2013 and earlier-Subaru Forester Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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Comments

  • ezshift5ezshift5 Member Posts: 858
    ...sound for an '05 Forester X M/T...min, equip't.

    Here in Los Californios Tax, License, Doc would translate to circa $21650 out the door.

    appreciate the info I've noted here........ez
  • gotbgotb Member Posts: 39
    My car had bunch of options like carpet net/tray, tail tip, mud guard, arm rest ext, etc. $19,800 including freight and out the door price was $20500 for me... I live in VA and bought my car from a MD dealer. I noticed west cost was more expensive than east coast when I bought my sentra too...
  • mesubidrvrmesubidrvr Member Posts: 1
    Thanks to all who have posted messages here... I read many before deciding to make a deal at my favorite dealership--Charlie's Motor Mall (in Augusta, Maine). This is our fourth car from Charlie's (3rd Subaru) and just LOVE the buying experience with them.

    Bottom Line:
    Red 2004 Forester XT, Auto Transmission, w/premium package (leather, moonroof)
    MSRP $28,240, minus $4,000 (rebate and end of year clearance special), minus the $2400 over bluebook we got for trade-in: $21,840

    True, pickings were SLIM for 04's on the lot, but we went in feeling really flexible about color and options and happened to find one we really liked. I always car shop in late September--great bargains!

    BTW, hubby has a 2003 Baja w/leather & moon and we've had absolutely no problems with it. Rides like a dream (actually better than Forester--less stiff), great for cargo, roomy. Engine doesn't have quite the punch of the Forester turbo, but very zippy nonetheless.
  • gotbgotb Member Posts: 39
    I bought mine from Fitzgerald auto mall in Gaithersburg. There was another one(silver) for $19,800 but it had no options installed. I just checked their website and it's gone too...
  • tundramantundraman Member Posts: 1
    with 6500 miles, manual transmission for $18,250 up here in Fairbanks AK. Seemed like a good deal to me. What do you all think?

    Thanks,
    Mike.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    For Alaska that is a good price.

    I think you have very few dealers there, so new prices are definitely higher than in other regions (supply and demand).

    6500 miles is not even fully broken in. The previous owner just warmed it up for ya.

    Congrats.

    -juice
  • brc2004brc2004 Member Posts: 14
    Hi! I am new to the world of car ownership! I've managed to get by for many years without one, living in Boston, but now I have the money to spend and would really like the convenience of a vehicle. I'll use it for vacations, getting away on the weekends, and running errands. NOT for commuting, though, except going 1 mile from my house to a parking lot near the train station.

     I'd been thinking of a smaller car, but test-drove the Forester and really liked the feel of it, the sightlines, the comfort of the seats, and the cargo space.

    I'm still unsure, especially since I don't have too much experience with cars, that I should pay all the money for something new. I found a 2000 Forester S, automatic, good condition, for $12,500, private seller. What do other Subie owners think--would this be a good way to try out Forester ownership without a huge investment? Could I expect it a 5-year old Forester to last 5-7 more years, without needing more than, say, a few thousand dollars worth of repairs in addition to regular maintenance?

    It is close to Blue Book value; I looked it up.
  • mazdax605mazdax605 Member Posts: 89
    Hello brc2004,

    I am a fellow Mass resident,and my wife and I just picked up a new 05 forester X at Subaru planet last month.We leased it for 3 years,and so far love it.I really have no idea how well these cars hold up other than I see a lot of them on the roads down here on the south shore.You didn't mention what equpiment the car you found had on it or the mileage.These things would help the other members on here tell you how much longer it should last,and what you should be paying for it.I would try to find the real world pricing forum here on edmunds,and ask the used car guru's what they think that particular car(with equpiment and mileage)should be worth in the real world as either a trade in or private party sale.

    If these Subaru's are anything like the other Japanese cars I/we have owned they will go for a long time with little to no issues.I have no idea what kind of funds you have so I can't answer the question of which is better buying new or used.Heck maybe a short term lease would be better.Also from what I have read on here if you live in Boston or another more urban area,maybe the X model or equivalent in the old style would be better because the X has plastic cladding on the sides that should hold up better to bumps and bruises.Good luck in your pursuit.I think you are on the right path.
  • 10years10years Member Posts: 48
    Hello brc2004,

    Yes Subarus generally hold up very well. In the Reno and Lake Tahoe areas there are still many old vintage models motoring about even though eaten/beaten from many winters.

    Keep up your research and test drives. Hopefully soon Subaru owners of pre-2003 models will contribute.

    You might consider going new with a 2005 model or left over 2004 if you can find one. Than way you know for sure how the previous id^^t, er owner, really treated the vehical. Fitzmall.com has 2005 X models for a touch less the $20K with attractive interest rates, rebates, or sign and drive away leases. You'll get a good standard warranty with roadside assistance or you could purchase an extended waranty but check posts on these boards for all the pros and cons of that.

       Have Fun.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    First off as has been pointed out, in order to help you determine the value we need to know what the mileage is. Take the avg private party price that you get from Edmunds and KBB and that's what you should be looking to pay ($12,5k seems a little high). Next, have a reputable mechanic give the vehicle a through going over. If you don't know of one, there are companies that specialize in inspecting used cars and will come to you (figure on paying $100-200 for this service). If the vehicle checks out all right, then yes it should last another 5-7 years without any problem. One more thing, with your extremely short commute, you might want to take it out on the hwy once a week or so and give the engine and exhaust system a chance to clear out the crud from all those short trips.

    -Frank
  • brc2004brc2004 Member Posts: 14
    Thanks for the advice!

    I just went and drove the used Forester. It was in good condition (and what a nice owner; she really DID have all the maintenance records), but I was very disappointed to find that it was not quite as comfortable inside as the new Foresters. The driving dynamics didn't seem quite the same either. So I don't think I'll be getting it.

    I can afford a new car, but I haven't decided if I'm ready to commit that much money.

    Thanks again; I should have waited to post until after I gave the vehicle a test-drive.

    (And p0926, for the advice about taking whatever car I end up getting on the highway once a week -- that's a great tip! )
  • DonluceDonluce Member Posts: 41
    My wife and plan to fly to the East Coast early next year and purchase a XT, and drive it back to California. I have been looking at the selection and prices of the XT at Fitzgerald Auto Malls in Maryland. They seem to have a good selection, and prices appear to be about $2000.00 below factory invoice.

    Can anyone suggest other dealers I should check out on the East Coast?

    Thanks,

    Don Luce
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Don

    You might check out Herb Gordon Subaru in Silver Spring MD. They're part of the MileOne dealer group, and perhaps 10 miles or so from the FitzMall White Flint Subaru dealer. There's also Stoelman Subaru in Tysons Corner, Va and Beyer Subaru in Alexandria, VA. All these dealers are on the outskirts of Washington, and just off the DC beltway (I-495). They are all well aware of FitzMall, and their pricing, and try to be very competitive with FitzMall.

    For addresses and directions, as well as current inventory, go to the SOA web site. There's a dealer search feature there. Select Maryland and Virginia. Another thing you might want to do is to call each of these dealers and ask to speak to the Sales Manager and/or Internet Sales Manager. Explain to them that you're flying in from CA (so they know you're really serious about a car purchase), and maybe they'll go further out of their way to sweeten the deal. Whatever deal you strike over the phone, get them to fax over something, so that you have some sort of proof in hand when you actually go and "do the deal." Good luck!

    Bob
  • boomerbubbaboomerbubba Member Posts: 40
    My wife and plan to fly to the East Coast early next year and purchase a XT, and drive it back to California. I have been looking at the selection and prices of the XT at Fitzgerald Auto Malls in Maryland.

    I had a similar plan a few months ago. I was going to fly to the DC area, buy a Forester XT from Fitzmall and drive it back to Texas. I found that a local dealer in Texas, when shown the Fitzmall web site, essentially matched the offer. So I bought locally.
  • edunnettedunnett Member Posts: 553
    Are there no XT's left in California?! YOu are very lucky being in CA that you have two of the country's best dealerships to chose from : Carlsen Subaru in Redwood City ( I can recommend my sales person if you want to email me) and Santa Cruz Subaru also. Regardless of where you buy, I recommend one of those two for service. Oh hell, I got a great deal at Carlsen so I recommend buying there too! :-)
    Elissa
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Since you said east coast, Van Bortel in NY is another no-haggle dealer, check them out too.

    But the DC area has plenty of Subaru dealers, like Bob said.

    -juice
  • tanagertanager Member Posts: 16
    Hi,

    As a novice car-buyer, I am seeking some advice on how to go about purchasing a new Forester. I have never bought a new car before and I'm not sure if I am getting the best deal possible. I visited one dealer and took the car for a test drive (I liked it). I asked what the invoice price was. He did some calculations and after adding $500 to the invoice and tacking on the tax, tags, and documentation fees, the total came to about $22,600 for a Forester X, manual transmission---basic, no additional features, with 2.9% financing. I guess what I really want to know is: is this a good deal? Or should I keep haggling? And one final question: for those of you out there with the XS, is it worth it to go the next step up? The only two perks I would really like to have are the heated seats and moonroof. But my budget is somewhat tight, and I don't want to be shackled with huge monthly payments. Thanks for any advice.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    Welcome, tanager! And hang in there... sounds like you're through the most difficult part.

    Since taxes and title fees can vary widely from area to area, our members will be better able to comment if you can state the selling price without those items. If you get a chance, try to post that info.

    kirstie_h
    Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • edunnettedunnett Member Posts: 553
    Hey, welcome. By the way, asking a dealer for invoice price on a car doesn't count as "haggling"! :-) So, yes, you should absolutely continue negotiating! You don't mention if you are looking at an '05 or an '04.

    Invoice on the 2005 XS is $20,412 and you can get it from carsdirect.com for $20,560. To that add
    $575 (destination charge)
    $50 (documentation)
    $300 (estimate of tags/registration, varies by state)
    $1750 (tax based on 8.5%)
    = $23,235

    So, if you got an "out the door" price of $22,600 for a 2005 then that's a great deal. I suspect you are looking at a 2004 though. If you are looking at a 2004 then I would shoot for $18,600 base (there is a $1500 customer rebate good through 11/1), and $21,200 out the door. In which case, you look like you are getting a bad deal.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Elissa- Actually tanager stated the price was for an X model so it's probably not a very good deal even for an 05.

    -Frank
  • ezshift5ezshift5 Member Posts: 858
    ......dealer cost per CU is just over 19,200. To me (invoking juice axiom 101: "They gotta eat!" would provide the 19400 to 19700 as a decent range. And let us not forget tax, license & dork.
    ..ah doc fees.

    ATB, ez...
  • brc2004brc2004 Member Posts: 14
    Hi! I posted earlier with a query about a used Forester (which I decided not to get).

    So now I'm looking at new vehicles. With the current rebates and some negotiating, I'm pretty sure that I can get a 2005 Forester X for about $20K. On the other hand, an Impreza Outback is about $18K. (Both automatic.)

    As far as I can tell, the important differences are that the Forester lets you sit higher, offers more cargo space, and has side airbags. The mileage seems to be almost the same on both. Given the 2K difference in price, and what will probably turn out to be lower insurance costs of the Impreza, I'm wondering if there are any real disadvantages to getting it over the Forester.

    I will not be commuting much; just running errands and taking vacations with it.
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    The Forester and Impreza share the same platform so they have much in common. The Impreza should be a little sportier to drive while the Forester is more flexible when it comes to carrying cargo.

    -Frank
  • brc2004brc2004 Member Posts: 14
    Well, I finally got my Subaru Forester X. It is a silver 2005. The price (with an upgraded alarm system), was $20,511. After 5% sales tax, registry and document prep fees, the out the door price was $21,817. Wakefield, Massachusetts.

    Hope I did well! I'm glad that I took so long making a decision that higher rebates kicked in in the interim.

    These forums were an invaluable source of information; thanks to everyone who gave me advice.
  • geo2004geo2004 Member Posts: 18
    Took the test drive today. Listed as 27,220, including cargo tray and splash guards. Dealer offered selling price of 25,424 also included arm rest extension and hood deflector. We're located in the Northeast, not too many dealers around. Any comments? Thanks!
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Edmunds' TMV for a Forester Bean with those 4 options is right at $26k so I'd say you're getting a very good price.

    -Frank
  • coleboycoleboy Member Posts: 13
    Hi,
    I live in the W. Mass. area and am interested in the above vehicle. Was wondering what I could expect to pay for this. I want an automatic transmission
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Congrats, brc.

    -juice
  • lee_wlee_w Member Posts: 239
    Congrats on your new Forester! Glad the forum was helpful to you. Thanks for sharing your buying experience with the group!
  • markm124markm124 Member Posts: 19
    I have not seen this mentioned, but according to cars.com, there is a $1200. rebate and a $1200. dealer incentive on 2005 Forester X. The numbers are $850./$850. for XS w/moonroof and $1000./$1000. for XT. Hope that this helps everyone.
  • tanagertanager Member Posts: 16
    Hello again,

    Sorry to disappear for so long. I was out of town. Thank you for your response. I am feeling the pressure to make a decision because the 2.9% financing deal will no longer be available after Oct. 31st (I'm in East Lansing, MI). The selling price without the items I listed, I believe, was in the neighborhood of $21,500. But I am not exact. This was for the Forester X 2005. I am also still wondering if it's worth the extra money to go for the XS. I know this is really subjective and personal preference, but I guess I'm just curious to hear people's thoughts on the perks that the XS offers.

    Thanks,
    Tanager
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If you hang on to your vehicles for a long time, the cost per year is fairly low. If you think you'll enjoy those things, go for it. You'll even get a bit of it back at resale.

    -juice
  • tanagertanager Member Posts: 16
    Thanks, I think you are right. I didn't even consider the investment benefits as far as resale goes. If I buy this car, I hope to keep it for a while. I am realizing through this car-buying search that I truly am afraid of committment, even at the automobile level. I've got issues. Thanks for the advice!
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    I wouldn't worry too much about the 2.9% going away at the end of the month. Subaru has been offering low interest financing deals for at least the past year. Sure they're set to expire every month or so (that way the sales guy can push you to buy NOW!) but they always get renewed.

    -Frank

    P.S. "afraid of committment" Hmm... where's Ross when you need him? ;-)
  • serge2serge2 Member Posts: 7
    silver 2005 X two weeks ago for 18400 auto trans., tailpipe cover, armrest extention,1250 rebate, 21009 out the door with taxes. Mazda Autonetwork, Queens, NY. Paid with Credit Card convenience check, 0% for a year. As soon as it posted, got 2 offers per day for transfer balances 1.99 to 2.99 for the life of the loan.
  • tanagertanager Member Posts: 16
    Never thought of taking the credit card route. That is something to consider.

    Who is Ross?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    An long-time member, he had a Forester but retired and gave it up.

    -juice
  • palegreenpalegreen Member Posts: 7
    How did 18,400 become 21,009 "out the door"? At a 9% tax rate, your price would be 20,056. Where'd the extra grand come from?
  • stareditstaredit Member Posts: 2
    Hi.

    I just bought a new '04 Forester XS. I really like the monochrome look, and that's what steered me to the XS.

    I spent a LOT of time on the Internet, searching dealer inventories (courtesy the Subaru.com dealer locator engine). I tracked down what I wanted -- with $900 worth of accessories, many of which I didn't really want but probably will use -- in eastern Tennessee. I'm in Indianapolis, but it was the last '04 on their lot and they wanted it gone.

    When all was said and done, I got the XS w/the premium package (moonroof, cloth interior) plus the 7-year extended warranty for about $23,650 (including 9.5% sales tax on the warranty). The car was $22,000, and the warranty was $1,650. That included the $1,000 rebate in their area (it's $1,500 in the region Indpls. is in, but there haven't been any '04s at the dealers here for months).

    I relied mostly on Consumer Reports, but I also used Edmunds info. I made an offer that, according to CR, was below the dealer's cost. I also had been looking at an '04 in Wisconsin and a few other places. But this one had the full paint warranty (most of the others had the "environmental exposure'' deal that voids the paint warranty).

    We had a "misunderstanding'' about the rebate -- whether the purchase price included it (their belief) or was to be in addition to it (mine -- and I'm a journalist who's paid to listen and get things right). I used that as leverage to get the warranty at dealer cost.

    FYI -- in Indiana, cars are taxed as personal property. Your car is assigned to an excise tax class based on its purchase price. I found out what the break points were and got the dealer to make the purchase price $201 lower, which put me into a lower excise class. We took that $201 and added it to the cost of the warranty. They lost no money, but it saved me. And buying the warranty at cost saved me nearly $700. So, we made up the $1,000 "misunderstanding'' without costing them any money. I pitched the ideas, and they agreed.

    It was an amazing deal. And I have a great SUV that had 127 miles on it when I got it!
  • baydrivebaydrive Member Posts: 48
    Hey Everyone,

    I was in the market for a new car and considered the RAV4 and the CR-V in addition to the Forester. I was impressed with both Toyota's and Honda's reputation for quality but was upset by the fire problems in the CR-V and the lack of side air bags as standard equipment in the RAV4....I must admit that I was hesitant about the Forester because I did not have luck with the last Subaru I owned. I finally bought the a 2005 Forester X. I have only had it for a few days but I love the way it drives. I also like that safety seems to matter to Subaru and that alot of features that are optional with the other cars is standard in the Forester. I felt that I got a decent price.....for an automatic 2005 I paid just under $20,000 after the $1200 rebate. I am hoping that I will have this car for long while. I researched these forums before making my decision. Thank you everyone for posting.
  • edunnettedunnett Member Posts: 553
    Congrats! Your profile doesn't say where you live but your name indicates maybe near San Francisco? If so I can refer you to a wonderful dealer for any necessary warranty, maintanance or repair work.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Congrats and stick with us. We'll help steer you towards help if you have issues with the new one.

    No car is perfect, but we have an SoA rep as a member of the Subaru Crew, who helps ensure we're taken care of.

    -juice
  • jlkjlk Member Posts: 12
    I anticipate to purchase a Forester X, auto transmission with upgrade security system, wheel locks as options. So far, I have gone and called three dealers and they all give me different invoice price than the one from Edmund. Edmund's is $ 20,412 but I get $ 20,887, $ 21,089 and $ 21,301. The interesting thing is one of the dealers told me that the invoice price was given by Subaru and no matter which dealer I called, I would get the same invoice price. Oh, he is so wrong. I would like to know why the invoice price is different among the dealers.
        These are the offers I receive from different dealers with option and rebate ($1,200) included: $ 20,025, $ 20,185 and $ 19,900. Although the last offer is the lowest one and the dealer said it also includes destination charge ($ 575), I am very skeptical about it because it is just too good to be true. One dealer told me that their destination charge was only $ 125.00 which is way lower than $ 575 from Edmund's. Is it possible they can charge that low?
        If I start bargaining with them with the invoice price, is it the correct approach? If it is, how much I should ask them to lower for. Can I ask them to lower the destination charge too?
        Sorry about the lengthy note. Thanks for anyone's help in advance, I will be back tomorrow.

    -Jane
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Usually invoice prices vary because of regional ad fees but I didn't think Subaru did this.

    Destination charges should be the same too. Usually dealers use this fact to avoid negotiating the charge down ("everyone charges it").

    I suggest focusing on the out the door price - those magic words will let the salesperson know you've been doing your research. Let the dealer worry about how to allocate the money you are going to be paying.

    Make sure the out the door quote includes taxes, doc fees, dealer prep, etc. and watch out for the rip-off room

    Steve, Host
  • ny72ny72 Member Posts: 2
    Hi,
    Thanks for your detail information. Is the invoice price you mentioned $20,412 for a 2005 X model for XS model?

    We are serious thinking about getting a 2005 XS, and the best internet price we got so far is $22,000 + destination + 8.625% tax + $300 estimate of tags/registration + upgrads.

    Is this a good price??? Please help
  • baydrivebaydrive Member Posts: 48
    I agree that you need to find out the bottom line. I just bought a Forester X automatic but without the added security system or the wheel locks. I bought it for a little less than $20,000 and that was after the 1200 discount and that included the delivery charge. The only thing that was added was registration and taxes and doc fee. So it seems that any of your 3 numbers would constitute a good deal if it included the destination charge and if the dealer does not try to add in some hidden charge.
  • baydrivebaydrive Member Posts: 48
    The prices that we were talking about are for the Forester X. Edmunds has the Forester XS with an invoice price of $23,086 for the automatic (I believe that is with destination charge) I do not know if Subaru is giving a $1200 rebate on the XS model. They are giving one on the X model until Nov.1. So if they are not giving a rebate and you are talking about an automatic XS then I would say that $22,000 plus destination sounds like a great price.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Compare quotes you get to prices from fitzmall.com in MD and Van Bortel in NY. They should match those prices.

    -juice
  • jlkjlk Member Posts: 12
    Thank you very much for all your advice. Someone here mentioned about not sure how much is the rebate for the XS model. When I started my research about 3 weeks ago, it was $800.

    Among the 3 offering prices, only the last one ($19,900)includes the destination charge and rebate discount($1,200) but exclude doc fee ($135) and new tire tax ($7.50). I called the sales person today and make sure the offer did not change. He reiterated that I just needed to add tax, doc. fee and tire tax. When I asked him to put the offer on paper and fax it to me, he politely refused because he was afraid I would take it somewhere else and ask for better offer. Well, who wouldn't?

    Since his offer is already lower than Edmund's ($21,280) and I don't really have any concrete offer on paper that is lower than his, what other item can I use so as to lower his offer?

    Jane
  • baydrivebaydrive Member Posts: 48
    Jane,

    Since you mentioned the $7.50 tire tax I am assuming that you are buying the car in New Jersey. I found the few dealerships that I went to there were honest and upfront. You do not need the offer in writing to shop it around. I wrote down the offer that one dealership gave me and brought it to another. Each then gave me their final offer. No pressure. Both dealerships were willing to match prices. I did my homework before buying and the $19900 including destination is a great price. Don't think you will get lower. If you prefer one of the other dealers that gave you a higher price then simply go back to them with the lower quote. They might match it.
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