2013 and earlier-Subaru Outback Prices Paid and Buying Experience

mjlane12

2005 3.0 VDC Wagon vs. 2.5 XT Ltd. Wagon

Has anyone had a chance to drive/compare these 2005 models? My biggest question is the longevity of the 2.5 turbo-charged motor vs. the bigger 3.0 with the same power. How much extra wear-and-tear needs to be factored into choosing the smaller turbo-charged motor over the bigger 6 cylinder that has the same power? Also, is it possible to get charcoal interior in the 3.0 VDC model? The cheaper 2.5 XT looks to come in either taupe or charcoal, but the more expensive model doesn’t have this option!?!

Thanks for any info…

motorbug

Has anyone bought an '05 LL Bean outback and can share their buying experience?

I'm really interested in the new outbacks, but I don't want to pay a huge premium just to be the first on the block with one. Edmunds TMV is about 1800 over invoice, which just doesn't seem right. Does anybody have any information on actual prices paid?

Thanks for any info.

radracer

College Graduate Program - Subaru Motors Finance now offers a College Graduate Program. This program provides recent and future graduates the ability to finance or lease a new Subaru vehicle on their own. All qualified applicants are automatically eligible for any special lease or retail offers currently available. Visit your local Subaru dealer for complete program details and eligibility.

Does this also include special financing?

ateixeira

Usually not. College grads don't have the established credit, so the rates will tend to be higher.

You can ask, but I wouldn't expect the special rates for recent grads.

-juice

frog

is it always true that you get a $1500 rebate and $500 chash back if you finance the car yourself, even if there are other dealer incentives like$2000 factory rebate etc??? If so my dealer omitted this info and I will be very upset................

f.grimey

Did I get a good deal?

I just paid $28,107 (incl tax and license fees) for my 04 Outback limted wagon with 2.9 financing. They gave me $14,000 for my 02 forester with 9500 mi. Wish I could've asked this before I bought.

ateixeira

It's a hot new model so if that's below MSRP then yes. Some dealers actually have a markup beyond MSRP on certain models, it's crazy.

Congrats and don't look back, just enjoy your new ride. Join the Subaru Crew threads under Owners Clubs, too. We chat every Thursday night.

-juice

subearu

Juice - it's an '04 that the person bought, not a new '05. $28k might be a smidge high, but w/o knowing the tax rate or all the options (what was the MSRP), it'll be hard to figure it out exactly.

CarsDirect has the '04 Outback Limited wagon at $24k including a $1k rebate.

-Brian

ateixeira

Oops, sorry.

Well, add whatever fees and taxes, and it might be close. Also, prices vary (a lot!) by region, in Alaska you'll pay much more than you would in my region (DC).

-juice

f.grimey

The MSRP was 27,095
It came with the security upgrade kit, auto dimming mirror/compass and cargo net (are these standard?). I'm in No. Cal. The price before all the other fees was $25,710. Does this info help?

ateixeira

Not sure how the market is in NoCal, to be honest.

-juice

f.grimey

thanks, anyway. I love the car and that's all that matters!

subearu

the rebate didn't get in there. Not sure if it's applicable in California? Didn't think it was regional.

CarsDirect for 95439 lists a similar '04 Outback Limited at MSRP = $27,994, INVOICE=$25,342, their price=$24,192. So, you probably could have gotten it cheaper, but perhaps they gave you a better trade-in?

-Brian

f.grimey

I'm not aware of any rebate. Maybe it didn't apply here in CA. They gave me $14,000 for the trade-in. I prrobably could've got more if I sold it privately. Although this wasn't my first new car purchase, I don't have much experience. I did my homework and shopped around locally, but now I feel like I still could've made a better deal if I walked away for a third time. I'm trying not to dwell in buyer's remorse too long. And there's nothing I can do about it now, anyway.

ateixeira

Don't worry about it, it all even out in the end. If the dealer did make a decent profit on the car, they're more likely to treat you well when it comes time to service the car, or when you make a warranty claim.

I'm sure they'll be happy to see you if and when that time comes. Don't sweat it, enjoy the car.

-juice

rice

Just purchased 2004 Outback H6 -3.0 LL Bean Model ( New )for $24,850 the price includes the $2,500 cash rebate. Is this a good deal?

jeremycole

Great deal! I was quoted 26,100 for the same vehicle. What dealership, in what part of the country? $27203 is the Consumer reports wholesale price, subtract the $2500 rebate and you get $100 total profit for the dealer.

ateixeira

DAAAA-HAAAng that's a good deal. Shoot, excellent deal. Take that offer and run!

-juice

brunna

I have been trolling several discussions on wagons and test driving like crazy. I just brought home an 04 VDC wagon and will keep it overnight. I have a golf event tomorrow so I can pack stuff into it and thoroughly test it out (and it's raining tonight, fun fun AWD!). I asked the local dealer (Bel Air, MD) to prequalify me for the 2.9% for 60 months deal that just ran out this week and they said no problem, he'd get me in somewhere other than Subaru. I told them that the Fitzmall dealer (an hour south of me, and thanks to fellow posters for pointing them out) has a VDC for $25 and change and a couple LLBeans for the same. Again, he said he'll match - no problem. They want to get rid of it fast. I certainly like the car so far, even though it may look dated compared to the new ones, but the deal seems unreal if I can get the amount I need from my trade. Of course, I could get the 05 2.5 Limited for a few bucks less actually, even though no finance help. I have only spent 10 minutes driving it home, but I noticed a leaky wind noise sound from the drivers side window at speeds over 50- normal, or a sealing issue? Also, the brakes seem a bit "mushy" - normal? Maybe the car hasn't been driven for a long time and it needs to be broken in a bit, but I did notice how vaultlike quiet it was otherwise. Very refined. My wife likes it better than the Bimmer wagon too - big plus there. Any thoughts on the 04-05 comparo? Is the VDC really that much more of a car that I shouldn't worry about the "dated" design? It sure would be nice to drive a new car and have the dealer eat all the depreciation from the first 2 years off the bat! Help! I'm confused.

ruready4me

In the market for a vehicle after 6 years of driving 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. I want inexpensive (20-25k) with features. I'm in AZ, I just test drove the 2005 Subaru Outback 2.5i, the basic model in the silver metallic/ granite gray opal, an automatic with a few other add ons like floor mats and cargo net. The dealer listed retail as $25,895. I supposedly was given a deal of $24,565, "only $500" over their invoice price. I'm not one to buy on the spot, so I've come home to research and think on it.

After looking at vehicles for a week, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, and Jeep Liberty, I'm only impressed with the Outback. It's in the same price range as the others, but feels and looks better.

So do you think $24,565 is a good deal?

toyota_buyer

I just bought a 2004 Outback 2.5i Wagon AUTO, it is the base model and the only option added was the AUTO transmission. I got it for $19100 + taxes + tile & registration.

There is actually a $2500 customer rebate going on.

Did I get a good deal?

rob_m

Killer deal. I paid 21,500 for my 2003 Outback with Auto in November 2002.

toyota_buyer

I bought this car at the Don Miller dealership on the east side of Madison, WI. They were very professional and pleasant to work with. I would recommend them to anyone in the market for a Subaru.

rice

I purchased this car on June 7th at Atlantic Subaru on Cape Cod, MA. They can be reached at AtlanticSubaru.com

ateixeira

brunna: yes, mushy due to the dual-stage brake booster. FWIW it does allow for smoother non-emergency stops.

ruready: some are still paying $1000 over invoice, in particular GT models are commanding a high price. Your deal seems good for a brand spankin' new model, yes.

$19.1k with auto? Sheesh, they're giving them away.

-juice

brunna

Alas, it didn't work out pricewise. They got it all convoluted with my trade-in, but essentially, the VDC would be $27,800 from the $33K sticker. He found 3.9% not 2.9% for me and then they began the fancy diarrhea mouth exercise where they tell you how much money they are losing, etc. We fought about the downpayment on a credit card, knowing damn well they can't pass the fee to me in the paperwork, so he proceeded to hide it elsewhere. Enuf. The new Highlander with 3rd row seating is more practical for me, so I'm going there next. Good luck all. Thanks for the info!

ateixeira

Sorry they gave you the run around.

Good luck with the HL negotiation.

If you change your mind, try Fitzgerald Subaru in Rockville, MD, they're no-haggle and won't pull stunts like that.

-juice

jcabin

Just found a leftover new 2004 35th anniversary 3.0-6 cylinder wagon for 21,994.00. This is less than the Consumer Reports wholesale price. Nice car. Nice price.

Do have a question about aftermarket leather seat covers. Has anyone tried them and where on the seat are the seat warmers? I assume they are in the foam. Correct? If I have them put on, will this effect the warranty other than for the seat covers?

ateixeira

I've seen a couple of Subies with aftermarket leather and the seat heaters still worked. Worst case scenario it would take a few extra seconds to heat up, but I didn't even notice that. The ones I've seen had Katskins leather.

That price is CHEAP. Run, don't walk, before someone reads that and snaps it up!

-juice

rsorganize

Just wanted to post here, too, on the great deal I got on my '05 3.0R-VDC wagon. Paid more than $2000 below msrp. Also, fair real-market-value trade on my '99 Volvo XC (141,000 mi.).

Second Subaru (also, '03 Forrester) from dealer - Stacy Subaru of Brattleboro Vt. Straight-up dealer - fair price/fair trade up-front. Not the norm in my experience. WMass and So. Vermont shoppers/buyers should see Stacy first - might not need to go elsewhere.

brunna

I posted my deal on the Highlander thread. I'm very happy with the car so far. Good luck and thanks for the advice and discussions!

ateixeira

Congrats to both of you and good luck. Maybe brunna will get a Subie next go 'round.

I for one can't wait to see the 7 seater.

-juice

purduealum91

It seems to me Scooby is abonding the college grad market and going upstream. Shame because I do love their cars.

ateixeira

Naw, you can get a GT sedan for $26k and that's list. I'm sure they'll be down to about $24k within a year.

You might want a wagon, but that's still $25k, and who really needs more than that offers you? The limited package is cosmetic. Nice, but not necessary.

We'll see how they price the Halifax. $35k is too rich for me too!

-juice

tds1

I am having trouble figuring out the rebate and incentives on the 2004 Outback and 2004 Legacy. Doesn't seem that Edmunds has the latest information as cars direct is showing a manufacturer to dealer incentive (doesn't list the amount though) but Edmunds does not. Edmunds also shows a lower current rebate than the above posts. Does anyone know the correct 2004 total incentives/rebates on the Legacy and Outback? Thanks!

Update: Looks like in my area (Denver), there is only a 1500 cash to customer on Outback, while other areas show 2500. However, Cars direct shows a manufacturer to dealer incentive in my area, but no amount listed. It is not listed on Edmunds site. Any idea how to figure out what this is?

ateixeira

It can be tough because many incentives are regional.

Where do you live? If you're on the east coast I'd consider paying a visit to fitzmall.com, they're a no-haggle dealer and you can verify prices on-line, before you go. It would be worth a drive from North Carolina or Pennsylvania, IMO.

We've bought 4 cars there and the prices are the real deal. Check out 2004 prices now - yowsah.

-juice

purduealum91

If so, $35k? WTF Subaru? Cmon, why are you abandoning the lower market. You are practically giving it to Toyota's Scion Division.

ateixeira

That is one name they trade-marked, yeah.

It's supposed to pick up where the Outback leaves off, about $33k for starters. Too rich for me.

-juice

paisan

Juice,
    Short of a minivan what do you expect the price on a 7 seater to be with AWD?

-mike

ateixeira

There are some options in the 20s. Suzuki XL7, though I found it too narrow, is very affordable. Buick Rendezvous is right in there. Honda Pilot is perhaps the best value, at under $30 equipped the way I'd want it.

And I wouldn't rule out minivans, by the way, I'm not into image at all. An AWD Sienna is a bit pricey and you can't get the 8 seats with that, but I'd still consider one.

GM dropped their AWD van and Dodge might have to with the arrival of stow-and-go.

-juice

paisan

No AWD on it IIRC.

-mike

ateixeira

True, it's part-time. Not really ideal for my needs. But we ruled it out long ago because the cabin is so, so narrow, it's claustrophobic. Handling feels tippy, even.

Drove a RDV and the engine sounds like a can full of nails. Besides that I don't like the clunky engagement of VersaTrak, which is also part-time only.

Sienna uses a VC like Subaru's, I believe.

-juice

falconman

I'm seeing conflicting info about the incentives on the '04 35th Anniversary 3.0-6. Edmunds says $2,000 cash. Subaru.com says "up to $1,500", and NADA says $1,000. (KBB still has the June offers on its website...sheezz!!) Plus, Edmunds is the only one mentioning the $1,500 marketing money. I was leaning towards an '05 Outback XT, but the extra potential $3,500 might make me go for the '04. Can anybody clear up this mess?? Thanks.

Bob

falconman

I'm seeing conflicting info about the incentives on the '04 35th Anniversary 3.0-6. Edmunds says $2,000 cash. Subaru.com says "up to $1,500", and NADA says $1,000. (KBB still has the June offers on its website...sheezz!!) Plus, Edmunds is the only one mentioning the $1,500 marketing money. I was leaning towards an '05 Outback XT, but the extra potential $3,500 might make me go for the '04. Can anybody clear up this mess?? Thanks.

Bob

barriostkd

I'm in the market for a used Outback as a second car to my WRX and I went to a Subaru dealership in Walnut Creek, CA to look at some '03s and '04s. They had a couple in stock of the '03 selling for $18,900 w/ mileage ranging from 11k-18k miles. They also had a number of '04 models selling for $20,900 w/ mileage ranging from 9k-15k.

The big catch is that these were rental cars from Hertz (I think), so I'm a bit hesitant since rentals tend to be abused by their drivers. Is there anything I should look at when purchasing a used vehicle? Also, any input on the prices they are selling these cars for? Are these prices on the high side? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

JB

ateixeira

If you're talking about base models, you can get a brand new base 2004 model for around those prices from fitzmall.com.

Subies don't depreciate much in the first 1-2 years so I'd just buy new.

-juice

barriostkd

Thanks Juice. I actually found a 2003 Outback w/ 16,000 miles selling for $17,500 at Santa Cruz Subaru. This was where I bought my '04 WRX sedan less than a year ago. Unfortunately, they don't have it in the color I want (light green or dark blue). So I'm hoping I could get the other dealership to match or at least come close to this price.

Can't really afford to buy new. My WRX is less than a year old and also bought a house here in the Bay Area last week. So budget is really tight.

-JB

ateixeira

They ought to match it, give it a shot. Good luck.

-juice

Sylvia

A reporter is interested in hearing from anyone who really exhaustively debated between this car and a competitor, weighed all the pros and cons,
etc. Please respond to sbreckenridge@hearst.com or jfallon@edmunds.com with a few details and your contact information no later than Wednesday, July 21, 2004.

Thanks for your consideration.

Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

trojans34

I'm in the market for a used subaru outback (2000 or 2001 probably). Anyway, I'm pricing out the used base models only...with about 50K miles or so.

The Trade in value on these is about 11K or so. Most dealerships have them priced out around 16K! I dont want to walk in there and hand them 5K...so what do you all think would be a good price above the trade in value to negotiate to? Or am I off base in my reasoning? It seems to me that 13K would be fair.

thanks