Subaru Crew - Dealers & Pricing

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  • thecatthecat Member Posts: 535
    john115 - I have a 95' Camry & 99' Forester. The Toyo is rock solid. Never had a problem with it. The Soob, on the other hand, is .. rock solid. Never had a problem with it. Hummm ..

    I would call it a relative tie on reliability. Both excellent vehicles. Different but excellent. The Toyo is a Mom-mobile - comfortable, smooth, boring. The Soob is a lot more fun to drive, particularly in rain or snow and actually has a more quiet ride.

    Don't be afraid .. jump in .. the water is fine.

    - hutch
  • eb12eb12 Member Posts: 16
    My wife has a 99 Camry, and I did have a 95 T100 Truck. Both excellent vehicles, We own 2 other toyota cars before that. After reading and studying the posts here we now have a 01 OB 5sp now with 3500 miles with no problems, We have the peace of mind for safety that Subaru is known for plus the AWD.
    I agree the OB is more fun to drive, and I believe the reliability is similar to the Toyota.
    I hope this help in your decision.
    Eric
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    My dad had a Camry in his fleet in Belize that caught on fire and burned to a crisp. True story!

    I'm sure it was a rare case, but try telling him that...

    He now drives a Subaru!

    -juice
  • radioproducer1radioproducer1 Member Posts: 1
    I am in the process of starting a new job with a ton of commuting (about 100 miles each way). I am interested in Subaru mainly because they're all all wheel drive, but I'm not sure where to go from there. I need something with decent mileage that's up to drviving 50,000 miles the first year. Anyone have suggestions/recommendations?
  • p0926p0926 Member Posts: 4,423
    radioproducer1- Well let's see, your options are:
    Impreza, Legacy, Outback or Forester. Any would do but we need more specifics on what your needs are. Do you need to haul stuff? Is gas mileage a primary concern? What about performance?

    -Frank P.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    If it's just you and you fit in an Impreza, the 2.2l engines are very efficient. You can choose sedan, wagon, or coupe.

    The Impreza also offers the 2.5RS if you like to drive enthusiastically. That comes in sedan or coupe.

    The Forester also uses the 2.5l engine. It's styled like an SUV and offers good utility in a small package. It only comes in a wagon.

    Finally, the Legacy/Outback is the well known big brother, if you need space. The 2.5l engine in this heavier car gets typically 22-25mpg. You have sedan or wagon choices. Also, the 3.0l engine just came out, but it burns premium and should be less efficient. Wagons only for the H6 3.0l.

    I'd pick a body style first - coupe, sedan, or wagon? Then narrow it down to platform, and finally to the powertrain choices.

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I had the 3000 mile oil change done Saturday at Russell Subaru in Catonsville Maryland. While I was there I noticed they had an LL Bean and VDC sitting out by the street, both with a huge sign on the windshield screaming: "V6."

    Bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Dealers are merely burger flippers... "Would you like an alarm and undercoating with that?"

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    You should have pointed out their rather blatant error.

    Nah, they'd probably try to sell you fries or something... ;)

    -juice
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    I did. In fact, I e-mailed both the dealer and
    SOA.

    I just wish I had a camera, so that I could have sent C&D a pix, which I'm sure they would have printed.

    Bob
  • francophilefrancophile Member Posts: 667
    Let's hope they did it because of the special deal they got on the sign :-)

    Doubtfully,
    -wdb
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Early GM influence?

    Remember, we're the watch dogs that have to blow the whistle...

    -juice
  • aguirreroyaguirreroy Member Posts: 1
    TheoB: For comments on Northern CO dealers, go back to my commentary (#576 in this series). If you're in Loveland, get online and make a wholesale deal with Joe Cooley at King.

    Juice, et al.: Rob Roy's the proud owner of a 2001 FORESTER! In Juice's words: "Yeah BABEEE!!" (Actually I've had it since Nov. 3--just in time for freezing drizzle covered by 4" of snow the next day). Been too busy driving around town to write about it 'til now. Should have some pix after Thanksgiving.
    -Rob
  • patrick86patrick86 Member Posts: 1
    Hello all. Sorry if this has been asked before.

    Does anyone know of a good dealership in Southeast Pa. (Philadelphia area.) I'm talking specifically about the Delaware County area.
    I basically know the dealerships in the area and I assume I can get a good price from any one of them. I am more interested in feedback about the service departments (after the car has been purchased). I think that may be the deciding factor in where I purchase the car.

    Any feedback about Rafferty Subaru in the Newtown Square area?

    Thanks in advance.
  • e_l_greene_l_green Member Posts: 30
    Well, hmm, I guess you could call it a 180 degree V6 (as vs. the more typical 60 degree or 90 degree angles between cylinder banks :-).

    -Eric
  • mrglickmrglick Member Posts: 19
    Patrick:

    Just a note about my recent experience purchasing an '01 OB Lmtd. I live just outside NE Phila. The dealers I approached did very little for me. The car I was looking for (OB Lmtd 5spd)was not on any dealer's lot. They did not even want to explore bringing one in unless I gave them $500 deposit. This left a very sour taste. Through various posts throughout Edmunds, I came across Fitzgeralds.(www.fitzgeraldautomall.com).

    You can purchase directly from their web site. Fitzgeralds price ($100 below invoice) beat the dealers in my area.

    It's been my best car purchasing experience by far. The staff were quite responsive and informative. Fitzgerald's located in Maryland, delivered the car to my house at no cost. I highly recommend them. As far as service, I am not anticipating any problems using my area dealerships. Good luck!

    -Glick
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Wendy,
    I've heard good things about Liberty Subaru in Oradell (www.newsubaru.com), but haven't had any personal experience. Depending on your location, you might want to check out Flemington and/or Somerset Subaru. I recently started going to Flemington for service and they are excellent. It's a 30 min. drive for me, but it's worth it.
    Dennis
  • beachbum8beachbum8 Member Posts: 3
    Patrick,
    we bought our '01 outback from Rafferty Subaru on 11/20. I haven't had any experience yet with the service department but the buying experience was fantastic. We dealt with Mohamed Laraki who was more than willing to find the exact car, with the options we wanted, or order it for us. It turns out he found what we wanted within 2 days and it was delivered within 4.
    Good luck.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Rob: congrats. About the snow, too! ;)

    -juice
  • wendynwendyn Member Posts: 11
    Thanks to all who gave me names of dealers in NJ.

    Another couple of questions...what dealer fees should I be paying on a new Outback? I know license and registration...any idea how much this is in NJ? What other fees will the dealer tack on, how much are they, and do I have to pay them (advertising for example)? I am also assuming these fees do not get included when figuring out sales tax? Just trying to estimate a "total" cost of the car.
  • rshollandrsholland Member Posts: 19,788
    Does NJ have a sales tax, like they do here in MD?

    Bob
  • wendynwendyn Member Posts: 11
    Yep, 6%. Assuming it is calculated before the registration fees are tacked on but after destination charge.

    I also think I heard that if you trade in your car (which I probably won't do) the sales tax should be calculated after the trade in is taken off, but this varies by state. Still think I will make about 2k more selling my car myself though.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    It depends on whether they register you for 1 year or two. For reference, I think MD is $70 per year, though we've moved to a 2 year cycle, so it's $140 for registration, plus they may charge a nominal $50 or so to process the tags for you (worth it IMO).

    If you have a registration from an older vehicle, check on that paper, it should tell you.

    What gets taxed depends on NJ law. I have no idea, sorry.

    The thing to beware of is surprise add ons like a processing or advertising fee. These should have been included in the price you negotiated, and dealers like Fitzgerald don't include them in the first place.

    -juice
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    I may have paid around $125 or so for registration. I'll check my contract tonight. I'll compare it to my wife's since she got her car two years later than I did, and from a different dealer. Like juice said, it's worth it for the dealer to do the running around. Don't think I paid any advertising fees.
    Dennis
  • bat1161bat1161 Member Posts: 1,784
    The registration fee should be less if you are transfering the registration from the old car to the OB. The fee may also differ if you are buying in NJ, but live elsewhere. If I remember correctly, I believe Bell Subaru was going to charge me $79 to transfer the plates in NYC. Hope this helps.
    Mark
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    If you are registering in NJ, they will charge you the tax rate of the county where the car will be registered. You should not pay any advertising nor dealer prep charges. They should have included the $495 or $550 delivery charge with your original quote.

    -mike
  • wendynwendyn Member Posts: 11
    ...for the fee info. Very helpful in trying to determine the TOTAL cost of the OB. Wish I didn't need to over-analyze every purchase. Can you tell I'm a techie? That's why I'm buying a Subaru...now just have to decide between ltd, llbean or vdc (has to be an automatic)...will hopefully test drive the H6's by the end of the month. Need to get one ordered soon as baby#1 comes in February.
    Again, thanks for everyone's help on this and the postings reviewing the H6s. I'm a career lurker on Town Hall and it has been extremely helpful to me!
    Wendy
  • miksmimiksmi Member Posts: 1,246
    Wendy, congratulations on your new child. How exciting!

    ..Mike

    ..Mike

  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Yes, congrats on the baby!
    I'm sure you're doing lots of research on the LTD, LLB and VDC (with VTD) and both with 3.0 H6. :-)
    Btw, I checked my contract and in '97 I paid a $175 registration fee in NJ. There was a box that said "documentation fee $99". It was marked "waived".
    Dennis
  • yellowbikedonyellowbikedon Member Posts: 228
    Wendy,

    As one who picked up an L.L.Bean model yesterday as a replacement for my '96 Outback, I can tell you the new wagon is a terrific machine. I did the usual things (test drove, read, compared, etc.) and can say the comparisons between the '96 and L.L.Bean are like night and day. There are so many improvements to enjoy. Take a good look at the model. I feel sure you'll agree the premium over an equipped LTD is well worth the price!

    I'd be happy to share experiences if you're interested. Just e-mail me.

    Don
  • hskhsk Member Posts: 1
    After spending a few months searching the web and reading the posts on this club, I bought a Forester S premium - silver. Just picked it up today, about 6 hours ago. Love it!
    One thing that was brought up at the closing was a "Simoniz system 5" paint protection program. Apparently I can get it if I let them know in a few days. I think the cost mentioned was $385. Maybe this has been discussed before in this group and I missed it, sorry, but I would appreciate any feedback anyone can offer on the worth of such a plan. Thanks.

    Sam
  • francophilefrancophile Member Posts: 667
    Congratulations on the new Forester! Silver is a great color.

    As for the "paint protection program", unless they are going to hand-wash and hand-wax your car for you for once every two weeks for the next 3 years, it sounds like a "dealer profit center" to me. In other words I'd pass on it.

    Cheers,
    -wdb
  • rangerron7rangerron7 Member Posts: 317
    I agree with WDB. It's just another way for the dealer to make profit. I suggest finding a good detail shop near you that uses good materials and have your Forester detailed a couple of times a year. You will probably be more satisfied with the results. The one-time dealer applied "paint shields" never really stand up for the life of the vehicle so you are faced with waxing your car on a periodic basis anyway.
    Ron
  • crashton6crashton6 Member Posts: 245
    Congrats on your new Forester! Your going to love it. Save your money. You can buy a lot of wash & wax jobs for $385.
    Chuck
  • wmiller4wmiller4 Member Posts: 97
    Save the money and just keep a good coat of wax on your Forester. That is the best and most effective "paint protector" I know of. The dealer applied ones are just not worth the money. The only way I would agree to it is if it was free and then I would still wax at least 2 times a year. Congrats on the new vehicle!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Wendy: get the LL Bean for those quick emergency diaper runs! :)

    The Forester already has a clear coat and double-galvanized steel on most panels. Just keep it clean and carnauba-wax that bad boy every 6 months.

    -juice

    PS Nice color.
  • e_l_greene_l_green Member Posts: 30
    According to one insider that I talked to (at McGuires, if you're wanting to know the company), carnauba wax actually isn't very good stuff. He says you can measure the amount of real carnauba wax in any modern wax with a thimble, because it just doesn't work as well as any modern silicon-type wax (which are so slick that auto body shops have to take special measures to be able to repaint those panels, because otherwise their new coat of paint would peel right off!). He said they still put a pinch of carnauba wax into some of their waxes for marketing reasons, but that's all it was for -- marketing reasons -- because it just isn't as good as the modern stuff.

    Take it as you will. McGuire's didn't rate so well in Consumer Reports' latest test, so it may be that he (and his company's wax chemists) didn't know what he was talking about :-}.

    -E
  • bakinactionbakinaction Member Posts: 5
    Anyone have a recommendation for a dealer in Southern California? Also, do any of you on this site lease? Just weighing buying an L or leasing an S+. Any input would help.

    Thanks.

    Beverly
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Beverly: Subarus tend to hang in there for the long haul. Warranty is also long, so buy if you can.

    -juice
  • scarwafscarwaf Member Posts: 33
    Beverly,
    I don't know what part of So Calif. you're from but I purchased my Subaru in Thousand Oaks/Westlake. I thought they were okay. I don't know how good the other dealers are. There are dealers in Van Nuys, Culver City and Santa Monica. There are a few in Orange County.
    I would recommend going with the purchase instead of the leasing.
    Scarwaf
  • chriscoulterchriscoulter Member Posts: 17
    Beverly - We had no problem with Rancho Grande Motors in San Luis Obispo when we bought our OO OB wagon from them 6 months ago. We figured the drive north, while longer than the drive to Oxnard (now gone) or T.O. dealers would be a prettier one w/less traffic and for us be "the road less taken."

    That said, we pine for a dealer in Santa Barbara!
    SOA - - YOU COULD SELL MANY MORE CARS HERE!
    An hour and 20 north or 50 mins. south (if no traffic) seems far enough apart to squeeze in one more dealer....

    Chris out
  • bakinactionbakinaction Member Posts: 5
    Juice, Scarwaf and Chris - Thanks all for responses. I definitely will buy - probably the L - but since no rave reviews of specific dealers, I will attempt negotiations with Santa Monica. I will let you all know how I do and may come back here for advise on the quote. I appreciate having this amazing resource!

    Beverly
  • subaru_teamsubaru_team Member Posts: 1,676
    One suggestion related to car seats. Check out different models before you buy. Some super deluxe models are meant for super large cars/vans. You might have a "fit" issue. Most reputable stores will let you test the seat in the car for a good fit.

    The Reps. at 1-800-SUBARU3 have listings of some seats that fit well.
  • soon2bsubeesoon2bsubee Member Posts: 137
    Whaat is your email address...I need to discuss some Subie business with you? please email me at serge.small@wcom.com...thanks
  • parkchesterparkchester Member Posts: 13
    Any guess, estimates or factual replies would be appreicaited. I've got a silver 2001 AT "L" coming over from Japan. My Bay Area dealer is selling it to me for 400 over invoice. With keyless it's $16,450 (plus fees). Should I wait? And when will the model-changeover happen or the base Impreza?

    Thanks!!!!!!!!!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    The 2.5l engine will be made standard, so expect a price increase of $1000 or so across the board, but it will include extra features.

    That said, I still think the new one is worth the wait.

    -juice
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Gas milage willprobably decrease as well with the larger engine. What I would do is wait and buy a left over 2001 at a deep discount! Also expect an increase in overall pricing with the new body style.

    -mike
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Gas mileage is pretty close. I think the RS auto gets 23/28 with the 2.5l, darn close to the 2.2l's 23/29 in the OBS.

    Look at the 2000 OB's price increase, and the new Impreza's should be similar.

    -juice
  • parkchesterparkchester Member Posts: 13
    mike- I don't expect deep discounting of the 2001's. My dealer (a big one) had to order an L sedan for me. He couldn't locate ANY!!!

    juice-So the new 2002 Impreza will be $1000 more but give 165 HP? And what other new features will there be? Were the OB price increases about a $1000?

    Maybe I (& my old car) should hang on for a few more months!
  • bluesubiebluesubie Member Posts: 3,497
    Here are the model codes for the new Impreza.
    http://www.new-impreza.com/modelcodes_us02.htm
    Notice it has 2.0 for the WRX and 2.5 for all other Impreza's.
    "When" is a good question. I think people are speculating that it's the same as the WRX (March).

    I've also heard that production has stopped on '01's.

    Dennis
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