Tell us what you forgot to ask/do

[Michaelcpa]

For those of us nearing the purchase of an Outback, can those of you that have already done so tell us what you wish you would have asked the dealer before your purchase but forgot, or done differently and/or other otherwise wish you would have done before "signing on the bottom line."

Please educate us so we can make a better more informed and pleasant transaction!

[dboz]

Don't pay more than invoice. Buy accessories cheaper online. Don't buy any extended warranties or service packages. Make sure of the color you want especially based on interior preference. Get the trim level you want regardless of price. Same for the engine choice.

[fun2drive]

For my situation nothing. I did my research and used the technique here of sending requests out to multiple dealers. Did my follow up and the dealer I was able to purchase from was honest no surprises and straight forward. Price was agreed to before I ever set foot at the dealer, put a down payment for the OB ordered. When it arrived paid the rest and left. I had plenty of time to study and research everything about the car. If you spend a lot of time on here you will be totally familar and be confident when you make your purchase.
I didn't ask my dealer to show me anything, did the paperwork and left. I think you will be able to do the same thing if you order a OB vs buying off the lot except if you read and know all the aspects of the OB to include little things like knowing how to turn down the volume on your nav system, how to operate the miles per gallon display things like that.
I was totally prepared.
What I was not prepared for is how fantastic this OB is. Only living with it for a while brings that out...

[Sandroad]

If you have a choice of dealers (meaning more than one within a distance you are willing to drive), get some reviews or experiences from others who have purchased or serviced vehicles with them. A good dealer makes a huge difference in the overall sales/service experience, especially in service/care after the sale.

[G-Omaha]

Originally Posted by dboz

Don't pay more than invoice. Buy accessories cheaper online. Don't buy any extended warranties or service packages. Make sure of the color you want especially based on interior preference. Get the trim level you want regardless of price. Same for the engine choice.

Order the car to your requirements and pay invoice - for the car and the accessories. Accessories are NOT cheaper on-line than they would be installed at "the port". Service packages are, IMHO, not worth it; however a SUABRU GOLD SAS is. "Regardless of price" - that is (how can one say ignorant without offending?). Order what you want and then wait for it, my best advise.

[G-Omaha]

Originally Posted by Michaelcpa

For those of us nearing the purchase of an Outback, can those of you that have already done so tell us what you wish you would have asked the dealer before your purchase but forgot, or done differently and/or other otherwise wish you would have done before "signing on the bottom line."

Please educate us so we can make a better more informed and pleasant transaction!

Sent you a PM RE:SAS

[SeanU]

Originally Posted by G-Omaha

Order the car to your requirements and pay invoice - for the car and the accessories. Accessories are NOT cheaper on-line than they would be installed at "the port". Service packages are, IMHO, not worth it; however a SUABRU GOLD SAS is. "Regardless of price" - that is (how can one say ignorant without offending?). Order what you want and then wait for it, my best advise.

I agree on all of this. If you plan on keeping the car more than 3 years get a warranty that matches your expected mileage. I wanted a 2.5i premium, ice silver with moonroof. I had to wait a month for the dealer to find the combination ( and the dealer closed for a week due to Sandy) but eventually got exactly the car and options i wanted. Don't include a trade-in in your negotiations until you get your price on the new car.

When you pick up the car, check that you got everything you paid for, and check the tire pressure as over-inflation seems common. Last step is to enjoy the car... It really is one of the best valued cars out there.

[gomjabber]

Originally Posted by G-Omaha

Order the car to your requirements and pay invoice - for the car and the accessories. Accessories are NOT cheaper on-line than they would be installed at "the port". Service packages are, IMHO, not worth it; however a SUABRU GOLD SAS is. "Regardless of price" - that is (how can one say ignorant without offending?). Order what you want and then wait for it, my best advise.

This is an argument nearly, and I do say nearly, as dumb as the 2.5 vs. 3.6 discussion. I can give you a million good reasons why buying extended warranties is like throwing money down a rat hole. But people should do what they feel comfortable doing. If this a extended warranty gives you peace of mind, it's probably worth it.

[pokeythepenguin]

I'm picking up my new OB 2.5i Limited from an out of town dealer on Saturday and driving it back home. I've compiled a small punch list for when I get to the dealer -- simple stuff like making sure all of the additional items are actually installed and working, odometer matches what I was told was on the car, asking for a tube of touchup paint, etc.

For others who have bought outside of their home area, any advice on how to deal with service needs when you get back home? I'm generally leery of taking my car to a dealership for maintenance. My mechanic has taken good care of my other Japanese import vehicles over the years. However if there are warranty issues -- fit and finish in particular, things that won't become apparent until I drive the 300 miles home -- I'm a little concerned about how I might be treated rolling in with a new car purchased elsewhere. On the other hand, theoretically I could have just moved from out of town with my new car and needed service, so...maybe I'm just being overly paranoid. I did try to leave things friendly with the closest dealer to my house even when they couldn't come close to the price I'm getting.

[SeanU]

Originally Posted by pokeythepenguin

For others who have bought outside of their home area, any advice on how to deal with service needs when you get back home? I'm generally leery of taking my car to a dealership for maintenance. My mechanic has taken good care of my other Japanese import vehicles over the years. However if there are warranty issues -- fit and finish in particular, things that won't become apparent until I drive the 300 miles home -- I'm a little concerned about how I might be treated rolling in with a new car purchased elsewhere.

I wouldn't worry about it. The dealer gets paid by Subaru for warranty repairs, so it shouldn't matter which one you go to... any dealer will take your business.