So I sold my RS because this 'great deal' that has been going on. But I didn't expect to sell my RS so quickly (4 days). So took me a few days before I figure out my finance and went out for a test drive.

Evo X and 08 STi
I drove the stock and modified Evo X from Speed Element. and I tell ya, it handles DAMN NICE! and the power potential is definitely there proven with dyno sheet. However, the long ride down to Buttonwillow was not as nice unless you roll the back down a lot. For me, it's okay as a passenger, but I don't drive like that. And the trunk is just way too small for my needs.

Then there is the STi... I went to Capitol Subaru to test drive one since it's close by me. Didn't really step on it for power test since it's a new car. Even though the salesperson didn't say anything when I went over 4k, but I just didn't feel right slamming it.... I test drove another one again at Livermore and have decided STi is the way to go.

For me, I need ride comfort, cargo space, and decent power. I've owned Subaru for 8 years now, so I might be a bit bias, but I think cargo space was the breaking point for me.

Livermore
They were actually okay. Salesperson didn't say much and offer was the usual 8k 0% for 63months. However, the car had more than 55 miles on it and the salesperson didn't stop me from 'stepping' on it a bit so only God knows how it was driving for the first 55. I walked away from the deal, and do regret it a bit.

Santa Cruz
How can I not give my old Friend Charlie Yeo a call at Santa Cruz Subaru? Still one of the best customer service around town I have to say. I know they don't have any STi for me, but I asked if he could get one and give me the deal. Obviously he couldn't but for good reason. Dealership are not just digging out of their own pocket to give you that 8k. They are being backed by Subaru to do so. So Charlie explained to me how the program works and we just chatted a bit since we've know each other for a long time. Very cool guy and great dealership still.

Diablo
They remind me of the old Stevens Creek. The salesperson Frank was very stuck up. They do have a good size inventory but the wrong attitude. He was actually okay to start off with until I mention the deal. Then he got all upset and started talking **** about other dealership. Specifically Oakland and South Coast. Saying that Oakland doesn't even have any cars and trying to give the deal and there is no way in hell he'll give them any cars. And that South Coast is going out of business that's why they are doing the 8k deal. Which is not true, they are doing it because of Subaru is backing it. Bottom line, no deal... It was obvious he is playing the old 'supply and demand' game. He kept on saying I have the most STi in the bay, you can't find it anywhere else, blah blah blah. Needless to say, I laughed at his face and walked away.

Capitol
Now I know some of you are fans of Capitol, but I have to say it. I recently detailed a nice Forester and the owner briefly mentioned that Capitol was crappy. I was shock and surprised, but figure maybe just random. When I was there test driving the STi, the salesperson Michael/Mike kept on talking **** about the Evo (I haven't decided between the Evo X or the STi at that point). And yet, he couldn't even tell me what the curb weight of the car was. He is one of those hyper energetic guy and thinks STi owns the world. Yes, STi is a great car, but doesn't own the world, sorry. There are better cars out there, even at the same price range. Then on my second visit, I wanted to talk to the sales manager Ron because I was refer to him by Oakland. Ron was actually an okay guy I think, but was not willing to do the deal and play the same game as Diablo, supply and demand. And at the same time, the same damn sales guy Michael came up and started **** talk. I told Ron I am only interested in the deal. If no deal, thanks for your time, goodbye, and I walked out. Then Micheal had to follow me out just to argue that I can't get anything else at this price and blah blah blah, which is completely BS. And with this one, I actually walked away pissed off. Even the old Stevens Creek hasn't done that to me. Ridicules!

Stevens Creek
I didn't deal with Stevens Creek directly but I had my contact work with them. I knew they don't have the car I want and looks like those with the cars are not willing to give them up. My contact didn't call me back so I gave up.

Oakland
Now I met Jeff from Oakland at Speed Element when I still had my RS. He offered me a KBB Good on my car right there, but I told him I'll get something better from private. Then surprisingly he PM'd me and made me a good deal, but not the golden deal. However at that point I haven't started to sell the RS just yet. I contacted him again after I posted it for sale and he gave me the golden deal. I told him I'll sort things out from my end and will get back to him after. So I did during this dealership hopping deal... Both him and his manager are very nice folks. Both explained to me how the program works in black and white (literally) and no BS. However, Jeff and his manager were not able to get a car from either Capitol and Diablo. In fact they told them the cars were sold even though I know for a fact that they weren't.

CN
Go to Santa Cruz (Charlie) or Oakland (Jeff) Subaru if you want a car in the future. Capitol and Diablo are HORRIBLE to deal with and will NEVER buy a car from them and neither will any of my friends and family. Livermore is neutral in my case.

 

Did you buy a car yet? If not call me later.

 

Ryan!! No I didn't... I was too upset to buy one... What time will you be in today? I'll give you a call...

 

Ouch, sounds like you had quite the crummy sales experience. I've chatted with Michael a few times when I have my STI at Capitol for service and you're right he's a bit hyper. Jose was my sales guy when I got my STI, had a really good experience with him, if you ever go back to Capitol, I reccomend asking for him.

 

maybe try Carlsen Subaru in Redwood City? That's where I bought mine and they were really nice

 

Yeah... It'll take a lot to have me go back to Capitol, sorry... They've lost my business pretty much forever. It was a pretty crummy experience for me... To put thing into perspective... This is how my previous car deals went...

01RS
I was only 20 but working at Intel as an Intern at the time so had the pay stub to prove my income. Went back couple of times to Stevens Creek and they gave me a decent deal. Didn't treat me bad or anything, just gave me the sketchy look since I was so young.

02RS
I sold my 4EAT 01RS in the morning. Called Charlie down at Santa Cruz and told him what I wanted and he gave me a great deal over the phone. The buyer dropped me off at the dealership. Walked in, signed, and the car was all prepped by the time I walked out. It was my first stick shift so the master tech Johnny D. spend 30 minutes after closing to teach me how to drive it. Yes, half an hour and AFTER closing for FREE!

08 328i
Walked into Peter Pan BMW, checked out the car I wanted. Sat down and made a single offer (he didn't even try to counter, negotiate, or argue in anyway), he walked back to his manager ONCE, came back and said have a seat over here, have some coffee or hot chocolate while we prep your car. He then spend about 45 minutes explaining every button and feature in the car with us.

 

I wanted blue or white... unfortunately Carlsen doesn't have my color so I didn't even bother to try.

 

Leo,

I'll be here until 4. My guy won't get in until a bit later. I'll let you know.

 

Here was my buying experience with Jose.

Stopped in one day when I was driving past for work. Jose showed me around, and explained a few things that they'd changed about the 06-07's from the 05's. I wasn't in a financial position to buy a car that day, but we exchanged email addresses and he kept me up to date for the next couple months what they had in stock.

When I had everything in order, I went back and spent an afternoon negotiating my trade in and the price of the car. Was all very relaxed and easy, no attitudes, no indignation, just polite negotiation and the like.

This was my first manual transmission, so Jose spent almost an hour riding around with me in the parking lot and around the block teaching me the finer points of driving a stick.

The best part was that a week later, the finance department called me back to tell me that they'd found a better deal for me and saved me a bunch on my monthly payments.

So ya, it sucks that it didn't work out for you, and I know the owner of Capitol so I'll pass your experience along the next time I'm down there.

 

Didn't get to test drive neither the 08 STi or 08 Evo. But I did test drive an Evo VIII and 07 STi and they're both great machines. I think that if a salesperson unreasonably bad mouths one of the other, I just know they're full of ****. They're both great cars, difficult decision you got

 

Please do, my experience was unacceptable! I've walked into dealerships where they know I wasn't going to buy a car and still spend time with me in a relax and none hostile environment. Hell, I was in an Audi and Porsche dealership before where I walked in 5 minutes before closing and spend 30 minutes playing with all the cars there. They knew I wasn't going to buy because I said so. But they still went and got the keys and show me all the cool features in the car. and greeted me as I walked out.

**** talk about other dealership is just low. Yes, Micheal **** talk about Capitol Mitsubishi and Stevens Creek during my first visit as well. LAME!

 

Thanks for the heads up man, I will be in the market for the new STI come June of '09 (when the forester is payed off)

So pretty much, tell Diablo and Capitol to play hide and go **** themselves *nods* I kinda got the same feeling at capitol when I was in the market for my forester, never went back even thou they had a 04 on the lot at the time I liked.

 

if you go to Livermore subaru, talk to Henry, I use to work with him as sales person, I test drove the blue STi they had there on Friday.

 

everytime I look at this pic, I consider trading my car in for one, but I cannot find one anywhere

2008 Subaru Forester Sports 2.5XT

 

Leo, call me when you get a chance.