mirror wasn't the Homelink one per their bid, so I mentioned it and they said they would "throw it in". Then there was an Ipod interface ($145 list) that I noticed, which I don't need, but I ignored it. I filled in all the paper work, they checked my credit rating, I was signing everything when I got to see the price they had filled in on the form. Long story short, they refused to honor the written quote that I have for my vehicle which is to expire in 2 days. They want me to pay $1k more, and are trying to tell me it is a good deal. I want them to honor the deal I made with them.
    They did not offer to order the correct car. They vaguely referred to the fact that this car has a higher MSRP than the one they quoted me. I have no idea what the MSRP is as the sticker was removed before I got there. $145 for an Ipod interface raises the value of the car by $1000. I don't think so!!! I walked out. They flat out lied to me. At no time did they indicate that they wanted me to pay a higher price until I saw it on the paperwork. What is with that!!! Hoping I would miss it, and just sign???

    On top of that, the car that they quoted me originally is less than 20 miles down the road. The dealership manager told me on Saturday, that the other dealer would not trade for it. It is still sitting there! Bait & Switch.

    All I can say is: DO NOT SHOP VALLEY Nissan/SUBARU IN LONGMONT, CO.

    Tomorrow I am calling our local TV troubleshooter to have them investigate. Avoid Valley Nissan/Subaru in Longmont Colorado like the plague. Bait and Switch and they just expect people/me to accept it. They tried to "show" me how they were taking a hit at that price. I really don't care. I was given a price without being shown the "real dealer prices" and I accepted it. I want the car they quoted me at the price they quoted me. Or another of equal or better value. They made no suggestion that they had made a mistake, so I wonder if this is how they do business on a regular basis. They didn't even tell me that this was a differently priced vehicle until I saw the price I was paying. What is with that!!!

    I might stay away from Subaru's because of this. I have to start looking for another car all over again. I hope you all have better luck than I did. :cry:
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    BTW, I have done some homework. The originally quoted vehicle had an MSRP of $23,985. The "new" MSRP that they say is sooooo different is $24,041...so why do they want $1000 more for the "second" vehicle. Me thinks I smell a rat. And that rat is Valley Subaru in Longmont Colorado.

    The second update is that there are at least 2 vehicles matching the original specs within 30 miles of this dealership. Why did they have to transfer one from Silverthorn, over a hundred miles away? Why did not the sales manager, when he spoke to me Saturday not tell me that this vehicle was not identical to the one that I got the quote for??? This is the dealership sales manager. Not some newbie.

    Liars ALL!!!
  • nysubbuyernysubbuyer Member Posts: 3
    I am very interested in purchasing a 2.5 Limited 2.5x. Edmunds shows an invoice price of 24,330 + 665 for destination= 24,995 invoice. The dealers are saying that there invoice price is about $25,439.00 + gas . So they say they will sell at invoice, the quote is higher. What is the correct invoice price for this vehicle?

    What are the best quotes people are seeing on this vehicle?
  • tinycadontinycadon Member Posts: 287
    If you're in New England they have different mandatory marketing/ad fees so that could be the difference? Perhaps extra dealer add ons are bringing the price up?

    You can get it for invoice or better, I've seen them being advertised for $400 below invoice. Go to Fitzmall.com and do a search for a new Subaru with your package, that'll give you a good idea of what a good price is. You could even print it out and show the dealer: hey, this is the same car being advertised on the internet for THIS price. Worth a shot, good luck.
  • traderjtraderj Member Posts: 39
    Just read online that Subaru is reworking the engines for 2009. The regular 2.5 will have 200hp and the turbo possibly up to 300hp. I believe they are supposed to have direcct injection, with no effect on mileage, and will be mated to a 5 speed auto transmission. These will first appear in other models. Probably won't make it into the Forester until 2010 model. Tried to confirm this with a local dealer. The manager told me he is sure of the 5- spd.auto, but doesn't have any info on the engine upgrades.
  • arnabcarnabc Member Posts: 27
    purchased from walser subaru in burnsville, mn. they're a fixed-price dealership. no haggling, no scamming.

    dark grey metallic 2.5x with premium package, plus auto-dimming mirror w. compass, and all weather mats: $23,412 all-in. we're having the ipod interface and dog-proof cargo liner installed. we also got a 4.5% apr from subaru.

    our first ever subaru. let's hope we stay in love with it.
  • phdhuskyphdhusky Member Posts: 116
    One thing is I'm sure it's a law that the dealer gives the customer the window sticker, at least it is in CT. Another is why not just drive the 30 miles to the other dealer and have them price match, most do. How much did they want you to pay for the car with MSRP of 24, 041?

    I think you should look at other subaru dealerships before cutting them out.
  • phdhuskyphdhusky Member Posts: 116
    What was your MSRP? Mine was 25,650 and I paid 23,200 with destination not including TTL.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You were right to walk away.

    I think the dealer underestimated the popularity of that model.

    Still, I would have walked just like you did.
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    Hi, Phdhusky,

    The other dealer wasn't been able to give me the price I was offered at the first dealer. Neither was my local dealer, although, I spoke to them both earlier in the month. This time of the month, they may have more incentive. Today is the last day for the "best deals" so I am told. So I may just call around and see if anyone wants to meet that price today.

    "How much did they want you to pay for the car with MSRP of 24, 041?"

    $21,800 which is $1000 more than the "no haggle, no additional fees" that they quoted me for the $23,985 vehicle. They also promised me $100 less if I financed through the Subaru 4.5% price. So, it is really $1100 off their quoted price.

    Most if not all of the other dealers had quoted better prices than the $21,800 price.

    I have called the owner of the original dealer and he was interested in learning what was going on at his dealership.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Looks like no new incentives for June.

    Oh well, 2009 prices are close to 2008 prices as is. Any rebates and they may end up cheaper, and then the last few 2008s would never sell.
  • phdhuskyphdhusky Member Posts: 116
    Wow if they really quoted you 20,800 on a car that was 24,000 that would have been a steal in my opinion. Still 21,800 still is a good price if it includes the destination. I presume you are looking at the manual premium? In my personal experience getting prices for the new 09 I found the best dealers could so was ~2000 under MSRP depending on the options. Do you know what the dealer doc/conveinance fee is around your area?
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    Aterixeira:

    how do you know if subaru will have June incentives yet?

    The subaru guy I spoke to today said today (June 2) was the effective "last day of the month". And the 4.5% rate is good through today as well. So I assumed the new deals won't be out yet. Where were you looking?

    thx
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    "I presume you are looking at the manual premium?" Yes, I want the manual transmission. I've never owned an automatic!

    "Do you know what the dealer doc/convienance fee is around your area?"
    I think it is about $50. I have never actually queried about it, but heard someone mention that number one time. I always ask for the total cost of the vehicle plus taxes only. I don't allow them to add on any dealer handling fees either, or, if they do, it is wrapped into the price that they are quoting me. It is the only way I can effectively compare prices from different dealers.

    So the 20,800 was a plus tax only price.

    There are 13 Subaru dealers in my area, so it is pretty competetive here on the prices. :) We also have the dealer who sells more Subaru's than any other dealer in the country here. So, I guess the volume of Subaru's in this area helps with the prices.
  • phdhuskyphdhusky Member Posts: 116
    50 is very low for a dealer doc, they are 300 in CT and even higher in other states. All the luck to you in finding a car.
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    Thanks, PHD!

    I did ask the dealer I spoke with today, and they said everything was wrapped into the cost for them except $17.20 for the filing fee.

    Then I have to pay $7.20 title fee for my county. And of course taxes and registration.
    6.7% taxes in my town and approximately $500+ for registration.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Here on Edmunds.

    Let me check again today, since it's the first day past that deadline...

    Mysterious...they do not list Subaru yet. I gotta find out.
  • mwasnidgemwasnidge Member Posts: 28
    I've also been waiting to see what the June incentives are...can't find it anywhere.

    I have a dumb question-with the VIP program, do you get the accesories at 2% below invoice also? And does it make a difference to the final price depending on how they calculate it? Just want to be sure what to look out for when doing the final deal...i'm ridiculously wary of car salesman...they have to be the most unscrupulous people out there!
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    They haven't updated the Subaru website yet, either.

    so, probably Edmonds is waiting on Subaru...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Yes, 2% below on the total invoice, including options and accessories.

    We ordered a bunch - 2 nets, cargo cover, cargo liner, bumper protector, mud guards, and a few others IIRC.

    It arrived at the port yesterday, so hopefully they are putting on those accessories as we speak. Can't wait!
  • packrfanpackrfan Member Posts: 50
    I've started looking at X Premium with 5MT in chicago suburbs and have had quotes below invoice earlier than expected. Any recent comparable purchases? I'm debating the options/accessories and was told dealer could install satellite radio - wouldn't it have to have harness already installed at factory so dealer only has to add receiver hardware? Have also been told I'll have to wait to get AWP on this type vehicle - sounded odd but maybe new model priorities were for southern latitudes. Will post details of offers as I make progress.
  • mwasnidgemwasnidge Member Posts: 28
    Very exciting getting a new car! I'm pricing up the following:

    All weather package
    Side body molding
    Wheel arch molding
    Mud guards
    Rear bumper guard
    Aero crossbars
    Moonroof air deflector
    Fog light kit
    Puddle Lights kit
    Cargo tray
    Luggage compartment cover
    Side cargo nets
    All weather mats
    Auto dimming mirror

    With discount, hoping to get this at right around 24k plus tax, title, etc...
  • mwasnidgemwasnidge Member Posts: 28
    packrfan,

    I believe they come pre-wired for satellite radio, so yes, dealer would only have to install receiver hardware. Received quotes including AWP and they didn't tell me I had to wait...the package was scheduled to be available in June, but arrived early so i've read. This is in WI, by the way...

    Mark
  • packrfanpackrfan Member Posts: 50
    where are you shopping? looking for auto or MT? i'd be interested in your quotes as i'm looking for premium with MT and similar options. will share quotes when i start getting them - likely this weekend, and would like to track how you're progressing.
  • mwasnidgemwasnidge Member Posts: 28
    Yeah, sorry, that is for an auto, premium also. Had quotes from dealers in Appleton, Green Bay and Oshkosh. I qualify for the VIP program which is 2% under invoice, so depending on options is roughly $400-$500 under invoice. Had a quote for $23,787 for all that I listed in the previous post except side nets and moonroof air deflector and all other dealers matched it. Still want to try and get another couple hundred off though. I would think you should be looking at getting the same kind of deal less 1k for MT. Will keep you posted...

    Mark
  • packrfanpackrfan Member Posts: 50
    thnx for info. glad to see Subies reign in Packerland! That's the kind of below invoice pricing i've had offered without pushing! likewise, will give updates
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    Joe Spitz has Subaru's new June incentives up on his site:
    http://www.cars101.com/subaru/rebates.html

    No '09 Forester rebates, but I believe the rates have dropped.
  • pgb0517pgb0517 Member Posts: 84
    Rates look the same. I got 4.5% in April. They didn't change in May either. ... Why would Subaru undercut sales of the remaining '08s by providing rebates for a new model that is selling well? Is there any precedent for that?
  • rebatechamprebatechamp Member Posts: 8
    This is the first time that I am shopping for a Subaru. In past years, when is the earliest that Subaru offers a rebate and/or subsidized lease for an early model release like the 2009 Forester or for that matter for any new model year vehicle?
    I know that past history is no guarantee of the future, but the trend can be your friend. I hate to miss a good deal by a month even if its only a $500 rebate which could translate to $20 less in the monthly payment for a 24 month lease.
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    The interest rates are the same if you are a good credit risk - credit score of 700 or above. However, if your credit rating is 699 or less, the rates go up exponentially as your credit rating goes down.

    Luckily, I'm over 700 so no difference for me. :D
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    Update on Bait & Switch:

    Ok, so I spoke to the owner of the Valley Subaru dealership in Longmont, CO this week. Your gonna laugh at his explanation that he his standing by with regard to the written quote that he wouldn't honor. (They had wanted me to pay $1000 more than quoted when I showed up.)

    The explanation: A $1000 down payment is added to the quoted price to get to the "total price" that they wanted me to pay for the vehicle.

    What a joke!

    Again, please avoid Valley Subaru in Longmont, CO unless you want a similar experience. Honoring the commitment would have been much cheaper than losing customers... :P
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    One of the "experts" let me know they have a page on the website for dealer reviews... http://www.edmunds.com/dealerships/drr/jump.html.

    So, please post the reviews of the dealers you have used. That way we can find the great dealers near us!
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    Forester sales are too hot for rebates. April was way, way up (was it 48%?), the May numbers just announced say Forester sales were up 66% and Subaru set an all-time sales record for the month, nearly miraculous in this tough sales climate. No reason for them to offer a rebate on Forester until something changes. My 2 cents. :)

    The only declining model right now is Outback, just entering the final year of the current design. Legacy is in the final year also, but its sales are up. The '09s should be released very soon, which may give those models an additional small sales bump. Those are the places most likely to see continued large rebates, and I suppose it's possible Impreza could receive a small ($250 more?) rebate increase if Subaru feels they need it to maintain momentum.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Unbelievable.

    April was up 49%, and the 66% increase for May is correct.

    No rebates for me, no way no how. :cry:

    OTOH, the 2009 prices are only about $400 more than a similar 2008 LL Bean, so it's easily worth that much extra.

    They are doing final inspections and PDI on our 2009 Forester, so we should have it delivered here in MD early next week! :shades:
  • mwasnidgemwasnidge Member Posts: 28
    ateixeira, which VIP program do you qualify for? I was told today by the dealer after he'd been quoting me at 2% below invoice that there are three programs: VIP Executive, VIP Partners and VIP Program. Called Subaru and they told me that I qualify for the regular VIP (invoice), so i'm a bit disappointed, but refuse to let the dealers use that as a bargaining tool...I still want $400-$500 below invoice!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    VIP Program, I think.

    Dealer said 2% below and I'm not going to question him!

    Of course Fitzmall.com is at $300-600 under invoice even for non-VIP customers. I'll print those prices and ask for the lower of the two! ;)

    :D
  • arnabcarnabc Member Posts: 27
    $23,495 msrp for the automatic w. premium package + $183 for the auto-dimming mirror/compass+$69 for the all weather mats +$665 destination.

    added up to $24,412. $1000 discount to $23,412.
  • imm1962imm1962 Member Posts: 11
    Just got this offer online:09 Forester Limited with Popular Equipment Grp 4-A, [#F9I: auto dimming mirror, compass, Puddle Lights ] and [ Luggage compartment cover, #O9A], MSRP $27238, Invoice $25371, Internet price of $25271 incl. destination. Any opinions on that price?
  • forester09forester09 Member Posts: 4
    this price is pretty fair!
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    I just put $$ down on my new Subaru! Ahhh! Yeah!!!

    Car is on the lot.

    The dealer is a ways away, so will be driving down next week to check out my Forester.

    Got the Premium with MT and the following components:

    auto-dim mirror compass w/Homelink (Homelink says it will work with my old garage door opener!)
    cargo liner
    cargo cover
    splash guards
    rear bumper cover
    tweeter

    Will probably add the all weather mats, 3M clear bra, and possibly the side nets (thanks for comments from this group!) Just awaiting the dealer prices on these minor add ons.

    I'll note price next week after all the paperwork is signed. (Don't want to jinx it after the last go.) Wish me luck!
  • packrfanpackrfan Member Posts: 50
    Great - sounds like you'll need to be patient! What color? I'll be very interested in your otd price (less local taxes) as it's similar to configuration I'm thinking about. Fingers crossed for you
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    It is Sage Green Metallic. My first color choice. WooHoo!
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