[Jim_in_PA]

Sales tax is on the actual price quoted for the vehicle here less the value of any trade-in here in PA. But sales tax is state specific. You might want to comment on where you live as it's relevant to folks helping you with the specific tax question you have. There are some jurisdictions that interesting tax practices for vehicles, too, so it may be a local thing in addition to state sales tax.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

The issue comes in on orders. They can’t put the vip info in because it will expire and they can’t actually do anything till it gets priced in the system. Price in the system shows once it gets a vin. Dealers can take the vip later without issue. It’s just upto the dealer if they want too

I have my VIP letter here in-hand. Please note what I put in bold in this quote:

"Please note that the Subaru authorization is not-transferable and is valid for 45 days from the date issues, or until the date of delivery, provided that an order was placed during the initial 45 day eligibility period. As retailer participation in the program is optional, we do ask that you limit your visit to the retailer listed on your authorization form."

My dealer put the order in as a VIP order from the beginning with delivery several weeks beyond the initial 45 day period.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Hey everyone so I’m new to this forum. I just received my VIP letter and I’m wondering if I’m still able to negotiate a price with the dealership or do I just agree to 2% off the retail price they give?

The whole point of the VIP program is "no negotiation"...if you want to "do the dance", don't present the letter and see what you can get. If you want simple, use the letter.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

HI I also signed up with PHS. Who did you end up going to? Im in Bucks county and thinking of pulling the trigger at the end of Nov.

Fred Beans in Doylestown. Ask for Tracy and tell her Jim B sent you. Smooth transaction and Tracy is great...no pressure. I've purchased multiple Subarus with her assistance and her sales manager was my original sales person a number of years ago.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

I used VIP plus a loyalty rebate, but I've not had a problem getting a respectable price from them previously without them. The PHS VIP deal is 2% below invoice and that was honored for both the vehicle (factory order in my case) as well as the accessories I ordered at the same time.

The master list isn't complete with many of the additions that folks put into the thread over time.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Yes, there are different VIP pricing levels depending on which sponsor/partner you are working with. Some are at invoice; some are at 2% below invoice. Loyalty rebates vary between $500, $750 (which I got) and a few like you have scored $1000.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

PKU, I think you need to give SOA a call and have them input your VIN to get the invoice for your particular vehicle including accessories. Prices/costs do change, so going by the VIN is important. They also need to know that you had problems with your transaction like you describe. (I remember reading your post in the Outback forum recently about this)

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Do you know if I can use same VIP pricing program for new Outback? And is there a consensus on which charity offers the best price discount? Thanks much.

The VIP program isn't pegged to a specific model...it does exclude a small number of models, however, like the BRZ.

The VIP program is either "at invoice" or "2% below invoice", depending on the program sponsor. ASPCA and PHS the the most often cited for the 2% option...I used the latter. Note that there can be a waiting period between when you join and when you can obtain your VIP authorization letter. That's the case with PHS unless you contribute $500. I believe that the ASPCA program requires a $500 contribution, but I've never looked at it specifically. PHS was better for me and, well...Philadelphia Flower Show tickets.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Checked the PHS site it states you can join for $60.00 and after 6 months qualify for the VIP program, do you know if that would be the Invoice less 2% or do you have to join for the $500 to qualify for that discount, which way did you go Jim in PA

At the time for both of my buys, the VIP with PHS was 2% below invoice. I have not heard of any change to that. They did change the requirement to qualification to add the waiting period because so many folks were doing "one time memberships" just to get the deal in two days and then disappear into the night. So PHS now requires a minimum $500 contribution for "immediate" participation in the Subaru VIP program. That was a reasonable decision on their part given they offer a lower cost option for folks to get the benefit while still providing a way for people who "need" that quick fix to get it for the same kind of contribution that's required for another popular partner program, ASPCA.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Some dealers do better than 2% below invoice. VIP's discount, whether the 2% below invoice or at invoice, depending on the program partner, may not be the lowest price available but it's certainly hassle free which some folks prefer. I used it with my local dealer for that reason for my Ascent, but when we bought the Forester in March, they didn't even want the letter...they just gave us the price without it and actually worked with us on the trade number to complete the deal.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Destination charge is never discounted.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Going into the dealership was really a no haggle experience. Some of my options did need some dealership installation; for example, the seat covers. Apparently they need to take the seats apart or something like that to get them installed - who knew. We opted to just get our own sometime later.

The seatback protectors go on with velcro and a few stretchy cords... Pretty much a no-brainer. I just installed the second row captain's chairs seatback protectors and it took my maybe ten minutes because of the close quarters for the stretchy cords at the bottom.

That said, congrats on your purchase! You'll enjoy your new Ascent when it arrives.

BTW, VIP includes the discount on accessories when you order at the same time as the vehicle is ordered. They will also be port-installed which means no dealer labor is required.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Dealer claimed installation on their part was required for the covers and that the factory did not do that. It was about $700 including covers and installation.

So what "seat covers" are you referring to? I'm really curious now...

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Thank you for the clarification...but I still think that's DIY doable. I'd still buy them with the order and decline installation.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Do the current finance offers apply to VIP pricing?

Yes.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

"Subaru" doesn't require that a VIP discount be a factory order unless they have changed the terms recently. Read your VIP authorization letter...the terms are in the first few paragraphs. "Factory order only" is generally a "dealer" requirement at the moment for the few that are still participating in this difficult market supply time. IMHO, if you placed an order based on a build you provided and the dealer chose to fill it with an incoming rather than a factory order tagged to your name (you got the email from Subaru, remember?) that really shouldn't be "your" problem. In the end, however, it's going to come down to how well your deal is documented in writing. Otherwise, it's your word against them. And since dealers are independent businesses, they do have the ability. to set the terms of your deal. In the end, it sounds like you're actually getting a discount...something that most buyers are not able to obtain at present.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

The willingness of dealers participating in the VIP pricing program seems to be dwindling

hah...that happened a long time ago. It's not a recent trend. . There's lots you can read about that here in various threads.

No dealer is obligated to participate in the VIP program at all. Some don't even in uncomplicated times. A large percentage are not participating right now based on anecdotal evidence; some are only allowing it for factory orders. If you want to use the program, be sure you've identified a dealer that will work with you on that before you make your arrangements with the charity partner to get a VIP authorization letter released. One other thing...even some dealers who are willing to participate in VIP are still tacking on pure profit "required" adds to a sale. Make sure you know up front if you're going to face that because in some cases, it's been as much as several thousand dollars.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

With Subaru, most incentives are around finance terms and while they do change, the swings are pretty small...so far at least.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Make sure the dealer(s) you intend to buy from are actually participating in the VIP program at the moment before you make your donation and as the previous poster mentioned, many who still are participating are only doing so for Factory Orders.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

What's the minimum donation amount before you get access to the VIP pricing? Is it a one time donation or do you need to sign up for the monthly donation? Thanks!

For immediate access to the VIP program there is a minimum $500 donation required. A lesser amount still qualifies, but there's a six month waiting period.