Subaru VIP Program

[Zorro]

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.

[tranzformer]

Originally Posted by Zorro

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.

[blur]

Originally Posted by tranzformer

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.

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

[tranzformer]

Originally Posted by blur

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.

[blur]

Originally Posted by tranzformer

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 =)

[Zgrinch]

Originally Posted by tranzformer

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.

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".

[tranzformer]

Originally Posted by Zgrinch

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".

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.

[Zgrinch]

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.

[Buggy51]

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?

[dan]

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

Due to the recent crisis in Japan, the Subaru Canada VIP program has been temporarily suspended. At this time IMBA Canada and Subaru Canada will be unable to accept any new requests for referral to a Subaru dealer. Although we cannot guarantee a date, we anticipate the program will be up and running again in Fall 2011, and will report back at that time.

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

All new Subaru models are included, subject to availability and dealer discretion. From time to time, new models may be temporarily excluded due to availability.

[Zgrinch]

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.

[tranzformer]

Originally Posted by Zgrinch

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.

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.

[Zgrinch]

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 ?

Originally Posted by tranzformer

?......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.

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.

[tranzformer]

Originally Posted by Zgrinch

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.