Subaru B9 Tribeca (B9X)

15152545657163

Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    To be honest I think about $700 over invoice is a fair price right now, especially since there are many dealers near me that would be competing for my sale. Above that and I would simply wait out the intial demand. You always pay more to be the first on the block.

    How would you like to be the guy that paid $25 grand for one of the first New Beetles on E-bay?

    -juice
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    rob: Mr. Smith does not exist. Or at least consumers like that are very, very rare.

    You never know - people paid MSRP for Odysseys, Pilots, S2000's, MDX's, and TL's for a few months to three years!! Although I highly doubt the Tri will be able to do that.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    I got the link via e-mail as well. I'm not bothering to read the article. I don't expect it to be very objective.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    It appears the N.E. Subaru dealers are holding hands. Every quote I got back was for MSRP.

    Ernie Boch Jr must have sent out some thugs. Must be nice to make a few bucks off every Subaru sold in New England without having to own a Subaru dealership.

    By the way, I wonder what the New England Subaru "pricing adjustment" will be over Subaru's MSRP.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Ody was unique, it was the only van with the magic 3rd seat and that was an ace up its sleeve. Even when the MPV arrived, it was the only big one. The new Sienna changed that, and then MSRP pricing was history.

    MDX had the benefit of being one of the first car-based SUVs with 3 rows. At least among the import crowd, which was thirsty for them.

    Plus, both Ody and MDX were in short supply until Honda opened the 2nd production plant.

    S2000 was low volume. Demand was never that high, it's just that supply was even lower.

    Honda's own Pilot never commanded MSRP+ pricing, even though it's cheaper than the MDX (and bigger).

    Here's the thing - Tribeca looks to be very competitive on paper (can't wait to drive it) but it does not have a magic feature to set it apart. It does offer a nice combination: 9" DVD and 18" alloys standard. :shades:

    But I don't imagine people lining up for those. The main thing is that the near-luxury SUV segment is now FULL of great competitors. When the MDX came out it wasn't.

    -juice
  • bigfrank3bigfrank3 Member Posts: 426
    Way back, a guy I know ordered a brand new Corvette, the first 427 to have aluminum heads, special model. Well he waits, and waits, and waits some more. One day the motorheads were hanging out and this new Corvette rolls by, sounded very nice.

    My buddy goes running after him and meets him at the next corner. They talk and the guy had just bought it, for sticker, at the same dealer my buddy ordered it from. His deal was $500 over invoice.

    My buddy goes back to the dealer and it turns out it WAS his car. They told him they got a better offer for the special model. He took them to court and won, but all he got was the difference in money they made. Small victory, he never got his dream vehicle.

    So, a valid order for a B9 should hold some value, even if you don't get a car. :cry:

    Frank
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Here's the thing - Tribeca looks to be very competitive on paper (can't wait to drive it) but it does not have a magic feature to set it apart. It does offer a nice combination: 9" DVD and 18" alloys standard.

    But but but - all you Subanistas say the magic feature is that it's a Subaru!!

    J/K'ing, but I get your line of reasoning.

    The Pilot did get MSRP for some time IIRC.
  • bigfrank3bigfrank3 Member Posts: 426
    Every price I got was $32950 for the 5 passenger Limited.

    Boch gets 1% of the holdback.

    Frank
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    ...the emotorcons go??
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    Every price I got was $32950 for the 5 passenger Limited.

    Boch gets 1% of the holdback.


    I'm guessing that price is before destination. According to Subaru, MSRP for 5 Pas Ltd is $32,395 and desination is $625 totalling $33,020. The difference between the $32,950 you were quoted and the $32,395 is $555 - that's right around the $596 New England Subaru Distributor Invoice Charge added to the Legacy per carsdirect.com.

    I'm just inferring here.
  • bigelmbigelm Member Posts: 995
    I think you're really caught with the MSRP thingy but with reasoning. I suggest, if you're really interested, shop elsewhere, even if it means traveling south :)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The local Honda place is discounting Pilots heavily, I think with two plant supply caught up with demand plus the market is softer:

    LX ~$25k (they only have 1 and no Tribeca compare to it anyway)
    EX ~$27k
    EX-L ~$29k
    EX-L w/Ent ~$30.5k
    EX-L w/Nav ~$32k

    I wish they had an Acura store because honestly the Tribeca is about half way between that and the MDX in terms of features.

    Using numbers jeff found for us:

    5 pass: MSRP $31,320 / INVOICE $29,132
    5 pass Limited: MSRP $32,920 / INVOICE $30,603
    7 pass: MSRP $33,020 / INVOICE $30,520
    7 pass DVD: MSRP $34,820 / INVOICE $32,180
    7 pass Limited: MSRP $34,520 / INVOICE $31,911
    7 pass Limited DVD: MSRP $36,320 / INVOICE $33,567
    7 pass Limited NAV: MSRP $36,520 / INVOICE $33,750
    7 pass Limited DVD & NAV: MSRP $38,320 / INVOICE $35,411

    Prices include $695 destination.

    So a base 7 pass invoices for $30,520, compared to $27k for a Pilot EX. I can see consumers paying $3500 extra if they like the way it drives and really want side curtain air bags and VDC.

    But at MSRP+ you're talking $6000 more than the Pilot, and that's a bit much.

    Loaded up it gets a little closer, the Pilot with Nav runs about $32k and the Tribeca will invoice for $33,750. That's pretty close and the extra safety features and shiny 18" rims close that gap.

    But again, MSRP and you're talking $4500 more.

    That's why I don't expect too many to sell for MSRP.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Frank: for the first Tribeca STi? Sure, I can imagine that happening. ;)

    -juice
  • cpp788xcpp788x Member Posts: 47
    Perhaps we should all purchase together (separate checks of course)

    What dealer would turn down selling 10 vehicles at invoice on the same day?

    All for one and one for all.

    Charlie
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    What dealer would turn down selling 10 vehicles at invoice on the same day?

    Yup - sell at no profit but the volume will make up for it!! LOL

    Perhaps on the 28th or 29th of the month.
  • teamjdteamjd Member Posts: 40
    The question is...how far are you willing to drive and what cost makes it worth while? I'll be driving 45min - 1 hr and saved enough to go on a short vacation for two. Which works out well because the vaction was the bribe to get the Tribeca anyway.
  • bigfrank3bigfrank3 Member Posts: 426
    Direct quote from 1 of the messages:

    "The B9 Tribeca is selling at the MSRP price $32,295 with a destination charge of $655 bringing the MSRP to $32,950.there are no current sale incentive available on the vehicle at this time."

    Frank
  • bigfrank3bigfrank3 Member Posts: 426
    I have already covered 2 states with my requests, so I think I would have to go out of the Boch umbrella. Traveling 1 state over is my limit, and we can't wait 3 or 4 months for them to come to their senses. Someone has them all drinking the Tribeca Kool-Aid.

    1 of them in RI has a B9 in the showroom for the weekend.

    The Highlander is a fine vehicle, and just down the street.

    Frank
  • bigelmbigelm Member Posts: 995
    You can do business with a reputable dealer and have them transport the B9 to you - normally takes 4-8 days depending on travel. Transports range from $500-$700.

    You'll still save and don't have to spend time or gas ;)
  • bigfrank3bigfrank3 Member Posts: 426
    Thanks for the info. If we didn't have the Highlander to fall back on I would be more willing to travel. I can buy the Highlander for less than invoice, so even if the B9 is better (TBD) the Toyota is much better value... and runs just fine on 87 octane. :D

    My wife's main concern is matching the quality she has experienced with our Foresters. Toyota is the 1 place I feel comfortable that she will be happy, and never look back.

    I wonder if they think the B9 is so attractive that it will attract a lot more than those of us who already are "believers" in the hardware. Even new customers don't pay MSRP, or even MSRP minus a ham sandwich.

    As Juice said, prices will have to come down. There are too many vehicles and too few buyers. The problem is that it will be several years before they have another shot at my money, and there may be no reason to leave Toyota by then. Too bad, my wife prides herself on being one of the "cult".

    At least I think I can fit in a B9. :)

    Regards,
    Frank
  • teamjdteamjd Member Posts: 40
    I missed something. What is a Boch umbrella? :confuse:
  • bigfrank3bigfrank3 Member Posts: 426
    Way back when people either didn't know what a Subaru was, or knew and laughed at them, Boch took a chance on importing Subaru to New England. For his "vision" he got control of all Subarus that go to N.E. For a long time he has been getting a piece of every Subaru sold.

    We don't buy from SOA we buy from SONE. We pay extra for the privilege, and some things are limited, but I admire the business sense he had.

    Frank
  • bigfrank3bigfrank3 Member Posts: 426
    If they had 10 vehicles available I think you are correct. My dealer says they expect a shortage, with the initial allocation being only 2 per dealer. When those are gone and a truck is finally able to show up with a bunch of them, they will deal. It is always supply and demand.

    Let's all meet in the center of the USA and discuss a plan. :shades:

    Frank
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    "The B9 Tribeca is selling at the MSRP price $32,295 with a destination charge of $655 bringing the MSRP to $32,950.there are no current sale incentive available on the vehicle at this time."

    Frank


    Then I'm guessing the "invoice" price in New England is different than the rest of the country.

    One thing to keep in mind when going outside of New England - emissions systems. I know the Legacy has a adder for CA emissions. No word yet on the Tribeca.

    One thing you may want to consider, places like Fitzmall do courtesy drop ships. I remeber seeing a Legacy wagon at Ira in Danvers, MA that was sold to Fitzmall. It was labeled "Courtesy Delivery" by Ira. Might be worth a look.
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    As bigfrank noted, Ernie Boch Sr took a chance on Subaru and founded Subaru of New England. Not to far from my office is the port where all the Foresters come into New England. SNE adds a surcharge to every Subaru sold in New England. They also do all the port installations of options.

    He also took a chance on Toyota back in the 60's and did pretty well for himself. Boch Toyota sells about 1000 new units a month today. Ernie Sr died about a year ago - now his son Ernie Jr runs the business. www.boch.com
  • mayberryguymayberryguy Member Posts: 145
    Lafayette, would be a good place to meet. You could wait for the vehicle you want to leave the plant and follow the transporter to the dealer....lol.

    I saw two transporters leave the plant about 3 hours ago with you guessed it...nothing but Tribecas. They were also loading them on train cars at the same time.

    Keep in mind since production volume is only 160 per day that it may take some time just to fill the pre order demand and only then can they start building dealer inventory. My vote for favorite color is black or white. Both colors make the Tribeca look premium.
  • teamjdteamjd Member Posts: 40
    Thanks for the schoolin.

    BigFrank - are you looking to buy one now or are you just tire kickin?

    The first dealer I went to in Wantagh, NY told me if you pre-order before May 2 Subaru gives you 2 bonus'. $500 off MSRP and one of the three - free towing package, $500 LL Bean gift card, or portable XM satilite radio. After May 2 he said the $500 off was gone. Bringing my price down to 32,440 for a 5 passenger Limited with towing. I have since found a much better deal in NJ.
  • cpp788xcpp788x Member Posts: 47
    What about holdback and factory to dealer incentives?

    And don't forget Clerical and advertizing fees that get passed on to the consumer.
  • cpp788xcpp788x Member Posts: 47
    works for me!
  • saustinsaustin Member Posts: 68
    Hi teamjd,
    As Joe Piscipo used to say on Saturday night live.....What exit ?
    That is how far down the pike (time wise) do the New Englanders have to travel to this dealer. Would he be willing to do a volume order ?
  • occkingoccking Member Posts: 346
    Capitol Subaru in Pawtucket, RI has one for Friday & Saturday. Nice looking blue color. I just bought a 2.5i ltd outback four months ago & have just turned 12k on the vehicle. Obviously do a lot of long distance driving & have a hard time getting a comfortable seating position. Seems like a lot more room in the Tribeca. Dealer was pushing hard for me to pre-order one, but of course they could not tell me what they would give me in trade for my 05. I said I would sell it back for what I paid for it (26K) but of course that would never happen. I am afraid I would take a huge hit on that vehicle cause by time the Tribeca's arrive in a month or two I will have 15 to 18k miles on that & they would probably only offer me 18 to 19k for it in trade, plus would lose the 1.9 financing I presently have. There are no incentives for the Tribeca either, not even the $500 "loyalty" discount for current Subaru owners.

    Does anyone know for sure if premium fuel if "recommended" or "required" in the 6 cylinder?
  • bigelmbigelm Member Posts: 995
    The first dealer I went to in Wantagh, NY told me if you pre-order before May 2 Subaru gives you 2 bonus'. $500 off MSRP and one of the three - free towing package, $500 LL Bean gift card, or portable XM satilite radio. After May 2 he said the $500 off was gone. Bringing my price down to 32,440 for a 5 passenger Limited with towing

    Now that's a laugh....
  • manammanam Member Posts: 8
    My local dealer in Brooklyn, NY had a Tribeca on display today. Went to check out the car with my kids. Overall I really like the car. The Subaru rep also drove us around for almost 30mins. Pretty quiet ride. Engine quite loud when hard accelerating. It was a fully equiped Tribeca with DVD and GPS. One thing I noticed was a broken latch (used to fold the 3rd row seat). The rep told me it was broken by a customer during the autoshow.
    I also got a price quote of $550 above invoice.
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    If we survey those who have seen Tribeca is person, every single one of them is considering. Nobody hates it as much as they were claiming at the outset.

    This tells me that Tribeca is going to be a big it. Especially because their target is modest & pricing is aggressive, considering people can buy it for 1-2 below msrp after a few months.

    I think it will specifically take away Murano & Highlander customers, and some RX/MDX/X5/Outback.
  • cpp788xcpp788x Member Posts: 47
    Hi

    I have a copy of the dealers hard bound catalog for the Tribeca

    Under specifications it lists in these exact words :

    Fuel requirements - Premium unleaded


    Charlie
  • cpp788xcpp788x Member Posts: 47
    The city is a tough place to buy a car, I know, I grew up in Manhattan. My Brother - in -law lives in Staten Island and has always paid more - sometimes over invoice (He had the 1st Fiero on SI) because the dealers either refuse or give appointments 3-4 weeks away for service on cars they do not sell. I do have a cousin in SI that drives out to flemington for Saturday service for his Subaru.(when needed)

    If you want to save some $ buy it in NJ. Subarus don't have the kind of problems that a few Saturdays won't fix.

    I sat in the white one at the auto show and the 3rd row seat back wasn't working properly - The cars at the dealers "for a day" are still prototypes that are taking a lot of abuse. I wouldn't worry.

    Charlie
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I've seen group buys for accessories, but never for a new vehicle! What dealer would turn that down, though?

    Highlander is kinda dull. Don't do it Frank! Friends don't let friends buy boring cars! ;)

    Just kidding. We test drove one in 2002. I liked it OK, but the wife was bored to sleep and also found it wasn't very nimble or fun.

    Krisshna: sshhhhh, if it's that popular prices will never come down to a point where I can afford it. Ironic, no? I'm more likely to buy one if it is not popular.

    Actually Frank, go ahead and buy a Highlander. LOL

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Fitz is a short train ride down from the tri-state area. Get off at Union Station in DC, then take the subway's red line directly to the White Flint metro stop, they have a free shuttle. Then drive home, about 3-5 hours.

    Premium required - first time we've seen that language. :(

    -juice
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    group buys would be great. Dealers will bend a lot.
    Any buyers want to join me in NE this fall to buy Tribeca ?
  • cpp788xcpp788x Member Posts: 47
    Juice, Sweet Subie,

    The group buy is a valid idea. We need time to think it through. We have plenty of time - the Tribeca is not out yet and we want that initial demand to disappear and stock to build up.

    Large group buys 10+ may be too overwhelming, occupying to much time for a small profit - this is not dealer to dealer sales - the paperwork still has to be done. However, 3-5 cars at a time, perhaps at different dealerships to accomodate location, just might work.

    Charlie
  • teamjdteamjd Member Posts: 40
    Having seen and driven the Tribeca, I still can't figure why they have so few 5 passenger configurations. The Tribeca is a great ride, but If I were looking for a 3rd row seat this would definitely not be the one. Subaru might be trying to compete with larger vehicles, but I think they missed the mark here. I would compare its usefulness to the rear seat of say a 911 Porsche. Great for the pet or mother in law. :P
  • sdufordsduford Member Posts: 577
    Agreed, but same thing goes for a lot of other SUVs (Highlander, MDX).

    I personally wouldn't bother with the 7 seater config. If you really need 7 seats you should be looking elsewhere.

    Sly
  • robr2robr2 Member Posts: 8,805
    The 3rd row is bragging rights. The competition has it so Subaru has to as well. If it were sold just as a five seater, you eliminate most potential customers.
  • sdufordsduford Member Posts: 577
    Agreed. Pretty much the same thing can be said of nav.
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    yes, we should
    trade-in is another problem. in group buys we should not trade-in. keep it simple, just buy the new one in bulk.
  • njswamplandsnjswamplands Member Posts: 1,760
    is this what subaru meant when they say they were going to build premuim vehicles?
  • sweet_subiesweet_subie Member Posts: 1,394
    what difference does it make ? just buy the 7-seater & use it as 5-seater
  • teamjdteamjd Member Posts: 40
    True, but think of the disatisfaction and loss of return customers when those buying for the 3rd row actually take that first long drive. Maybe that's why the DVD is there...to distract them. Too bad the DVD is not available in the 5 passenger. It was the first one that I've seen in a vehicle that looked big enough to watch something on. I would have ordered it. Without the 3rd row, the back seat is supposed to slide back a lot more for leg room in addition to reclining.
  • sdufordsduford Member Posts: 577
    You're not getting the point sweet-subie.

    Personally I don't care for 7 seats, so I wouldn;t pay the extra for it. Sure, there are people who just want the convenience for the occasional short trip to the arena with the neighbour's kids. But beyond that, forget it; for those who truly need 7 seats, this will not cut it. The third row is more of a "pretend" row.

    Sly
  • cpp788xcpp788x Member Posts: 47
    No trade ins - simple it is.

    Now, are there any other members in this thread that think this group buy merits attention???

    What say you???

    Charlie
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