My new WRX buying experience.
11-03-2003, 12:47 PM
#17
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Posts: n/a
Sounds like you went through a bundle!
I just purchased an 04 wrx sedan w/ spoiler this last weekend, but I wouldn't have done it if the price weren't right.
Do your research! Learn invoice costs, and if possible get quotes from other dealers (and consider looking at www.carsdirect.com -- check it out, they explain how it works on that site). Also, learn what holdback and floorplan are wrt Subaru (profit categories where the dealer makes money even if selling at invoice).
Don't fall for dealer "tricks" e.g., playing the "payments game" or the "financing rate game." Keep in mind that the dealer makes absolutely nothing if you walk out the door without a car. In fact, you may have even wasted their time. You have the money they want!
Negotiate the cost of the car BEFORE discussing financing; in fact, get your own financing pre-approved if possible. Let them know you already have financing, but don't divulge the rate - it's not their business. Let them know that you know they make more money if you choose their financing as opposed to your lender's.
They may have to "run their business" and "keep the lights on" but that shouldn't stop you from getting a good deal
Also, keep in mind, the "rock-bottom" price is still negotiable.
I just purchased an 04 wrx sedan w/ spoiler this last weekend, but I wouldn't have done it if the price weren't right.
Do your research! Learn invoice costs, and if possible get quotes from other dealers (and consider looking at www.carsdirect.com -- check it out, they explain how it works on that site). Also, learn what holdback and floorplan are wrt Subaru (profit categories where the dealer makes money even if selling at invoice).
Don't fall for dealer "tricks" e.g., playing the "payments game" or the "financing rate game." Keep in mind that the dealer makes absolutely nothing if you walk out the door without a car. In fact, you may have even wasted their time. You have the money they want!
Negotiate the cost of the car BEFORE discussing financing; in fact, get your own financing pre-approved if possible. Let them know you already have financing, but don't divulge the rate - it's not their business. Let them know that you know they make more money if you choose their financing as opposed to your lender's.
They may have to "run their business" and "keep the lights on" but that shouldn't stop you from getting a good deal
Also, keep in mind, the "rock-bottom" price is still negotiable.
11-13-2003, 04:39 PM
#18
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Posts: n/a
The way I bought my Silver 04 WRX wagon this week is the way I will buy cars from now on!
1) Go in and test drive
2) 2 days later PHONE the dealer and TELL THEM what you are willing to pay for the car. Of course they will tell you to come in and talk. You tell them you're a busy guy and don't have time for the "finance game". If they can't decide right then and there politely tell them you're phone number and that they can call you with a price if they are interested in selling you a car.
3) Once a price is determined, ask for them to put it in writing (email or fax) and break down all the numbers (price, tax, title, any fees).
4) After confirmation of price, if you are going to finance, have them fax you the credit application. Fill it out and return it. Tell them, when you are approved to call back. You can also seek financing elsewhere and avoid them altogether. Check with the dealer first though. In my case the dealer received a kickback for using Subaru/Chase. Worked for me as it was a 0% deal.
There you go - Only PITA thing I dealt with was the salesman leaving for a half hour to "check something out". I was kind of irked as I told him I had not eaten dinner yet and was in a hurry. He acted like he couldn't have cared less. Also, I told them at 2PM I'd be in at 5:30, but they didn't start prepping the car until I arrived so I had to wait. Maybe that was why he disapeared. As soon as I had him paged he promptly returned and was suddenly ready to fill out the forms.
1) Go in and test drive
2) 2 days later PHONE the dealer and TELL THEM what you are willing to pay for the car. Of course they will tell you to come in and talk. You tell them you're a busy guy and don't have time for the "finance game". If they can't decide right then and there politely tell them you're phone number and that they can call you with a price if they are interested in selling you a car.
3) Once a price is determined, ask for them to put it in writing (email or fax) and break down all the numbers (price, tax, title, any fees).
4) After confirmation of price, if you are going to finance, have them fax you the credit application. Fill it out and return it. Tell them, when you are approved to call back. You can also seek financing elsewhere and avoid them altogether. Check with the dealer first though. In my case the dealer received a kickback for using Subaru/Chase. Worked for me as it was a 0% deal.
There you go - Only PITA thing I dealt with was the salesman leaving for a half hour to "check something out". I was kind of irked as I told him I had not eaten dinner yet and was in a hurry. He acted like he couldn't have cared less. Also, I told them at 2PM I'd be in at 5:30, but they didn't start prepping the car until I arrived so I had to wait. Maybe that was why he disapeared. As soon as I had him paged he promptly returned and was suddenly ready to fill out the forms.
11-29-2003, 08:08 AM
#20
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Posts: n/a
I to am looking to get a 04 wrx the dealers price is like 26,700 ive looked at kbb what should be the starting price i should tell the dealer i will be willing to pay ive already been in there once test drove and all that and got "pre approved" for 3.89 i know for a fact i can get a better deal than 26 any help would be great
11-29-2003, 08:55 AM
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
the only other delima i have is getting rid of my civic after i put all the mods on it its only worth like 15k and what would i have to do to get a low 13sec wrx?? i mean im keeping mods in mind of course hks down pipe and exhaust,upgraded intake piping bov and all that the only thing im wondering about is will the down pipe pull cel's and wil it void warrenty
Last edited by 4sd_civic; 11-29-2003 at 09:02 AM.
11-29-2003, 05:32 PM
#24
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Livermore
Posts: 502
Car Info: 2004 WRB WRX
All this advice helps, ive been shopping for a WRX for a little while and i decided to give up on the 02-03 and go for an 04. Lately i havent been able to get the deal i wanted to im still waiting but my last 2 experiences have been quite different. I have a subaru dealership about 2 blocks from my house in livermore,ca. The first time i went their they have a yellow 03 i was looking at buying. I wait and a salesman comes out and hes a he wasnt very helpful and was outright rude. After he refused to take me seriously i left. I came back the next week and got a different salesman who just came in from germany and was extremely helpful. He was helpful enough where he was talking like he was my friend. I was surprised to get such different treatment at the same exact dealership. If you find a saleman who isnt very nice i suggest asking for a different one
11-29-2003, 05:44 PM
#25
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Posts: n/a
Also, as you probably know, the Sonic Yellow color was a limited time thing. They may not want to deal much. That said however, the fact that it's still on their lot and it's nearly December, doesn't work in their favor.
I still say do it by phone. If you like the car, but not the dealer, get a deal someplace else. I'd first call and ask to speak to the sales manager. If they pawn you off on someone else, politely ask the name of the sales manager and when he might be available. Call back then.
IN FACT - In my case I got the Finance Manager when I called. That was even better. I told him the internet was a beautiful thing. He said "oh, you went to Edmunds or something?". I replied "No, people love to brag about the deals they get so I went looking". Then I proceeded to basically tell him what I'd heard other people had paid. He said he was "uncomfortable" with the numbers so I said "ok, thanks anyway" and he stopped me and said that he didn't say he wouldn't do the deal, just didn't like it. I told him it was his choice as it was his car. 24 hours later it was MY car.
I should also say that, he insisted I do the 0 % interest (I was going to anyway). Evidently they get a kickback from Subaru or Chase Bank when they write up the loan that way. That may be the case with all Subaru/Chase financing, I don't know. At any rate they made the "doc prep charges", dealer holdback, and whatever the kickback for the loan was. Plus, they hope I use their service department down the road - and I most likely will as the dealer is only a couple miles from me.
I still say do it by phone. If you like the car, but not the dealer, get a deal someplace else. I'd first call and ask to speak to the sales manager. If they pawn you off on someone else, politely ask the name of the sales manager and when he might be available. Call back then.
IN FACT - In my case I got the Finance Manager when I called. That was even better. I told him the internet was a beautiful thing. He said "oh, you went to Edmunds or something?". I replied "No, people love to brag about the deals they get so I went looking". Then I proceeded to basically tell him what I'd heard other people had paid. He said he was "uncomfortable" with the numbers so I said "ok, thanks anyway" and he stopped me and said that he didn't say he wouldn't do the deal, just didn't like it. I told him it was his choice as it was his car. 24 hours later it was MY car.
I should also say that, he insisted I do the 0 % interest (I was going to anyway). Evidently they get a kickback from Subaru or Chase Bank when they write up the loan that way. That may be the case with all Subaru/Chase financing, I don't know. At any rate they made the "doc prep charges", dealer holdback, and whatever the kickback for the loan was. Plus, they hope I use their service department down the road - and I most likely will as the dealer is only a couple miles from me.
11-29-2003, 05:48 PM
#26
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Posts: n/a
One more thing - Don't settle for the 03. the 04 has better styling and is technically the "redesign". Resale value will be better as it is a model year newer and a body style newer as well. Also, there are some suspension enhancements, better seats & relocated tachometer, with the 04.
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