barely used 2016 or new 2017 Subaru Forester?

pattiverde

We are looking at the 2.5i premium Subaru Forester and found one in our area that is 2016, with only 4,700 miles on it. It is certified pre-owned and was used as a loaner car by the service department of the dealership. The car has the All-Weather package, but otherwise no bells or whistles (no navigation or fancy speakers - those are the two things we think we might miss). The dealer is asking $25,500. Since we could buy a new 2017 for just a little more than that price (about $1K more according to my TMV research), could we likely use that as leverage in negotiating for a deep discount on the used one? How much is reasonable to expect or hope to get discounted?

And, if we do buy the used one, can navigation be added to the vehicle if it has the screen, or could we simply use the google maps app since the screen does have app access? Is that just as good as stock navigation?

And finally, can nicer speakers be put in in place of the stock speakers?

Thank you!!!

Mr_Shiftright

Sure you can use Google maps--it's very good, although it might not have all the bells and whistles of the factory NAV. On the other hand, you don't pay for updates and you don't end up with an obsolete system.

I don't think retro-fitting a factory NAV screen would be possible unless you replaced the entire NAV/AUDIO system with an aftermarket one--which can be pricey.

As for speakers--you could upgrade although speaker performance will be limited somewhat by your factory system--it might not have the power to drive certain types of speakers.

Sometimes the new vehicle is a better deal because there might be factory and dealer incentives attached. Unless you can get a whoppin' good deal on the 2016, I don't see the point. It's a used car after all. The dealer doesn't want to take the depreciation hit and neither do you, but the depreciation will be there all the same since the 2017s are on the floor.

So you have to compare like-to-like. If that 2017 has NAV and upgraded audio and is only $1000 more, then that's the better buy. The dealer's price on the 2016 is pretty fair as it is, so I don't know how much he's going to bend---maybe you could try for 10%--would that work for you? You might try TMV on a brand new Forester just like the one you saw (same options) and see what that comes out to.

Michaell

I think you'll be happier with the 2017. The $1000 you save the day you sign the papers will be forgotten quickly, but the lack of features you wish you had you'll live with every time you get behind the wheel.

Not sure the app access of the Subaru allows Google Maps. My wife's Outback has nav, which we like a lot.

My new Jetta, OTOH, has Apple Car Play, so I can use my maps app from my iPhone on the display screen just fine.

pattiverde

Thank you for your replies! Very helpful!!