Subaru VIP Program
 

Rather than clog up the Scion thread with info on this I figured I would put it in here for those interested in going the Subaru route rather than the Scion route and wanting to save some money.

Here is a link showing the programs/organizations that qualify: http://www.subaru.com/company/partnerships/index.html

Really anyone that you can qualify to be a member for would be fine. Personally I feel that LNT as an organization has a great mission and does something good for our society.

Just about every organization will have something similar to below on their website talking about the Subaru VIP program:
LNT= http://www.lnt.org/programs/subaruVIP.php
ACA=http://www.americancanoe.org/site/c.lvIZIkNZJuE/b.4884957/k.CAE0/Subaru_VIP_Program.htm

So you might wonder how much will it save you by going 2% below invoice? Yahoo auto or Edmunds is a great place to start: http://autos.yahoo.com/subaru/

Just a few examples:

Tribeca Touring has an invoice of $33,611. You would get it for 2% below this or 32938.78 or about $2850 off MSRP.

Legacy 2.5GT Limited has an invoice of $29,259. You would get it for 28673.82, taking about $2720 off the MSRP.

WRX 4 door invoice of $24,079 and you would save about $1900 on it.

WRX STi Limited 4 door would save you $2765.

Now remember that is just off the base car price. Throw in some options like Nav and you save a bit more. But that is the starting point. You also get any incentives currently going on. Doubt there will be many 216a at the end of the year on the dealer lots for incentives, but say there were. If there was $500 cash incentive from SOA (Subaru of America) or 0%, you would get that on top of your VIP pricing. Pretty sweet if you ask me. Obviously you need to do your internet research and price quotes before you go into the dealership. Some customers could get a better deal (potentially but depends on many variables) on their own. However, if you don't want to deal with haggling and literally just want to walk into a dealership with a letter from SOA giving you the 2% below invoice and being done with the process in less than 10 min this is the way to go. Plus it counts on those cars on the dealers lot and those that are ordered. Since production is slow at the beginning and Subaru dealers might try to mark the car up/not budge on MSRP at all, this is a great way to get around that if you want the car right away. Otherwise you could also wait and see how things play out.



http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/816...10415at955.png

If interested you want the middle column (VIP Partners Program).

Hope this helps.

Good post. I was looking into this when I was interested in purchasing WRX/STI. I believe you need to be a member for 6 months before the deal takes effect. The organization I was looking into had a one-year membership for a fairly low flat rate. That would give some extra time for decision making. Time your membership applications well. If you wait until the release date of the car, you'd have to wait 6 months before being able to purchase with the VIP pricing.

Yes that is correct, 6 consecutive months. I think some of the memberships can be as low as $30 for the year (LNT) and you might even get a free t-shirt. If you are serious about the Subbie version, this might not be a bad way to go.

Wish the scion/toyota had something similar. What are you guys expecting base to cost? 25K, more or less?

BTW, with leave no trace, theres an option to donate any other amount, does that mean I can get membership for like $2?

Blur, I have no idea about price speculation. If it really will be Scion and Subaru only in NA, expect Subaru to possibly cost a bit more than the Scion and the Scion to cost less. That might be offset by different features that will come stock on the Subaru. But at this point that is only guessing. Otherwise I don't see why Scion would sell for the same as the Subaru. :iono:

Just realize that donating (i.e. $2 like you mentioned) is not the same as becoming a member. In summary donating ≠ becoming a member. You will have to spend at least $20 for the intro level. I would just recommend going for the $35 and get the t-shirt in the process. If you really want the Subaru > Scion, spending $35 to save well over a $1000 seems well worth it. Just remember you have to wait 6 months before you can get the paper work to get the car. So say car goes on sale spring/early summer of 2012, you will need to plan your membership accordingly.

Might want to make sure one of your local subaru dealerships honor's the leave no trace VIP status before investing into it.

Next saturday I'm going to the NY Auto Show to see the scion in person. I think it will be clear as to what I want to buy then =)

Oh and thanks, I'd rather donate 20 though... I have plenty of tshirts lol.

Guess you never bought a Subaru through the VIP program have you? It isn't whether they accept the LNT VIP status. Everything is done through SOA. Not sure why people are acting like this is the hardest thing ever? I have used it in the past and it is the easiest thing since slice bread. After 6 months you call your organization. Tell them you want a Subaru. They say ok. Ask you which dealer you want to deal with in your area. If you don't know or don't care they will pick the closest one to you. Then Subaru of America will send you a confirmation letter AND to the Subaru dealer of your choice. You just show the letter to the dealership and everything else goes as planned. It isn't that hard OldSkool.


Edit: You could actually haggle less than the VIP pricing if you really wanted to. It would depend on a lot of factors; is the car on the lot or being special ordered, is demand high for the car, how good you are at negotiating...etc. But SOA actually reimburses the dealer back the 2% from being under invoice. Sometimes you can actually split this with the dealer or you can haggle about the dealer holdback. Just depends on your skills and how much haggling you want to do.

Cool. Not sure what you see at NYAS will even be the production version. Just keep that in mind. We all probably have several more months before we even see what the production versions will look like.

"While dealer participation is strictly voluntary..."

I mean, it says it right at the top. What about my conclusion to this statement isn't logical? Is it brainless? The print says it. If I were trying to do this I would want to make sure my local dealership(s) are aware and honor whatever the fuck it is.

Maybe be a little less condescending eh? And what did you buy through that program?

Yeap. Wouldn't hurt to give your local/favorite dealership a call or shoot them an e-mail to verify that they do accept VIP pricing for your specific club membership.

You wrote: "Might want to make sure one of your local subaru dealerships honor's the leave no trace VIP status before investing into it." This isn't any issue of whether a dealer takes a LNT or IMBA or ACA or ....etc. VIP program. There is just a (1/uno/single) VIP program. Doesn't matter how you got into it. Whether through a family friend who works at Subaru or through a partnership program. If you are worried about this dealing sounding too good and that a dealer will not take the VIP program all you would have to do is ask "Do you participate in the Subaru VIP program." That is all. You don't need to go down the list of "Do you accept VIP program from association X? What about Y? What about Z?" The dealer only cares about you getting the VIP program letter from SOA.

So yes, in that regard it is brainless as you wrote. This isn't trying to match up the right association with the Subaru dealer. This is just about getting the VIP program. What you should have stated was whether every dealer takes the VIP program. From my n=5 sample (contacted 5 local Subaru dealers) the answer was 5 out of 5 saying yes. Based upon my research of the VIP program I have never ever heard a dealer saying no to the program. That would be idiotic on their part, partly because they still make money on the transaction based off the money SOA kicks back to them. If for some reason they said no you could just contact the next dealer in your area or just call SOA and have them help you out.


Btw, what did I write that was condescending? I didn't even say anything negative about you in my reply. I only asked if you had bought a Subaru through the VIP program. That was all? :iono:

You forgot an "as" in that sentence. And no, nothing about my post was 'brainless'. Misinformed, yes. Brainless, no.

My statement still makes sense anyways. Based on your image people would want to make sure their local subbie dealerships honor that shit before going through the hassle.

Chill out man.

And dont correct other peoples grammatical errors if your corrections are also wrong.

"it is brainless, as you wrote." is the properly punctuated and grammatically correct phrase.

Wow, this is actually really cool. Now that it looks like there will be no Toyota in the states, I could really see myself going Subaru.



So to clear things up, once I pay my ≤$20, how long can I wait until I want to go through with this. I just got my G a little more then a year ago. I won't be getting a new car for another 4 years or so.

You need to pay the membership fee of whatever organization you want to join. That will depend from program to program. Remember membership fee and donations are two separate hings.

Also as stated above, you need to be a member for at least 6 months before you get the VIP pricing.

I'm about to sign up, just can't find how long the membership lasts if I donate $20.

I believe it is an annual membership? Just need to check each organizations details. FYI, we ordered my wife a new '12 Impreza Sport. In and out in 15 min with all the paper work done. Paid 2% below dealer invoice and will be getting the first '12 in the area. No hassle at all. SOA sent all the paper work ahead to the dealer.

Cool, my brother just bought a 2011 forester. Its really nice :) I love the quality of the interior and suspension, and really hope it gets passed along to the BRZ.

Also, great to know it won't be a hassle. I'll be signing up shortly =)

Given the rumors of a higher price for the BRZ, this might be a good option, especially if you plan to get it fully loaded. I went to the link you suggested and read thru the FAQs and found one statement that concerned me.

IS THIS OFFER OPEN TO ANY VEHICLE?
Yes. BUT, the final decision of which models are available is left to individual dealer discretion.

So it sounds as if you would need to ask the dealer do they participate in the VIP ....AND is the BRZ is included? Would hate to sign up only to be told "applies to everything on the lot ..... Except the BRZ". :confused0068:

This would make no sense from a business perspective since the dealer is paid the difference from SOA. Would be a poor decision on their part as you can just go to another Subaru dealer.

How quick was your letter turnaround time?

I would like to negotiate with several dealers to see how far below invoice I can do on my own, then tact on an additional 2% from SOA. Because if they are willing to give me "$xxx" below invoice on my own, then an additional 2% on top of that should not be an issue since they get that 2% back.

Hmm... this program does seem appealing. Though, how many different models does Subaru actually offer on new incoming models? Or does that just depend on the dealership if they accept the VIP thing (at the same time, aren't they guaranteed that same amount anyways?)

But I presume the best way of using the VIP program is to first research on the few dealerships around the area and as for price quotes (online if anything)? Then depending on your mood, try to haggle down between the various dealerships, getting a price on paper. From that, use the VIP print out as a last resort if negotions go so far?

Also, does Scion have anything similar to this program?

Hi all, first post. Long time lurker :)

Sounds like the Canada VIP program is suspended, although it does mention they expect it to be back soon. Source

This goes along with what Zgrinch was saying, but there's another 'out' clause that could cause some problems.

I just spoke with my local Subaru dealership hear in FL, and she knew exactly the program I was referring to and they do support the program. Additionally I asked about any limitations on new vehicles, and she stated that they have never excluded any new vehicles from the program.

I then asked about he upcoming BRZ, and she did not have any specifics, but referred me to the GM and he stated he would honor the program on any new vehicle, including the BRZ, unless he got something from corporate stating otherwise.

I'm definitely signing up for this program, and I hope the Subaru BRZ has the better options/exterior of the two, if not, I'm only out a few bucks.

It took 24-36 hrs I think from the time my wife contacted our VIP program til the time SOA emailed us our letter. Everything went through quicker than we expected.

Thanks for the follow up. Based on your earlier comment, I take it before they send you the letter, you have to specify a specific dealership ?

Just was hoping I could negotiate the price with several dealers, pick the best, then pull out the letter and close the deal. Not wait a few days to get the letter drawn for for that dealer, but in the end not a big deal to save some cash. - Thanks again.

Yes you need to pick the particular dealer you want. Not sure you can do much better than the VIP deal unless you somehow work in dealer hold back or split what the dealer gets back from SOA.

2% below invoice is good. I think you would be hard pressed to get invoice on this car if you want it as soon as it comes out. Might have to take what you can get if rumors of production being limited on this car for awhile are true.

Hmm, if parents want to help out buying the car, would the VIP member status be better off under their name? Or under my own?

I'm just reading one of the FAQ's and it said: "
Are family members eligible for Leave No Trace members VIP Partners Program?

While VIP Partners referrals are only issued to Leave No Trace members, immediate family members including spouses and domestic partners residing in the same household are eligible, subject to dealership verification of membership status and address."

but on another faq:
Q - Who is eligible to participate in the VIP Program? A - Any VIP customer must be an active member of the SOA marketing affiliate for a minimum of 6 consecutive months. Immediate family members, including spouse and domestic partner residing in the same household are also eligible for VIP pricing, subject to dealer verification of member status and address. The VIP Partners Program offer is non-transferable and does not extend to the member’s relatives such as parents, siblings, children, etc.

So... I presume if I'm purchasing it with parental help, it might be better off signing up for the program under parent's name? or what?

The STI was excluded from the VIP program for awhile so I'd find it unlikely that most dealers will accept it on this car. I'll find out what I can from a friend at the local Subaru dealer.

When you say that the STI was excluded for a while, do we know if that was a decision at a local dealer level, or a corporate nationwide level?

I'll be very interested to hear what your local Florida dealer tells you.
I'm in the northern Florida area.

That I'm not sure about. I just remember threads about it back when the STI came out but that level of detail definately left my brain years ago.

Cool, I'll be checking with Mastro around here, they are by far the best local Subaru dealership for performance Subarus.

What matters is that the STI is not excluded now. Doubt this car will be either. Not sure why you think most dealers won't accept it since SOA reimburses them the difference.

I signed up with Leave No Trace yesterday.
6 months and counting for my discounted BRZ.:)

If the dealer knows they can sell the car over sticker due to limited availability and increasing intrest in the car, then expect the BRZ to be excluded. I have seen this many times with other makes and models. With the Camaro it was this way, however, if you ordered the car before the in dealer date you could get it for sticker or [In some cases.] below.

Only way to know for sure how this will all play out is to wait and see what happens. Right now it is all just speculation.

At this point anything can happen.

Well of course it's not excluded now. The car has been out for quite awhile now.

It was excluded when it first hit the US. If the BRZ is excluded, then I'm sure 7 years later it won't be excluded anymore too. IIRC it lasted for 6-12 months on the STI from the release in 04.

Also, the reason why is simple. If you are a subaru dealer and there's enough demand for the car to sell it at full MSRP or even over MSRP, why would you accept the minor money from Subaru while losing potentially thousands? Some dealers won't care, or won't be in a market where the car has lots of demand, but some markets I would not be surprised at all to see it rejected.

One thing I haven't found is what Subaru pays to the dealer, but I believe it's just the 2% under invoice and not the difference between invoice and MSRP. So the Dealer will get a check for, say $450 on an invoice of $22,500. Now let's say the MSRP was $24,000 and the "regional market adjustment" that some idiot would pay is $2,000. So instead of making $3,500 they make $450 (and that's assuming you don't neg the $450 as a 50/50 split, etc).

In the STIs case, by the time you could use the VIP pricing you could easily buy one for the same money by walking into a dealer.

For $20 going with LNT for the chance of using the VIP program is still a worthwhile risk and I'm sure a lot of people here will be able to use it (assuming Subaru doesn't pull the "limited availability" card which if the 1-2 cars per dealer per month is true there's a fair chance they'd pull that card...), I just expect it less in the high demand markets for this car.

Hmm. That is a familiar post. Oh yeah. I posted the same thing with less detail and easier to read.

I wasn't disagreeing with you obviously. I was just adding more info to your point while replying to tranz.

Do you have any idea from your friend? Or its more of a, lets see what happens when its released?

Been too busy at work to visit the dealer. I'm playing hockey against him saturday night so I'll ask him then.