I understand Subaru Australia has adopted fixed pricing. Are there still any approaches or strategies to get a better deal from dealers? Thank you.
Keen to Purchase a New Car from Subaru
OhNoUShiz on 26/03/2025 - 22:10
Last edited 27/03/2025 - 12:25 by 1 other user
Last edited 27/03/2025 - 12:25 by 1 other user
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Are there still any approaches or strategies to get a better deal from dealers?
Cheap / Free accessories, services etc…
Walk away if you think the price is too high.
Weve been conditioned that you shouldnt pay full price for a new car and that you have to bargain to 'get a deal'. All that means is that theyve padded out the price to allow for a bit of a discount and get you to pay what they want.
I used to say things like this when i was 17, trying to sound smart too.
Selling stuff is a game. If you know some of the rules it can help. Gaming the price advertised to make the customer think they are getting a deal is a big part of the game. RRP vs sales vs discounts.
Subaru charge pretty high prices for every bit of plastic add-ons that should be included in the sale such as boot lip protection, window shields, tinting etc. Etc. Get them to include as freebies for the sale price.
Subaru used to be good in the early 2000's but honestly they're so far behind the 8 ball its not funny.
I don't understand why people still buy them (unless you're a lesbian?)
Everything used to be good
Now the Chinese and Koreans have overtaken them and left them in the dust.
I am looking at wrx wagon. Is it bad?
@Wiadro: This. I went out to buy a Subaru and ended up buying Hyundai. The Subaru car technology is stuck in early 2000's, except the current models don't drive as well as the old ones used to.
Subaru's ICE engine is still way better than Chinese and Koreans engines. Used to be good is a different topic for WRX fan boys :)
@Drakesy: WRX uses FA series engine, original FA20 Turbo is from 2015. The FA25 is quite new. Its a great engine.
Yes sure its a bit thirstier than competition but its also all wheel drive. It'll smoke competition off the line in terms of grip. Heck I smoked an i30 N off the line in my forester with the AWD grip.
@Boioioioi: Ignore this guy, usually he has good things to say on Ozb, but a really embarrassing thing is his necessity to shill Chinese cars. (I don't know why)
Or just someone drove a new car for first time and is comparing it with their bomb and suddenly the Dunning–Kruger effect strikes.
The Haval H6 is a floaty and underbraked mess. It is a hack of a car to hit benchmarks like 0-100 so clueless people buy it, it's what Chinese products are good at doing, you roll the dice on Aliexpress because the things are cheap. You can tell because the floatiness comes from chassis flex and a suspension system that is overwhelmed by the weight trying to keep up with simple driver inputs. Non-refinement like this wouldn't fly with any other brand.
But the Haval H6 is ok if you prioritise good value for money, but sometimes you get what you pay for. The thing about Subaru engines is they are flat 4, a straight engine meaning the balance and weight transfer is excellent. You will never hear of anyone complain of the handing in sealed or unsealed roads because of exactly the inherit traits of the car, it is perfected and simple. It is why people buy them.
The thing about Subaru engines is they are flat 4, a straight engine meaning the balance and weight transfer is excellent.
It's a boxer engine that is so wide it has to be placed in front of the axle. This is a major compromise that increases the polar moment of inertia, putting unnecessary lateral load on the front tyres during a corner.
@Boioioioi: Wheel spin hasn't proved an issue in my Kia yet… Do you have any tips for getting faster starts off the line?
@OhNoUShiz: GR Corolla? if you need an auto get that.
Will be a solid car and maintain its value/reliability much better
Also a much better engine and cooler car
@boomramada: and its CVT transmission and associated servicing schedule is dogshit.
I've commented on this previously and am speaking from exp as a lifelong Subie fan and current Outback owner.
if you're not getting a manual or std auto (only the BRZ) then stay away
Yeah I don't understand it. I get the appeal of Subaru and would like something like an Outback XT. But it feels like a lot of money for something which is lacking and dated in so many areas.
Agreed, they are like the less reliable version of Toyota for a tiny discount. You can get virtually the same car as the Subaru Outback hybrid S for about $14.5k less with a Haval H6 ultra hybrid.
Family member bought one because they are brand loyal. The car is fine and comfortable. Nothing to get excited about tho
The only Subaru I would buy (and have bought) has 2 doors, RWD and manual.
My first and only Subaru. Can recommend.
Thirsty for a 1,250kg car!
You want a cheap family SUV that can go offroad and has great safety features? E.g. the Forester and Outback. Name a single better alternative.
The WRX these days on the other hand is overpriced, let down by the CVT, and Subaru's boosted boxer engines have always been prone to bottom end bearing failures.
And their hybrids are a joke (until later this year when they introduce Toyota's hybrid tech).
So it depends what you're buying. Some are top of their class, some you should avoid.
Keen to Purchase a New Car from Subaru
Condolences
Why so? Thanks
Subarus are great dont worry about the haters imo. I've got 2 right now, have had many over the years. Never had any serious issues. Especially with anything with the newer FB or FA engine. The old EJ did have headgasket issues tohugh.
Nah, 10-20 years ago they were good, now they are just dinosaurs waiting for Hayley comet landing. All their cv model jerk like shit, no matter how good of an engine they are there's no excuse for a 40+k brand new ice behaving like that. Other dinosaur such as Mazda at least attempt to sugar coat their line with 'luxuries', Subaru got nothing as such. They'll probably join Nissan and Nokia soon.
@Poor Ass: Nah, that's different, cvt jerk sound like a bad gearbox built 40 years ago. Ev throttle can easily be control via software.
@lgacb08: Ya I know is different
Subaru xv CVT is alright not much jerk. But the acceleration hard to smooth out for that one
They aren't what they used to be. So many better options around.
Bland and boring. Just like a Toyota but with horrible fuel economy. The modern WRX is an embarrassment. CVT WRXs should not exist. Don't forget to stock up on upper cylinder cleaner.*
*IMHO
they are like Mazda or Mitsubishi to me. haven't innovated on the interior or even exterior in 15+ years. boring commuter cars
This. The boxer design is terrible for sludge in the valvetrain. If you miss even one of these cleanings, the tjjng could grenade. A family member's did with 115,000k's on it.
ask about the dealers holdback, the dealer incentives (performance bonus) and the salesperson's commission.
Once they tell you all three figures, then negotiate
AND REPEAT AFTER ME
DO NOT BUY ANY ACCESSORIES OR AFTERMARKET CRAP (dash cams, window tint, paint protection, rust protection etc etc)
My knowledge is dated, but, nobody understands how the commissions are calculated at Subaru. They did have a list of cars they wanted cleared that they got decent bonuses on. The managers did treat the 'rules' as a loose guideline. The high resale values are because they use staff to create low km, excellent condition used cars these may have more flexible pricing.
I think my advice isn’t needed given the negs. Plus Subaru had fixed prices so they usually don’t/wont discount much on new cars.
Used/demo cars on the other hand they do because they got paid by Subaru to sell it in the specific month and to make sure they aren’t holding “old” stock.
There’s a bunch of Subaru outbacks with low km from 2023 and 2024 sitting as demos
Why?
I have a nearly 20-year-old Subaru. It's been incredibly reliable and really enjoyable to drive. But I don't think I'd buy one nowadays. Just looking at the specs, they only have one ugly electric car, and the fuel consumption of their hybrids is abysmal (about equivalent to a non-hybrid Corolla from 10 years ago).
Saburu? Never heard of it. Is that some off-brand German imitation? Good luck with that crap.
I had a 2009 WRX long ago. I know you shouldn’t buy a “performance car” and expect good fuel consumption but good lordy. After that I went and bought a Hybrid and now an EV.
Who even are you. I had to walk away from my wrx sti just not to upset it with your post.
I wouldn't do it
this post sponsored by Honda gang
I have long been a Subi fanboi. Currently on number 5 (MY 18 Outback, 50k km) and 2 more in the family. It will be my last. Head unit replacements x2: 1 in warranty. Radiator replacement due to poor quality: out of warranty. And a few other odds and ends: out of warranty. My indi Subi mechanic tells me that genuine replacement parts are VERY expensive and generic alternatives are often not available e.g., for eyeSight. Given my (and others') poor experience with euros, I'm thinking of stretching to a Lexus next.
lol buy a Mazda
Yeah Mazda is on the cards too.
Better off tbh
Maybe not as good as Lexus but still great choice
I understand Subaru Australia has adopted fixed pricing.
Yes
Are there still any approaches or strategies to get a better deal from dealers? Thank you.
You are aware of what 'fixed' pricing means?
If you like/want it, then buy it at the price. If not, then don't.
yeah, I do but I haven't been into a car show room for last 10 years so just want to understand how the market is doing now.
Some people just hate when others ask for help on a public forum.
I for one, appreciate it. Good luck in your car search.
Have you driven one yet? that might change your mind
If the price is right and you like it - buy it… dont worry about what the world says 'its old' and shit like that.. its for you not them.
I have a 2017 XV
not the fastest car
comfy.
likes a good drink with AT tyres. abt 9-10L/100km in the city
i like splashing in muddy puddles.My 2013 XV manual with ~200,000KM was pushing around ~11L/100KM fuel. And ~1L/600KM oil (it wasn't leaking, nor smoking…. it was just discreetly burning it)
Still have it?
What oil you use?
~1L/600KM oil is impressive! lol
~1L/600KM oil
Damn that's VW Golf 1.4 shitbox levels
I drive Impreza, and this is my 2nd one. Once you drive Impreza you will not like to drive any other 2 wheel drive car as they don't have any grip or control on road and comfort too.
They are very reliable, provided you maintain them well and attend to their scheduled servicing.
My son drives this car every month from Tamworth to Sydney over the weekend his 15 years old Impreza, and he love the drive.
I know many people have their own choice, so I can't complain.
I'm on the fence about buying a Subaru again.
Having owned a 2010 Forester, I wish we had known about the faulty gaskets issues on the boxer engines.
I don't know why it wasn't called out as a fault and recall performed but having to spend ~$6k to have the engine pulled out and pulled apart to replace the gaskets hurt the pocket a bit.Wow. Thats crap.
Yeah, notorious for oil leaks :|
My Impreza engine leaked from the gasket. I went to the local mechanic and he fixed it for $ 380. I also did lower arm control bush replacement and it cost me $ 750 for both front ends and I replaced the water pump cost less than $ 200. Yes this things need to be done for 10 years old vehicle and it will be same for any vehicle you buy.
I understand Subaru Australia has adopted fixed pricing
I hadn't heard that.
So I asked google. It doesn't seem to know about it either.
If Subaru hasn't, it rather defeats the point of the OP's posting, and a lot of the responses.
What it does seem to have adopted is fixed price SERVICING.
I believe your right….
Down in sunny Melbourne, almost all of the Subaru dealerships are owned by the same group - refusing to fight on price against one another… essentially creating a 'fixed price' scenario
Unless you can find one that's not part of the group (eg, there used to be an independent one out in Lilydale), then negotiation is tricky.
In Sydney trivet owns 8 of them.
If youre not aware of this and shopping around they can low ball your trade in and you'll think that's all it's worth because they all valuing it same.
Avoid, speaking from personal experience. Failed CVT at 140k, Subaru didn't offer any assistance (under ACL) & stopped communicating. Active groups / pages on FB showcasing the issues with customer service & reliability issues.
Walk in, straight away say discount? Best price? Full tank of petrol?
Then walk out like a boss.
Yes boss.
yep, the $80 for a tank of petrol is a really high priority when spending $50K.
Don’t forget the mats!
It's a priority when you drive it off the lot and they tell you you should be able to coast to the servo down the road.
There is a current offer with free 3 year servicing but for stock model until 31/3/2025.
https://www.subaru.com.au/special-offers/subaru-sale-event
I still have 07 Impreza and have had 2 foresters. No major drama, just expensive to service.
Having said that, if you want to get wrx, I suggest getting EV for a fraction more. The tech on EV is just so advance - especially on lane assist. My old forester just drives through the unbroken line on the bend.Thanks, I don’t think i am ready for EV yet, but will consider once i sort out where and how to charge at home.
My old forester just drives through the unbroken line on the bend.
You have to turn the steering wheel, I know it can be hard sometimes.
Their current engines are much better. As much as I love my 2016 sti, the new WRX (albeit quite ugly) now have much stronger motors.
Every car company has its issues.
If you must buy a Subaru and want it in hybrid, make sure it's the strong hybrid system from Toyota. The Forester seems to be first in line to have that new system. The Crosstrek should be next. If it's the current weak hybrid system then it's not worth it.
In terms of reliability, I'd go for a Toyota Hybrid as their e-cvt is the stuff. Simple, reliable and tested by the taxis for the past decade.
OP, just a heads up Subaru service costs are significantly higher…and I mean by a lot! Even if you take the vehicle to a local mechanic who specialises in servicing Subaru, it will cost more than a normal service.
Sadly, as a brand, Subaru has completely lost it when it comes to innovation.
yeah, this might put me off getting from Subaru.
Are you Sydney based? I know it has the massive downside of looking like a Parramatta Eels fan, but they offer Fleet discounts and an accessory pack for Eels members of you buy through a Trivets dealership
https://www.subaruparramatta.com.au/local-offers/
Might not offset the cost of membership, but would be worth asking.
Their customer support doesn't seem to be crash hot.
The boot on my Dad's MY18 Outback has opened, unprompted on several occasions. It's been damaged doing it in the garage, he's come back to it being open at the shops.He has spoken to Subaru numerous times and they're in complete denial that it's an issue. They refuse to help him.
This issue has been documented in the US, but not in Aus. As a result, they're just shut the door on him.
It's been mental.Have a MY18 WRX. Reliable, safe (esp in melbourne wet weather) and not bad on gas. Not the fastest thing but plenty for daily work commute. Buying new might be difficult to negotiate much (apart from some included extras) but when I bought my demo I looked up similar used cars for sale and started negotiating from there and whilst showing you are ready to buy, dont rush it and be ready to walk away if they don't budge on the price
Car broker if you really want a subaru
Interesting, never heard of a car broker. I mean i am getting an average car.
I tried one. Their best price wasn't as good as what I negotiated in person at the dealership.
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