I've looked around in the metro area--I don't think you'll beat substantially under 31K for a VDC at this point in the model year--even with the usual annoying VA dealer "processing fee." It's hard enough to find VDCs, period. Almost enough to make me brave Tyson's Corner:)
Well, I finally bought my Outback after months of research and endless test drives of numerous vehicles. One thing I have learned is that there is no "perfect" vehicle, and every vehicle will have something better or worse than the other........with that said.
I ended up buying a 2005 2.5i base model Outback for a price of 4% under dealer invoice. (you guys can do the math). I originally wanted the limited, but being that I am 6' 4" tall, I enjoyed the extra headroom in the base. The dealer also told me that I could add the leather to a base model if I wanted to. I figured i can always add the leather, but I could never get rid of the moonroof if it bothered me. Besides that, there is a $3,000 difference between the two trims. I think the limited would be more worth it if it had a standard power passenger seat.
Anyway, I got a great price on a great vehicle. 4% under invoice is fine with me. The deals are there, you just have to go out and get them!
I checked all the dealers around here and the VDC is hard to come by. Stohlman has brought one in for me at no additional charge. Based on the little I've seen it looks like the price is pretty good (about $600 below invoice).
If you find out what dealer in western PA is going 5% below invoice, please post it! I asked this same question a few posts back and haven't heard yet.
The way that dealerships stay in business is by doing business with people that don't participate in forums like this. Many people don't have a clue when it comes to buying a car and some people think that the price on the window is the price that you have to pay. For every person that pays MSRP they can have four or five savy people (like all of us) that haggle for a deal at or slightly under invoice. I recently bought my 05 OBXT manual using subaru's VIP program for invoice price. The only difficult part was arguing over the value of my trade in.
The dealer that was offering that price in Pittsburgh is Bowser Subaru. I actually ended up buying the car at Bill Gray Subaru. The sales person there was very nice and I really wanted to buy from her. I told her the quote I got from Bowser, and within 5 minutes they were willing to match the exact 4% under invoice. I also added the gold protection package (extended warranty up to 5yrs/60,000mls) for $600. This was not part of the deal on the price, but I decided later on to add this.
To make the deal even better. I was selling a car privately the same day, and we ended up doing a courtesy trade with the dealer. Basically I trade my car in to the dealer for the amount I sold it for to the individual. Then the dealer in turn sells it right back to the individual to the exact same price. How do I benefit? Well, because it is treated like a trade, I got the tax break on the amount of the car I sold which saved me an additional $600
I hope this helps anyone in the area.
Good luck.
By the way, this is my first Subaru and so far I am very impressed. The day I drove away from the dealer it was snowing and had already accumulated about 3 inches......fun,fun,fun!!!
Just bought a 2005 Outback XT Limited. MSRP $33488 (auto, subwoofer, security, automirror, cargo nets, mats, etc.). Elway dealer 'no-haggle price is 31888 plus D/H. I paid 2% (about $600) below invoice at Mike Shaw in Broomfield/NorthGlenn area. I was elegible for Subaru VIP program to buy at invoice, but negotiated a better deal without having to use it.
I bought a 2004 Forester XT (for sale by the way)last year from Burt Subaru in Denver for $200 over.
I bought my 2005 2.5i (5-speed) at Galles on San Mateo in Albuquerque about 6 weeks ago for $21,450 or so, well under invoice. They were advertising this deal in the Albuquerque Journal at the time.
My wife and I inked the deal yesterday on a 2005 Outback VDC (56 miles on the odometer) for $30,600, including freight. I spoke with two other dealers before making the deal and one accused my dealer of lowballing and the other doubted it could be done, period. I guess December's a great time to buy a car.
We celebrated with lunch in Middleburg.
Thanks for your thoughts as we went through the process.
We got a silver car -- we didn't have any choice in that, unfortunately. We bought from Stohlman and I think they were anxious to sell more cars before the end of the month -- they kept mentioning how they wanted to do the deal by December 31. I also spoke with Fitzgerald Auto Malls and Herb Gordon, but they wouldn't touch the price.
As for tthenrag, my other car is a BMW 328i, which I LOVE. However, it's not the most dependible car in the world, it's smaller than the Outback and it rides much closer to the ground. It's now my fun car.
I'm shopping for a 2005 Outback 2.5i manual transmission, no options, and got two different offers wwhere is hard to pick:
(price difference is about $600)
Dealer #1: $22700 + tax & license fee
includes:
a) peripheral alarm
Location: 18 miles away from home
Dealer #2: $23,291 + tax & license fee
includes:
a) Auto Dimming Mirror/Compass
b) Rear Cargo Net
c) 100,000 mile Limited Power Train Warranty
d) Lifetime Oil Changes
e) Service Loaners for Life
f) 72 Hour Exchange (if my choice was a stupid one, they let me change to a higher trim or different color)
Location: 5 miles away from home
This is my first Subaru, but I'm thinking of keeping this car for at least 5 years. Of the above, I really care about d) and e). I don't how much advantage the other items offer, so I was hoping you could advise me.
That choice for me would be a "no brainer"...for $500.00 difference and the closer dealership, plus oil, mirror, warranty, etc....Go for it or try to get them to match the $500.00 lower price.
I got my '05 Atlantic Blue OB 2.5i wagon on 11/30 for $23,598 plus $100 processing fee, MD taxes, and tags. That was about $400-600 below other dealership Internet quotes. The car had some items already installed (mirror, security upgrade, wheel locks, rear cargo net), and the threw in the all-weather mats for free.
The deals/incentives may be better now in December, but I'm happy with our purchase. My '94 Escort was starting to struggle with the cold, and we've had some bitter days this month.
So I went to the dealership and found 2.5i not so great. For $23K I was expecting it to have at least side mirrors and door handles same color as the body. It looked cheap to me.
I could move to 2.5i Limited trim, but I don't want sunroof, so I decided to try XT 5MT. I test drove and found:
- shifting is superb, I'm VERY impressed
- power is plenty, but only shows up after 2500 RPM, below that seems weak, and engine sputters a little when trying to accelerate in highway (I've seem this issue come before)
- gas consumption seems bad, much worst that that advertised, on my test drive it never did better than 17mpg on flat at constant speed (my wife is using that to steer me away from XT, she wants the economic ugly duck 2.5i)
Anyway, I liked the car. On pricing side, I now have a complete different price story:
dealer #1: $25900
- auto-dimming mirror
dealer #2: $27029
options:
- auto-dimming mirror
- perimeter alarm
- subwoofer
I'm really torn. Expend more money now and in the long run with gas, and get a car that is fun to drive or get a vanilla Outback, save money, and please the wife.
What do you guys with XT 5MT out there have to say to convince your wife to buy the OB XT? :-)
What do you guys with XT 5MT out there have to say to convince your wife to buy the OB XT?
Not much. Let your dear wife get behind the wheel, and let her decide that she needs the car! LOL.
I wouldn't eliminate the 'vanilla' Outback. I am on #2, (a 96 and an 03) and have been extremely happy with both. This car handles my families needs which includes a 9 year old boy, and all the things we do - soccer, weekend errands, long weekends and vacations. I have racks on the roof for skis and bikes. It does lack some power in the mountains when loaded to the gills, but for the rare occasions, I can live with it. Rob M.
Yep, the 2.5 is an extremely durable car. If Subaru knew all the things I did with/to my car, they'd probably choke. It certainly has to work on the hills, but after driving 4.5 miles back to the Chena River on a snowmachine trail this last weekend with 2.5-year-old all-season radials with no problems, I'm happy to own it.
I think it has a high fun factor (during the winter!), but I don't have to go 0-60 in under 8 seconds to feel good about its acceleration when most other cars on the road are struggling at the icy intersections with their studs on as my Subaru leaves them in the (snow) dust without even breaking a sweat (or slipping a tire).
In the end, if the car is for both of you, you both need to be happy with it. On the other hand, as my wife likes to remind me on occasion, "If mamma ain't happy....." Need I finish? ;-D
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
My 98 Forester (110K miles)is being examined at the dealer where I bought it and have always had it serviced for an overheating problem. In anticipation that the repair may be very expensive, I test drove an OB XT LTD manual trans in case I want to trade in the Forester and upgrade to the OB. I've always heard that the end of the month is the best time to get a good price and I'm figuring that end of year (12/24 for this dealer) makes it even better. What should I expect to pay, relative to the invoice, for either an OB XT manual trans with no options or an OB XT LTD with no options in southeastern PA?
Sorry about the late response - haven't visited this forum for a while. No, the price I quoted was before all that. Another option the vehicle I chose came with was the auto dimming rearview mirror which I like very much. I think the total including tax, del. charge, and advertising fee was around 22,750 or so.
Thanks for your info. I just purchased a 2.5i with auto from Galles in Albuquerque for about $1500 under invoice. I think that it being the end of December helped. Both the sales and finance staff were great.
Does anybody think that the extended armrest is worth an extra $180? Please give me your imput.
Someone previously posted getting a very good price at Becker Subaru in Allentown (that's eastern if not southeastern) and also a good quote at Lancaster County Motors, as well as Moyer in Reading. You way want to search for those. As I recall, the prices were all below invoice by a couple of hundred, although I don't remember the model.
I agree, I was contemplating the 27,000 for the 2.5 XT. I'm sure the thing is a rocket ship but I dont think paying that kind of dough for a Subaru is a wise financial desision. Hows the power with the 2.5i. What should i pay? I was quoted 23,600 with out any haggling for the manual. Can I get one for 23,000 even?
I just got a 2.5i with auto and several upgrades for $22900. About $1550 under invoice. That was in the southwest. From what I have seen online you should be able to do that or better on the Eastcoast.
Got mine for 26k with a good deal on my trade in. Unfortunately, found out after taking delivery arm rest way too low & I suppose I will have to order the extender. Still think I maybe should have gone for the turbo or six cylinder. Never test drove one but I am sure I would have like it. On second thought, maybe better that I didn't so perhaps will be satisfied with the regular 4. The 1.9 percent financing also helped a bit & that deal supposedly ends Jan 3. But, who knows what the next deal will be on those after that. Maybe 0 financing or rebates instead. Maybe if I hadn't had a trade could have done a little bit better than 26k. Also, if I knew how bad it would be without arm extender I would have insisted on them providing one at no charge. Also, I didn't realize no self-dimming mirror & I would have probably insisted on one of those as well.
Just purchased on 12/31; base unit without any options, though had dealer throw in rubber mats. Paid $22083 net plus $59 doc fee, plus tax. Dealer had special that included 24 month maintenance booklet good at any Subie dealer. Took advantage of 1.9% financing. Also received a good trade. I spent considerable amount of time on 'net getting equotes and looking at specials. I ended up traveling 350 miles round trip and saved $1500-2000 over local deals.
Last Friday purchased an '05 2.5i blue MT for 23,034 from Carlsen in Redwood City, CA. It included rubber floor matts, dimming rear mirror and rear cargo net. They had three of this model in their inventory, but wanted 23,270 for the first one we discussed which had no accessories, and wouldn't go down to 23 flat. Then he checked and said one of the others had been on the lot for a while before a price increase and would sell it for 23,034 and it included the three accessories. I tend to think his story might have been correct since the clock still showed PDT. CA cars have a special extra CA fuel efficiency charge ($275) and, I believe, a higher destination and delivery charge ($575) Also took the 1.9% financing on the entire amount. I can make more than that in a GNMA fund. Sooo, fairly pleased.
My advice is to let your wife try the OBXT. Mine did and she fell in love with it. She was leaning toward the Forester but once she felt the power of the OBXT she became a true believer. On October 16th we picked up our white OBXT Limited wagon with subwoofer, compass mirror, armrest extender, cargo net and XM satellite radio for $31,500 and after 4,500 miles we couldn't be more pleased.
Will be looking for a new ride in May/June '05. Looking at a pre-owened Outback, however, Subie does not have a Certified Pre-Owned program. Also looking at Audi and Volvo as I need a wagon with AWD and manual tranny. In the long run, I think Subie will be cheaper to maintain than the others, but the lack of a CPO program concerns me. Any suggesions?
If you are buying used, forget about the Europeans-they are a bear to pay for maintenance and CPO programs are only good for a couple of years anyway-what then? You have a potentially unreliable vehicle with super high repair costs. I know this from experience! Also look at Consumer Reports in old April issues.
From a performance perspective, you must be willing to pay a premium for the European cars because performance has now been matched or exceeded by the various 05 Legacy models (which can cost the same as used Euro models like the XC70 or A6). However, each has it own advantages though like the extreme comfort of a Volvo seat, the true superiority of the BMWs handling. But the Audis are outclassed. Euro cars are not as reliable as a rule.
My 2000 BMW has had tons of problems and Audis and Volvos can be just as bad.
Thanks CPICK. I have owned Audi before and was reliable, but got rid of it before the miles added up, so not sure how it would have been. I agree, Euro's not as reliable as Subies, Nissan, Toyotas etc. Since we already have a Nissan Aramada, i dont need another 4x4 and with 2 kids, i need the room of a wagon to zip around town and to head north to ski with buddies if need be. Subie seems to fit the bill, good ground clearance, AWD and the cargo room. Looking at a preowned Outback, seems there are good deals out there.. Should i buy thru a dealer (and get their backing if i have problems) or private? I am new to subie
The Outback is a Legacy. It has bigger tires, higher ground clearance, and different paint scheme. There is a thread called "Significant Differences between Subaru Wagons" for more details. Rob M.
I've seen numerous references to the Subaru VIP program. I own an 04 OB and I'm considering getting an 05 as well. What is the VIP program ? Who can join and is it free ? What are the benefits ?
Comments
Check fitzmall.com's inventory, but they often have zero in stock!
-juice
I ended up buying a 2005 2.5i base model Outback for a price of 4% under dealer invoice. (you guys can do the math). I originally wanted the limited, but being that I am 6' 4" tall, I enjoyed the extra headroom in the base. The dealer also told me that I could add the leather to a base model if I wanted to. I figured i can always add the leather, but I could never get rid of the moonroof if it bothered me. Besides that, there is a $3,000 difference between the two trims. I think the limited would be more worth it if it had a standard power passenger seat.
Anyway, I got a great price on a great vehicle. 4% under invoice is fine with me. The deals are there, you just have to go out and get them!
By the way, I also got the 2.9% for 63 months
Good luck everyone!!!
2005 Outback 2.5i
Champagne Gold, with taupe interior
I checked all the dealers around here and the VDC is hard to come by. Stohlman has brought one in for me at no additional charge. Based on the little I've seen it looks like the price is pretty good (about $600 below invoice).
Steve
Bob
If you find out what dealer in western PA is going 5% below invoice, please post it! I asked this same question a few posts back and haven't heard yet.
thanks ...
I don't see how else they could stay in business.
-juice
To make the deal even better. I was selling a car privately the same day, and we ended up doing a courtesy trade with the dealer. Basically I trade my car in to the dealer for the amount I sold it for to the individual. Then the dealer in turn sells it right back to the individual to the exact same price. How do I benefit? Well, because it is treated like a trade, I got the tax break on the amount of the car I sold which saved me an additional $600
I hope this helps anyone in the area.
Good luck.
By the way, this is my first Subaru and so far I am very impressed. The day I drove away from the dealer it was snowing and had already accumulated about 3 inches......fun,fun,fun!!!
I bought a 2004 Forester XT (for sale by the way)last year from Burt Subaru in Denver for $200 over.
Thanks
Burt was a better buying experience, but not sure if they'll go that low.
My wife and I inked the deal yesterday on a 2005 Outback VDC (56 miles on the odometer) for $30,600, including freight. I spoke with two other dealers before making the deal and one accused my dealer of lowballing and the other doubted it could be done, period. I guess December's a great time to buy a car.
We celebrated with lunch in Middleburg.
Thanks for your thoughts as we went through the process.
DC Steve
I love my new outback 2.5i, but i also love that i bought it for $23,000
What was your color? I'm curious as to how some of the exterior colors look with that taupe interior---since that's all that's offered on the VDC.
You were out in my neck of the woods BTW--Red Fox for lunch?
tttenrag:I think you'd have trouble finding that Beemer wagon for anything close to that price.
We got a silver car -- we didn't have any choice in that, unfortunately. We bought from Stohlman and I think they were anxious to sell more cars before the end of the month -- they kept mentioning how they wanted to do the deal by December 31. I also spoke with Fitzgerald Auto Malls and Herb Gordon, but they wouldn't touch the price.
As for tthenrag, my other car is a BMW 328i, which I LOVE. However, it's not the most dependible car in the world, it's smaller than the Outback and it rides much closer to the ground. It's now my fun car.
DC Steve
(price difference is about $600)
Dealer #1: $22700 + tax & license fee
includes:
a) peripheral alarm
Location: 18 miles away from home
Dealer #2: $23,291 + tax & license fee
includes:
a) Auto Dimming Mirror/Compass
b) Rear Cargo Net
c) 100,000 mile Limited Power Train Warranty
d) Lifetime Oil Changes
e) Service Loaners for Life
f) 72 Hour Exchange (if my choice was a stupid one, they let me change to a higher trim or different color)
Location: 5 miles away from home
This is my first Subaru, but I'm thinking of keeping this car for at least 5 years. Of the above, I really care about d) and e). I don't how much advantage the other items offer, so I was hoping you could advise me.
I got my '05 Atlantic Blue OB 2.5i wagon on 11/30 for $23,598 plus $100 processing fee, MD taxes, and tags. That was about $400-600 below other dealership Internet quotes. The car had some items already installed (mirror, security upgrade, wheel locks, rear cargo net), and the threw in the all-weather mats for free.
The deals/incentives may be better now in December, but I'm happy with our purchase. My '94 Escort was starting to struggle with the cold, and we've had some bitter days this month.
-sb
Was that a man. or automatic?
I could move to 2.5i Limited trim, but I don't want sunroof, so I decided to try XT 5MT. I test drove and found:
- shifting is superb, I'm VERY impressed
- power is plenty, but only shows up after 2500 RPM, below that seems weak, and engine sputters a little when trying to accelerate in highway (I've seem this issue come before)
- gas consumption seems bad, much worst that that advertised, on my test drive it never did better than 17mpg on flat at constant speed (my wife is using that to steer me away from XT, she wants the economic ugly duck 2.5i)
Anyway, I liked the car. On pricing side, I now have a complete different price story:
dealer #1: $25900
- auto-dimming mirror
dealer #2: $27029
options:
- auto-dimming mirror
- perimeter alarm
- subwoofer
I'm really torn. Expend more money now and in the long run with gas, and get a car that is fun to drive or get a vanilla Outback, save money, and please the wife.
What do you guys with XT 5MT out there have to say to convince your wife to buy the OB XT? :-)
Not much. Let your dear wife get behind the wheel, and let her decide that she needs the car! LOL.
I wouldn't eliminate the 'vanilla' Outback. I am on #2, (a 96 and an 03) and have been extremely happy with both. This car handles my families needs which includes a 9 year old boy, and all the things we do - soccer, weekend errands, long weekends and vacations. I have racks on the roof for skis and bikes. It does lack some power in the mountains when loaded to the gills, but for the rare occasions, I can live with it. Rob M.
I think it has a high fun factor (during the winter!), but I don't have to go 0-60 in under 8 seconds to feel good about its acceleration when most other cars on the road are struggling at the icy intersections with their studs on as my Subaru leaves them in the (snow) dust without even breaking a sweat (or slipping a tire).
In the end, if the car is for both of you, you both need to be happy with it. On the other hand, as my wife likes to remind me on occasion, "If mamma ain't happy....." Need I finish? ;-D
Does anybody think that the extended armrest is worth an extra $180? Please give me your imput.
-sb
Are you happy with the car?
Bob
From a performance perspective, you must be willing to pay a premium for the European cars because performance has now been matched or exceeded by the various 05 Legacy models (which can cost the same as used Euro models like the XC70 or A6). However, each has it own advantages though like the extreme comfort of a Volvo seat, the true superiority of the BMWs handling. But the Audis are outclassed. Euro cars are not as reliable as a rule.
My 2000 BMW has had tons of problems and Audis and Volvos can be just as bad.
thanks !