Subaru Crew - Dealers & Pricing

sweet_subie

http://fitzgeraldautomall.com/

ateixeira

May be a sedan, which is cheaper than the wagon. Give it a few months and the $750 incentive will reappear.

-juice

jerrys2

Just bought S/premium w/leather, dust deflector,cargo net, tail pipe cover for Invoice. Actually slighly below since some of the options were way below dealers cost. Invoice was less than Edmunds invoice price. (Bertera, West Springfield 800-637-9661 ask for Tim Garner.

Jerry

ateixeira

Congrats Jerry! Auto or manual? What color?

-juice

jerrys2

Thanks juice...Black, auto (wife will drive also, even though 2000 Outback is her car).

Any info. on woodgrain after market?

Thanks again,

Jerry

ateixeira

No, but you may be able to find someone that does not like the wood on his/her Outback Limited or LL Bean, and you could swap consoles for no cost if you did.

-juice

pattim3

I hope you get many happy and safe miles from your new Subaru!

Patti

jerrys2

Thanks I am confident that I will...this is my third new Subaru purchase since '96...never had a problem!

Juice... woodgrain is for the Forester, Outback is Ltd.

Jerry

kens

Jerry,

Congratulations! Black is the best choice (mine's black too)!

Ken

99gs

I had a strange thing happen today. I purchased an LLBean last summer from an out of town dealer. I asked the local dealer ( where I had test driven) to match the price and they declined. By the way the difference was $1300. So I told the salesman I would buy the one out of town.

Back to today. My wife and I like the Bean so much I'm looking at replacing a second car with a Legacy. I called the local salesman to ask if I could test drive one that showed up in their inventory. His response was: If you are looking to buy a car from us then they would let me drive a car. "Our management doesn't want to put needless miles on our new cars." I told him I would pass.

What a way to do business. Chances are they would have been in the ball park price wise now because there are no factory to dealer rebates which is what they wouldn't pass through on the Bean. Don't think I'll try them again. Just thought I'd pass on a dealer experience. Byers Imports, Columbus, OH. Jack.

paw0159

Hi,

I'm new to this board. I'm currently driving a 1999 Dodge Caravan. My lease on this vehicle is up on Feb. 3, 2002. I'm am interested in a Subaru. What's the difference between a Forrester and an Outback? I like a wagon-type vehicle. I live in Buffalo, NY.

Patty

bluesubie

Hi Patty!
Welcome to the board!
Now would be a perfect time for you to go do some test driving.
One difference is size. The current Forester is actually based on the Impreza (which is actually based on a shortened Legacy chasis). It has a little less rear legroom and cargo room. Although the cargo area is boxier on the Forester.

They both have the same engine and the Forester feels slightly more nimble, IMHO.
Some of these things will likely change this year because the '03 Forester will be redesigned. I don't know if you want to wait until late summer for AWD (lease extension?) but it will debut at one of the auto shows this winter/spring.

Good luck,
Dennis

ateixeira

Forester costs less, and it's lighter and shorter in length, but taller in terms of height. It only comes with the 2.5l engine. I find it more nimble, and it's a little quicker off the line.

The Outback is roomier, especially for passengers. It's heavier but also more refined, with better interior materials, but it costs more. There is an H6 engine option.

Both are fine vehicles. I have a 1998 Forester L, my cousin liked it and bought a 1999 Outback base model. My dad got envious and just bought a 2001 Outback Limited. Mine is the quickest, but my dad's is the most luxurious by far.

If you have 0-1 kids, maybe a dog or two, and need ground clearance, the Forester is a good bet.

If you take lots of long trips, and comfort is a priority, or if you have 2-3 kids, the Outback is probably better suited.

Definitely sit in both, take the family with you. Pick whatever 'fits' you better.

-juice

paw0159

Thanks Dennis and Juice for your response to my inquiry of Forester vs. Outback. I have 3 kids (teenagers) that I am constantly driving here and there. Think I will be doing some test driving soon. Thanks again.

Patty

ateixeira

Wow, I would definitely consider an Outback, then. The middle one will be tight in the Forester.

Spring for a Limited if you can, the kids will LOVE the rear moonroof. The Legacy GT wagon also has it and costs less than an OB Ltd.

-juice

fibber2

3 kids? Tough one.... I had a '97 Grand Caravan Sport (lease), now a '00 Ford Windstar SE (lease), and have a '02 Odyssey on order. As much as I love my '02 Outback wagon, there is no substitute for cubic feet and three row of chairs. Whenever we go anywhere over about 30 miles and I say 'wagon', the family responds 'VAN'. Bet you can guess who wins........(typically not me......).

Good luck in you test drives.

Steve

nygreg

We purchased the OB for the room in the rear for our 3 girls (4-10 years of age). With one in a car seat, they all fit fine in the rear seat. My wife still talks about the Sedona Red Forester we looked at when test driving the cars though. She loved it. Anyway, the cargo room in the OB is great - too great if you ask me. My wife has been driving the car way more than me lately since it fits her need better than the minivan we have. But, I must say that yesterday was our first snow fall (only 4" and nothing compared to Buffalo) and I felt better knowing that she was driving around in the OB with its great AWD system. In addition, my 4 year old only wants to drive around in the OB and I can't figure out why! Anyway, with 3 teenagers and their corresponding equipment you might find the extra room in the OB nice. Lots of luck deciding and keep us informed.

ramble off

Greg (your southeastern neighbor)

subypower

I was just reading through the past couple of messages about Subaru of New England. Usually, Edmunds, KBB, Yahoo, etc. give you a lower invoice price than what we pay for the car here in New England.

I sell Subaru's on the internet for the 5th largest dealer in New England and can assure you that we all pay the same amount for our cars. Edmunds is usually the closest of the bunch.

When a dealer pulls his invoice and shows it to you, you can be assured that that is what he and other dealers are paying for the car when buying from Subaru of New England.

If you have an invoice question in New England, please ask and I'll be happy to tell you what the number is.

raybear

For higher NE invoices. The car costs the same but options are several percentages higher, as I recall.

freddi1

I am trying to purchase a used Forester or Outback SW. I found a 99 SW with 32K miles for 17,400 at a dealership, but then found out it's been on the lot for almost a year. I don't feel comfortable about this. Aside from taking it to a mechanic, does anyone think this presents a problem. Also, I used Edmund's to come up with a price & was told that Edmund's is out of the "ballpark" as it's price was so much lower than Kelley's. Forester S's (my first choice, we already have a 98 & want a second one) just can't be found around here in the Catskills. Any helpful advice would be very much appreciated. This is my first post! Followed the Forester chat before we bought our first one...keep up the good info! Ms. Freddi

c_hunter

I just sold a 2000 base model Outback wagon to my father. It had 23000 miles. If I had sold it to anyone else, I would have asked about $17500-18000, so that is a good data point to go by. I did a lot of research on the pricing. Keep in mind that the 2000 model is also the newer body style, while the 99 is the older body style. Based on all of this, I think $17400 sounds too high for a 99 with 32Kmiles, unless it is really loaded up and in mint condition.

In my experience, KBB is unrealistically high. Edmunds is more on target. Most dealers use NADA pricing, so you may want to check on that.

Craig

ateixeira

Ms. Freddi: please drop me an e-mail at ateixeira@ifc.org. If you are anywhere close to the DC area, I know of a specific '99 Outback with just 21k miles that the owners would be willing to sell you for less than $17,400.

-juice

hypov

You mentioned Outback 'SW'.
If you're refering to the Outback Sport, then I think it's pretty high.
KBB priced my '99 OBS @ ~$11.5k

-Dave

paisan

I think he means the station wagon as opposed to the sedan.

-mike

hypov

my iq went SouthWest there ;-)

-Dave

subypower

Ms. Freddie,

In the Northeast, Outback's bring all of the money. We have sold 99's with that mileage for as much as $18,999 and as little as $16,999. If you look around you may be able to grab a low mileage 2000 automatic for $19,999. I know of several in this area in that price range.

The Forester S models should be lower than the $17,400 figure, between 15,999 and 16,999 depending on mileage.

francophile

DEFINITELY dealer pricing!

Grin,
-wdb

hypov

So what will a '98 Limited 21,000 miles near mint condition goes for in your line of business?

-Dave

fibber2

I'm in Dutchess Cty (Hudson River Valley), NY. One of the guys I work with has a dealer friend that took him to the Newburg Auto Auction the first week in January. They bid on a '99 base OBW with the All Weather Pkg (heated seats, etc.) and around 40k miles. I believe he got it for $16.4k. He figures he saved about $1500-2000.

Steve

subypower

That car would probably sell for between 16,000 and 17,000. Miles are great and the add for the limited is usually less on a used car. Still wouldn't be a bad buy at $17,500 depending on the condition.

boomerdriver

How much over invoice are buyers paying for the 2002 WRX? I'm in the Chicago area, though info from buyers anywhere is welcome.

boomerdriver

Another question. The car I'm considering (2002 WRX automatic) is currently at the dealer's owner's home. His wife has been driving it for over a month. How much of a discount should I expect for the predriven condition?
Boomer

c_hunter

Price that car up as if it were used. The dealer may lead you to believe otherwise, but you can be sure that's how they would treat the car if you were trading it in. A $25K new car generally drops in value by $2-3K as soon as it's driven off the lot and racks up 500-1000 miles.

To answer your first question, the dealer where I bought my LL Bean Outback (near Richmond VA) in December was willing to sell WRX wagons for $200-300 over invoice.

Craig

subypower

You should be able to get a WRX for $200-$300 over invoice. A fair deal for both you and the dealer. There is a flood of these cars on the market and many dealers have them sitting on their lot.

On a demo, devalue the car approximately 10 cents per mile. They will have write downs on the car based on mileage and how long it's been driven. So they may sell the demo car at invoice. Of course it depends on how much his wife likes the car.

boomerdriver

Thanks everyone for your comments. I ended up finding my car elsewhere so I didn't have to deal with the demo pricing issue. Bought my WRX tonight and love it already.

lapsis

I am new to the Subaru Crew and looking for help. I am interested in purchasing a 2002 Forester S Premium with automatic, the air filter and the tweeter kit. Edmunds gives a TMV of $23,414. I have gotten offers of $23,551 and $23,687. Should I be able to do better? Can you really get one for invoice or a few hundred over, say $23,200?

p0926

Leonard- I just priced it out on Edmunds and got a price of $23,610 (including destination). So I'd say your two offers are both pretty good.

As to whether you can do better, that depends on a number of variables. How many vehicles of like make and model are on the lot, how close to the end of the month it is, etc. Also, Connecticut is getting up into real Subaru country and winter is when Subarus are at their best so you might not be able to get as good a deal as say someone in Florida. Best of luck and keep us posted.

-Frank P.

lapsis

Anyone buy from this dealer? Good/bad experience?

subypower

Base invoice on an automatic premium Forester in New England is $23,129. I know this because I sell these cars on the internet for an SNE dealer. This price is before you add the tweeter $72.00 at port and the air filtration system $46.00. So I would say the prices you have been quoted are more than fair on that car.

Remember, Edmunds invoice does not equal Subaru of New England invoice. We have to buy our cars from a distributor not the manufacturer.

Good luck

ateixeira

Price is good, I'd take it.

-juice

lapsis

I AM NOW THE OWNER OF A 2002 FORESTER S PREMIUM IN SEDONA RED WITH AUTOMATIC, AIR FILTER, AUTO DIMMING MIRROR, CARGO NET AND TWEETER KIT. I TRADED A 1996 CHRYSLER CONCORD LX WITH 106,000 MILES. THE PRICE MINUS TRADE WAS $21,208.00 PLUS $125 DEALER CONVEYANCE FEE AND $49 REGISTRATION TRANSFER FEE. IF I WAS WILLING TO TRAVEL TO A DEALER AN HOUR AWAY I THINK I COULD HAVE DONE EVEN BETTER BUT MY WIFE WAS TIRED OF WAITING FOR HER CAR. THE 4.9% FINANCING WAS A BONUS.

bluesubie

Congratulations and enjoy your Forester! By the way, typing in caps is considered shouting on the web and email. ;-)

-Dennis

ateixeira

Congrats, Leonard.

Now hang in there, the new car stench (undercoating burning off) doesn't last long, and mileage will improve as your car breaks in. Take it easy for the first 1k miles.

Enjoy your Subie.

-juice

kfaris

Hi. This is my first time using this discussion area and it's because I am getting ready to buy a used Legacy. I'm a canuck, eh, so apologies to my american cousins in using things like kms and CDN $. Anyway, what I'm looking at is a 1996 Legacy Wagon, base model. It has 94,000 km and was previously owned by two separate owners, the last of which traded it in for a new Forrester. So it's through a dealership I'm buying. The dealer is doing the routine 96,000 km service job, including replacing the timing belt. I also had an independent mechanical inspection, which came out near-perfect except for an oil leak that can be taken care of by replacing the rocker cover gasket, which the dealer is doing. They're giving me a pretty fair trade on my 1990 Ford F-150 supercab. I'm not the world's best wheeler-dealer, though, and I'm getting ready to negotiate on price. Right now they're asking $14,900 and offering me $5,000 on the truck. I'd like to get the price down - just wondering if anyone has any tips or points I should raise to back up my case? Thanks in advance...

-Ken

ateixeira

That seems reasonable. Let's see, that about $7500 USD for a Legacy with 59k miles. I'd go for it.

It's out of warranty, so ask if they'll throw in an extended warranty for that price.

-juice

armac13

The exchange rate is about 0.62. That makes it about $9200 not $7500. The Loonie has gone low, but not that low.

Ross

99gs

I've been pricing the same type of vehical around the same year here in Ohio. I'd say $9200 is a great deal for 50K plus miles. I found a '99 here with 37K miles that an owner wanted $15,200, but he did want offers. Also a little closer to yours was a '97 Outback pretty well loaded, but it had 74K miles for $11,200 again they were looking for offers. Jack

ateixeira

I stand corrected. Thanks.

No wonder I thought it was such a great deal! Still seems like a fair price. I would ask for about $8-9 grand for our 1995 626 ES, with 72k miles.

-juice

kfaris

Thanks, it's great to get this perspective. I'm going to negotiate for a lower price, of course, but I'm also going to see if they'll add in a dealer powertrain warranty, even for 90 days, as well as rear seat headrests, a roof rack, and a towing hitch.

hamkola3

Hi y'all, I ve been reading some of the boards here as I'm interested in a Forester. I am wondering if anyone knows if Subaru will be offering any good incentives in April or May on the 2002. I have settled on the 2002 as I feel I should be a able to get a good deal on one but don't know if it would be worth it to wait until the 2003 actually hits the dealerships. Thank you.

Kurt H.