STi - where to buy?

ANZAC_1915 · 01-07-2003, 04:01 PM

I've had some questions on this, so I thought I'd put out a broader post.

I got confirmation from Subaru on the prior word from dealers (no orders, 300/month to dealers allocation based on past sales).

So....the smaller dealers in the boonies may not even get one vehicle a month, and the bigger guys probably already have a long list.

I don't know what the curve looks like, but it may mean the big dealers eventually ramp up to say 2-3 cars per month. It will just be a question of waiting for your car.

My advice is to get on the list at a bigger dealer.

Frankly, there are probably may be people on the list who it turns out can't afford this car, or decide it is just too much car for them.

And of course, don't pay over MSRP.

Glenn

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

cabalisticfire · 01-07-2003, 04:25 PM

I find this to be highly unlikely. I really can't see Subaru not taking orders. I believe they will take orders from every dealer and the stock allocation will be based on past sales. If your source is correct then it seems that it will put smaller dealers in the position of telling customers that Subaru won't let them sell STIs and that they'll need to look elsewhere. I just don't see that happening. It sounds like a really good strategy to piss of your potential buyers especially since there has been no mention of "official" STI dealers or anything of that sort.

cabalisticfire · 01-07-2003, 04:30 PM

Two replys to the same thread in a row? I must be on a RANT...

The only reason that Subaru would have to forgo the ordering process would be that they are unable to manage it. Eliminating a structured ordering process would be a public admission of gross incompetence on the part of both SOA and it's dealers to effectively manage its organization.

I'm not calling you a liar Glen or the person who told you this, I just want to be the first to say that eliminating the ordering process is a terrible idea.

norseone · 01-07-2003, 04:31 PM

My deposit is at one of the dealers out in the boonies. First on the list.

LimeyWRX · 01-07-2003, 04:36 PM

My dealer has 11 on its STi list with $500 deposits. It took deposits back in 2001 way before this was a reality. There is another dealer in town with atleast 8 and so if I don't trade in (which for now I'm not) I'm sure too see a few around

Mako · 01-07-2003, 05:27 PM

I believe Glenn is right. My dealer says that Subaru is NOT taking orders or any such thing. Also, the smaller dealers are getting only one car to begin with, and have told me to expect $1500 to $5000 markup. NOT. I can go to a bigger dealer or wait.

The question I have is, will it be limited just for the first year? To me it seems obvious that the STi is here to stay in following model years. (The 2.5T in the STi is the setup for 2005 B4s and such in the USDM). If so, I can wait.

dwx · 01-07-2003, 05:56 PM

I don't think they are going to make a STi with less HP in the future... I'm waiting. I think they'll keep demand high and people waiting, not flooding the market like the WRX. But they are in the business of selling cars and I think they'll make them to meet demand.

Skylab · 01-07-2003, 06:21 PM

Markup? With this economy!?

We'll see.

Corn-Picker · 01-07-2003, 08:25 PM

When I bought my WRX (August 2001) it was "limited" to 10,000. That number moved to 15,000 and then 20,000 by the year's end. Subaru is in this to make money, if they can sell 10,000 STi's they will make and bring over 10,000 STi's. You might have to wait a month or two to avoid the guging.

I may wait a few years too so the bugs are worked out and maybe they will release an "enthusiast's edition" with no power windows/lock and no AC for a few thousand less.

Jon [in CT] · 01-07-2003, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Glenn Wallace
I got confirmation from Subaru on the prior word from dealers (no orders, 300/month to dealers allocation based on past sales).

I cannot say whether this is true or not, but I can say that Subaru of America doesn't control allocation for every Subaru dealership in the U.S.. Allocations in New England; New York & Nothern New Jersey; and Hawaii; are completely controlled by the independent distributors Subaru of New England, Subaru Distributors Corporation, and Schuman Carriage Company, respectively. All dealerships in these franchise areas buy their Subarus from the distributor, not SOA. These three distributorships are not owned by SOA or FHI and are free to set their own dealer invoice prices, destination charges, dealer holdbacks, etc.. Most importantly, these distributorships decide, within their franchise areas, which dealerships get which cars.

P.S. I found a thread from a well-known New England Subaru dealership which suggests that SNE has adopted a policy similar to SOA's:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...hreadid=293239

outback2.5HO · 01-07-2003, 09:03 PM

Corn-Picker is right on...

That's how the RS started out too, "limited production" in '98. Then in '99, by the second half of '99 there were PILES of RS cars at the larger dealerships.

The same happened with the WRX, and the same will most likely happen with the STI.

How many "Limited" Outbacks or GTs are out there? They don't seem too "Limited" to me, just more $$$.

euroauto · 01-07-2003, 09:04 PM

I was told the same thing as Glenn yesterday at my local dealer. This was from the sales manager and the general at about 2:00pm when I asked what the price would be. No answer, they didn't know. They do have a list with deposits, but no orders to SOA. They expect to get three cars a month. PS: If you care I'm #1

Johnny Knoxville · 01-07-2003, 09:14 PM

My dealer is the #1 dealership in Ohio...so i should have no problems.

gunnarmac · 01-07-2003, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Johnny Knoxville
My dealer is the #1 dealership in Ohio...so i should have no problems.

Hey thats funny, my dealer in Cincy said they are the #1 in Ohio. they also say they are marking them up since they will get first dibs on the Sti.

I wonder who is telling the truth?????

Don't you love car dealers!!

cabalisticfire · 01-07-2003, 09:52 PM

Does anyone know how many Subaru dealers there are in the US?

ANZAC_1915 · 01-07-2003, 09:54 PM

By the way, of the two big dealers near me, one said MSRP+$5k, the other said MSRP.

Quote:

I find this to be highly unlikely. I really can't see Subaru not taking orders.

I couldn't see it either, but I was told this by the California regional sales rep. I can show you the email if you want...

I don't know the reasoning --- maybe they don't want to be on the hook to delivery anything specific at such a low volume, just build the cars as they see fit and ship them to dealers.

And to Jon's point, yes I meant SOA distribution.

Glenn

Jon [in CT] · 01-07-2003, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cabalisticfire
Does anyone know how many Subaru dealers there are in the US?

Currently, there are about 600 U.S. Subaru dealerships.

trinidriver · 01-07-2003, 10:32 PM

A couple of people have suggested getting in touch with internet sales managers. I did this when I got my WRX, but I have moved since then and I can't seem to find any in CT. What's a good way to locate dealers who do internet sales? Autobytel doesn't recognize the STI yet. Thanks.

bullseye17 · 01-07-2003, 11:12 PM

i have a $500 deposit in with northtown subaru here in NY.... #2 on the list.

jzinckgra · 01-07-2003, 11:15 PM

Well, I'm not sure if I'll be one of the 1st to get an Sti, but if I do, I'll hopefully be able to get it at dealer cost since my gf is a VIP member. She's bought 2 new subarus in the last year at dealer cost (TS wagon, LL bean). she can get it at cost and just sell it to me

ANZAC_1915 · 01-07-2003, 11:17 PM

Quote:

I'll hopefully be able to get it at dealer cost since my gf is a VIP member

I have an email from SOA saying "the STi is not eligible for the VIP program".

Glenn

Opie · 01-07-2003, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Glenn Wallace

I have an email from SOA saying "the STi is not eligible for the VIP program".

Glenn

I got that same e-mail

And was also told by my dealer that there would be no ordering...the cars would be allocated. I am #2 on the list at my dealer...luckily they are the largest volume dealer in the Southeast!

jzinckgra · 01-07-2003, 11:33 PM

Quote:

I have an email from SOA saying "the STi is not eligible for the VIP program

Really? Damn! Guess I'll be refiguring my finances

ANZAC_1915 · 01-07-2003, 11:42 PM

I asked my dealer to create an STi list the day I picked up my WRX. So I'm #1, and at a large volume and very friendly dealer (Carter Subaru - [email protected]).

I did the same thing for the WRX list when I had my 99 2.5 RS.

You have to plan ahead! (don't ask me what I'm ordering when I pick up my STi.... cos I don't know).

There may be a chance you can get lucky at a small dealer (might be worth it to hedge your bets).

I suspect when they really start coming through, they'll satisfy the bulk of demand in 6-9 months. I could be wrong.

Glenn

PS

Quote:

When I bought my WRX (August 2001) it was "limited" to 10,000.

They were never 'limited'. It was their initial planned build for the year. The demand (happily) exceeded their expectations.

LinuxGuy · 01-08-2003, 01:06 AM

Im sure if a smaller dealer who doesnt make as many sales as a big sales dealership can get a hold of an STi at a bigger dealership and still sell it to you.

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01-07-2003, 04:01 PM	#1
ANZAC_1915 Scooby Guru Member#: 456 Join Date: Oct 1999 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Redmond, WA, USA Vehicle: 2008 Forester XT Steel Gray Metallic	STi - where to buy? I've had some questions on this, so I thought I'd put out a broader post. I got confirmation from Subaru on the prior word from dealers (no orders, 300/month to dealers allocation based on past sales). So....the smaller dealers in the boonies may not even get one vehicle a month, and the bigger guys probably already have a long list. I don't know what the curve looks like, but it may mean the big dealers eventually ramp up to say 2-3 cars per month. It will just be a question of waiting for your car. My advice is to get on the list at a bigger dealer. Frankly, there are probably may be people on the list who it turns out can't afford this car, or decide it is just too much car for them. And of course, don't pay over MSRP. Glenn * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

01-07-2003, 04:25 PM	#2
cabalisticfire Scooby Newbie Member#: 4109 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Charlotte, NC Vehicle: 2005 STI WR Blue w/Gold	I find this to be highly unlikely. I really can't see Subaru not taking orders. I believe they will take orders from every dealer and the stock allocation will be based on past sales. If your source is correct then it seems that it will put smaller dealers in the position of telling customers that Subaru won't let them sell STIs and that they'll need to look elsewhere. I just don't see that happening. It sounds like a really good strategy to piss of your potential buyers especially since there has been no mention of "official" STI dealers or anything of that sort.

01-07-2003, 04:30 PM	#3
cabalisticfire Scooby Newbie Member#: 4109 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Charlotte, NC Vehicle: 2005 STI WR Blue w/Gold	Two replys to the same thread in a row? I must be on a RANT... The only reason that Subaru would have to forgo the ordering process would be that they are unable to manage it. Eliminating a structured ordering process would be a public admission of gross incompetence on the part of both SOA and it's dealers to effectively manage its organization. I'm not calling you a liar Glen or the person who told you this, I just want to be the first to say that eliminating the ordering process is a terrible idea.

01-07-2003, 04:31 PM	#4
norseone Scooby Specialist Member#: 16350 Join Date: Mar 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Vehicle: 2018 M3 1971 521 2018 GLA45 AMG	My deposit is at one of the dealers out in the boonies. First on the list.

01-07-2003, 04:36 PM	#5
LimeyWRX Scooby Specialist Member#: 15953 Join Date: Mar 2002 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: USA Vehicle: 04 Impreza WRX STI Aspen White/Gold w/Stg2	My dealer has 11 on its STi list with $500 deposits. It took deposits back in 2001 way before this was a reality. There is another dealer in town with atleast 8 and so if I don't trade in (which for now I'm not) I'm sure too see a few around

01-07-2003, 05:27 PM	#6
Mako Scooby Newbie Member#: 5770 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Washington Vehicle: 2000 Legacy Outback Green	I believe Glenn is right. My dealer says that Subaru is NOT taking orders or any such thing. Also, the smaller dealers are getting only one car to begin with, and have told me to expect $1500 to $5000 markup. NOT. I can go to a bigger dealer or wait. The question I have is, will it be limited just for the first year? To me it seems obvious that the STi is here to stay in following model years. (The 2.5T in the STi is the setup for 2005 B4s and such in the USDM). If so, I can wait.

01-07-2003, 05:56 PM	#7
dwx Scooby Guru Member#: 8343 Join Date: Jul 2001 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Atlanta, GA Vehicle: 2005 2012 Jeep 2013 DGM BRZ	I don't think they are going to make a STi with less HP in the future... I'm waiting. I think they'll keep demand high and people waiting, not flooding the market like the WRX. But they are in the business of selling cars and I think they'll make them to meet demand.

01-07-2003, 06:21 PM	#8
Skylab n00b Moderator Moderator Member#: 4263 Join Date: Feb 2001 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Encinitas	Markup? With this economy!? We'll see.

01-07-2003, 08:25 PM	#9
Corn-Picker Scooby Specialist Member#: 8679 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Morgantown, WV Vehicle: 2010 The most hated vehicle on the internets	When I bought my WRX (August 2001) it was "limited" to 10,000. That number moved to 15,000 and then 20,000 by the year's end. Subaru is in this to make money, if they can sell 10,000 STi's they will make and bring over 10,000 STi's. You might have to wait a month or two to avoid the guging. I may wait a few years too so the bugs are worked out and maybe they will release an "enthusiast's edition" with no power windows/lock and no AC for a few thousand less.

01-07-2003, 09:03 PM	#11
outback2.5HO Scooby Specialist Member#: 15135 Join Date: Feb 2002 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Bend, Or. USA Vehicle: 95 GF WRX Black	Corn-Picker is right on... That's how the RS started out too, "limited production" in '98. Then in '99, by the second half of '99 there were PILES of RS cars at the larger dealerships. The same happened with the WRX, and the same will most likely happen with the STI. How many "Limited" Outbacks or GTs are out there? They don't seem too "Limited" to me, just more $$$.

01-07-2003, 09:04 PM	#12
euroauto Scooby Specialist Member#: 249 Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: park city ut Vehicle: 05 FXT psm 12 R350	I was told the same thing as Glenn yesterday at my local dealer. This was from the sales manager and the general at about 2:00pm when I asked what the price would be. No answer, they didn't know. They do have a list with deposits, but no orders to SOA. They expect to get three cars a month. PS: If you care I'm #1

01-07-2003, 09:14 PM	#13
Johnny Knoxville Scooby Newbie Member#: 18508 Join Date: May 2002 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: OH-IO	My dealer is the #1 dealership in Ohio...so i should have no problems.

01-07-2003, 09:52 PM	#15
cabalisticfire Scooby Newbie Member#: 4109 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Charlotte, NC Vehicle: 2005 STI WR Blue w/Gold	Does anyone know how many Subaru dealers there are in the US?

01-07-2003, 10:32 PM	#18
trinidriver Scooby Newbie Member#: 8121 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Connecticut Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon WR Blue	A couple of people have suggested getting in touch with internet sales managers. I did this when I got my WRX, but I have moved since then and I can't seem to find any in CT. What's a good way to locate dealers who do internet sales? Autobytel doesn't recognize the STI yet. Thanks.

01-07-2003, 11:12 PM	#19
bullseye17 Scooby Newbie Member#: 16661 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Buffalo Vehicle: 1997 Outback Green	i have a $500 deposit in with northtown subaru here in NY.... #2 on the list.

01-07-2003, 11:15 PM	#20
jzinckgra Scooby Newbie Member#: 5584 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Maine	Well, I'm not sure if I'll be one of the 1st to get an Sti, but if I do, I'll hopefully be able to get it at dealer cost since my gf is a VIP member. She's bought 2 new subarus in the last year at dealer cost (TS wagon, LL bean). she can get it at cost and just sell it to me

01-08-2003, 01:06 AM	#25
LinuxGuy Scooby Specialist Member#: 17270 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: NESIC Vehicle: 1998 Fender Bender Holds 1000lbs.	Im sure if a smaller dealer who doesnt make as many sales as a big sales dealership can get a hold of an STi at a bigger dealership and still sell it to you.