Subaru Crew - Dealers & Pricing

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Comments

  • soon2bsubeesoon2bsubee Member Posts: 137
    Well, after a lot of online research, reading
    every post on this and the other Subaru boards(all encouraging!!!) , and test driving every model Subaru makes, as well as Volvo S40 and Camry, we ordered a 2001 Legacy GT sedan (too hot for leather here in South Florida) automatic, CD, tweeters, upgraded speakers, wood trim, and power outlet from Fitzgerald's in Clearwater Florida (it is the same company as the Fitzgerald's that Juice talks about). The price was good, the salesperson was nice. Soon, soon2bsubee will be Wegotsubee !!!! My wife is pleased(it will be here car), but it was a frustrating process for her...a lot of unreturned calls and emails, a lot of time online, but once the order was placed, we all breathed a sigh of relief. Any suggestions from the crew on the final test drive before signing on the dotted line; and once that is done, any suggestions on break-in procedures & speed, etc? Thanks for all your help...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Congrats! Looks like you'll join Mike Smith in the husband-that-borrows-the-Soob club! ;)

    When it arrives, just take a close and careful look at the entire vehicle. Pick it up in full sunlight, and walk around it a few times. Look for orange peel texture on the paint, dings, scratches, and uneven panel gaps.

    Inside, look at panel alignment, and try all the gizmos. Make sure everything on the options list is there and works, too.

    Try to drive smoothly for the first 1000 miles or so, with rpms below 4000 or so (except in emergencies). Also keep in mind the brake pads have to break-in, so try to avoid hard stops.

    The first oil change is at 3000 miles. After that, it depends on what service interval you're on (it's up to 7500 miles for light/highway use).

    Congrats again.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Manfredi Subaru/Isuzu/Toyota on Staten Island has the best sales staff this side of the pacific, but their service dept sux!

    It's not directly subaru related it has to do with my Isuzu Trooper, but I know the service dept. is the same. Never bring your car there EVER!

    My trooper has been back 3 times for a vibrating driver's mirror, they tried to tell me that the dip stick marks represent 1/2 a quart of oil rather than a full quart, the lost my locking wheel key and are trying to say *I* lost it, and on top of it, never road tested the mirror after fixing it either of the first 2 times. (I check my milage in and out)

    Just venting. I love my subie and my trooper, but this dealer's service dept leaves much to be desired. I'm personally friends with the sales staff and have sent a ton of people there, but the service dept has even gotten my annoyed (and the service people know my family has bought like 5 cars in the past 3 years there and recommended countless and they know I know about cars... I wonder how they would treat joe blow who bought 1 car and knows d1ck about cars)

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That does stink.

    Let us know if you find a good mechanic in that area, since your referrals have proven so useful.

    -juice
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Mike,
    I just scheduled to have the 1st oil change (1500 mile service) on the Outback I bought when you were there. Do you suggest I go elsewhere, or give them a shot? BTW Mark was excellent and the car is great. Thanks again for all the help.
    Mark
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    They can handle oil changes, and they are pretty cheap too. Just don't deal with the b1tch cecilia. Try one of the other guys there. She just has a really bad attitude. I will still likely get my oil changes there, just not any other services...

    -mike
  • flea1008flea1008 Member Posts: 8
    Hello all,
    I traded away my 98 Impreza Outback Sport and picked up a 2001 RS sedan-Sedona Red. Love the car, it just begs to be driven hard and fast. They didn't really want to budge off the price of the RS, but they worked the numbers in my favor on the trade. I was able to get $12,600 for my OBS, (5-speed with 47,000 miles on it) and got the leather as an option on the RS. Love the car. Can't wait for snow!

    I was looking at the new impreza body style, but not thrilled with how it looks, so I wanted to make sure to get the current style before they disappear.

    I was a converted Honda owner, but our next car will probably go back to Honda. Need a commuter machine that gets much better gas mileage, and the Civic HX is pretty hard to beat without going for the VW TDI's...
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    don't forget that the S has the rear LSD and better cloth too.

    Ross
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    S also has 4-wheel disc brakes, heated mirrors, heated windshield, alloy wheels and painted lower body cladding. IMO the 4-wheel disc brakes and bigger tires do make a noticeable difference in handling. However, I too found it difficult to decide between the two. The L is certainly nicely equipped for the price and the unpainted lower body cladding will resist dings better. Decision really comes down to a matter of personal preference.

    -Frank P.
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    My personal choice was S Premium: side airbags clinched it for me. However, L is also well-equipped and unpainted cladding is way more practical.

    Between new and used, I'd strongly recommend new, unless you've found an incredible deal on the used one. Note that Subaru was constantly adding more stuff to the standard equipment on Foresters, so the used one may not be comparably equipped with a new one. If
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Bill: I did install a cargo net, but it was not the Subaru OE one. I got mine at WalMart. I was about a 4 in terms of level of difficulty.

    Though I later regretted it. Mine does not have anchors at the base, and the stitching is coming apart on one side.

    Get the OE one, it's better and not much more dough.

    -juice
  • soon2bsubeesoon2bsubee Member Posts: 137
    My "please may I drive the Subaru" will be few and far between...I will be getting my wife's 90 Camry V6 LE wagon...at least until next year, when I will be shopping for an Impreza 2.5 or WRX 4dr Auto (so my wife can drive it if necessary).
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    So teach your wife how to drive a stick ;) I got that issue out of the way when we were dating, yet for some reason she married me anyway (momentary insanity?). It was a vexatious experience for her as I'm not exactly pedagogical material (drill instructor, maybe). She survived and now won't touch an auto.

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Mike- Been there and done that! Nothing else quite gives you the insight into another's personality more than observing them learning to drive a stick.

    -Frank P.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Congrats, Amy. I have yet to see a Red RS, should look good.

    Subaru doesn't make a fuel miser, but gas is such a small part of your total costs here in the US that few people ask for it.

    Doug: yep, Foresters hold their value well, so I'd buy new.

    Back in '98 my price limit was $20k, so the L it was. I've since bought 16" rims and tires for $750 or so. So for about a grand, you could have the CD and alloys, but still wouldn't get the rest.

    I prefer the unpainted cladding, which resists dings and scratches, and at the time liked the L's black grille better too (now all grilles are chrome).

    Still, take one peek at an S Premium, and you'll fall in love. However many more payments it is, it's worth it! You'll enjoy that moonroof every day, and you'll recover most of the costs at resale (as you're finding out now).

    I saw an ad for an S Premium at Fitzgerald, auto even, for $23.8k, and that includes freight and all fees (just add tax). If dealers near you charge much more, consider a road trip to MD.

    And Kate made an excellent point - there is a lot of new equipment, like power mirrors on the L, cruise, CD on the S, temp gauge, 2nd trip odo, rear LSD on the S, etc.

    Serge: at least it's not the next-gen Camry wagon, which was scary looking!

    Guys: my secret was a beater car, and getting her to be the designated driver. When I had a few beers in me, she was less nervous! It's been stick ever since!

    -juice
  • soon2bsubeesoon2bsubee Member Posts: 137
    Guys, I tried that when I first met her 14 years ago on my Celica 5-speed...she did fine for the first 10 minutes and then stalled...hasn't touched it since !!!! She said the if the Big guy had wanted us to drive stick, he wouldn't have invented automatics. Down here in South Florida, the traffic just gets worse everyday, so auto is not a bad idea. The Camry wagon is pretty nice...also got ABS brakes, which is why we bought the V6 in the first place.
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    It's difficult to persuade someone who sits in traffic regularly to do so with a stick.. who knows, my tastes might change one day and I'll end up with an automatic.

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The only way I picture ending up with an auto is if a manual isn't offered with the model I want. And that would be tough - that factor alone may send me somewhere else.

    I'd rather change my schedule or commute than my tranny, but that's just me.

    -juice
  • armac13armac13 Member Posts: 1,129
    I felt the same way about automatic until it was time to buy the Forester. Bad knees and a lot of city driving made auto seem like a real option. I got my drivers license in '63 and I probably drove not more than 2-3000 miles with auto. I love it now. I didn't realize that I had been avoiding driving in high traffic areas of town for several years. Too rough on the joints, but didn't dawn on me. Rufus has given me a lot more freedom.

    Ross
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Automastic.....NEVER! In fact, the reason I'm driving a Subaru today is because DC has basically stopped making 5-speed Cherokees. Yes autos have the advantage in constant stop-n-go driving. However, I can't stand heavy traffic under any circumstances so I'd change jobs or move if it came to that.

    -Frank P.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Maybe my knees will eventually give out and make me a liar, but I hope not! :)

    -juice
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    For me it is manual or nothing. I started driving stick in NYC 12 years ago, and even with all the stop-n-go traffic, I still love it. The only problem is my wife wants to finally go for her license and learn on stick. I can't find any driving schools that will teach 1st time drivers stick; most will only teach after you have your license and been driving automatic for 1-2 years. Other than my teaching her (no way), any suggestions from anyone in the NYC area?
  • dalelynndalelynn Member Posts: 28
    Just picked up my new Forester S Premium Yesterday, FINALLY!!! I'm having the leather seats installed on Monday so I'll be sure to post some before and after pictures. It's a silverthorn exterior. Choices I've narrowed down for leather interior are nickel or graphite which is a darker grey. The nickel is lighter and is almost a dead on match for the lighter portion of the interior trim. The graphite would introduce a third shade to the already 2 toned interior. So I'm taking votes. Care to provide your opinions on color choice anyone?

    I did get talked in to the gold plus extended warranty. I think I had already half decided to go with it on the way to the dealership since I put a lot of miles on my cars (currently have 175k on my trooper). I probably paid too much for it ($1,295) but at least the payments are spread out over 10 months! By the way, that was for zero deductible. Has anyone else here gotten their 5 yr./100k mi. warranty? How did this price compare?

    Just signed up for the Fall Foliage tour. Sounds like it will be lot's of fun!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Mark @ the car dealer has a total beater that his cousin is selling. Like an '84 BMW 318i w/ a stick probably around $1000, you could buy that and let her learn on that? I was thinking of doing it for myself.

    -mike
  • kate5000kate5000 Member Posts: 1,271
    Congrats on your new S+ forester! Are you sure about the leather? Rep from SOA told us here on forum that at this point SOA does not recommend leather for S+ as it may compromise side airbags...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Mark - drink a few cold ones whenever you go out, and let her drive home. You'll be more patient, and she'll be less nervous! :)

    Dale: I'll look forward to meeting you at the Folliage tour, then. You can look forward to getting something to wear (that'll be my only hint) as a freebie.

    Lighter interiors are less hot in the summer. Your seats are heated so the winter shouldn't be a problem either way.

    -juice
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    bat1161:

    I suggest that you drive your wife across the Hudson River to Bergen County, New Jersey any Sunday. Go to one of the larger Shopping Malls (Garden State Plaza, Paramus Park, etc.) Since there are blue laws in the area the parking lots will be empty (only on Sunday). Plenty of room to teach her to drive a 5-speed without damaging anbody's property (except maybe your transmission).
  • kadiekadie Member Posts: 2
    I'm looking at a new 2000 Subaru Limited Outback Wagon. The dealer has quoted me a price $168 below invoice. This seems like a really good buy, but I'm not sure if I should pay more and buy the 2001.

    This will be my first Subaru. I've driven Ford Explorers since 1993. Two weeks ago, a gravel truck pulled out in front of me and I ended up rolling my Explorer 2 1/2 times down the highway. Needless to say, I'm very leary about buying another SUV. I live in Iowa (lots of snow in the witner) and drive 50 miles round trip everyday to work. We also own a cabin on a lake where we spend every weekend in the spring, summer and fall. I'm looking for lots of cargo space.

    I've found lots of good information here and am sure the Subaru Outback wagon is what I want. BUT, do I buy the 2000 or spend the extra money on a 2001. HELP
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    It depends on whether you value the outside temp
    gauge, and front seat map pockets enough to justify the extra costs of the '01 model. For what it's worth, we have a new 2001 Forester and a '98 Explorer, and both have the outside temp gauge. It's a really nice feature to have. Especially when the temperature is hovering around freezing. The map pockets are nice too.

    The other issue is, if you buy the '00 model, it's already a year old in terms of resale.

    Bob
  • jaymoosejaymoose Member Posts: 14
    We were just at the Subaru dealer today arranging for delivery of our 01 OB Ltd. We got the talk about the Gold Plus extended warranty (6 yr/100k mi). Price quoted was $1425 (or was it $1495?). I keep very good financial records on the cars I've owned, and I've never come close to spending $1400 above and beyond tires and scheduled maintenance in the first 100k miles (except when I spun into a rock on a snowy day :-), so this didn't seem like a good deal at all. Shake 'er down good during the first 3/36.
    --Jay (we take delivery later this week)
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Mechanical things will break. Think of it this way.

    If you need a tranny that's $1500-$1700
    A/C compressor $600-$800
    Head Gasket $500

    Right there you are looking @ well over the purchase price of the extended warranty. The Subaru Gold also is a manufacturer warranty so you know you can always complain to SOA in the event they don't warranty anything.

    Just my 2 cents.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    kadie: get the 2001. It'll only cost a bit more, and you'll make it up at resale anyway.

    You also get bigger front brakes and a 2nd trip odometer. It's useful because you can use one for trips and the other to track gas mileage.

    On extended warranties: I spent more than that on my Escort, but less than that on our 626. It's your call.

    -juice
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    Check out extended warranties on the internet, print them out and bring them with you to the dealer. Thats what I did, and he wound up matching the price. Obviously I feel that it is worth it for peace of mind, plus it is a good incentive if you decide to resell it later on.

    As for teaching the wife, Juice I like your method the best. Blane, unfortunately I work a second job on Sundays so I can not take that ride. Mike I appreciate the info about Marks old car, but I will have to pass for now. It is a good idea for when she is ready to learn (Buy an old manual to learn on and destroy that clutch rather than the one on the new car.)
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Good idea. Another thing to keep in mind - a worn clutch is easier to learn on. New ones "bite" more abruptly.

    -juice
  • dalelynndalelynn Member Posts: 28
    Kate, yes I saw that post where subaru says the after market leather installation "may" interfere with the side impact air bags on the S premium model. My research indicated this should not be a problem. Classic Soft Trim warrantees the leather (deployment also guaranteed) under a 3 yr./36k mile which is similar to what subaru offers in their new vehicles. At any rate, I decided to go for it and I've gotta tell you, it looks GREAT! The "nickel" shade I chose matches the interior perfectly and looks very sharp with the silverthorn exterior. They even have the side impact air bag logo on the seats right where it was located in the cloth interior of the original seats.

    Juice, alllriiiight, an accessory for the driver! See you at the tour.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Sounds good Dale. Looking forward to meeting more Crew folk.

    -juice
  • theobtheob Member Posts: 148
    Another Data point: I've kept detailed records on my '86 4Runner. It has cost me about $1400 in repairs in the first 14 years, 186k miles! Yes, that's 14 years. I don't expect to ever find another vehicle as good as that one. If OB's are any good and you don't get a lemon, extended warranty seems like profit padding, IMHO.

    Theo
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's pretty remarkable. I spent that much in 7 years and 107k miles with my Escort, probably more.

    -juice
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    IMO, there's a reason dealers push them....they are great for their bottom line! Face it; no dealer/manufacturer is going to offer an extended warranty unless they feel confident that the odds are heavily in their favor that any repairs will be less than the cost of the warranty. My Jeep Cherokee (which isn't exactly known for it's build quality) didn't even come close to having $1000 in repairs over 8 years and 115K. In addition, Subaru's reputation for reliability is one of the reason's I bought one. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule and even Subaru builds an occasional lemon. So if you're the type who likes the peace of mind that comes with an extended warranty, then it maybe a good choice for you.

    -Frank P.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    That's just it, you're buying piece of mind, not just repairs.

    A good friend of mine works at a Ford dealer as a mechanic, and he strongly recommends them. Of course, he's seen a good amount of Ford lemons, which aren't the most reliable to begin with!

    Soobs are generally pretty reliable, and the basic warranty is pretty good already. They've even added roadside assistance for 3 full years.

    I'll roll the dice, personally. I've got so many mods I doubt they'd cover most of it anyway.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I guess my family just has bad luck. Almost every extended warranty my family has bought, has gotten at least some use out of it. In the NY metro area if you bring in the car for anything you are looking at $150-$300 no matter what the repair. 3 of those after 36K miles and you are almost even on the warranty.

    -mike
  • aussierooaussieroo Member Posts: 78
    While while "you are buying piece of mind" are
    you getting a peace of the action???????
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Depends on how reliable your vehicle turns out to be, I guess. Can't answer that question until 5 years later.

    -juice
  • pattim3pattim3 Member Posts: 533
    Either way you decide, I'd really like to stress that it is worth it to by Added Security, the Subaru plan. If you have it, we have the flexibility to help for quirky situations. If it is a dealer or aftermarket plan, we can't get involved. So, while your weighing your options, just keep this in mind (in my biased opinion).
  • pattim3pattim3 Member Posts: 533
    I was able to learn more about the hitch and availability. We do have a "stop sale" on these. Our QC folks have some questions that they want addressed by the manufacturer. They usually move pretty quickly with stuff like this, so something should be happening soon.
  • aussierooaussieroo Member Posts: 78
    Patti

    Did you receive my email?

    Gus
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    Gus- Re #628....I think that you should let it rest in peace!
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    FYI: Just checked and my dealer has 17 Foresters on the lot. Unfortunately, all but 2 are autos. :-(

    8 L models (2 of which are 5 spd), 2 S models, and 7 S+ models!

    Frank P.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Guess the 5 speed premiums are a real find.

    -juice
  • cptpltcptplt Member Posts: 1,075
    I traded my 92 Legacy for a 98 as I had run up over $2500 in repairs after 90K, most expensive was the stupid air suspension ( I had the LS)- almost 1000. Then several engine sensors. Plus my CV boots had cracked and I was probably driving in the MN snow for a winter like that! My in laws 92 has only been through about $700 in repairs though after 75K. Interestingly, my Legacy was Japanese made, hers US!
    I got the Gold warranty for the 98! Only paid 1100 for 5/100 though. It was list at about 1500 but the dealer came down just as I was almost out the door. Plus Subaru lets you pay monthly over a year or more for it. I didn't get it right away with the purchase so I hadn't rolled it into the original financing.
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