2013 and earlier-Subaru Forester Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'd ask for at least 10% off the cost of a new car for a demo, despite the low miles.

    Any less of a discount and it's just not worth it. Your warranty is shorter, for instance.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'd say you did just fine given the dealer probably lost money - though they hope to recover it with service visits.
  • jad376jad376 Member Posts: 12
    Here's the thing. We had a really un-salesmanlike salesman who traded emails with me for weeks before we met him. When my wife and 25-year old son arrived with me, he told us he was "the biggest Subaru geek" around, and asked to drive us around in a Forester for half an hour just to show us what it could do. I was nonplussed, but after that 30 minute drive...I learned things about the car (and my other Subarus...) that no other Subaru dealer told me.

    For instance, I was NEVER informed that our 4-speed automatic transmissions had three modes. 1) Regular Drive; 2) Sport Mode (shifts at a higher RPM) 3) Manual Mode (when you click it over to sport and then shift it, like Tiptronic). I never was bothered to read the manual because I'm not a gearhead. Also, the drive-by-wire system and the actual brake force distribution, more specifically how it feels - were lost on me before the first half of our drive. Now, you might think this was strategy on his part to assure the price would go up...well, maybe reassurance that his final offer was worth paying.

    The only additional money they are requesting I spend is $500 for a remote-starter. I assume the salesman would get a bonus...and with the dark interior, on a hot day a remote starter might be a good idea. Who wants to get into a blast furnace?

    Anyone got any tips on financing? I have Tier IA credit and currently lease two Subarus.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Glad to hear he really took the time to explain things. He's one of a few.
  • jad376jad376 Member Posts: 12
    OK - red flag with the financing. I got 5.9% for 63 months. My son questioned it but our salesman took him out for a ride in his slammed Baja Turbo while I was in the box with the Business Manager. I checked cars101.com and found out that I was given the rate for Tier II credit - and my credit score is over 780. The current market rate for Tier I credit is 4.9%.

    What should I do now? They drew up the paper work already and I took delivery yesterday!
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 267,625
    They aren't really required to give you the best rate.. dealers can and will mark up the rate for extra profit.

    You can go back, and insist on the best rate... and see what happens (which would be my first choice). If they say no, then there isn't much that you can do, assuming they didn't misrepresent themselves (of course, if it was just orally, that wouldn't help).

    If they are unwilling to re-write the financing, you can always turn to your local credit union or bank, and see if they can beat it.. then, re-finance.

    Which brings me to the moral of the story: Always know what rate you can get elsewhere, before you go to the dealer. If you knew that your credit union was offering 5.29%, you could have leveraged that information in your dealings with the F&I office.

    regards,
    kyfdx

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

    Edmunds Moderator

  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    The question is: Did you sign the paperwork yet?

    If so, not much you can do. Except ask. Can't hurt to follow up and ask, but if the paperwork is all signed, there isn't much incentive for the bank to change the terms.

    If not signed, then you have much leverage and can give them the car back unless they give you the correct rate.

    Did they give you the Subaru rate through Subaru, which is Chase Financial. Last ditch effort would be to contact Chase financial to see what they can do for you. However, if it is through the dealers bank, they were probably trying to make more money off you like the previous person noted.
  • colbstercolbster Member Posts: 7
    I've gone 'round and 'round via email.

    Best price I've gotten is $24240. No other options, just the limited package.

    Best price I've gotten for my trade is $7000. BTW, my trade is a 2004 Honda Civic with very low miles - 25,000. I've gotten low ball $4500 offers. Ridiculuous.

    Best price and best trade not from the same dealer.

    There's one dealer I prefer dealing with (location, attitude), but they are not the best price. I asked them over the phone to try one more time. Their answer "Can you come in?" Obviously, this will be the 'ol "What would it take to buy it today?"

    I feel like a broken record. But (especially in this economy) this is how I make big purchases. I let them know this:

    1. research
    2. price shop
    3. evaluate budget
    4. have dealers negotiate with each other to best price
    5. evaluate budget
    6. evaulate budge again
    7. sleep on it
    8. Ask for lowest price one more time
    9. decide to purchase
    10. Purchase

    That maybe 1 month elapsed. Most dealers will write you off. Foolish. They need to stay on every potential customer and do their best.

    I've removed IMPULSE from all facets of major purchase decisions. Obviously, this is not with the dealer wants. Go for a test drive, sign today!

    Anyway, I've asked the dealer I like to show me more money somehow - like $1000 (they won't get there, well maybe they will).

    So this particular dealer I'd be looking at

    $24400 for a 2009 Subaru Forester 9FI no extras.

    How does this compare to what you've all paid?
  • connieyleeconnieylee Member Posts: 29
    In what state are you located, since the price can vary by state. Also note that some states are required to sell PZEVs which I found to increase the price by ~$500. I got around this by purchasing a non-PZEV from out of state and then registering it in my state (NJ)

    $25,500 for my X-Limited (not including tax, plus $100 dealer fee) from Fitzmall in MD, a no-haggle place, but included several options

    -Satellite radio
    -puddle lights
    -auto-dim mirror with compass
    -bodyside molding
    -rear bumper cover
    -cargo net
    -all weather mats
    -cargo tray: wasn't supposed to include this, but it was in there and I wasn't going to complain

    No dealer in NJ could come close to matching this price. Some other dealers I shopped in MD were lower than in NJ but when I asked if they could beat this Fitzmall offer, they said no, but let us know if that deal falls through...
  • colbstercolbster Member Posts: 7
    Massachusetts. This is not a PZEV vehicle. The price includes all dealer fees and destination charge, but not tax (5 % of after trade price), nor MA RMV fees (about $50-75).

    Several dealers gave me the "let us know if it falls through option" r-i-i-ig-ht. Cargo Tray is standard on Limited - at least Subaru site says this.
  • tsxowwnertsxowwner Member Posts: 38
    $24,400 seems like an excellent price for that car.

    As you know, the new car price and trade work hand in hand so it might be best to focus on the net (ie take the 24,400 and subtract what you want for the trade) and then ask for it.

    Here was my approach for my trade.

    Initial trade offer was $9,000 from one dealer and $10,000 from another (both had just about the same asking price on the new car). Both were through the internet.

    So...

    i went to Nada, KBB and Edmunds and printed out the values for my car. My trade was also a 2004, low miles, all services and clean/good condition. The range of trade was $9,700 to $11,700 taking into account the three sites. You probably already did this.

    Since these are just websites and the market will determine the value of the trade, I searched cars.com for similar cars in my area and what they were going for (about $13k-$14k). This is msrp for the used car and they will not likely get this, but assuming they could get $12.5, I felt $11.2k for my trade was fair (allows for money they need to put into it to get it ready plus profit).

    After deciding what I wanted for the trade, I sent a follow-up email to a few of the responding dealers saying with what I wanted to pay net (new car minus trade). I said that my car is in excellent shape and that I would like to come in so you can see it in person:

    Before going in, I did the following:
    - obtained a summary copy of all the services that I had done to my car. It creates a "story" for the dealer who takes the trade.
    - noted the recent date, the vehicle passed emissions.
    - spent $50 to have the interior vacummed, steam cleaned, armoraled, and exterior carwashed

    I then picked 2-3 dealers who i would drive to that day if the 1st one wouldn't agree to my net price.

    I handed the service record to the dealer, they looked at it and I ended up getting what I wanted for my trade.

    it's easy once you have come to terms with what you want for the deal. just be efficient at the first dealer and be willing to say thank you and leave if they won't give you the net figure. When you go to the 2nd dealer, stick to you guns, but be flexible if they tell you the same
    .
    good luck
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I think the rate is fair, actually.

    I checked with my credit union and they offer 4.99% but only up to 60 months.

    Your loan was 63 months so their rate would actually be 5.99%.

    So your rate was actually 0.09% lower than my credit union's.

    You did fine, don't worry about it and enjoy the car.
  • jad376jad376 Member Posts: 12
    Thanks!

    I checked with different banks as well. I got what I could get considering my credit score slipped about forty points since the economy collapsed.

    Now that I know I wasn't blatantly swindled, I will tell you where I got the car: Becker Subaru in Allentown, PA. Ask for "turbo Rob", and tell him Joe D. sent you.

    The dealership's service department also outshines others in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania - they offer a free loaner car for scheduled maintenance as well as 5% discounted labor rates. They're having a sale at the moment on ding repair: $90 for up to five minor sheetmetal dings. I brought my other car in the other day and they were great.

    So, since my previous post isn't on this page, here's my price paid for everyone to read:

    MSRP: $26,890 (pzev)

    Dealer's Quoted Invoice: $25,261 (base dealer invoice: $24,566)

    Internet price: $24,221 ($1,040 under invoice...previous offer was $300 under invoice...so this would technically be $345 under "base" dealer cost)

    Homelink mirror, wheel arch mouldings, rear bumper guard, cargo cover (I didn't want the puddle lights because they could break if I bottom out): $1,058 including labor to install at dealership.

    Purchase price: $25,279

    TTL in Pennsylvania: $1,730

    Total: $27,009.

    Financing: $340/month for 63 months ($21,411).
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Congrats. :shades:
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    For those of you looking at buying a new Forester, I happened to notice that for the month of March 2009, they are offering 2.9% financing with no money down on a new Forester.

    Great rate IMHO! Good time to buy!
  • occkingoccking Member Posts: 346
    Ok, I have decided to purchase Forester 2.5x limited. Every feature except turbo, including nav, bluetooth and kit so that XM radio will work (have been told that cost approx $400, even though the radio is "pre wired"

    Have a firm offer from Mastria, Raynham for $25.995 including all of the above. I haven't been able to determine the invoice but sure seems like that price is somewhat below invoice.

    I have a trade that will bring me $17,500 so only $8500 out of pocket so not really concerned about financing (although I know I would qualify for the 2.9 as would probably pay off the loan in one year.

    Trading in 2008 Altima Hybrid, just want something with a little more room that will still get decent mpg. I drove the turbo would love it, but concerned about mpg & I guess premium fuel required. Have read dozens of messages on the boards and hear of mpg across the board. I do find it difficult to believe the turbo, no matter how conservatively driven will get much higher mpg than the 19 - 24 advertised. For the non-turbo, I would also expect to get the mileage indicated (close to 26 mpg mostly highway driving) but I see a lot of messages from people claiming higher mileage.

    Am concerned taking a step down with non-turbo from my Altima Hybrid which is quite peppy (0 - 60 in around 8) plus has a 20 gallon tank which will take me well over 600 miles easily & average upwards of 35 mpg. I had 05 Outback a few years ago & it seems to non-turbo Forester has about the same get up and go. Could get the turbo for approx $1500 more, or around $27,500

    Any comments from owners out there telling me the truth with real world gas mileage would be greatly appreciated. Not what the computer says, cause they always indicate higher than actual mpg.

    I will be going to dealer on Saturday morning to consumate the deal so any and all comments regarding pricing, mileage, and any other experiences would be greatly appreciated. Also, I read over 100 messages on Edmunds.com consumer reviews and quite a few commented on noises and rattles on the vehicle. Anyone out there with similar experiences?

    Lastly any comments on extended warranties. I have had them on last three cars, including 05 Outback and 06 Tribeca, but never kept the vehicles long enough to use them (turned them in & got partial credit back) I assume a 5 year, 100,000 mile classic warranty will run around $1500?

    I got too Saturday morning to everyone with comments please respond!!!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Our 09 Limited with everything except NAV is currently getting about 24 mpg in mixed driving in the suburbs. It does much better on trips (27-30) but we tend to use our Minivan for very long trips.

    I had a 98 model before, and I really like the fact that Subaru went to a 16.9 gallon fuel tank for the 09 models. I know it doesn't sound like much, but the old one was 15.9 and the extra gallon means an extra day or two between every fill-up.

    You'll get 350-400 miles out of a tank if it's not all city driving, which is a whole lot better than my Miata, for instance (just 250 miles and I'm gas shopping).

    That's not hybrid-levels of range, but then again none of the cute utes have 20 gallon gas tanks, either. Even the hybrid Escape has a smaller tank than the Forester, and highway mileage isn't any better so you're not really getting any more range.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I care a lot about range, even more than MPG, so here are the fuel tank sizes for the class:

    Tucson 17.2 (too bad it's not fuel efficient)
    Forester 16.9
    Vue 16.9
    Escape 16.5
    RAV4 15.9
    Rogue 15.9
    Outlander 15.8
    CR-V 15.3
    Sportage 15.3
    Compass 13.6 (waaaaaaaaay too small)
    Patriot 13.5 (are they kidding?)

    So yeah, to beat the Forester's range in the small SUV class, you pretty much have to buy a hybrid.
  • occkingoccking Member Posts: 346
    Thanks for the comments. Fairly certain I will make the deal tomorrow morning. Just a little concerned the "power" will be similar to what I had in my 05 Outback, and I have been a little spoiled by my Nissan Altima Hybrid (0 - 60 in around 8) Not that I step on the gas that often but the power is there is I need it. Also will miss 20 gal tank that would bring me minimum 600 miles, sometimes almost 700.

    Have you experienced the "rattles and noises" I have read about in many of the other message boards? How the interior scratches & scuffs very easily? How about front passenger seat that I have read many complain abnormally low? (Although I am in the car alone much of the time, will my wife (5' 1") sit too low in it?
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    I got great gas mileage on a trip this October. Averaged over 32mpg part of the way. In Arizona, hiway or empty road driving. I got a bit over 450 miles per tank on that trip, and never actually ran out of gas.

    I have found that the octane available will make a difference. Normally in my area regular is 85. It was 87 in Arizona and I notice the inproved gas mileage.

    Around town/hiway mixed for me is about 28mpg.

    In winter, we have ethanol mixed into our gas, so the mileage does down. I'm averaging somewhere between 24 and 27mpg with the ethanol mix gas which is mandatory in my area.

    I have had none of the rattles/etc mentioned except for when I put sunglasses in the sunglass holder...though I still have sunglasses in the holder, it doesn't make that noise now.

    The only other issue was dirt/dust attaching to the wheels and making the car shake. It is normally very dry where I live. It was enough to unbalance the wheels. But, it certainly doesn't happen every time I drive on a dirt road. It has happened about 4 times, not sure of a why, or whether it will occur again. The wheels had to be cleaned, especially on the inside, to get the buildup off.

    Definitely scratches interior excessively easily. Perhaps get a dark interior if this would bother you, as you wouldn't notice is as much, I'm thinking. Definitely something to be aware of before you buy...but I still like the car, just wish they hadn't picked this type of material.
  • occkingoccking Member Posts: 346
    Well, Thanks! Your information was helpful. I am just surprised many claim to be getting mpg somewhat higher than the 20 - 26 indicated on the sticker. I am a fairly conservative driver (maybe maximum 70 on the highway) but otherwise do not have a lead foot. Also concerned about comments passenger seat very low so I suppose before I make deal this morning will bring wife to see if she is comfortable in the seat (although most of driving mine)

    In addition to good value for trade, the price of 26000 seems very good for a loaded vehicle with a list of just about 29500, plus they will add bluetooth (around $200 cost) plus make "pre wired" radio ready to accept XM (I was quoted $400 to $500 elsewhere for that) all for $26,000 seems well below invoice.

    I did have issues with 05 Outback in winter if snow or ice would either build up in wheels, wheel wells or treads that I would get a lot of vibration at highway speeds. Seems like that problem has not been resolved.

    How many miles on your vehicle? Are your mpg calculations based on actual, or via computer?
  • occkingoccking Member Posts: 346
    I have been on previously, having owned 05 Outback then 06 Tribeca. Left Subaru for one year tried, and had my fun with Nissan Altima Hybrid, now back with Subaru.

    Got what I thought was excellent deal... 2.5x ltd Forester, Sage Green, pretty well loaded with Nav, Bluetooth, set up for XM (vehicle is prewired but supposedly still cost $400 additional to have it installed) the rubber cargo cover, "winter package" etc. total list approx $29,000 for $26,000, plus $300 doc fee, registration & taxes. I am sure this price far below list for this vehicle with the options.

    I will be a frequent poster to this board and one thing you can be sure of -- I do a lot of driving and keep very accurate records of mpg. Not what the computer says, which is always inflated, but actual consumption based on miles drive divided by gas consumed.

    Too many people on these boards claim high (or low) mpg based on what the computer says driving on the highway for 50 miles, or after driving just a few hundred miles.

    I am optomistic that I will get at least a little over the 20 - 26 (some stickers say 20 - 27, I don't know why there is a difference) and I will post this information. I decided on the Sage Green as I have had plenty of silver and white cars, my wife has black in the driveway (too high maintenance) also had the gold, & some of the other colors required the black interior and I wanted the grey.

    Too bad winter almost over here (near Providence, RI) I may not get to see how this vehicle does in the snow (60 degrees now!)
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    You are correct about the snow/ice buildup in the wheel wells. I haven't gotten vibration from it to date, though.

    BTW, I have an MT as far as gas goes, they typically get 2mpg better than AT. I did both hand calcs and read the dash mpg. It has never been too far off that I noticed. I have about 8300 miles. And I had thought the mileage was going down as it was getting older until I realized about the gas difference. It has also started to pick up with some warmer weather (70) that we have been having here in the middle of winter., And I do drive more hiway than city, by a fair bit. Overall mpg before ethanol was 29.5mpg.

    Oh, and I am a fairly conservative driver as well. Although, I was going 75 on the hiway in AZ cuz it was just so far to drive. Normally I'm between 65 & 70 on the hiway around home.

    I haven't had a problem with the low seat. I'm always the driver. I have had a couple of very small women in the front seat beside me...but I may not notice the difference as much as I'm 5'6" and a woman as well, but with a longer torso. I only really noticed once cuz it was noted here and once I had a very sort torsoed person in the passenger seat. That was what made me note what the others were talking about.

    Good luck with your purchase. Be aware that Subaru currently has a 2.9% no money down, up to 63 month financing program. At least for the month of March. Good deal.
  • occkingoccking Member Posts: 346
    I got 17,500 for trade of my Nissan Altima Hybrid with 34k miles. I feel pretty good about that, KBB for trade was $16,500 so I got somewhat over that. NAH originally cost $30,200 less factory rebate of $1250 for a net cost of 29,000. Will be getting $2350 tax credit for buying the hybrid, thus my approx cost for vehicle was $27,000.
    So, getting back $17,500 means my cost to use the vehicle for one year was around $9500 for the 34k miles I put on it. Major maintenance ($200 and $400) was paid for by Subaru Bucks (same dealer has Subaru Dealership and they allowed me to use them.

    Plus, I am using another $1200 in Subaru Bucks on the new purchase & I will continue to earn enough this year to be able to pay for major maintenance on the vehicle.

    I had purchased a 100k 5 year extended warranty for Nissan for $1400 and I expect I will get back around $900. Not sure if I will get another one for this vehicle. Did you get one??

    Overall was very pleased to get the vehicle I wanted for $26,000 with the list approaching $30,000. My purchase price has to be at least $1000 less than invoice.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Congrats!

    We have a Limited model also, you'll love the heated, perforated leather seats.

    We had one rattle but traced it to some empty CD cases in the passenger door pocket. It could be lined to prevent that, but at least it wasn't the vehicle itself rattling. I wedged some papers next to the CD cases and it's quiet.

    We're quite happy with ours so far, no regrets at all. We also used Subaru Bucks, I think $1600 or so, I forget exactly.

    I have another $300 saved up, I guess I could pay for the 30k and 60k service and get those for free as well.
  • occkingoccking Member Posts: 346
    Well, picked up the vehicle tonight, have 16 miles on it (mpg per computer 25.2) Just joking about the mileage as I have seen so many posts people claiming high, or low mileage based on just a few miles. However, tomorrow, I will take a trip from home (near Providence, RI) to out between Albany & Utica, NY, when I get home tomorrow evening should have added approx 450 miles & will know what mpg I got at least on the first tankfull.

    I will miss my Altima Hybrid as with the 20 gallon tank could easily go well over 600 miles (once 690) Hoping with this vehicle to average 26 or so, with 17 gallon tank if I run it almost dry expect around 425 miles. Will report back tomorrow.

    Best thing so far.... The bluetooth works much better on this car than it did in the Altima. I could hear fine both vehicles, but the mike on the Nissan must have been up near the rear view mirror & picked up too much background noise, mike on this mounded right on top of steering wheel.

    I believe I have earned more Subaru bucks than just about anyone out there. Since I purchased 05 Outback in Dec 04, I have earned over $6000 in Subaru bucks. This is a true story. I travel for work and although get many expenses reimbursed, use the Subaru cards for most other purchases (except for drug stores, supermarkets and gas stations where there are plenty of cards that pay 5%). I have three cards that I rotate during the year and after I max out one card go to another.

    In fact, in purchasing this car today, gave $1000 deposit on my card, then paid for extended warranty ($1295) with it. That;s $2300 so already earned $69 for the 3% back. I used 12 Subaru bucks for the purchase today so you can see I am well on my way to getting more. I figure major services for this vehicle will be around $600 - $700 for the year (I drive around 30 - 35k per year so one minor service at 15,000 and a major one at 30,000) I will easily earn enough "bucks" to pay for these services when they are due. This way I will have dealer provide all maintenance, thus "tires for life" and double the powertrain warranty. Big deal if I pay a few more dollars for the oil changes.
  • tinycadontinycadon Member Posts: 287
    Don't expect to get anywhere near 16.9 gallons, I've run mine to barely bone dry and the most gas I've ever been able to get in the tank was 15.3 or 15.4, so this will give you a better est. of your range.
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    Congrats! and welcome!

    I'm glad you are happy with your new purchase!
  • occkingoccking Member Posts: 346
    See my post on the gas mileage forum! I just put in 16.3 gallons. Went exactly 350 miles and "range" indicated 40 miles to go. So, I got you beat!!!
  • tinycadontinycadon Member Posts: 287
    wow, that's pretty amazing, but you could be putting your fuel pump at risk, it'll burn up if there's no gas to keep it cooled down.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Is yours an 09? Earlier models had a 15.9 gallon tank.

    I put 15.something in my 98 once, but only once.
  • tinycadontinycadon Member Posts: 287
    09, 16.9 gallon tank, once that light comes on I know there's about 2.5 gallons left and it's above the E so I never let it go below it, my E might be absolute zero?
  • occkingoccking Member Posts: 346
    My 06 Tribeca had a 16.9 gallon tank, and I am fairly certain 05 Outback had the same. Yesterday I put on 350 miles before filling up, the light came on when I had travelled around 315 - 320 miles & said 70 miles to go, when I got to gas station it indicated 40 to go & was probably close to dropping 30. The 16.3 gallons I put in is accurate, but I fill it to the brim. First shut off was at around 14.5 gallons so that means there probably were a few gallons in tank when light first came on
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    If you are thinking about buying soon, I just got the Subaru newsletter with a coupon good toward your next vehicle purchase, expires in about a month or so. You are told to gt your best deal, then show the dealer your $500 coupon.

    Unfortunately, I already have my car, and the coupon is not transferrable...but, perhaps if you sign up for the newsletter right away, if you aren't getting it already, you'll be able to get a coupon as well???
  • occkingoccking Member Posts: 346
    I believe the dealer explained to me this is a coupon for $500, off "next" purchase of new Subaru if you purchase a maintenance plan for a new vehicle. However, maybe this is a different deal
  • cedman77cedman77 Member Posts: 1
    What do you guys about the following quote?

    2009 Subaru Forester 2.5x Premium Pkg - Auto
    Camellia Red Pearl
    Fog lights
    Trailer hitch
    Front bumper underguard
    Rear bumper underguard
    Puddle lights
    Rear bumper cover
    Auto dimming mirror w/ compass and homelink
    luggage compartment cover
    all weather mats
    splash gaurds
    cargo tray
    total $24,106 with destination charge.

    I think it's pretty good. I haven't mentioned my IMBA membership yet to the dealer. Don't know if I would get a better deal or not.
  • sgloonsgloon Member Posts: 323
    This is a different deal.

    It is off a New subaru (not one you purchased already) and it doesn't have anything to do with buying a maintenance plan or not.
  • alexlzlalexlzl Member Posts: 1
    Walked in Carlsen Subaru in Redwood City, CA 4:15 PM Sunday afternoon, asked for Larry Fung directly (completely based on Yelp reviews), drove my new 09 Forester out of the door by 6 PM. This is the shortest car buying experience and most satisfying for me. The finance manager was also quite friendly, no pushing, very frank.

    Larry gave a good price and lots of good suggestions. He even helped to wash the car in order to speed things up for me (got two kids waiting). It was very pleasant experience.

    2009 Forester 2.5X based model silver
    Automatic transmission
    Popular package 1A (cargo tray, cargo cover, rear bumper cover, tail pipe cover)
    PZEV package

    Forgot about MSRP, dealer shows invoice $21,866
    Got it for $20,000 plus tax + DMV,
    Took a 45,000 mile maintenance plan for $1300
    2.9% finance for 36 months with zero down. I am pretty satisfied for an AWD car at 20K. Awesome!
  • annarborgalannarborgal Member Posts: 1
    Hello all,

    Our present car has suddenly decided to die, we think. I have been looking at the Forester for about a year now and really like the 2009 model. I went to the Subaru web site and built my own car. For the Premium with all weather and some cargo nets, the MSRP is $24,671, including destination but nothing else. Tax in Michigan would be about$1,482. I love the car but at heart I am also very careful with my money. I would like to make an offer of $23,000 OTD figuring on going up to $24,000 OTD. Is this unrealistic? BTW I live near Ann Arbor, Michigan.

    Thanks for any help.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Nothing ventured nothing gained, right? I say go for it.

    You might want to check with several local dealers. Email them with the the car you want including options, and ask them to email you back their best price for the vehicle "on the road," which means taxes and any other expenses. Just make sure you send the exact same info to all the dealers so that you will be comparing apples-to-apples.

    Bob
  • hottysonhottyson Member Posts: 2
    Greetings,
    I am trying to purchase a 2009 Subaru Forester from Las Vegas, Nevada.


    FEATURES
    *automatic transmission
    *tinted windows
    *cargo cover
    *PZEV

    Experian credit score is 682
    Trans union credit score is 691
    The best deal the salesman would give me was:


    COST
    *$22,440 + tax + title.
    *4.9% / 72 months (dealer pays rate buy-down)
    *Dealer pays shipping
    Am I right in thinking that offer was not a good deal?

    He would not budge on the price and it was only available "tonight" with the buy-down from 5.9% lowered to 4.9%. So I left and did not come back that night since I have read in the above posts of others getting such better deals (like alexlzl from nearby California for $20,000).

    1- Do you think I should I go out of state like through nearby California dealers to get a better deal? Utah or Arizona also possible?

    2- Or, perhaps the nearest Costco Auto program is worth while but it is 400 miles away! in American Fork, UT?

    I would really appreciate any wisdom you can shed on my situation.
    Thank you
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Is that just a base model automatic? If so the price seems high to me.

    Prices can and do vary by region, but I'd try to get a price from a far away dealer and then ask the local one to meet it.

    I agree with Bob's advice above, shop out-the-door prices, compare dealers and most importantly let them know you are comparing shopping, so they give you their best price.
  • bpraxisbpraxis Member Posts: 292
    Hello everyone and may I suggest that anyone who wants an opinion regarding pricing to provide the forum with the Window Sticker MSRP.

    I would be happy to provide pricing feedback but am not going to add up your options to determine what your MSRP is.

    So lets start with MSRP configured the way you want.

    Regarding the buyer above who wants to finance for 72 months.

    It is not prudent financially to have financing over 48 months. You are going to end up having negative equity in your car.

    May I suggest that you save for a larger down payment or buy a less expensive vehicle.

    If you have to finance for 72 months you cannot afford it. Postpone gratification please.
  • tinycadontinycadon Member Posts: 287
    May I suggest that you save for a larger down payment or buy a less expensive vehicle. If you have to finance for 72 months you cannot afford it. Postpone gratification please.

    bpraxis, before passing judgement consider this fact, that I learned very early on in my high school economics class: always use someone else's money, rather than your own!

    With 2.9% financing you will not only have a lower monthly payment than 6-7-8% from a bank/credit union, but you will also be paying a greater amount to principle which will get you closer to positive equity faster, and considering Subaru's high residual rates on their cars, I'd say it wouldn't take long at all? I too don't have time to sit here and add everything up and do the math.

    And then let's consider the fact that people are losing their jobs left and right, it's much safer to put ZERO money down now and stash that down payment money away in a savings account just incase you may need it for an emergency. If you do lose your job you're going to lose your car anyway so who cares if you have negative equity or not.

    There's more than one way to look at situations bpraxis, a holier than thou one is really not necessary though. :confuse:
  • orchidorchid Member Posts: 4
    Hello everyone! I am thinking about buying my first new car ever - a 2009 Subaru Forester XT, and have been shopping around for prices. I am just nervous because this is the most I've ever put down on a car. Do you think this is a good deal? (I am in Southern California.)

    2009 Subaru Forester XT
    Splash guard kit
    iPod interface
    Auto dim mirror w/ compass and homelink
    $24,900 + tax and title fees (destination charge included)

    Thank you!
  • orchidorchid Member Posts: 4
    I am sorry, I did not include the MSRP. I have no idea what it is, the dealer did not provide that information but the base MSRP (no options) is $26,195.
  • bears2bears2 Member Posts: 14
    I bought a 2009 Forester XT last summer in CO. It had the same options except I bought an ipod interface on ebay and had it installed at Cartoys (it cost $300 total). No regrets on buying the XT. It's a great car, great acceleration, great in heavy snow. There aren't many better cars you can buy for under 25K, I paid $24,399. No other dealer in CO would match that price. So your price sounds really good. Good luck!!
  • hottysonhottyson Member Posts: 2
    Greetings,
    I am trying to purchase a 2009 Subaru Forester from Las Vegas, Nevada.

    FEATURES
    *automatic transmission
    *tinted windows
    *cargo cover
    *auto dimming mirror/compass
    *cargo tray
    *rear bumper cover
    *tail pipe covers dual exhaust


    MSRP $19,995
    Total Suggested retail price (not including tint, or cargo cover) was $22,294

    Well I ended up purchasing the above car, and yes it is the base model. I shopped around out of state and the local dealer lowered the price to $21,400. I also forgot to mention earlier that we were putting down $5,000.

    They had to truck in the Forester from a Utah sister dealership since my wife insisted on a pearl white as the color. So we had to wait one week. However, they did not have a PZEV model for that price. Dealership claimed that it would have less noise problems without the PZEV. Who knows?, but my wife is very happy with the car.

    Thanks you all for your valuable input. :)
  • orchidorchid Member Posts: 4
    Thank you bears2! Actually I went back to the dealership yesterday and drove the X and the XT versions 2 times each - I was probably driving the poor car saleswoman nuts. I wanted to blast the AC while accelerating on the freeway and do U turns and all that fun stuff just so I was sure on my decision - and now I am thinking the X will fit my needs just fine. The XT handles well but I'd rather save that $4K....so back to the old drawing board! :)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The engine/trans combo are very responsive. We have a 2009 PZEV automatic, and it's perfectly adequate. In fact I'd choose a higher-mounted passenger seat if I could pick one simple upgrade.

    The XT is far more than adequate, so I wouldn't blame you if you upgraded.
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