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Old 07-18-2002, 02:52 AM   #1
tshah
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Default I'm going to buy a WRX - need some advice on a dealer...

Hi everyone,

I live in Santa Clara, and I've decided to get a WRX (not sure between the wagon or the sedan), and I've been told over the phone, and in person at Steven's Creek, that they will sell it to me at invoice.

I've read all the horror stories about these guys, and I'm wondering if some of the "better" dealerships like Santa Cruz, Carlsen, and Ron Price would at least match that price.

After reading all the crap about Steven's Creek, not only do I not want to give them my business, I'm starting to wonder if they're just pulling my leg with that price.

Also, what's the best way to get the dealer to NOT give me one that's been test driven a bunch?

Thanks in advance.

-Tony
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Old 07-18-2002, 03:01 AM   #2
christoph1371
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Default

you can buy my yellow one. I don't drive it anymore.
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Old 07-18-2002, 03:18 AM   #3
1WRX2NV
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midnight black pearl

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I would say Santa Cruz. Not only is it a nice...fun...drive,(when there is no traffic) but the customer service is GREAT. Everyone is cool, and friendly. Bruce is thier service guy and he gets the job done! So, it's up to you....just NOT STEVENS CREEK!!!

Sedan or Wagon...it's all good. My friend "Silky" has a blk wagon, and you should see the look on peoples faces when they get "spanked" by a hooked up wagon!! (family car)

Just remember.....your buying a WRX, you'll be fine

Last edited by 1WRX2NV; 07-18-2002 at 04:06 AM.
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Old 07-18-2002, 03:20 AM   #4
tshah
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1WRX2NV - Thanks. I will check them out, but want to do so once I get my financing set (should be in a couple of days).

Do you think they will match the price at Steven's Creek? (assuming they weren't dicking with me).
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Old 07-18-2002, 03:47 AM   #5
Kostamojen
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Do you know what the actual invoice is?

And they will probably tack on some other fee's as you go along...

Oh, and are you getting a loan on this? Make sure to bring a calculator with you and lots of paperwork on the prices (but DONT SHOW THEM the info you have NO MATER WHAT)

If the deal looks shady in any way, just leave. Dont sign anything until you see all the paperwork and all the costs and prices.
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Old 07-18-2002, 03:51 AM   #6
1WRX2NV
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Actually, I think they will. Just go down there and see how much Santa Cruz will ask for, and if it's higher (which I dought) then show them what Stevens Creek is offering. They should match it, if not...they will go lower!

I must admit...I bought my wrx from Stevens Creek!!! and I did the same thing, but in reverse. The sales guys over there don't bother me, because I got my wrx for a good price, but there service department SUCKS!! I drive to santa cruz when I need something done because I know they will get the job done...and I will be done correctly! I should have bought it there but I wanted a black sedan w/no options....that night!! but they didn't have one, so..........

I think they even offer FREE oil changes if you purchase the car from them....but check to see if they still offer that.

Anyway, I hope that this might help with any of your questions!

freddie
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Old 07-18-2002, 04:03 AM   #7
1WRX2NV
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Oh ya...another thing. The sales people at Santa Cruz don't "push" or act like "sharks" like the other dealerships. The boys on the CREEK might tell you one thing, and then start adding stuff on as you go along!! They tried the same with me but I let them know that I would leave and spend my CASH somewhere else...THAT NIGHT!! So, they stopped!

When you hear a price you like....stick with it!! Don't let them start changing it!
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Old 07-18-2002, 11:55 AM   #8
tshah
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Kostamojen - yeah, i can't remember the exact numbers, but STeven's creek told me 22,046 and 22,500 (or thereabouts) for the wagon and sedan respectively. They matched the edmunds prices.

Hey 1WRX2NV, (and everyone else) - I've never bought a new car - what sort of fees/expenses should I expect to pay?

So far I've got:

price of car, options, tax, license and docs.

Anything else? Destination is included in invoice right?

Thanks guys!
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Old 07-18-2002, 12:18 PM   #9
bobski
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Quote:
Originally posted by tshah
... Destination is included in invoice right?

Thanks guys!
No, they usually add that on.

Have you looked at Livermore Subaru? They have about 10 WRXs on the lot in both wagons and sedans. They've been sitting there for about 2 weeks now. They might be willing to deal just move them out of there.
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Old 07-18-2002, 12:33 PM   #10
tshah
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Thanks bobski - I'll check them out. Santa Cruz is just about as far from me as Livermore, so I might as well call there. I'm just going to wait till next week - I think that I'll have my loan paperwork in by then.
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Old 07-18-2002, 12:42 PM   #11
Bigmike
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You could also try Carlsen Subaru in Redwood City. They have good prices, talk to Larry.
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Old 07-18-2002, 12:54 PM   #12
satrya
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Location: Fremont, CA USA
Vehicle:
2002 GDAA (bugeye)
797 (blaze yellow)

Thumbs up Albany Subaru?

I recently shopped for a 03 Forester. Carlsen was great, but they seem to go with the "no haggle" strategy. I used autoweb and other online sertives, and got quotes from various dealers in the bay area instead. Then I followed up via e-mail and finally got the best deal from Albany Subaru. So all I needed to do then was just come by, inspect the car, and deal with the papers. Easy. Part of the reason why I got a very good deal @ Albany Subaru was because I was a repeat buyer (got my 2002 wrx last year from there when it was pre-order time). Try those online car shopping services. There was one from edmunds.com too. (Not part of Edmunds.com, but a link from there)
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Old 07-18-2002, 01:33 PM   #13
Sea Dragon Rex
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2-73 914 2.0, 74 914 2.0

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I did all of my negotiating on-line. I got a quote from one dealership and e-mailed the others to see if they could beat the price.

I ended up getting my car for $230 over invoice with all the options I wanted. Plus, I negotiated for a 5.25% loan rate.
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Old 07-18-2002, 02:11 PM   #14
jetamio
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PMS

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I also did all my negotiations on-line and phone. Send out a quote request to all the dealerships - even if they're far away. Find the lowest one priced over invoice, even if they don't have it in stock, and bring that quote on paper to the dealership who has the model and accessories you want and tell them you can get this deal from another dealer but you'd prefer to buy from them because of their reputation or a friend's recommendation - flattery never hurts when your about to spend $25K.

I got a quote for $180 over invoice from one dealer, but they didn't have the exact car I wanted. Another dealer called me, who had the exact car I wanted, and quoted me $600 over invoice. I told him this other dealer was offering it to me for $180 over invoice. He said wow, what a great deal. I said yep, it sure is. After about a 10 seconds of silence, he offered it to me for $180 over invoice. I bought it over the phone.

Personally, I wouldn't buy one with more than 10 miles on it. If your buying over the phone or internet, make sure to ask before saying yes. I'd like to say everyone treats the cars nicely when they test drive since it's not theirs, but that's just not the case.

Just my 2cents...

Jet
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Old 07-18-2002, 02:43 PM   #15
Ayapon
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World Rally Blue

Default Re: I'm going to buy a WRX - need some advice on a dealer...

Quote:
Originally posted by tshah
I've been told over the phone, and in person at Steven's Creek, that they will sell it to me at invoice.
If it's not written down including all the options/color/sedan or wagon/(basically all detailed out of what you want), I wouldn't trust them for ****. They tried doing that for me too - and I ended up buying my rex at Albany Subaru.

-Aya
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Old 07-18-2002, 03:34 PM   #16
switchCW
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www.teamkhr.com

Default

I got my blue wagon last weekend at carlsen up in redwood city.

My car had 10 miles on it and they dont haggle you about price. I was quoted 250 over invoice and thats what it was. No bs there.

Enjoyable buying unlike the slime guys at stevens. Santa Cruz is good too from what i hear but they didnt have the car i wanted in stock.
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Old 07-19-2002, 02:56 AM   #17
tshah
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2002 WRX

Default

Thanks for the replies everyone. I don't think I'll be getting the WRX from steven's creek, but i'd like to use their price for negotiation. But it is much more important to me to get a car with 15 miles or less on it and pay $250 over invoice, than to buy something at invoice and get a trashed test drive car.

Thanks again!
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Old 07-19-2002, 03:31 AM   #18
Rexkid
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2002 WRB Wagon
OZ P1's, Vishnu 0

Default Santa Cruz and Marin Subaru

Santa Cruz has great service dept. marin has nice sales people... just threw me the keys... of course, I test drove one then bought the other that had only 5 miles... hehe...
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Old 07-19-2002, 06:56 PM   #19
mzvzzbzz
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2003 350 Z
Silverstone

Wink one good car...

Tshah,

I'll sell you a car between invoice and $250. as long as I've got the one you want in our inventory, if not I'll ask $300. over. Check this out then e mail me if you'd like. Oh yeah, I work for Ron Price motors and most of my WRX customers are very happy folks, some of them have even posted stuff around this site.

1) I will show you the factory invoice paper which will list the invoice AND MSRP prices for the the car, any options and destination, all broken down separately.

2) I'll get you a car with as few miles on it as possible but keep in mind that our store's policy is to let anyone who wants to take a test drive with salesperson, of course. No one is allowed to redline our cars while driving do have no worry about that.

3) There are no additional fees to add on unless you want stuff like leather, sunroof, window tint, bike racks, etc.

[email protected]
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Old 07-19-2002, 08:45 PM   #20
potenzaus
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Default Tax & License Fees

Around 9%-10% of Selling price (Invoice) would be the tax and other fees.

Sell Price (invoice) + 9%-10% of Sell Price = Out the door price
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Old 07-21-2002, 02:30 PM   #21
cyyeo430
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Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Vehicle:
2004 Impreza WRX STi
WR Blue

Default Re: I'm going to buy a WRX - need some advice on a dealer...

Also, what's the best way to get the dealer to NOT give me one that's been test driven a bunch?

Thanks in advance.

-Tony [/b][/quote]

Hi Tony,

Subaru of Santa Cruz is still offering the free oil change (new or used car purchased from the dealer), up till 60k or 3yrs whichever comes first.

We have dedicated one WRX solely for our test drives, so majority of our new WRX is very low on miles. We sold one yesterday with only 7 miles on it.

Come by and see if there is anything we can do for you, or if you prefer, just email us. We can give you quotes through email ([email protected]), so you don't have to drive all the way down here.

Please give us a call (831-420-1500) or email us at your convienience. Hope to hear from you soon.

Charlie
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Old 07-21-2002, 03:13 PM   #22
tshah
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2002 WRX

Default Hey Charlie...

thanks for the info. I'll get in touch with you over the next couple of days.

-Tony
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Old 07-21-2002, 06:10 PM   #23
dahveed
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Default

Livermore didn't care to sell me a car, after I talked with Frank Douglas, their sales mgr, supposedly the #1 Sub salesman in the US.

I leased a new Black '02 WRX Sedan/5spd at Albany Ford Subaru for invoice ($23,050 before Tax & License), with the following options included: Armrest Extension, Security System, and Spoiler.

I dealt with their Sales Manager, Sonny. Really nice and straightforward.

I made the deal over the phone in 5 minutes, and had them do all the credit checking, lease approval, and detailing before I went over there.

I was on the road in my new WRX within 30 minutes, and I got to take San Pablo Dam Road, Bear Creek Road, and Happy Valley Road on the way home!

Dave
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Old 07-21-2002, 10:33 PM   #24
9balljoe
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02 Wagon
silver,

Default Miata Subaru

Go to Miata Subaru (Sac Town), I got mine there. Ask for Chris Jones, he will treat you right and give you want you want. Service is great and is Mod friendly to a point (just get crazy on them).
Its worht the drive and if nothing else Give Miata a call at 486-8000 and Just talk to Chris. he drives a Mod Wagon himself. Knows alot of info on WRX babies.

Happy Customer...
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Old 07-30-2002, 12:17 AM   #25
onebrt464
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Silver

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