2013 and earlier-Subaru Forester Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    My general rule of thumb is that you always have wiggle room. Don't listen to the "sad" stories. Whether they are true or not does not matter, as you want the car for the price you want it in order to be happy.

    You know what you want to lease the car for. Figure out what you want for residual. Then go in and negotiate with the dealer. If you can, negotiate with whoever has the power to make the decision. And be willing to walk away if you don't get the deal you want.

    Remember, there are lots of other dealers out there, and probably at least one of them will want your business at your price (as long as it is reasonable).

    Good luck.
  • tomme12tomme12 Member Posts: 11
    Thanks for your valuable input! So call me crazy with this next statement.... I could sign a 3 year lease, keep it low, with close to nothing down, but keep a higher residual. Why? My theory is that cars that get 20/25 mpg or high in today's market, will be obsolete in 3 years because of technology. The 40mpg car is probably around the corner. I would *not* want the option purchase the car at the end of th lease because:
    - technology has changed from 2009 to 2012
    - our own reasons such as family has grown, or jobs changed or even relocation.

    For bartering purposes at the table, I *could* throw out on the table a higher residual and that would in fact lower my monthly payments?

    Thanks much!!
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,627
    A higher residual would be worse for the bank.. That would mean you are paying off less of the car during the lease term.. I'm not sure how that would benefit them in a negoatiation?

    Residuals are generally non-negotiable.. The banks sets them for the model, term and mileage allowance.

    regards,
    kyfdx

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  • tomme12tomme12 Member Posts: 11
    ahhhhh... I gotcha.... ok I understand a little better now.

    Thanks!
  • djmacedonasdjmacedonas Member Posts: 12
    Not so fast there Tomme12,

    Your argument in favor of a lease doesn't hold water...

    #1 It is very unlikely that new technology will give you a 40mpg SUV equivalent to the Forester in only 3 years

    #2 If that unlikely possibility is realized, it will be gradual, not overnight. Buying will always give you the option to "get out" early by trading in should you notice that trend. Leasing will keep you in that "fuel inefficient" vehicle for the duration of the lease terms.

    #3 Speaking of "fuel inefficient" my limited AT forester is averaging 24.5 mpg around town, My trip to Atlantic City gave me 28-29 mpg yesterday. This in a vehicle that has only 1000 miles (which I put on in two weeks). A lease term would have limited me to 12000 miles...at the rate I'm going, I'll need twice as many miles than a typical lease offers. Something to consider.

    I'm not really keen on leases. People who have much more financial savvy than either you or I have design them, and they have already taken into account technological advances and market trends. They aren't designing the leases so they are stuck with an undesirable vehicle in three years. Lease if you want, it certainly has some advantages (like keeping more of your money in the bank...initially) but do read this before you do:

    http://biz.yahoo.com/pfg/e16buylease/

    Best,

    djm
  • mwasnidgemwasnidge Member Posts: 28
    Whoo hoo! So I took the plunge and placed my order today. Here's what I got:

    Spark Silver Metallic (really wanted Satin White Pearl, but hated the light gray interior), Automatic, Premium Package with the following-

    All Weather Package
    Aero Crossbars
    Body Side Molding
    Wheel Arch Molding
    Splash Guards
    Rear Bumper Cover
    Fog Lights
    Puddle Lights
    Auto dimming Mirror w/ Compass
    Cargo Tray
    Luggage Compartment Cover
    Dual Tailpipe Cover
    Tweeter Kit
    Ipod/phone Console Tray
    All Weather Mats

    My price: $24,556 + $120 service fee, tax, title and license.

    It's due in mid August. Exciting!!
  • mojo6666mojo6666 Member Posts: 6
    A local dealer has a left over 08 Forester XT that lists at $29171 and is offering me a "deal". Is a 24 month lease, 15000mi/yr, for $420 a month with only the first months lease payment down a good deal? What is the residual and buy factor for a 2009 Premium that lists for around $25000. What would an 09 lease for, 15000/yr, 24mo, 0 down, at around the $25000 price?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Sweet, congrats.

    Get a VON (vehicle order number) from your dealer first, then you can check the status by calling SoA on 800-SUBARU3.

    They were great while I was waiting.
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    Tomme12,

    I agree with djm on several points.

    I have never leased a car as the financials just don't work out.

    The 40pmg car is here now if you get one of the smaller vehicles.

    I have a friend in the energy world who is on top car efficiencies. Before I bought my Forester, I talked to him. He said it will be at least, and he emphasized "at least" 5 years before the hybrids are of a design I really want to buy. And what with the time it takes the car companies to change their designs and get up to speed, that makes sense. Look at GM.

    OTOH, I have heard that Honda has a vehicle coming out with a solar panel on the roof. That would be the type of hybrid that would work well for me! My personal opinion is that things could speed up/slow down with car designs based on what people are buying/the economy/and a host of other factors. However, it takes a while to get from the drawing board to the consumer, regardless of how much money is thrown at the problem.

    My new Manual Transmission Forester seems to be averaging about 30mpg and it is still under 1000 miles. Per the consumer reports article, the MT gets 2mpg better than the AT overall. Perhaps the car companies will switch back to the MT being the standard configuration to get a couple of extra miles per gallon. There were several vehicles that I didn't seriously consider before buying because I couldn't get them in MT. 2mpg is not a small amount at $4+/gal.

    If you are looking for a 40mpg Subaru in the future...you will probably have to look somewhere else. Per this site, the dealer and elsewhere, I'm told Subaru will be relying on diesel. IMO, diesel is not the answer and they will have to start changing their direction soon to stay in the running. If anyone has other info regarding what Subaru is doing, I'd be interested in hearing it.

    If you really want a "fuel efficient" car now, there are kits out there where you can retrofit an older vehicle to entirely electric. Or buy one of the vehicles that someone else has already converted. With the new batteries, they are lasting 3-400 miles per charge. Plenty for any commute type of vehicle, and then some!
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    Sounds great!

    What didn't you get?!? ;) :shades:
  • kaiserchieffankaiserchieffan Member Posts: 13
    Hi all

    Just wanted to let you know that after many months of research and test drives I finally decided on a Forester. Opted for a Newport Blue Premium with AT and the follow accessories -

    All-Weather Package (I'm in Wisconsin)
    Body Side Moldings
    Cargo Tray
    EC Mirror w/Compass
    Fog Lamps
    Luggage Compartment Cover
    Puddle Lamps
    Rear Bumper Cover
    Remote Engine Starter
    Sirius Radio
    Splash Guards
    Sports Grille
    Tail Pipe Cover
    Wheel Arch Moldings

    I got everything I wanted at almost $800 under invoice ($3200 under MSRP) thanks to an internet quote. Final price - $25,281 +$98 service fee = $25,379 +TTL.

    I had a great experience at Don Jacobs Milwaukee and highly recommend them as I didn't experience the typical high pressure nonsense often associated with the new car buying experience. I simply brought in my internet quote and ask them to match it (though in hindsight I probably should have asked if they can do any better). Regardless, it was a pleasant experience and now I get free oil changes for as long as I own my Forester.

    My estimated delivery date is September, but I'm hoping for a little sooner - I hate waiting. ;)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Congrats, our Limited is the same color! Beautiful...

    You must have checked off every accessory in the book! Nice! :shades:
  • mwasnidgemwasnidge Member Posts: 28
    kaiserchieffan,

    I'd be very, very happy with the price you got. I think anything at invoice or below is a very good deal.

    I'm in WI also and i'm glad I got the All Weather Package. I ordered similar accessories as well.

    Kaiser Chiefs are from just next door to my hometown of Sheffield!
  • mwasnidgemwasnidge Member Posts: 28
    sgloon,

    I know. I was originally going to get it bare with just the all weather package and add stuff over time, but I got carried away and couldn't stop adding accessories! I was actually thinking of calling the dealer and seeing if I could add the sports grille! Got to take advantage of my invoice pricing!

    On another note, i'm probably going to get XM satellite radio when it arrives...anyone had dealings with that? It comes pre-wired, right?
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    A lot of the items you are getting are best covered under the warranty, anyway. So why not!?! ;)

    The only thing I know about XM radio dissuaded me from getting it. My cousin got it on her Nissan in December. She got it because she didn't want the ads. Turns out, they are now running ads, and probably will add more as time goes on. Appears to be the bait that the cable TV people used to get everyone to sign on originally. Look how many ads cable TV has now...
  • kaiserchieffankaiserchieffan Member Posts: 13
    mwasnidge

    Trust me when I say that I'm extremely happy with the price I got. I requested internet quotes from Mequon to Chicago and brought my dealer of choice the lowest one and they had no problem honoring it.

    I first heard the Kaiser Chiefs while on a trip to London in '04 and was instantly hooked on my favorite Leodensians. Been in the States long?
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    Ya know, besides the stuff to keep the car looking clean/new, the thing I like that best that I got was the Homelink mirror. Hitting the garage door opener from it is so nice. And it works with my 20 year old garage door opener! :D Not something I would normally pay for, but I like it a lot now that I have it! I hope you will enjoy yours as well!

    BTW, Does anyone who has been on dirt roads have a problem keeping the area between the rear bumper cover and vertical by the hatch area clean? There is a 1/2 inch gap there that just seems to fill up.

    I know, I know, but it is a new car! I want to keep it clean!
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    For those who have not purchased their Forester yet. I saw this ad for a red pearl 2009 SUBARU FORESTER base model
    MODEL 9FA, MSRP $20,660, STOCK # 29012

    Price: $18,588

    They say they deliver all over the country and into Canada. Heuberger, located in Colorado Springs is advertising it here:

    http://www.heuberger.subaru.com/AdWizardAd/7190724
    Hope this is legal...I have no connection with Heuberger. Although, I bought my new forester there.
  • paloma2paloma2 Member Posts: 1
    The dealer you mentioned actually has a lot of foresters at amazingly low prices. Anybody has experiences with them?

    http://www.heubergermotors.com/new-inventory/index.htm?reset=InventoryListing
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    I need to find out if I am suppose to get the Valet key with my Premium model 09 Forester.

    It along with 2nd remote and master key were not delivered. I am fighting with the dealer to get them. The manual says we are suppose to get the valet key. The dealer is now saying they only come with the Limited models??? Thus they won't pay for the valet key.

    Are they lying to me?

    It has been 3-1/2 weeks and they still haven't given me anything.
  • buckhuntrbuckhuntr Member Posts: 11
    The dealer is lying. I bought a Forester X Premium 4 days ago :) and I got both sets of keys and fobs, plus the valet key. I think your dealer may have lost them, and just don't want to admit it.
  • phdhuskyphdhusky Member Posts: 116
    Yes the above post is correct. You are supposed to get two set of keys and fobs and a valet key. If they don't fix it take it up with Subaru of America.
  • pharmd718pharmd718 Member Posts: 78
    did you get your $1000 back?
  • forester_flforester_fl Member Posts: 6
    How is the price? Any comments. thanks!

    Forester 2009 Premium w/all weather package

    Auto Transmission

    Areo Cross Bars

    Wheel Arch Molding

    Spash Guards

    Rear Bumper Cover

    Cargo Tray

    Fog Lamp Kit

    All Weather Mats

    And Auto Dimming Mirror w/Compass.

    Price before TTD is 24000, is that a good price
  • irollitirollit Member Posts: 20
    We are still waiting since the first week in June for a Newport Blue Pearl 2009 Forester Limited PZEV. We still have no idea where it might be, even though I have talked to SOA a few times.

    With this long wait, I have read of great deals people are getting. I am thinking we could have done better. If so, does anyone have a suggestion on how to improve this price once we made the deal?

    $24,541 plus $665 freight and $500 "profit". Total $25,706. It looks like I have to pay taxes on freight and their profit. Is that right?

    With accessories the total is $26,498.There will be an additional $55 processing fee plus taxes and license.

    auto dimming mirror with homelink and compass
    puddle lights
    splash guards
    body side moldings
    wheel locks
    luggage compartment cover
    moon roof deflector
    rear bumper cover

    I am hoping the moon roof deflector really helps with noise when the moon roof is opened. It will also distinguish my vehicle from others as I've never seen one of these on any SUV yet. Time will prove if it will affect mileage at all.

    Gold Rush Subaru is a no haggle small dealership in Auburn, California. I could not get them to budge from their prices. There was no offer of any perks either, such as an additional extended warranty. I have only seen a Sage Green one on the road in Auburn (a town in the Sierra foothills) where 2008 and older Foresters are very numerous so I wonder how many they are actually selling.
  • pgb0517pgb0517 Member Posts: 84
    You need to do some research. First get the true dealer cost and the invoice (those are not the same) for the car as it was delivered. Then get the dealer invoice for the accessories and destination charge. Add those up. That gives you a decent baseline with which to compare your deal. Consumerreports.org is a good place to start -- the service is inexpensive. You can also get these costs from other Internet sources.

    Compare what the dealer actually paid to what they want from you. The $500 "profit" figure sounds suspicious, but how many Subaru dealers are in your market? Some people think that a few hundred under total dealer invoice is the only way to go; some people are not in a place where that kind of deal is possible and will be happy with invoice or a bit over. Consumer Reports and other gurus recommend that you pay 2 percent to 4 percent over true dealer cost.

    What is a good price is dependent upon your market -- how many dealers in your area, what the dealer needs, etc. There are lots of good posts in this forum that go into all that.
  • bigdog1157bigdog1157 Member Posts: 2
    I am in the process of negotiating a lease for a 2009 Subaru Forester Premium Pkg with All Weather and Auto Trans. MSRP 25610.00. Neg Price 24610. Money Factor 0.00225, Acq Fee $895, Tax (6.75%) $1661, Residual Value (61%) $15622.
    12k/yr 36 month lease. Quote $1000 down $357 mo. My question is there an area I may be missing to save a little extra money.Thanks :confuse:
  • rebatechamprebatechamp Member Posts: 8
    Acq. fee is quite high, but probably not negotiable. Maybe it includes the documentation fee and registration? What options are included for $25610 and what is the invoice price?
  • rebatechamprebatechamp Member Posts: 8
    Can you wait 6 months to buy (or lease)? There are groups you can join to get 2% under invoice if you are a member for 6 months.
  • irollitirollit Member Posts: 20
    Thank you for your detailed answer. I did get a price report from Consumer Report. I started with their bottom line price. It was pointed out to me by the salesman that I needed to add $200 to that price for PZEV. The dealer's base price was $126 more than Consumer's Report's bottom line price. That seemed reasonable.

    Later I went back to read the report again after concluding the deal on the car and realized that Consumer Report included the freight charge in the bottom line price.

    I just checked with Costco's auto save program for pricing. The dealer they use is out of our area so it wasn't convenient for us. Costco's starting price is the same as I was quoted with the $665 freight added to it also.

    I did the best I could do. This is the first time I have purchased a new car. I came to the conclusion that the saleman has been doing this a long time and the dealership will always come out on top.

    I just wish they would have sweetened the deal with an extended warranty or other perks.
  • bigdog1157bigdog1157 Member Posts: 2
    The acq. fee includes documentation fee and registration. The forester has the premium pkg, all weather pkg, compass with home link, rear bumper cover, carpeted floor mats, splash guards, but I can't remember all of the small add ons. I am slightly limited by location. We have another subaru dealer about fifty miles away so they kinda have the market cornered. My lease is up in about 2 months so I can't wait for the membership discount. I think my deal is okay I probably try to get a remote car starter thrown in and call it a day. Thanks for all the help!
  • ms_kishms_kish Member Posts: 3
    Does anyone know if the 09 Forester 2.5X Limited truly comes standard with the All Weather Package (heated seats, heated windshield wipers). I am asking because the Subaru site shows it as standard, but I have contacted 4 dealers and they all say it's optional and additional. I'm wondering if there are versions of the Limited with it standard and versions without it. They are also all giving me MSRPs in the $27,000s when the Subaru site quotes MSRP as $25,995. Any insight would be appreciated.
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    Sounds like Premium and Limited (formerly LL Bean) trim levels could be getting mixed up. All-Weather Pkg is standard on Limited. It was originally not available on Premium, then was supposed to be an option starting in May, but from what I've seen, nearly every new Premium is coming from the factory with the All-Weather Pkg, which bumps Premium's MSRP up by $400 to $24,560.
    The Limited's $25,995 MSRP on subaru.com doesn't include the destination charge (freight), which is $665. Add that on as well as a couple of small options and you're in the $27,000s.

    If I might also add, you should be shooting for a target price somewhere around invoice ($25,000 w/out any optional equipment) for a Limited... don't negotiate down from MSRP. Forester's in high demand, but MSRP's too much to pay.
  • scotte22scotte22 Member Posts: 5
    I'm about to pull the trigger on having my local dealership order me an '09 Premium in dark gray metallic with:

    * Auto
    * All-weather Pkg
    * All-weather floor mats
    * Fog lamps
    * Tweeter Kit
    * iPod Interface Kit
    * iPod/Phone console tray

    Pricing it out on Subaru.com, I'm at $25,204 with destination. Local dealer will order it for $23, 076 "FINAL PRICE" (that doesn't include tax or anything). They claim that this is $500 under invoice. Plus I'd be eligible for any incentives that are in place on delivery.

    Thoughts? Opinions? Based on what I'm seeing here, this is a pretty good deal for a vehicle that is not actually sitting on the lot.
  • kaiserchieffankaiserchieffan Member Posts: 13
    Seems like a good deal to me. I just priced out your options on edmunds.com and came up with $23,615 for invoice price, so your price is indeed $539 under invoice. I say pull that trigger.
  • scotte22scotte22 Member Posts: 5
    Thanks! I actually had one more quote come in from Heuberger in CO Springs. They offered $22,400 on the same vehicle and they'd deliver it to me in Loveland (2 hours away).

    Always liking to keep my business local, I called my local dealer and offered them the opportunity to match the price and earn my business. They agreed to $22,400 PLUS threw in free labor on oil changes for life. I'm going in tomorrow to finalize the order and make my deposit!

    I'm thrilled I held out for that last quote as it saved me $600! This whole Internet shopping thing is awesome!
  • capitanocapitano Member Posts: 509
    Hey gang,

    I'm in the market for a 09 XT Limited. I've read a good number of posts here with invoice and near invoice pricing. However, when I look at Edmunds TMV the price I configure is much closer to MSRP than invoice. What's the catch? Has demand picked up and the invoice deals harder to get? Or is that a function of the higher trim I have chosen?
  • packrfanpackrfan Member Posts: 50
    I just put in an order for an X Premium at $500 below invoice, and will post numbers as soon as the deal is closed, but it appears that demand for the Forester is strong. I was told SOA pulled a $200 per-unit Forester-specific dealer incentive very recently and they've increased financing from 4.5 to 4.9%.

    I've not shopped the XT Limited but would push to get below invoice depending on competition where you're located.
  • sinistermindsinistermind Member Posts: 12
    sells the '09 Forester for 500 under invoice. I've gotten an online quote from them for different trim levels and they all were 500 under invoice. That seems to be the best price around.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    While Edmunds' TMV is usually pretty accurate, it's not perfect. For example, Edmunds' TMV for a Forester in Virginia is $1k more than what a local Fitzmall dealer will sell one for. Of course what your local dealer is willing to sell one for is dependent on a number of factors. If they want to stick to close to MSRP, then you have to decide whether it's worth it to drive a potentially long distance to save a significant amount.

    -Frank
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    Scotte:

    I'm in your neighborhood. Did you shop Dellenbach or Loveland Subaru?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I can't believe the prices have come down so much given how high demand is for this vehicle. I think people here are doing great, FWIW.

    By the way, I just got back from Brazil and priced a Forester there - a 2.0l Turbo model sells for the equivalent of USD $64,000!

    A 2.5l turbo, equipped like our XT Limited, costs a whopping $77,000!

    So, when you ask anyone from Brazil if paying under $30k for a Forester is a good deal, don't be surprised if you see their jaws drop.
  • djmacedonasdjmacedonas Member Posts: 12
    Same thing in Greece, an XT limited MSRPs at ~47000 Euros (2.5L). That's in the $70,000 range. They don't sell 2.5L normally aspirated, they are 2.0 L and go for about 37K Euros.

    Behold:

    http://www.subaru.gr/default.asp?pid=262&la=1
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    We should count our blessings.

    My wife actually missed her Forester. Most of the cars in Brazil are tiny little 1 liters.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,627
    I thought Brazilian supermodels all drove Ferraris? ;)

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  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Funny thing is Gisele is now doing commercials for VW's popular car, the Gol (no F, just Gol).

    Guess who's with her?

    Sylvester Stallone.

    I don't get it either.
  • packrfanpackrfan Member Posts: 50
    Just picked up a new X Premium, AWP with cargo cover, tray, mudguards, bumper cover and aero bars for $22113. :D Silver Steel. Very excited of course but did have the twinge of depreciation pain pulling out of the dealership - expensive first mile! Great dealership experience @ Autobarn of Countryside in Chicago-area - can recommend them!

    Big upgrade on 02 Forester S - love the window frames, quieter engine, smoother ride. Noticably larger in the garage than the 02 and that's not necessarily good but as soon as someone (me!) is in the back seat, bet i'll see this benefit. Some misses, though, e.g. headlight timer, lumbar support, real spare but bottom line is very good so far!

    Now figuring out what are best ways to get after-market add-ons, like tinting for (absolutely huge) moonroof, all weather floor mats, shift knobs, etc. Any recommendations / ideas welcome, especially recommendations for tinting in west sub of chicago!
  • pharmd718pharmd718 Member Posts: 78
    Does it include the $600 destination fee? :confuse:
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,627
    You have to choose your options, then continue to the last page... The destination charge is added there....

    Not the best format, but that isn't my department... :)

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  • scotte22scotte22 Member Posts: 5
    Sorry for the delay in the response. I shopped both Dellenbach and Loveland, but only Dellenbach was willing to match the price from Heuberger. Loveland said, "Thanks but no thanks. We'd be happy to service your vehicle, though!"
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