BRZ,STI and WRX added to VIP Program
 

I heard they were just added to the VIP program via The International Mountain Biking Associations' facebook page.
Anybody have official details on this?

http://www.facebook.com/IMBAonFB
"Good news for IMBA members! The Subaru of America, Inc. discount (up to $3,300) has been extended to WRX and STI models, as well as the brand-new BRZ and Crosstrek. Go get your bike a powerful new roof to ride on. Thank you, Subaru, for your 15+ years of support! http://www.imba.com/membership/indiv...ru-vip-program

How much is it to join IMBA?

Just used the MSRP vs Dealer Invoice(which is what the VIP program does now, I think) for a Limited BRZ. According to Edmunds you will save just short of $1400. Which, at least in Indiana, won't even cover the sales tax. But something is better than nothing if its true.

I joined with a student membership $20 a year is worth it if i save 1000+ in two years when i buy my sti.


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Nice, invoice on a BRZ premium is $25,316, so you'd get it for below $25k. Kind of makes the Scion pointless.

Anyone know if this is common to the other Subaru VIP program groups?

I've emailed Leave No Trace (LNT) to see if the BRZ is on their list - just waiting for a reply.

Very cool news! That would make a BRZ Premium notably less expensive than an FR-S. Kind of makes the decision easier for someone on the fence and willing to wait 6 months.

I think I might just have to do this. I'm planning on buying my BRZ soon, but I was planning to wait for the 2014 to see in they update anything on the car. 6 months should be the perfect amount of time

Very clutch post. Just read over the Canadian site details, you need to be a member for at least 6 months and you have to tell them which dealership you plan on using well in advance, but still totally worth it. Does anyone know if you actually have to do any participation in the IMBA club?

That sounds about right. The VIP program basically offers pricing at invoice or a small percentage over invoice IIRC. Kinda does make the FR-S pointless unless you have the $1k college grad rebate; Subaru does not offer that AFAIK.

Well I signed up in hopes that the BRZ STi will be part of the program, whenever that does come out (MY2015 is my guess, but still hoping for MY2014). I'm being patient though. I also wonder if it'll work with pre-orders too. All I know is that I will be buying a Subaru sometime in the future, whether its the WRX STi or BRZ STi. On the otherhand, I'm a mountain biker so I'll be enjoying the membership regardless.

$25,315.00 is true invoice plus that "half assed" dealer prep fee.throw a couple hundred in for that and start working backwards,and you are into "holdback" and ad money! don't know if a dealer will do the deal for that,but it's worth a try. all they can do is say no!...chances are you will get "boosted" on the other end to compensate for the discount. just sayin'

Thanks for the heads up

Both my Fiancée and I are into mountain biking and this will be helpful when we go looking for cars in the future :thumbsup:

Individual, student, family, and club membership prices are listed at http://www.imba.com/membership, which I found by:

1. Clicking the link in original post:

2. Clicking "JOIN/RENEW" in the menu on the right

My understanding is that Subaru compensates the dealer for some portion of the discount, so the dealer isn't selling the car at cost for no profit.

Also, some places require you to be a member for at least 6 months before you can use the VIP discount. I signed up for LNT, and when I went to buy my car, VIP discounts weren't available on the BRZ. $20 donation "wasted" but still a donation to an org that I don't disagree with. I'll renew. Even if I am a member for ten years - that's $200. I'm sure ill buy another Subaru within 10 years. Just hope that model is on VIP list when I do.

I just donated/signed-up for IMBA. I love mountain biking anyway, so it's a good fit. Come August I just might bite the bullet and get a BRZ to be my new DD. Now I'll just have to time it so I order a car and have it show up just after that 6 month window. :)

VIP pricing only applies to ordered cars, so there is minimal cost to the dealer. Even selling "at cost" there is a dealer holdback, so the dealer will still make some money on it.

Hmmm, is that true? I don't see any hint of that on IMBA's Subaru VIP FAQ. Do you have a link from Subaru stating otherwise by chance? I personally don't care as my intent is to order anyway.

Here's some more info, Got it from the LGT.com Board.

It's called the Subaru VIP Partners Program. Below is a list of Subaru marketing affiliates whose members, six months after enrolling, can purchase new Subarus at 2% below dealer invoice:

American Association for the Advancement of Science
American Association of Snowboard Instructors
American Canoe Association
American Cross Country Skiers
American Meteorological Society
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
American Veterinary Medical Association
Colorado Tennis Association
Crescent Ski Council (members of 22 ski clubs eligible)
Geological Society of America
International Mountain Bicycling Association
Leave No Trace
Mount Washington Observatory
National Ski Patrol
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
Professional Ski Instructors of America
Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association

Make sure to inquire, before joining, whether the Subaru VIP Partners pricing membership benefit is still available.

Here are details about how the program works: Quote:

THE SUBARU OF AMERICA (SOA) VIP PARTNERS PROGRAM

Introduction

The VIP Partners Program is a Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) corporate program offering eligible SOA marketing affiliate members the opportunity to purchase or lease new Subaru vehicles at2% below dealer invoice cost.


Eligibility:

Any VIP Partners customer must be an active member of the SOA marketing affiliate for a minimum of 6 consecutive months. The VIP dealer visit authorization forms are issued only to eligible affiliate members and their spouse or domestic partner residing in the same household (address verification required).

The VIP Partners Program offer is non-transferable and does not extend to the member's relatives such as parents, siblings, children, etc.

VIP Partners customers are limited to two (2) new vehicles within a 12-month time period.

The Dealer Visit Authorization form does not obligate the member to purchase or lease a new Subaru; it does, however, inform the dealership that the member is entitled to VIP pricing.


Procedures

To participate in the VIP Program:

1. Marketing affiliate members must receive an approved VIP Dealer Visit Authorization form PRIOR to visiting a participating Subaru dealer.

2. Members must contact their affiliate's membership office to request a dealer visit authorization form.

3. The affiliate membership office will verify the customer's membership status.

4. The member will be asked their name, membership ID number, address, telephone number and choice of participating dealer.

5. The affiliate membership services office employee will log on to the VIP website at www.vip.subaru.com using their affiliate e-mail address. The membership services office will complete the Dealer Visit Authorization form on line and submit it to the VIP Partners Program at SOA for processing.

Upon receipt, SOA will mail the SOA approved Dealer Visit Authorization form directly to the member. As an introduction to the dealer, SOA will also fax a copy of the Dealer Visit Authorization form directly to the dealer. The authorization form is non-transferable and will expire in 45 days from the date of the letter. The member must take the form to the participating dealer indicated on the form. We ask that the member wait until the form is received before visiting Subaru dealers. The form must be presented to the participating participating dealer contact person (Noted on the Dealer Authorization form) upon entry into the dealership.


Dealer Selection

VIP customers select the dealer of their choice, generally based upon customer proximity and convenient servicing. Should the customer not have a dealer preference, SOA will select the closest participating dealer based on the customer's zip code. Customers may visit the Subaru website at www.Subaru.com to locate their closest dealer.

All VIP sales must be conducted by an authorized and participating Subaru dealer. The VIP Program is available in all states except Hawaii.


Pricing

VIP pricing for purchase transactions is based upon 2% below dealer invoice cost for the vehicle and factory installed accessories as invoiced and delivered to the dealer by SOA. This is the non-negotiable base price for all customers with proper VIP Program authorization.

The VIP price is further reduced by all applicable regional dealer or customer incentives or dealer cash, if applicable.

The special pricing under the VIP program cannot be combined with any other Subaru of America, Inc. promotional offers, coupons (such as auto show or internet coupons) or direct mail offers or vouchers (except Subaru MasterCard® points).

The VIP Partners customer will be responsible for all applicable federal, state and local taxes and license and municipality registration fees. Any customary dealer administrative, advertising and/or trade fees are additional.


Leasing

Capitalization cost is 2% below dealer invoice cost for the vehicle and factory installed accessories, less any regional customer or dealer incentives or dealer cash, if applicable with current lease program. Dealers cannot mark up the rate. The lease can be structured with a zero down payment for applicants with an acceptable credit history. A security deposit and first month's payment in advance is required.


Accessory Pricing

For accessories that are added to the vehicle at the factory, the price to the VIP customer is 2% below dealer invoice. The dealer will determine the price of any accessories that are added after the vehicle has arrived at the dealership, as the dealer will incur procurement and labor costs to obtain and install such accessories.


Vehicle Availability

All new Subaru models are included in the VIP Program, subject to availability and dealer discretion. At the dealer's election, the Subaru vehicle may be secured from the dealer's new vehicle inventory,located and procured from a nearby dealer's inventory or ordered from SOA. From time-to-time, new models may be temporarily held from the VIP Program until dealer inventories are sufficient to accommodate VIP customers. During these time, dealers are asked to place a sold order.

New Subaru vehicles are those never titled, not previously reported sold and generally have less than 100 miles. Dealer demos and used vehicles are excluded from the VIP Partners Program.


Trade-ins

Generally, most dealers will accept trade-ins. The participating dealer determines the value of the trade. As you are purchasing or leasing a new vehicle at dealer cost, you should expect no more than a wholesale offer for your trade. VIP customers with trades should consider the benefit of selling their trade privately.


Financing

Financing arrangements, if any, will be determined in the usual manner with the dealer and will be subject to the standard credit approval practices at the dealership. From time to time, SOA does offer low rate financing on select Subaru models. VIP customers are eligible to take advantage of any special low rate financing offers in effect at the time of purchase should they be available.


Subaru Added Security

The cost of Subaru Added Security contracts will be determined by the dealership and agreed to jointly by the participating dealer and the VIP Partners customer.


Disclaimers

• The special VIP Partners pricing does not apply to sales made prior to receipt of the approved dealer visit authorization form.
• In order to obtain VIP Partners pricing, the member must follow the procedures as outlined herein by possessing a VIP Partners Authorization Form prior to communicating with a dealership. It is not the intention or purpose of the program to interfere with any pricing negotiations currently underway between a dealership and a customer who has previously visited the dealer without the form. In such situations, the VIP Partners Program does not apply.
• Participation in the VIP program recognizes the relationship between Subaru of America, Inc. and the VIP participant. Inclusion in the program is a privilege and accordingly, at its sole discretion, Subaru of America, Inc. may at any time exclude an individual from the VIP program.
• The VIP Partners Program will remain in effect until such time as modified by SOA.

FAQ


Q - What is the VIP Partners Program?

A - The VIP Partners Program is a Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) corporate program designed to allow eligible members of SOA marketing affiliates the ability to purchase or lease new Subaru vehicles through a dealership at a no-haggle price of 2% below dealer invoice cost.

Q - How does the VIP Program work?

A - To participate in the VIP Program, an eligible member must request a dealer visit authorization form PRIOR to visiting a dealer. To request a form, the eligible member must contact their membership services office. The membership services office will verify the current membership status of the participant and then forward the request to SOA headquarters for processing. Within a few days, the VIP dealer visit authorization form will be mailed directly to the approved member. The form will include the dealership name, telephone number and contact person. A copy of the VIP form will also be faxed to the participating dealer. The form does not obligate the member to purchase a Subaru. The intention of the form is to alert the dealership to the fact that the customer is entitled to VIP pricing.

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.

Q - Are used Subarus also included in the VIP Program?

A - No. The VIP program only applies to new, unused vehicles. New Subaru vehicles are those never titled, not previously reported sold and generally have less than 100 miles.

Q –Can I visit more than one dealer?

A – Under the VIP Program, pricing from dealer to dealer is standardized at 2% below dealer invoice, so there is no need to shop around - just choose the participating dealer that is most convenient for servicing.

Q – Will I be able to purchase accessories at 2% under dealer invoice price?

A – For accessories that are factory-installed on the vehicle, the price would be 2% below dealer invoice. The dealer will determine the price of any accessories that are added after the vehicle has arrived at the dealership, as the dealer will incur labor costs to install such accessories.

Q - Can I lease a new Subaru under the VIP program?

A - Yes, the capitalization cost of the vehicle on the lease will be 2% below dealer invoice. Leases can be structured for our VIP customers with an acceptable credit history with a zero down payment. However, a security deposit and first month's payment are required.

Q - Will dealers accept my current vehicle as a trade in under the VIP program?

A - Yes, most dealers will accept trade-ins. The participating dealer determines the value of the trade. Because you are purchasing a new vehicle at dealer cost, you should expect no more than a wholesale offer for your trade. Customers with trades should consider the benefit of selling their trade-in privately.

CONTACT INFORMATION

PHONE: 1-800-VIP-0933 (1-800-847-0933) Hours 8:30 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time
FAX: 856-488-8545
E-MAIL: vipprogram@subaru.com
POSTAL:

Subaru of America, Inc.
c/o VIP Program
P.O. Box 6000
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034-6000

2% off Invoice? That rocks.

Based on @eikond's post about BRZ pricing here, that means VIP pricing for a Premium 6MT is $486.54 off Invoice, or $23,840.46 + $770 destination = $24,610.46, a savings of $1654.54. woot!

We don't know which version of the VIP plan we get.

I just called the VIP office at Subaru, with IMBA you get invoice minus 2%.

Wow

w00t! :happyanim: Thanks for verifying.

To break down the pricing further:
*Premium 6MT Invoice = $24,327. 2% off is an extra discount of $486.54, for a VIP price of $23,840.46. Add $770 destination, and the before TTL price is $24,610.46, a savings of $1,654.54.
*Limited 6MT Invoice = $26,112. 2% off is an extra discount of $522.24, for a VIP price of $25,589.76. Add $770 destination, and the before TTL price is $26,359.76, a savings of $1,905.24.

What a program - Go Subaru !!

this is awesome

I'm somewhat happy that I've been waiting it out for the BRZ. I never thought it would be in the VIP Program.

Thanks for passing this along.

excuse my ignorance but if you are discounted $522.24 for the Limited, how do you end up saving a whooping $1,905 ?? i suck at math, obviously :sigh:

The VIP discount is off "Invoice", which is less than the MSRP that's advertised on the website. That's where the delta comes from.

The MSRP + Destination price you'd pay for a BRZ Limited 6MT is $1,905.24 more than you'd pay for the same car under the VIP program.

In my situation, I am not sure if the VIP program is better or not. While reading some info on it, I found where it said that the program will probably affect the trade in value of your car and it might be better to sell it yourself.
Subaru sends me updates on how much they will give me on a guaranteed trade in, car is 2+ years old and hasn't even reached its second scheduled maintenance yet, I wonder how much this will be affected(or effected).

In that circumstance, you have to be sure to negotiate the price of your trade-in as a separate transaction. The nice thing about the VIP program is that you don't have to negotiate the selling price of the car and the dealer still makes money. You should still be able to get a fair value for your trade-in, because the dealer is still earning a profit on the new car. Just be ready to fight for it if need be! Print out that guaranteed trade-in value along with some blue book values from KBB, NADA, and Edmunds so you have ammo on your side.

They will be making money off you from the car and the trade regardless, but they don't have to make a killing by offering you less than what it' worth on trade-in.

And to add on to what Turbowned said, if you can afford the time/hassle/overlap you are almost ALWAYS better selling the car yourself in a private party sale, or to a 3rd party service like Carmax, than to a dealer as a trade-in. Carmax is especially valuable as they provide guaranteed, no-haggle offer sheets that you can then take in to your dealer and say "give me at least this much for my trade or I'll take it back to Carmax."

You'll probably get more from a private-party sale than you would from Carmax, but then you have to take people on test-drives, haggle, deal with flakes, etc. I've heard nothing but good things about Carmax, and they will generally offer a fair bit more than a dealer.

Thanks to all who have posted in this thread. I'm a road biker but just signed up for IMBA membership ($30) to start the six-month clock ticking. Who knows, I may like mountain biking as well!

I work and live in London, UK, at present, but plan to be back home in the US in September. Hope to be driving a BRZ Premium 6MT in WRB pearl then!

I've seen this a dozen times but put it off for whatever reason. I finally subscribed to the ACA(American Canoeing Association) so in 6 months I'll be able to get the VIP rates.

If I can get a BRZ for close to the price of an FRS, I'm getting the BRZ.

BRZ Premium 6MT under VIP = $24,610.46, including shipping
Scion FR-S 6MT Pure Price = $25,255, including shipping

Unless you prefer the front end of the Scion and/or the gauge cluster, the BRZ is a no brainer. The only snag is the BRZ can be a pain to actually find.

Gents,

Confirmed. Just put a hold payment on a BRZ in my dealer's pipeline. Once I decided to take a pipeline car and not try to swap from a distant lot, it was an instant no-haggle deal. I am a member of Leave No Trace (LNT) and used the VIP program through them.

Details: 2013 BRZ Premium 6speed in DGM (DZA) w/fogs, spoiler, auto-dim compass mirror and rear applique - - MSRP was $27514 inc destination. Sold for 2% under invoice, or $25,483.92 inc dest. = saved $2030.08.

Wanted to give you guys a data point that the comment "blah blah dealer's discretion" doesn't mean they will say no. VIP worked great.

I wonder if I'll encounter any problems using the VIP program to buy a car out of state. I'm in Michigan looking to buy one from a dealer in Colorado.

Do all cars get Destination charged?

Yes, unfortunately it's not something that's negotiable or avoidable. It'd be like asking FedEx to ship your packages for free.

Just joined LNT for my purchase later this year. Thanks for the info everyone!