2013 and earlier-Subaru Forester Prices Paid and Buying Experience

1424345474871

Comments

  • victor_pvvictor_pv Member Posts: 13
    I would forget about dealer #3, they didn't want to provide a quote because they knew it wouldn't be so good, so they just wanted you to close the deal with them.
    It is crazy to ask you place a factory order and give a deposit without even providing a quote...
    About the difference between the dealers that have the car in stock, and those that have to place the factory order, maybe there are more differences than just that. Perhaps some of them have some incentives from the factory, or need to sell a number of cars this month, or something else.
    Apart of dealer #3, that seems quite tricky, I think you should decide if you want the car now, or want to wait 60 days or more for it.
    I was waiting 3 months for my factory order to arrive, and at the end the dealer offered me another car from their lot with more extras for the same price, because they didn't know how much longer it would take... so if you place a factory order you should be prepared to wait more than 60 days.
    About interest rates and incentives, nobody knows what will happen in 2 or 3 months, but this car is selling really fast, so Subaru will not offer any incentive in a few months, until they see they need an incentive to sell them. When I ordered my car they were selling well, and the dealer offered me to have any incentive at the time of delivery, but 3 months later nothing changed.
    I think your best bet is to think the rate and incentives will stay more or less the same, so the difference is between taking a car now from the lot, or waiting 60 days to get one ordered for you, not a big difference if you don't mind to wait 2 or 3 months, so the final price that they offered is what makes the difference.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    I thought there would be less negotiating room on a factory order than a car in stock

    No it costs the dealer the least amount to be able to sell a car before it even leaves the factory.

    -Frank
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'd have gone with #4 also. I bet #3 would have had some unpleasant surprises on settlement day.

    Always go with the upfront/honest dealer.
  • gsidgsid Member Posts: 7
    Hi Weverhat,
    I am also interested in a limited, I am in Seattle area.
    Will love to hear the exact configuration of your vehicle and where at u are. $800 below invoice sounds a very good deal, I read thru previous posts and on average folks were getting $300-400 below invoice. Pl post details when you have clinched the deal.
    Good luck. ;)
  • weverhatweverhat Member Posts: 17
    OK, here's another question, which I think I found the answer to by reading another thread, but I'll ask it anyways.

    Is the sales tax based on the dealer's location, or where I live? I read that it is based on where you live. I knew that there were issues if you were buying out of state. But if you are buying in the same state, just in another county, why is the tax based on where you live? Anything else you buy at a store in another county, you pay the sales tax for that county.
  • weverhatweverhat Member Posts: 17
    Last post for tonight probably. I have gotten some funny responses from dealers after I informed them of the lowest quote I had received and asked them if they could beat it. Here are some of them:

    - "Did you want a turbo? I have a feeling the other dealer quoted you on a non-turbo" (don't tell me you're the internet manager and you don't even know that the "T" in "XT" stands for turbo...)

    - "Don't accept that offer yet. I think I can do better, but I have to check the numbers after I am back in the office tomorrow" (I haven't heard back from this one yet...)

    - "I can beat that. Let me know when you decide which dealership you want to work with"

    - "They will hardly make anything at that price. I find it hard to believe they would do that, especially on a factory order"

    Here is one of my favorites, the initial automated response I got from them said that they were a "no hassle dealership" and that they "cut right down to the bottom line price" and that there was "no back and forth from the manager". That sounded promising, I thought. After I emailed them with my lowest quote, I got this response:

    - "That dealer is probably planning on marking up the interest rate to make more profit." (they didn't provide me a quote but promised to beat the low offer... so much for "cutting right down to the bottom line" and "no back and forth").

    Oh, and of course there was the dealer who guaranteed they could beat any other dealer's quote, but when I told them the low quote I had, they said they wouldn't be able to trade for the vehicle. Funny, I told them exactly the vehicle I wanted when I first contacted them, it didn't seem to be a problem then that they didn't have the vehicle I wanted in stock when they guaranteed they could beat any other price.
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    You must pay the sales tax for the city/county/state where you live....ie where you register the car.

    If you haven't paid it when you pay for the car, they will tack it on to the total cost to register it.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Where you live, I believe. Out of state dealers have to adjust for your tax rate.

    X = Crossover
    XS = Crossover Sport
    XT = Crossover Turbo

    That's how I think of the labels.
  • weverhatweverhat Member Posts: 17
    So I ended up going with dealer #1 (see original post) because he lowered his price by $200 and so was now the lowest by $400. Dealer #1 did not have the car in stock. I gave him a deposit and he obtained the car from another dealer (not from dealer #2, but from another dealer).

    Dealer #1 checks my credit (he said they pulled 2 of my scores) and he said my highest score was 645. I was surprised because I had checked my scores from Myfico.com a few months ago, and my three scores were 709/689/670. I asked him if he was going to pull my third score to see what it was and he said no because the two they checked are usually the highest.

    Is there any reason to believe that the dealer is not telling me the truth about my credit scores? I just find it hard to believe that they were that much different than Myfico.com.
  • weverhatweverhat Member Posts: 17
    I went ahead and checked my scores from MYFICO.com again just now, just to make sure they didn't dive in the last two months for some reason. They are actually higher now - 716/689/680. So I don't get how dealer #1 could say my highest was 645?
  • weverhatweverhat Member Posts: 17
    One more thing. When I asked dealer #1 why the scores were so different than MYFICO, he said something about the 'auto scores' being different. I wasn't even aware there were different credit scores just for auto loans which dealerships used.

    So I did a quick search on Google, and I guess these really do exist, and some dealers use them instead. However it says these are based solely on your past auto loans. I have only had one car, which I have had for the past 15 years, and I never missed a payment on it, in fact I paid it off a couple years early.
  • weverhatweverhat Member Posts: 17
    Found more info on the "FICO Auto Industry Option scores":
    http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/23408

    I guess the reason my Auto Industry score could be so much lower than my regular FICO score is because I have a very short history, since I only had one loan which I paid off early. According to dealer #1, Subaru only looks at the Auto Industry score, not your regular FICO score. Why does everything have to be so complicated? Anyways, I think I might see what rates I can get on my own if that is really the case.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,627
    Anyways, I think I might see what rates I can get on my own if that is really the case.

    I would definitely have backup financing in place. You wouldn't want to leave yourself at the mercy of the dealer's finance office.

    regards,
    kyfdx

    Edmunds Price Checker
    Edmunds Lease Calculator
    Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!

    Edmunds Moderator

  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    I would be suspicious of any dealer who claimed your credit score was noticeably lower than what you knew it to be. Certainly an unscrupulous dealer could try and sell the car at below their cost and then make it up by charging you a higher interest rate than you would otherwise qualify for.

    In any case, you should always line up financing ahead of time with your bank or credit union. You can always offer the dealer the opportunity to beat it. Usually manufacturer sponsored financing deals are the best (if you can qualify). Otherwise, a credit union will normally have the best rates.

    -Frank
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The rates are also usually better, unless the manufacturer has incentives in place.
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    Weverhat,

    I agree with some of the other posters that if the score is noticeably lower, something is wrong...perhaps they typed in the SS# wrong??? Couple of things you could do...

    1. Search for financing elsewhere, there are always other options...

    2. Bring in copies of your scores to the dealer and talk to him about it. Ask the dealer to see copies of what he has to verify that it is really you. He should show you this information readily, as it is about you. If he doesn't, perhaps something else may be going on.

    3. Chase bank is the one who finances the Subaru loans if you are going for the 4.9%, perhaps you could talk to your local Chase bank (or their 800#) to see what they do use to check the scores for the Subaru accounts. Chase does give a lower rate through Subaru than through their bank.

    4. Every time someone pings your SS# your credit score can be lowered, so even if you don't get a loan or credit card, but just asked about one, and they ran a credit check, it can lower the score. Get the detailed version from each of the big 3 to see if someone has been pinging your SS#. It will show up on your complete detailed credit score report that you can get free once per year from each of the big three credit agencies. (Heads up: I had one time when a couple of credit card companies that I already had cards with were pinging my account every single month...who knows why)

    5. The dealer/salesperson gets a kickback if they sell you on the Subaru financing, so it is more money in their pocket if you finance through them. So...

    6. Make sure the dealer is using the Subaru financing (probably better now due to the incentive) and not their own dealership financing. These are two different options that you would have typically.

    Good Luck!
  • weverhatweverhat Member Posts: 17
    Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I did some "research" over the last few days and think I've figured everything out. Maybe you guys already knew this, but it was new to me. For those interested, here's what I found out.

    The FICO scores/reports which you can purchase from Myfico.com or from the credit bureaus themselves are what's called your "classic" FICO scores. However, there are also "specialized" versions of your FICO scores used in different industries, one of which is known as the "Auto enhanced" FICO scores used in the automobile industry. These are not available to the consumer at all.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
    http://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=125574

    "Each industry that uses a credit-scoring algorithm to judge creditworthiness likely has a specialized version of the Classic Fico model that pays specific weight to the factors associated with that industry?s extension of credit to individuals.

    So now, we come to Auto Enhanced Versions of FICO.

    Equifax?s partnered with Fair Isaac to formulate a Fico score for the automobile industry called BEACON 5.0 AUTO INDUSTRY OPTION. Experian?s partnered product with Fair Isaac is called EXPERIAN/FICO AUTO MODEL 2. TransUnion?s partnered product with Fair Isaac is called FICO RISK SCORE, CLASSIC AUTO 04. Each of these aforementioned products is a real FICO score model. According to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, particular weight is paid to past automotive credit history in the computation of these scores. It is possible that from the above posted chart that the percentage points are slightly skewed in favor of installment history in the computation of these scores.
    ...
    An Auto Enhanced Fico is not available to the consumer. None of the credit reporting agencies, nor Fair Isaac sells this scoring model to the consumer."
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------

    I was able to obtain a copy of my "Auto enhanced" credit scores/reports from a dealer. In my case it turned out that my "Auto enhanced" FICO scores were indeed considerably lower than my "classic" FICO scores. My classic FICO scores are 716/689/680. My Auto-enhanced FICO scores were 672/645/603.

    Cited on my Auto-enhanced report was "Lack of recent installment loan information." This is because I have not had any auto-loan payments for the last 13 years. I paid off my first car after a few years and have kept it for the past 15 years. While you would think that this would be considered a positive, it was actually a negative on my score since I had a very short automotive-loan history. And since that is given greater weight in the auto-enhanced scores, that's what brought down my scores, I believe.
  • weverhatweverhat Member Posts: 17
    Getting back to my pending Forester purchase, you'll recall that I had chosen to go through with dealer #1. I gave dealer #1 a deposit, and he obtained the car from another dealer. When dealer #1 ran my credit he informed me that he pulled my credit report from 2 bureaus, and that my two scores were 645 and 603. He said that Subaru takes your highest score (in my case 645), which qualified me for Subaru Motor Finance's tier IV, 6.9% for 64-72 months. I asked dealer #1 if he was going to check my third score to see if it was better. He told me no, because the ones he checked were usually the highest.

    At this point I had not yet found out my Auto-enhanced scores, so I was wondering why the scores dealer #1 was telling me were much lower than what I had gotten from Myfico.com. I decided to contact dealer #2 and have them run my credit (dealer #2, you'll recall, was $400 higher than dealer #1, but dealer #2 had the car I wanted in stock). I calculated that if dealer #2 could get me the 4.9% rate, it would more than make up for the $400 difference in price. I tell dealer #2 of the experience I had when dealer #1 checked my FICO scores - that dealer #1 said my highest score was 645, which I thought was too low. Dealer #2 says that some dealers have bad reputations and have been known to try to make money on the spread, by telling buyers that they qualify for a worse rate than they actually do. Dealer #2 asks me who dealer #1 was. I tell dealer #2 the name of dealer #1. Dealer #2 says that dealer #1 is kind of in the middle - not a bad reputation but not a great one either. Now here's an interesting twist - I had previously asked dealer #1 about dealer #2 (since dealer #2 was one of three dealerships who had the car I wanted who dealer #1 could possible be getting the car from). Dealer #1 had told me that he had a pretty good relationship with dealer #2.

    Getting back to dealer #2, dealer #2 says that they'll check my credit to see if what dealer #1 told me was accurate. About 10 minutes pass and dealer #2 calls me back. Dealer #2 says that they ran my credit, and tells me that dealer #1 was not lying to me, my highest score was indeed 645. I thanked dealer #2 for checking, and that was that.

    I still was not satisfied. Why were my scores so low? Was dealer #2 telling me the truth, or were they backing up dealer #1? Was it really due to these mysterious "auto enhanced" FICO scores? Did all dealers use these "auto enhanced" scores, or did some use the "classic" scores?

    I decided to visit the dealerships of several different manufacturers and have then run my credit to see if I could find out the answers to these questions. I know that inquiries into your credit can lower your score. I also remembered reading that several inquiries in a short time span were treated as one, so it wouldn't really have that big an effect on my credit. Plus at this point I really wanted to know so I didn't really care if it cost me a few points on my credit.

    First stop was a Jeep/Chrysler dealer. I feigned interest in a car and then asked them to run my credit. They do and come back and show me my scores - 712/680/675. All within a few points of the scores I obtained from Myfico.com! At this point I am feeling pretty skeptical about the trustworthiness of both the Subaru dealers I had contacted (dealer #1 and dealer #2).

    Next stop was a Nissan dealership. I again say I'm interested in a car and ask them to run my credit. They return and show me the scores/reports - 672/645/603. The names on the reports were the names of the specialized auto-enhanced FICO scores described in my previous post - Equifax BEACON 5.0 Auto Industry Option, Experian Auto Loan Model 2, TransUnion Classic Auto 4. In addition, the 645 and 603 agreed with what Subaru dealer #1 had told me. However, the third score, which dealer #1 said he did not run, turned out to be higher than the other two, and would have placed me in Subaru's tier III - 6.25% for 64-72 months.

    Last stop, a Honda dealership. Same routine. They run my credit, and return with one score. They say they only use Experian. My score is 603, which matches the Auto-enhanced Experian score from both the Nissan dealership and Dealer #1.

    Bottom line, of the 4 manufacturers I checked with, three used the "Auto enhanced" FICO scores - Subaru, Nissan, and Honda. One used the "classic" FICO scores - Jeep/Chrysler.

    Still, there was unfinished business with the Subaru dealers. Why did dealer #1 check only two of my scores? Why did dealer #2 confirm that my highest score was 645? One interesting thing I discover from my credit report is that Dealer #2 never checked my credit! It showed that dealer #1 checked my credit. It also showed that the Jeep/Chrysler dealer, the Nissan dealer, and the Honda dealers checked my credit. But it did not show any record of dealer #2 checking my credit! Remember, I told dealer #2 that dealer #1 had told me that my highest score was 645. I also told dealer #2 the name of dealer #1. Also remember that dealer #1 had told me before that he had a good relationship with dealer #2. Draw your own conclusions.

    Armed with all this information I send dealer #1 an email. I tell dealer #1 that I obtained a copy of my "auto enhanced" credit scores, and that two of my scores matched what he told me - 645 and 603. I also tell him that the score he said he didn't check because it was usually the lowest was actually the highest at 672, and that since he said that Subaru takes the highest of your three scores, that would have qualified me for tier III (6.25% for 64-72 months) instead of tier IV (6.9% for 64-72 months). The following day I get a response from him with good news, he was able to get me the 6.25% interest rate!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Cool about the rate. So, did you close the deal? Pics please! ;)
  • pyewackettpyewackett Member Posts: 11
    Weverhat, thanks for sharing such great information. You've really pulled back the veil on such a hazy part of the buying process.

    After your great credit odyssey, did you close the deal? Do you have your new Forester? It will be all the sweeter for your efforts. Congratulations!
  • maekomaeko Member Posts: 1
    Skeleton, I'm a Toronto resident, and I've been reading up on the possibility of buying a 2009 Subaru Forester across the border. I wonder if you would be kind enough to let me know a) what U.S. dealer you bought your 2009 Forester from and how satisfied you were with your deal and b) how you're liking your Forester several months into your purchase? I'd be very interested to know and grateful for your advice. Thanks!
  • bleepobleepo Member Posts: 3
    Hi -

    I hope I'm posting this to the right place.
    I'm new to the Forum and am seriously considering the purchase of a 2009 Forester Premium or Limited. I was leaning towards a Premium originally (for the lower price) but this week I test drove a Limited and it was very very nice to drive.
    I am in the SF Bay Area, CA by the way.

    Here is one of the better quotes that I received so far from the internet dealer at one of the local (San Jose) dealerships that has positive customer reviews, which I prefer to give my business to.
    This is what I am being given:

    2009 Forester Limited w/VDC:
    Auto trans.
    AUTO DIM MIRROR/COMPASS W/HOMELINK
    LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT COVER
    PZEV
    REAR BUMPER COVER
    SPLASH GUARD KIT

    MSRP: $27,381
    Offered internet Price: $24,970 (before tax, title, and license)

    For the Premium 2.5x w/VDC and all-weather:
    Auto trans.
    TAIL PIPE COVER DUAL EXHAUST
    CARGO TRAY PLATINUM
    LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT COVER
    SPLASH GUARD KIT
    REAR BUMPER COVER
    PZEV CERTIFIED

    MSRP of $25,042
    invoice: $23,397
    offered price: $22,449

    Does this seam reasonable?Not sure if I have everything available to know.
    I am not too far along in the process, so just gathering info.
    Thanks in advance for advice.
  • jason119jason119 Member Posts: 5
    It is a pretty good price for Premiun with $950 lower of invoice price. Could you tell me which state you quote?
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Those sound like great prices to me!
  • bleepobleepo Member Posts: 3
    Yes, I'm in California (SF bay area). Thanks.
  • weverhatweverhat Member Posts: 17
    Got it today, I absolutely love this car! I didn't know it was possible for me to love a car so much. Or maybe I'm just easily impressed after having driven my 1990 Isuzu Trooper for the past 15 years. But, the Forester just feels perfect for me. I didn't get that feeling from any of the other SUVs I tested.

    Now I can share the details of the deal:

    2.5XT Limited, obsidian black
    Auto-dimming mirror with Homelink and compass
    Puddle light kit
    Luggage compartment cover
    Rear bumper cover
    Cargo tray
    All-weather floor mats

    Edmunds invoice price, including options: $27,615

    Price paid: $26,516 +TTL

    I got the 6.25% rate for 72 months with no money down. Overall, I am very pleased with the deal. I spent about two weeks sending emails to 15 different dealerships. Narrowed it down to the lowest offer, they got the car for me from another dealer. Went down to the dealership and it was a very easy straightforward transaction. There were no surprises, everything was as we had agreed upon via email. I drove the car, inspected it, paperwork was completed pretty quickly, I got my two keys plus the valet key and was on my way.

    On the 70 mile drive back from the dealership, mostly highway miles, going 60-65 mph, the trip computer said I averaged 27.9 mpg! Wow, I'll take that any day, especially for the turbo!
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    Congrats Weverhat! :shades:

    I hope you have many more happy miles to go! :D
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    27.9 in a turbo?

    That's not even fair! ;)
  • bleepobleepo Member Posts: 3
    Well I made my purchase today. I found the 09 Forester Limited color that I wanted at a different dealer (blue) and asked the internet dealer there if he would meet/beat the price I was given by another local dealer (who did not have blue). That's the price I posted here earlier. He responded that he would meet that price and also broke down the out-the-door price. Here's what I got:

    09 Forester Limited
    AUTO DIM MIRROR/COMPASS W/HOMELINK
    LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT COVER
    PZEV CERTIFIED
    REAR BUMPER COVER
    SPLASH GUARD KIT

    Price: $24,970
    with tax (CA 8.25%!!) plus license and doc fees, etc:
    Out the door: $27,335

    I went by today and got the paperwork started. Took about 20 minutes, no pressure for anything extra.

    I pick it up Sunday. Pretty excited about it too. :D Car has 6 miles on it!
    Replacing my 1999 Mazda Protege.
    Thanks for all the info in this forum...hope I did good.
  • jefbakjefbak Member Posts: 19
    The lease for my 2007 Forester premium package is up in December and I remember that at that time no dealers in my area (Mass) had any XT Limited in stock.

    Is there any way to ensure that when I return my lease I can have a new xt limited ready to go? Or will I loose all my negotiation ability if I do that?

    For that matter, what are good strategies with a lease return if you plan to get another car of the same manufacturer type?
    :confuse:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Congrats. I have a Newport Blue Pearl Limited as well. :shades:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    How picky are you about color?

    They're not rare. My dealer has 6 of them right now, 1 with NAV.
  • fishhoppafishhoppa Member Posts: 30
    Hi Bleepo, congrats on your purchase. May I ask how you were able to score such a good price on the 09 Limited? I've just started my search and am coming up with a carsdirect price of 27,349. Are there incentives that are not being reflected here? Thanks!
  • 09forester09forester Member Posts: 1
    Thanks to everyone who has posted information in this section.

    Bought a new 2009 Forester 2.5x Limited

    Options:
    Wheel arch moldings
    Auto dim mirror w/ compass
    Aero cross bars
    rear cargo net

    MSRP: 27604
    Negotiated 25,804

    add $469 documentation fee (dealer wouldn't negotiate this)
    + $55 title/tag
    +$744 tax in North Carolina.
    Minus my trade in value.

    The administrative fee is high, but I was pleased with the deal. I insisted on invoice pricing and the negotiations were short. Edmunds price calculator seems way too high. Other buyers are paying nearly MSRP??? No way.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Edmunds price calculator seems way too high. Other buyers are paying nearly MSRP??? No way.

    Depends on where you live and often on how good a haggler you are. Edmunds TMV is usually a good reference point but certainly isn't infallible.

    Sounds like you got a great deal. Congratulations!

    -Frank
  • mleomleo Member Posts: 10
    I am looking at a 2009 Forester Premium w/ all weather and auto trans.

    with these options:

    FACTORY INSTALLED OPTIONS

    (Q9F ) OBSIDIAN BLACK PEARL BODYSIDE MOLDING KIT
    (U9B ) AERO CROSS BAR KIT
    (Q9B ) FOG LAMP KIT
    (K9B ) AUTO-DIMMING MIRROR W/COMPASS
    (P9J ) REAR BUMPER COVER

    The best price I have so far for this is $23,500 including delivery fee. I am in PA. Can I do better than this price? How much more room haggle do I have?

    Thanks!
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    I make that out to be $250 under invoice which is a pretty good price. If you're in eastern PA, check the inventory at Fitzmall.com. They're currently selling Forester X Premiums for between $350 and $650 below invoice (depending on configuration).

    -Frank
  • witxpwitxp Member Posts: 1
    Did I do well on this purchase? First time buying a car.

    2009 2.5x Premium Manual
    Only extra is the Cargo cover and PZEV

    The dealer claimed it was at memo price :confuse:
    She took Invoice and subjected the dealer holdback of $924.00

    MSRP: $23,926.00
    Invoice: $22,511.00
    TMV: $23,561.00
    Paid: $21.843.00 + TTL
  • alamocityalamocity Member Posts: 680
    I recently found a dealership that has a 2008 Forester X model with auto for $16,932 and wanted to check what others thought of the price.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It's a steal. Go for it.

    New 2009s start at around $19k, so you're getting a $2000 discount, though it is the previous generation model.

    I'd say that is a fair discount.

    Now you have to decide - do you want a bargain 2008? Or would you rather just spend more and get the new and improved 2009?

    Totally your call.
  • packrfanpackrfan Member Posts: 50
    The price sounds great but as noted, don't fail to look at 09 next gen model. It's a substantial upgrade in some key respects: ride quality, interior noise and dimensions, performance (I know engine hasn't changed but performance seems better) and amenities.
    Your decision is on price vs. improved product. We traded in earlier forestor for 09 and would do it again.
  • alamocityalamocity Member Posts: 680
    Thanks for the feedback. I was surprised that they had any 08 model's left but they just moved their dealership here and guess they are trying to move them out. The 09's with auto start out at $20,668 so will definitely give it some serious thought.
  • alamocityalamocity Member Posts: 680
    Thanks for the feedback. I haven't had a chance to drive the 09 model yet but the initial quote on a bare bones X model with auto is $20,668 so something I'll definitely have to give some thought to. What basic amenities would you recommend?
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Did I do well on this purchase?

    I'd say yo got an excellent deal. Congratulations!

    -Frank
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    All-weather mats, cargo tray, retractable cargo cover, roof rack base + aero cross bars, and rear bumper cover are must-haves, for me. (The cargo tray, cargo cover & roof rack were standard on '08s, I believe.) Many of these things are available in packages that are cheaper than ala carte. You can see packages and their invoice & MSRP prices here:
    http://www.cars101.com/subaru/forester/forester2009.html#option%20packages
  • packrfanpackrfan Member Posts: 50
    All-weather mats cargo tray, retractable cargo cover are all must-haves for me & can be purchased cheaper online (although shipping can be an issue from some suppliers) Rear bumper cover will limit damage and is dealer installed or POA. I got aero bars but honestly have almost never use rack on either of 2 Sub's - you may tho. Autodimming/compass mirror is really nice unless you have GPS. Value of splash guards are debatable by some but I got them. Some say the sound upgrades are worhwhile but I think stock is acceptible, especially compared to previous gen which was cr@p. Most else is optional/up to you, imo.
  • fsrphfsrph Member Posts: 3
    Hi,

    I'm new here and to be honest with you I was considering buying other cars but I passed a Subaru dealership and was very impressed with the 09 Forester. I did some research and here is what I would prefer:

    2.5x with Premium package
    Manual trans.
    Bumper Protection package (maybe)
    Red or Blue color

    I thought that with the economy like it is that the dealers would be willing to deal. I see good sales prices posted here but dealers aren't offering me a good price, at lease not yet. My questions are:

    1. I am having a very hard time locating a vehicle with just the few options listed above. I could find a manual trans in the color I want but with a lot of options that I don't want. When I ask if they could order one equipped as above they say they would rather sell one that is on the lot. Are dealers not ordering cars because they are having a hard time selling the ones on their lot?

    2. With the economy seems to be getting worse, does anyone know if Subaru ever offers rebates on 2009's? The only rebates I see them offering is on 2008 models. Or do they rarely, if ever offer rebates on 2009 models?

    I was looking at a Toyota and even they are offering good discounts and rebates. I priced a 2009 Matrix-S, sticker was $21,500 and their 1st price offered was $19,500 ($1000 discount + $1000 rebate) which I thought was pretty good. I guess my question is does anyone see Subaru offering rebates on a 2009 Forester in Nov or December?

    Thanks,

    Frank
  • alamocityalamocity Member Posts: 680
    Thanks for the feedback, appreciate it.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The 2009 Forester is a rare exception - sales were up even in a dismal September. Demand is still stronger than supply, so prices have not budged.

    Above someone mentioned the autos start at $20.6k - I think you can do a little better than that. Keep shopping, I think you can beat $20k.
  • jeffmcjeffmc Member Posts: 1,742
    You could get under $20k for a manual X, but I see you are looking for a Premium Pkg. I think ateixeira (juice) missed that part, probably. :) Can't get a Premium for under $20k, no way, no how, unless it's used.

    Fitzmall has manual X Prem Pkg. for around $21.5k, so that should be a good target. They've got a red one w/All Weather Pkg (heated seats, windshield, mirrors), for $22k.

    What part of the country are you in, fsrph? Perhaps we can give you a couple dealer suggestions.

    If you're in no hurry, I'd at least consider waiting til the end of the year. Sales prices certainly won't go up, and the economy may be bad enough to prompt a small rebate by then. They usually start at $500, if that's worth the wait and risk there'll be a rebate at all. Subaru's more interested in profit margins than sales volume, so we likely won't see any fire sale price-slashing. Forester's still going strong, Legacy is up, Impreza's down a little, and Outback and Tribeca are down a fair amount. The economy hasn't affected Subaru nearly as much as most manufacturers, so we'll see...
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.