A few weeks ago, I was looking on various forums for other people's buying expereince/pricing info to help me buying an 04, which I finally did a few days ago, so I am posting my own info in case it might be helpful to others.

Went into the dealer looking for an 04 Silver WRX wagon. Had a trade-in: a 2000 Impreza Outback Sport wagon with almost 68K, needs brakes, new clutch, minor body work and major service/tune-up. Trade-in had a dealer installed moonroof and foglights, no other major additions, but otherwise a very nice, clean car.

For the trade, the dealer offered "full Kelly Blue Book value" for my vehicle rated at "good" condition- $7,600. He said he really should give me 7,100 because of the body damage, but would be a nice guy and let me have the whole 7,600. We discussed the price of the new car also. I know you're never supposed to buy on the first visit, so by the time I decided it was a good time to leave, we were $3,800 apart on the deal.

Went back a couple of days later having spoken/emailed other dealers, and here's how things worked out:

Trade-in $9,000
Customer cash back $750 + additional discount of $300 so $1,050 below invoice (not sticker)

Documentation Fee-this is a b.s. fee and they wanted 186, I told them 100 for everything including a full tank of gas.

Options at (close to) invoice: upgrade security system, upgrade speakers, cargo tray, air filter, auto dimming mirror w/ compass, cross bars, arm rest extension, rubber floor mats = $908 ( I actually messed up here- I forgot to put underspoilers on my list of options, so I included $156 too much...*&%$#!!!)

I also added a glass power moonroof which is technically not an option on the wagon, but I wanted it, so I coughed up the extra $1,000 for that (invoice is 900, I think).

So the short version is I got a new 04 WRX wagon with 21 miles on the odometer, with the options listed above, for: my trade and 15,900 cash. I pick it up on Friday.

My own opinion is that I could have gotten a better deal by 200-300 if I had the time and energy to walk out one more time... they have a 720 holdback, and I got about $300 of that, but should have gotten 500-600. I'm pretty happy with the trade value- I won that argument by having internet printouts of similar cars for sale from autobytel etc. and subtracting a fair amount for their costs (about 500). I figure they made about a grand off the transaction. If that's correct, I'm okay with that- they got kids to feed, too. I just hope it wasn't much more than that!

So that's the info, for what its worth... If you are someone who is shopping to get a deal on an 04 like I was, I hope this is helpful to you. I hope you can get an even better price for yourself!! Good luck!

 

Picked up the car yesterday at the dealer.. no hassles at all regarding service plans, my trade or anything like that- it went fine, signed a few papers and I was outta there!

The main thing was the moonroof- I was worried about the installation quality, but it turned out great- it looks good inside and out, and I drove at 80 with it open and it wan't very noisy at all. Plus, it rained last night here and it's still dry inside the car, so I guess they did an okay job. I know there are weight distribution issues with moonroofs, but I'm not rallying the car just taking it on I93 and I95(so actually far more dangerous territory...)-I would highly recommend a moonroof to others- they're awesome!

So FINALLY made the switch from a 00 Outback Sport Wagon to an 04 WRX wagon... they don't look that different, but man, they drive different! Wooooo!Outta my way!

 

The moonroof is powered it's tinted glass and retracts into the roof, like a good moonroof should. It's about 14x24... pretty big. It looks great. I love having it in the car. I've had the new WRX wagon a week now, and I've taken it out onto the highway with the moonroof open up to 80, and I can still listen to the radio at the same time- couldn't do that with my old one in my 2000 Impreza wagon. The invoice was 900 I got it for 1000, it lists for 1295.

 

They took it out to have it done, which took a few days. It's listed on my purchase agreement, so I assume that its covered in the car's warranty, but it comes with a warranty of its own anyway. If you want the details of the warranty, I could get it off the paperwork....Had it open on my way into work this a.m., thinking "damn, that Bagel guy should get himself one of these!"