2013 and earlier-Subaru Outback Prices Paid and Buying Experience

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  • mississippimississippi Member Posts: 9
    We are contemplating buying our first Subaru - pretty much a base model version: 2006 2.5i wagon 4EAT-S, white with taupe cloth, auto, auto-dimming mirror and floor mats. It was a dealer demo and has 4000 miles on it. A Virginia dealership is offering it at $22,229 (plus Taxes and tags). Based upon my research, I am planning to offer them $19,454 for this vehicle ($22,229 less the $2500 rebate less the $275 SDAF). I'd appreciate any thoughts re this deal and/or counter-offer. Thx.
  • willowctwillowct Member Posts: 15
    I'm only 5' even and am deciding between a 2006 Forester or a 2006 Outback. The Subaru dealer put them both on equal financial footing for me, so the decision comes down to the fantastic visibility of the Forester or the luxury bells and whistles of the Outback. Their being pretty much the same price surprised us, but we figured it had to do with this month's rebates, etc.

    Has any one else decided between the two?
  • rudikamprudikamp Member Posts: 34
    Just bought a 2006 L.L.Bean Sedan at Subaru of Morristown,N.J. $ 28,500. ( w/o Nav.)
  • grace_gtgrace_gt Member Posts: 14
    I don't know which part of Virginia you are buying your car from, but if you don't mind taking a trip up to Rockville or Gaithersburg, Maryland, You should check out the prices at Fitzgerald Auto Mall. They have brand new 2.5i Outback Wagons 4EAT for $21,455 in the color that you are looking for, in addition to other colors for under $22K. So the price that the VA dealership is asking is too much for a used vehicle, so the $19K or so that you are offering might be a good offer.
    Good Luck.
  • chrisl22chrisl22 Member Posts: 24
    I recently was determining between an Outback and a Forester myself. I chose a 2.5i limited Outback. The suspension was the final deciding point with me. I liked the Forester alot. It certainly is more nimble, and I liked the size. But the Outback just rides (to me) a lot smoother. The stereo's a bit better, I think (6 instead of 4 speakers -- is that right?). I love the moonroof (but you can get that in a Forester) and the leather interior is a plus for me. It feels really comfortable. I like being in it. But they're certainly both great cars. The "feel" of the Outback, chiefly the suspension, again was my deciding factor.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    $22,229 is way too high, even as a starting point for negotiations. 4000 miles makes this a used car, it should cost at the very least 10% less than the best deal on a new one.

    I find the Forester more fun than the Legacy. Plus it costs a bit less than the Outback. You can get a Premium pack for about the price of a base Outback and get that gigantic moonroof. For a base model you'll save a grand or two easily. I've seen $18,997 for an automatic X, a great deal.

    -juice
  • mississippimississippi Member Posts: 9
    Yikes! Thanks for the reply. I've checked out the Edmonds and cars.com pricing guides. The car we are considering is a basic 2.5 i model. ONly options are automatic, auto dimming mirror and floormats. I checked the odometer and the mileage is 4800 miles (it was driven by the dealer's wife). What do you think is a fair price for me to pay (exclusive of Taxes and Tags)? OR better yet, what do you think would be a great deal?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    $21,455 for the cheapest OB auto from fitzmall.com, and I'd be wanting to save about 10% off that. So figure $19,309, maybe $19.5k tops.

    Add a bit for options, so just keep it under $20k and it's a deal IMO.

    -juice
  • quorkusquorkus Member Posts: 3
    Ok... I finally struggled and made the commitment in my mind to buy an Outback and not a Forester (The Forester console inhibited my leg room... I'm 6'2" all legs)

    So I have been looking at a 2005 2.5i Wagon and the specific one I was looking at was sold before I even had a chance to test it! Argh! The car salesman was trying to convince me that I should consider a new 2006 because my "monthly payment would be the same" Is this really true? I mean what if I put 8k down? Please help!!

    thank you,

    r
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The '06 has incentives so he may not be wrong.

    Also, the '06 has the better crash test results, so go for the '06. You'll have better selection, too.

    -juice
  • heynowheynow Member Posts: 4
    Hello all. Yeaterday I went to a local dealership on Long Island, NY. I'm looking to buy an Outback 2.5i wagon base model, no options. With the current cashback of 2,000 the dealer gave me a price of 23,700 which included dim. mirror and cargo net. Of course this price is neg. Today, I called another dealership and the sales mgr. quoted me a bottom line price of 23,000 after cashback. In your opinion do you feel this is a fair price....remember I live on Long Island where we pay extra just to breathe!!!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The prices seem a little high to be honest. Check out fitzmall.com to get a targe price. In NY, Van Bortel is a no-haggle dealer that I would compare as well.

    -juice
  • steveb10steveb10 Member Posts: 13
    After the $2,000 back I paid $21,400 for an '06 2.5i 5-speed with no options. This is in Albany California (near SF).
  • heynowheynow Member Posts: 4
    Last night I went to the dealer and purchased a 2006 2.5i wagon, auto, dimming mirror, arm rest ext., rear cargo net, and roof rub strips, for 22,900. I felt it was a fair price for this car and have no regrets. Could I have neg. a better deal...maybe, but I got the color I wanted...um...I mean the color my wife wanted and we pick it up tonight.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    color my wife wanted

    You sure are honest. ;)

    -juice
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    So what color is your family getting?

    Mark
  • bpacbpac Member Posts: 4
    I live in the MA / RI area. I was looking at a 2.5 I with Auto. With $1500 down he gave me a quote of $325 per month for 36 mts and 15k per year. I think its kind of high and wanted to see what kind of deals other have received

    thanks.
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Just do a quote request here on Edmunds, you can send it to 4 dealers to start with, and you can use Subaru's site for even more quotes. Don't double up on quote services, know who you are sending things to.
  • googonabikegoogonabike Member Posts: 27
    Hello everyone. I am new kid on a block, and this is my first post. After months of research, reading, including posts on this site (heartfelt thanks to all), debating and going back and forth between Base RAV4 V6, and 2.5I O.B. On the very last day of May, I phoned local dealer(Suburban Subaru in Troy, MI) in response to his e-mail offer of $23.373 on the lightly optioned 2.5I, auto, with auto dimming mirror and compass, wheel lock set, net, and all weather mats with window sticker of $26,773. Was able to negotiate the price down to $21,737 over the phone. In this price he also included free lifetime oil change.
    My total OTD price came to $21,737 + $1,304 (6% MI sale tax)+ $23 (Title and Plates)= $23,064.
    People I delt with over the phone and 30 minutes later in their office were very professional, friendly and a pleasure to deal with. Whole purchasing experience low pressure and stress free. After putting $ 500 deposit with my Subaru C.C.and 15 minutes b/4 closing I drove away in a brand new Willow green/ Moss green O.B. with 15 miles on the clock. I'll comment on the car itself after few months of daily driving.
  • rockysouthrockysouth Member Posts: 4
    just purchased a 2006 outback 2.5 xt ltd wagon with turbo. it came with the 5 speed auto transmission w\ sportshift and equipment groups 1B and 2B. i paid $28,200 before 5% tax and 175 for title, registration, and tags. was this a fair deal? dealer tried to hit me with $99 dealer processing fee at close, but when i balked and got ready to go they waived it. please share your thoughts, thanks
  • garandmangarandman Member Posts: 524
    The car salesman was trying to convince me that I should consider a new 2006 because my "monthly payment would be the same" Is this really true? I mean what if I put 8k down? Please help!!

    2006 also has the VVT engine with 175hp. Check some of the Subie sites for the 07 features, though, so you'll know what you're missing, if anything.

  • slazengerslazenger Member Posts: 99
    You got a great deal. Enjoy your new Subie...
  • rockysouthrockysouth Member Posts: 4
    I really found edmunds to be helpful. I rec'd 4 internet quotes and was able to use that info to get the most geographically close dealer to beat the best offer. they also offered 27,300 on the llbean 6 cylinder. I was surprised that was cheaper than the 4 cylinder turbo but I am a novice. Anyway , thanks to edmunds and all the posters - I felt like I had some knowledge to help level the playing field.
  • quorkusquorkus Member Posts: 3
    Thank you all so much for your input. I was trying to decide between 2005 and 2006. I found the color I wanted and I am not a really new car kinda gal so I opted for the almost new 2005. I got the Atlantic Blue Prl/Gray Opal with 8900 mi for $19,245 + tax. 5.25% financing. So good credit does pay off!

    thanks,

    r
  • glenski01glenski01 Member Posts: 44
    this is the Outback we are considering, only would purchase if we could get in the $21.7 range. Was there any other charge other than tax & license (like dealer handling fee or whatever they call it there)

    How do you liked the car & how is the power?
  • glenski01glenski01 Member Posts: 44
    what was the MSRP of the OB you purchased? Is the 5.25 finance a factory Subaru finance deal? and is it good for 60 month finance with good credit?

    Thanks
  • mrgarymrgary Member Posts: 33
    Have been looking at the Outback, and Ouback sport SE, and also the Forester.
    The outback has a lot of options and more cargo room.
    The Outback SE and Forester are about the same size but the Forester has mor cargo space. Seems like it is because it is more box like. I like the Sport SE its fun to drive but wonder if I will miss out on the extra things the Outback Wagon has? We have 7 dogs. Any know the Forester X with Front Disc rear Drum Breaks is better than what the SE has? What are the advantages of the smaller car vs bigger?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The Forester's foot print isn't really any bigger than the Outback Sport's. Same wheelbase, for instance, nearly the same width, and only slightly longer.

    The Outback is bigger, though, mostly longer.

    If you want a good compromise between size and space, I say go for the Forester. It's a big little car.

    -juice
  • googonabikegoogonabike Member Posts: 27
    No, no handling, documentation or prep fee. In a word no B.S. (Barbara Straissend, just Title $15 & plate transfer $8. I like it thus far, but own it only couple of weeks and put ca. 350 miles. In Michigan flat lands, power delivery is smooth and more than adequate. Haven't taken it to the Rocky's yet Engine is surprisingly quiet even when accelarate. Did not pass 2700 rpm yet thopugh. Trip computer on the other han is a joke. No matter where I drive and how I drive, it always show avg.23.5 miles/gal. for the trip. Driver's seat is most uncomfortable of any car I have owned, including 1990 Honda Accord, which until now held this dubious honor. I am avarage size guy, 5'11" and 167lbs. This is my first full time four wheel drive vehicle, and it makes significant difference with respect to traction, strait line tracking and handling even on the dry surface. What's more, this pronounced benefits are achieved with very crappy OEM tires.
    Except for the seats, the other deficiencies could be consider as a nit picking, at least in my book.
    All in all I have no regrets, and would recommend it.
    Good luck!
  • glenski01glenski01 Member Posts: 44
    It appears that Subaru really wants to move their cars, most of the dealers I visited had an over stock of Outbacks. The pricing I have seems great to me! For a 2.5i auto, MSRP of 26420. quotes so far via internet only: 21,700, 20,815 plus D&H fee of 299.50, & $20,815 no addl fees except taxes. Thats $5605 off MSRP!! includes current $2000 factory rebate which may expire end of June.
    We are between two vehicles right now, but boy the Subaru's aggressive pricing is very attractive!
  • rdowneyrdowney Member Posts: 10
    The pricing seems very aggressive. We purchased a 2.5i Limited wagon with an MSRP of $29,938 for $23,995--nearly $6000 off sticker. In addition, Subaru's extended warranty plans were offered at half off, and we are using the 0%/2 year financing.
  • quorkusquorkus Member Posts: 3
    Well I got it used (2005), so I can't really tell you the MSRP. 5.25% was from a credit union (not subaru) for 60 months. Sorry I can't be more helpful! But it looks like I am too late anyway... congrats on your purchase!

    r
  • steviewondersteviewonder Member Posts: 10
    Hello from a newbie. I've been shopping around for a 2005 XT with low miles at a good price (that is, at or near Edmunds and KBB) and am striking out. I know these cars are popular in this area but thought I'd have better luck. So now I am rethinking the car search and will probably end up trying to get a deal in the next couple of months on a leftover 2006. This is the first time in over 20 years I will be buying a new car from a dealer and I'm a little intimidated at the prospect of negotiating the price. Help!

    Any advice on dealers in the Denver area? Also- and this is the important question for me- how much can I realistically expect to talk down the price on a 2006 when the 2007s are starting to come in to the dealer? Is it even worth waiting another couple of months? Thanks in advance for any advice. Stevie Wonder
  • glenski01glenski01 Member Posts: 44
    longer you wait, more chance selection of 06's will get thin and you may not get vehicle you want, depends how picky you are on color etc. Try Flatirons Subaru in Boulder, hard to beat their pricing & they appear upfront & honest (yes they are a car dealer!), but seriously they earn the business.
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Ask if the locals have any of the "paint-damaged" cars available and what kind of deal they can offer. You won't be able to see the difference anyway.
  • saintlouisdonsaintlouisdon Member Posts: 4
    Sounds like you did quite well!! Did you get this deal through an internet quote or was it hard-fought negtiation? What region of the country is this? Thanks for your time.
  • rdowneyrdowney Member Posts: 10
    We are in the Minneapolis area. We simply requested price quotes in person from several local dealers. The quotes were fairly similar. We might have come out slightly ahead when we switched from a black car to a gold one. The only gold 2.5i Limited in the dealer's inventory had about $500 more in options, but they offered to sell it at the same price. FYI, the 2.5i with auto that lists for $26,420 was being offered at $21,500. The extended warranty deal was not even mentioned until we were signing the paperwork to purchase the car.
  • saintlouisdonsaintlouisdon Member Posts: 4
    Am I correct that the $23,995 was the final price out the door with the $2000 rebate? Did you have to pay extra for anything other than the warranty (and TTL)? Thanks again!
  • rdowneyrdowney Member Posts: 10
    There was a $50 "document" fee--other than that it was $23,995 plus TTL and an extended warranty if we wanted one (no pressure, but my 98 Outback overheated at 95K so it was an easy decision at half price). That price is after the rebate. It is substantially (about $1700) less than invoice after accounting for the rebate so there must be manufacturer to dealer incentives as well. I asked two dealers whether the price would be affected by whether we used the 0%/2 yr financing and both said no.
  • iknevs1iknevs1 Member Posts: 10
    I am new to this forum folks. I am trying to decide between the new rav4 and outback 2.5i.Does the lack of stability controls make a huge difference in snow and bad weather. Also the base tires are not thought to be very good . Any suggestions on better all-season tires.
    thanks
    iknev
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    Forget about the lack of stability control, how do you feel about the RAV4's AWD shutting off over 26 mph?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It's basically FWD 99% of the time. I'm not sure if they let traction control or the AWD system act first, but I think I'd just go ahead and get a FWD model in that case. I just don't see the rear axle doing very much in that case. Save the money (and weight and fuel) and just get FWD, since it'll probably feel the same.

    And I'm an AWD fanatic.

    -juice
  • iknevs1iknevs1 Member Posts: 10
    I have decided on the outback but during a brief test-drive found the base engine short of power during the start even compared to my 1996 camry 4 cylinder. Any thoughts...? i will check this out again. Also thinking of the H-6 wagon with cloth. The prices i have been quoted are 500-800 under invoice after 2000 dollar rebates. Is this ok?.. some people have got better deals.? advice thanks iknev1
  • ttenragttenrag Member Posts: 38
    A good set of snow tires will outperform any all wheel drive system.
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    Does it really shut off, or is it just that "manual" lock mode that shuts off if you have it engaged?
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    From Toyota's website, it disengages over 25 mph.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Only if they are on. The last blizzard we got in DC was in late March, by that time everyone had put their summer tires back on.

    I have a set myself, don't get me wrong, but not everyone has a hydraulic jack and power tools to mount and dismount tires every time the weather changes.

    -juice
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    A '96 Camry weighs a lot less, plus there isn't the drag of an AWD system. An Outback will easily outrun a Highlander AWD 4 cylinder, though.

    The H6 is nice, nearly silent, you can barely tell it's on. It's not so much about all-out power as much as smooth delivery. The turbos are a bit quicker.

    -juice
  • steviewondersteviewonder Member Posts: 10
    Raybear, can you tell me more about the paint damage you refer to?
    [edited for clarity]
  • wmquanwmquan Member Posts: 1,817
    It's a poorly-written description on the Toyota web site. The disengagement over 25mph is only for the Manual Lock mode, where torque is locked to drive all wheels at once. The vehicle is actually "AWD" above 25mph (well, reactive AWD, part-time AWD, whatever you want to call it).

    If driving above 25mph during normal cruising, the system will still, supposedly, send torque to the rears upon slippage. How quickly, how much, no one really knows but toyota.

    Here's a better quote describing the 25mph limit applying to the Lock mode:

    "A 4WD manual locking switch will disengage the auto mode, maximizing torque distribution to the rear wheels. When the vehicle speed reaches 25 mph the Lock mode will disengage, reverting back to Auto mode. The Lock mode also disengages when the brakes are engaged, optimizing ABS and VSC."
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