[calimomofboys]

Which dealership were you at?

AutoNation Subaru in Roseville. I was a little miffed because apparently they had the blue Touring the day before and that is what we ordered and I would have preferred to see but beggars can’t be choosers! LOL

 

[Subiesailor]

VIP pricing is given to members of various partner organizations. There are several in which you can join and then be eligible for this pricing (google: subaru VIP pricing partners). I will say that I looked into it and depending on region some dealers will give you better deals on ordered vehicles even without the VIP pricing. going this route makes for easy negotiating free dealing though.

I have had vip pricing through employers for nearly 20yrs. I have never used it. Every purchase I was easily able to beat the price with very little negotiation effort. Once you play the vip card your at a fix price and it still leaves a very fair amount of profit on the dealers side of the table.

 

[calimomofboys]

Also curious what dealership you were at.

Also, are you tall by chance? I thought the Ascent was 6'2"

Haha! Yes, tall. 5’10” without my Birkenstocks on that I am wearing in the picture- and you know the heel on those things. :grin:
Was at AutoNation Subaru in Roseville.

 

[Gregor]

AutoNation Subaru in Roseville. I was a little miffed because apparently they had the blue Touring the day before and that is what we ordered and I would have preferred to see but beggars can’t be choosers! LOL

Those buggers, they were on my list of dealers I asked to contact me when they had one to even look at in person. Sigh...

 

[Rgashton]

AutoNation Subaru in Roseville. I was a little miffed because apparently they had the blue Touring the day before and that is what we ordered and I would have preferred to see but beggars can’t be choosers! LOL

Those buggers, they were on my list of dealers I asked to contact me when they had one to even look at in person. Sigh...

That seems about par for the course these days. No one ever follows up with you anymore like they say they will. We also asked to be notified as soon as one was at the lot to look at. No call back, no email, no pigeon, nothing. I just happen to call again to remind them and sure enough "oh it was here but it just left." ...really...

Sign of the times I guess...

 

[pilot1226]

Think that’s the problem when the cars more or less sell themselves.

Anyone used the Costco buying program? Wonder how that compares to the VIP pricing.

 

[Subiesailor]

I tried to use the Costco program for our 2016 Fusion. In our area the only “participating” dealers were in bad locations and were using it as a traffic generator. In the end I easily bought for less than the costco deal which is typically invoice plus 2%. I paid invoice then got $400 added option for free installed at my home etc.

The costco contact who called me from the dealer was also useless all she could do was schedule a visit which was a waste of my time. I told her I was negotiating prices and to have a sales rep call me. Never heard back.

 

[calimomofboys]

Good news for other NorCal folk looking to see her- I just got to DRIVE one at the Shingle Springs Subaru dealer. Sounds like they have her until Monday? I dealt with Wayne and Randy and they were helpful and kind if you need a contact. Wayne said he could have one here in 6 weeks if I ordered today which sounds to me like they still have room in their July allocation (or he was full of beans- totally possible). The drive was completely dazzling and my boys fit in their respective seats, youngest (12) even comfy in the third row for part of our drive. Oldest (15) is all legs and he had plenty of room behind me (remember I am 5’10”) The acceleration was totally impressive- Randy said he heard you had to stomp on the gas to pass easily but I didn’t find that. Even at 75 it responded quickly and easily. Our boxes are more than checked and ours cannot arrive soon enough. Except we have to sell my husband’s FJ first. LOL Shouldn’t be a problem since they only made 2500 of them.... SO EXCITED, YOU GUYS!!! It truly is amazing!!!!!

 

[Litemike]

Okay, so I may be a little biased working for Subaru and all, but this car is Amazing. I recently drove a new Highlander and a new Pilot for comparison. I wanted to drive an Atlas but didn't get a chance to. This was a touring model I was able to drive.

The drive is QUIET! We've got some loud roads here and I was expecting about as much road noise as they have on the 3.6 Outback. The Ascent is much better!! The get up and go was pleasantly surprising. Its not an STI but its easily on par with the 3.6 Outback and XT Forester. I took the corners a little aggressively and didn't feel the body roll that I expected. The boaty feel I expected was completely absent. I didn't notice the delay in passing power that Motor Trend talked about. It had adequate power throughout the acceleration curve.

I'm 6'1 and set the front seat where I'd normally drive. Then jumped behind to the second row and set that seat comfortably. Then jumped in the 3rd row and with the back reclined I felt just fine. When it was straight up and down it wasn't very comfortable. Having the pass through in the middle of the second row was very nice for the 3rd row passengers. I took a spin around the block with 6 guys my size and we were all comfortable. AND IT STILL SURPRISED US WITH THE GET UP AND GO! We were expecting the additional 1200 lbs to slow it down a little, but it didn't.

The pass through rear view mirror was trippy at first. My eyes were expecting to adjust to a normal mirror, but the camera was a completely different view than what I was used to, but its a very clear picture and just takes a bit to get used to.

Overall this car was absolutely everything I was hoping it would be and more!

I can't wait for mine! July needs to get here asap!!

Dang, you could file an unsafe workplace violation with OSHA for making you drink so much Kool-Aid.

 

[Karpediem]

Dang, you could file an unsafe workplace violation with OSHA for making you drink so much Kool-Aid.

While his post had some added excitement, I find everything he said on par with what most of the reviews are saying. Do you think the Ascent is over-hyped and the reviews are not accurate?

 

[Robert.Mauro]

AutoNation Subaru in Roseville. I was a little miffed because apparently they had the blue Touring the day before and that is what we ordered and I would have preferred to see but beggars can’t be choosers! LOL

The blue is beautiful. Not my color, but gorgeous. I saw it in a Limited. Here's pics of the color in this gallery:
https://www.facebook.com/SubaruAmbassadorRobert/posts/1972402659467416

The Java brown interior should go really nice with it.

 

[Litemike]

While his post had some added excitement, I find everything he said on par with what most of the reviews are saying. Do you think the Ascent is over-hyped and the reviews are not accurate?

I think that since none of us have one, we may want to find out for ourselves (me). Don't get me wrong, I too think it looks and sounds like a vehicle I want, however I will be waiting several months because I do not feel I could be one of the firsts, plus I'd like to drive one the way I drive, on the roads I drive and am used to / familiar with. This way I can make my own decision. And it may be a bit over hyped.

 

[calimomofboys]

The blue is beautiful. Not my color, but gorgeous. I saw it in a Limited. Here's pics of the color in this gallery:
https://www.facebook.com/SubaruAmbassadorRobert/posts/1972402659467416

The Java brown interior should go really nice with it.

Sooooo pretty!!!! It looks so different in different lighting but this is particularly lovely. Thank you for sharing! Too danged excited! Bring on the VINs!!!

 

[traildogck]

Hey for those who know me.

Hello, for those that don't.

I make a few aftermarket buts for Outbacks and Legacy's. Now the Ascent joins the club. I hope my previous experience can help enhance the Ascent experience. for those who wan a little more performance beyond stock.

http://www.ascentforums.com/forum/1...com/forum/12-wheels-tires-brakes-suspension/1437-sway-bar-bushings-cke-ssp.html

 

[Robert.Mauro]

Hey for those who know me.

Hello, for those that don't.

I make a few aftermarket buts for Outbacks and Legacy's. Now the Ascent joins the club. I hope my previous experience can help enhance the Ascent experience. for those who wan a little more past stock.

http://www.ascentforums.com/forum/1...com/forum/12-wheels-tires-brakes-suspension/1437-sway-bar-bushings-cke-ssp.html

"Hey" back at you, Chris. Was wondering if you were ever going to show up here. :smile_big:

 

[traildogck]

"Hey" back at you, Chris. Was wondering if you were ever going to show up here. :smile_big:

I wanted to wait until parts were actually available to me.

Otherwise I am just a poser, teasing, taking deposits. Right?

Like Mr. Musk

 

[Robert.Mauro]

I wanted to wait until parts were actually available to me.

Otherwise I am just a poser, teasing, taking deposits. Right?

Like Mr. Musk

LOL!!! :grin:

OTOH, there's those lucky few, like one of my coworkers, who got their car. That's ok though... I'll be happy with my Ascent. :tango_face_wink:

 

[gobears157]

The blue is beautiful. Not my color, but gorgeous. I saw it in a Limited. Here's pics of the color in this gallery:
https://www.facebook.com/SubaruAmbassadorRobert/posts/1972402659467416

The Java brown interior should go really nice with it.

Is the blue really THAT blue? I hope it's just the lighting that makes the car seem so loud in the Facebook picture. I ordered a blue and am hoping it's much closer to the darker shade shown on the website.

Can anyone on here comment on how it looks in real life (Robert's Facebook link versus Subaru's website)? Thanks!

 

[meyeracer06]

Is the blue really THAT blue? I hope it's just the lighting that makes the car seem so loud in the Facebook picture. I ordered a blue and am hoping it's much closer to the darker shade shown on the website.

Can anyone on here comment on how it looks in real life (Robert's Facebook link versus Subaru's website)? Thanks!

I just got to drive an Abyss Blue Pearl Touring Ascent last night at the Tom Wood Subaru launch event in Indianapolis.

Firstly, to comment on the color, I saw the car at the Indy Auto Show in December and under that lighting it appeared close to Robert's pictures. The auto show atmosphere must really highlight the pearl in the paint and make it appear very "rich" and pop (not sure I would call it "loud" in any way though). Last night in natural outdoor lighting, the color appeared closer to the website photos. It is an elegant, classy looking medium dark blue. Compared to previous Subaru's lighter medium blues, this color appeals to me much more. To me, it is similar in shade / darkness / color changing under lighting to our Venitian Red Pearl Forester (just blue instead). This is still my favorite color on the Ascent thus far.

Now, to add my test drive feedback - I was very impressed. Our current "family hauler" is a 2014 Forester XT, which my wife and I both love. The FXT has a better power to weight ratio than the Ascent, and has a sport oriented suspension, so I was worried the Ascent would feel slow and wallowy in comparison (I also daily drive a 2005 WRX and 2016 STI). All in all, the reviews I have seen are accurate in many aspects.

Power - The FA24 engine has a lot of low end grunt. Even below 2000 RPM, this thing pulls. Even though our Forester XT is lighter and the FA20DIT still makes decent low end power with a twin-scroll turbocharger, the Ascent felt like it pulled harder off the line. You can tell that the motor is tuned to make more low end lorque than top end horsepower, but during our test drive with 3 adults and a child in a car seat, I didn't have any concerns with power. At low speeds, it has enough pull to get the front end suspension to rise slightly under acceleration. I didn't get to take the Ascent on the interstate, but it felt competent at highway speed (60 MPH). The low end torque really is as useful as others have said. In a drag race, it's still not quite as quick as something like our Forester XT, but it still felt quick and is definitely plenty of power for most any driving situation. The other impressive thing is that this is all done with only Regular 87 Octane gasoline! (The Forester XT recommends Premium).

Handling - Once again, the handling impressed me. It is tuned softer than our Forester XT suspension (slightly more body roll) but it hides the mass of the vehicle very well. It doesn't wallow like some softer SUV / CUV's, and it really feels like driving a slightly longer Forester. The ride is fantastic, and like others have said, it is extremely quiet and comfortable in the cabin. I was able to take a round about at a "spirited" pace, and the Ascent felt more athletic than a 4500 lb crossover should. The steering is very light, again as others have mentioned. It is lighter than our Forester XT (which also has Electric Power Assisted Steering), and has a little less road feel. I would prefer it to be a little heavier myself, but it is very easy to maneouver. The ratio is quick enough to make turns no problem, and at parking lot speeds, the steering is very nice. The turning radius is also very good which makes negotiating small areas a breeze.

Interior / Features - We didn't have a lot of time to mess with all of the interior configurations or all of the features (there was a line of people waiting to test drive), but overall the Ascent (at least in Touring trim) feels more luxurious and comfortable than any Subaru I have been in. The HUGE moonroof makes the cabin very airy, the drivers seat was very comfortable (ventilated seats were nice!) and my wife even said the third row was comfortable and has multiple seat back angle adjustments. I am 6'3", and had no problem quickly finding a comfortable seating position. The front seats and captains chairs are more comfortable than typical Subaru seats as well. We were able to briefly look at the Smart Rear-View Mirror (great image quality and would be useful when hauling cargo / reversing in tight spaces), 180 Degree Front Camera (also great image quality, functioned at 30 MPH, would be very helpful when pulling into the garage / off roading), and the Harman Kardon audio system (good quality, decent bass, worth the money for audiophile types who don't want to tear apart a new car to replace components). I wasn't able to sit in the rear seat, but I believe I could fit back there for short trips. The cargo area is adequate (better than some competitors), but my wife was concerned our stroller would take up a lot of space.

Sorry for the long post, but I was very impressed with the Ascent. We only have 1 child so we don't need the additional space right now, although for home improvement store trips and when we are with our extended family, the Ascent would be fantastic. As a spirited driver and someone who enjoys driving over most anything else, I was very happy with the dynamics of the vehicle. I was worried I would be let down when comparing to our Forester XT, and it was the opposite. The Forester XT would still win a drag race (and maybe on an autocross course) but in every other aspect the Ascent is a winner.

 

[Robert.Mauro]

Is the blue really THAT blue? I hope it's just the lighting that makes the car seem so loud in the Facebook picture. I ordered a blue and am hoping it's much closer to the darker shade shown on the website.

Can anyone on here comment on how it looks in real life (Robert's Facebook link versus Subaru's website)? Thanks!

Check out the other pics. The first pic of it is under very harsh lighting when they just turned everything on, and I adjusted the detail on the image to show off the curves. In real life (eg: not under a few dozen high powered mercury vapor lamps and LEDs), it looks a lot closer to the other pics, and not the first in my gallery.

This is pretty close to what it might look like in person - but you can see the reflection of a gazillion lights.

It's definitely different that the 2018 Outback blue - so, if you or anyone else is comparing it to what you all remember of Subaru's other recent blues, no, it isn't that color.

Here's the Outback in blue taken same place, same day:

Other than that, these cars were waxed, buffed and shined like crazy (like all of the cars in the auto show, lol), and continuously being wiped and shined.


IF they have the blue during today's test drive, I will take more pics. Since it will be outside, it will be under normal light, instead of a gazillion interior lights of all sorts. I know they have the brown (from the pics of which one(s) are running around this part of the country), but didn't see the blue in the pics, so, no promises.