Subaru Active Military Discount Program
 

Has anyone used the Active Military Discount when purchasing their BRZ, or any Subaru in general? I've searched this forum, as well as the WRX forum, but didn't find any information about it.

My main question is how it affects negotiating a trade-in. I would imagine that purchasing a car for less than MSRP means the dealer would be less likely to negotiate within a wide range for a trade-in, but I'm not positive. I'm planning on purchasing a new BRZ when I return from my deployment, and I'd like to get the ball rolling on the purchase as soon as I get home.

Don't even bring it up until all other negotiations are done. Settle on a trade in and price and THEN say "oh and I am active military". Consider it your hidden ace card. If they try to backpedal after you play it be prepared to walk away. They won't let you walk far.

OH and check in here if you wish
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76061

I would still hold off. At least long enough to get the trade in out of the way.

That would be the ideal way to do it, but if it's similar to other VIP programs, I'll have to declare that I'm VIP eligible right off the bat.

Will do, thanks for the link. And thank you for your service (in the military as well as on the forum :D)

Update: read through it all and there was nothing besides lots of good banter

When I got the Subaru Loyalty Coupon, SoA said to not tell the dealer about it until the very end. That way, just like Tcoat said, they won't factor the coupon into other negotiations. After we were settled on the final price, I said I have something else here as well and took out the Loyalty coupon. :-)

If it doesn't specifically say you need to show it upon arrival or before negotiations, then you should be able to bring it up at the end.

Yep. A special discount should come off the negotiated price not off the starting price. If it is used as the only or initial discount it really isn't special in anyway.

Agreed, but this one seems to be set amounts of MSRP. I've included the exact wording of the program below

Subaru is proud to offer a special discount to active duty members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, National Guard, and Coast Guard. Qualified applicants will save between $1300 - $3300 off the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) [5] (depending on model and accessories). In addition, your VIP price will be further reduced by any applicable zone or regional cash incentives in effect at the time of purchase. For complete program details and eligibility information, please contact your local participating Subaru retailer or VIP Program Headquarters at vipprogram@subaru.com or 1-800-VIP-0933 for further assistance.

I emailed them and I'll post again when they get back to me

Trade in value, car purchase price, warranty cost, and any discounts are all separate discussions. Don't let the dealer connect them and switch back and forth to confuse you; stick on one topic until you're satisfied with that result, then move to the next.

Negotiate purchase price to completion.
Then negotiate trade-in value.
Then negotiate discounts to purchase price.
Then negotiate warranty.

I was told , while in Texas , that it excluded the brzs and wrx/stis .

Subaru of Hawaii offered $250 off , which is better than nothing.

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It excludes WRX/STI, not BRZs. Thanks for your service, and let me know if you need any help getting set up on VIP!

Here's a copy of what I emailed to them:

Hello,

I'm a currently deployed soldier looking at purchasing a new Subaru vehicle for when I return home. I had a few questions about the program itself:

Is the BRZ eligible for the discount, and if so, would I be able to special order one from the factory, or am I limited to dealer inventory only?

Do I have to declare that I'm eligible for the program before I begin negotiating? I would like to negotiate the price of my trade in, and I know some VIP programs require a customer to declare themselves eligible before negotiating.

Thanks for your help,

And their reply:

Active Duty Military personnel can purchase or lease a new Subaru for 2% under retailer cost. On average our VIP customers save between $1,300 and $3,300 off the MSRP of a new Subaru. Currently the WRX and STI models are excluded. The BRZ is included and you can place an order.



To enroll in the Military VIP program you will need to present your DOD ID card or Leave and Earnings statement for verification of eligibility prior to any negotiations. The retailer will also have you complete 2 short forms at the retailer for our records.



Thank you for your service to our country and please contact me if you have any additional questions

The bit about "verification of eligibility prior to negotiations" basically answers my question: they know from the start that they have to reduce the sticker price. I suppose a good dealer might still negotiate fairly for a trade in, but I find that unlikely.

When I get home, my plan will be to enroll in the VIP Program at my local dealer, find out if I can order or if I have to buy off the lot, and negotiate trade in. Then I'll go to a separate dealer and see if I can negotiate a better deal on my own.

SOA is reimbursing the retailer for their loss on the vehicle, plus a little extra for the effort. As an active military VIP, I would be EXTREMELY surprised if they play games with your trade-in value.

That's reassuring to hear; I was assuming the dealer was responsible for the loss. Are you aware of whether the offer is only valid for lot vehicles, or can it be used to order a vehicle?