[packout]

I never meant to imply that Subaru pocketed any money, but our cost with this program is $500 over invoice before any additional fees are added in by the dealer. That the $500 goes to a worthwhile org is immaterial. You can't get the deal without donating.

My net savings was $560. Still worthwhile and good donation too.

I knew you understood the difference. My clarification was for other readers. The price of the vehicle is currently dealer invoice per vip program.

Some buyers also pay doc fee (i did not), some pay for unwanted add ons (i did not), and some buy two cars in same year and were able to use the single donation (i did this). Some finance through dealership at higher interest rates (i used the low subaru financing rate).

 

[Jim_in_PA]

That the $500 goes to a worthwhile org

Now I see what you were referring to. Yes, there is the donation. But depending on your tax situation, that $500 may be a little to lot less in the end.

 

[Steve70]

Now I see what you were referring to. Yes, there is the donation. But depending on your tax situation, that $500 may be a little to lot less in the end.

We donate a fair amount, but have been short form for a long time. No advantage for us. We just like helping out.... Much in things connected to cancer given my life path. All good 👍

 

[Landshark]

Can anyone confirm that the $500 Subaru Loyalty coupon can be used when getting Subaru VIP pricing?

I used both without any issues. I didn't tell them about the loyalty coupon until all the other numbers were done.

 

[garya505]

My Subaru VIP certificate expires in about week and I haven't done my order yet. I may get it in this week, but I think I can just request a new certifcate if it expires, right? At least that's what it says on the ASPCA web site.

 

[packout]

My Subaru VIP certificate expires in about week and I haven't done my order yet. I may get it in this week, but I think I can just request a new certifcate if it expires, right? At least that's what it says on the ASPCA web site.

yes, you can make that request.

 

[garya505]

I just ordered a 2023 Ascent using VIP. Everything went smoothly and as expected, except the GM said that recently they have been having trouble getting Subaru to take the $500 Loyalty coupon. She said that previously it was accepted on VIP orders, but recently they had 2 instances where customers show up to pick their cars and Subaru wouldn't accept the coupon as part of the payment. So, to resolve the issue Subaru offered an equivalent coupon for parts and service. Has anyone experienced this? What is going on here?

 

[Jim_in_PA]

The bottom line is "what does the Loyalty Rebate coupon say in writing?"

 

[garya505]

The bottom line is "what does the Loyalty Rebate coupon say in writing?"

I didn't get the coupon yet so I don't know what that says.

I have a suspicion that this dealer had some problems with coupons on VIP orders, so to avoid the possibility of having a delay and an unhappy customer, they try to steer you towards the parts&service coupon. I think the GM actually said she had to pay back SOA when a coupon was rejected.

I see that the VIP program procedures attached to my authorization form says:
"The special pricing under the VIP Program cannot be combined with any other SOA promotional offers, coupons (such as, but not limited to, Auto Show & Ammbassador coupons) or direct mail/email offers (except Subaru Reward Dollars, Subaru Guaranteed Trade Program (GTP), Subaru Added Security Maintenance Plan or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Coupons)".

Based on this it appears to me that all coupons would be disallowed, so I don't understand that virtually every buyer on all the forums are reporting they have used a Loyalty Coupon for a VIP purchase. Like I told the GM, there seems to be a disconnect here.

 

[packout]

I didn't get the coupon yet so I don't know what that says.

I have a suspicion that this dealer had some problems with coupons on VIP orders, so to avoid the possibility of having a delay and an unhappy customer, they try to steer you towards the parts&service coupon. I think the GM actually said she had to pay back SOA when a coupon was rejected.

I see that the VIP program procedures attached to my authorization form says:
"The special pricing under the VIP Program cannot be combined with any other SOA promotional offers, coupons (such as, but not limited to, Auto Show & Ammbassador coupons) or direct mail/email offers (except Subaru Reward Dollars, Subaru Guaranteed Trade Program (GTP), Subaru Added Security Maintenance Plan or Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Coupons)".

Based on this it appears to me that all coupons would be disallowed, so I don't understand that virtually every buyer on all the forums are reporting they have used a Loyalty Coupon for a VIP purchase. Like I told the GM, there seems to be a disconnect here.

they can absolutely be combined. You can call the VIP program and ask them to email you clarification on this. I bet the dealership just wanted a way to keep you coming back. It is possible that the way the new vehicle was being titled, it became ineligible based on the rules. Even though I arranged for one of my loyalty coupons, I made certain it was in my wife's name so when we bought one of our new Subarus in her name it qualified.

the loyalty coupon reads as follows:

 

[garya505]

The VIP form was in my name and title will be in my name so that's not it.

Even though the Loyalty coupon says it can be combined with other offers, the VIP terms clearly state that it cannot be combined with any coupons.

Or maybe the GM got burned on a coupon once so isn't going to take any chances going forward. If I recall correctly she said the dealership had to pay for one that "bounced".

I think the key takeaway is that it's up to the dealer if they want to accept the Loyalty coupon on a VIP order, so "buyer beware".

 

[packout]

The VIP form was in my name and title will be in my name so that's not it.

Even though the Loyalty coupon says it can be combined with other offers, the VIP terms clearly state that it cannot be combined with any coupons.

Or maybe the GM got burned on a coupon once so isn't going to take any chances going forward. If I recall correctly she said the dealership had to pay for one that "bounced".

I think the key takeaway is that it's up to the dealer if they want to accept the Loyalty coupon on a VIP order, so "buyer beware".

to clarify, I did not think the title issue was a factor in your instance, but it may have been for the other customers the dealer was referencing.

It is not up to the dealer to accept it or not. It is Subaru policy and the loyalty coupon is just like cash. I assure you the dealer does not know what they speak of. I have not only personally combined both twice, but I have also spoken extensively with the SOA VIP program administrator. I combined both in 2019 and in 2022.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Based on this it appears to me that all coupons would be disallowed, so I don't understand that virtually every buyer on all the forums are reporting they have used a Loyalty Coupon for a VIP purchase. Like I told the GM, there seems to be a disconnect here.

The Loyalty benefit is a rebate, not a "promotional coupon" historically and when you receive it, the language on it is what governs its use. It's a form of payment rather than a discount, etc. In fact, you shouldn't have to even disclose it during your negotiations, especially if VIP isn't on the table as a dealer might "leverage" it in a way that reduces its benefit to you.

 

[garya505]

I got the reply shown below from the Subaru VIP Admin this morning. Note that they even mentioned the disclaimer on the VIP form that some, including myself, have referenced on this forum. I suspect this means they have dealt with this question before.

"Thank you for contacting the Subaru VIP Program! Your VIP discount can be combined with a Subaru Loyalty coupon or Goodwill Loyalty Purchase Assistance coupon.

You will notice on your VIP form that there is a disclaimer regarding certain types of coupons that are not able to be combined with the VIP discount, which may be where the retailer’s reluctance is stemming from. To clarify, the loyalty coupon is a type of coupon that can be combined with the VIP Discount.

Please feel free to present this message to your retailer. They can contact us directly if they have any further questions."

 

[the head]

Hello, second post since joining, but I wanted to mention something that has changed from the original post. When filling out the VIP form with the ASPCA it will not let you put “new member” anymore as it only accepts numerical inputs. I left it blank. The ASPCA sent an email asking for the receipt and the rest of it has worked as described.

 

[garya505]

Hello, second post since joining, but I wanted to mention something that has changed from the original post. When filling out the VIP form with the ASPCA it will not let you put “new member” anymore as it only accepts numerical inputs. I left it blank. The ASPCA sent an email asking for the receipt and the rest of it has worked as described.

I did mine about 2 months ago and had the same problem, so just left it blank. It worked.

 

[2020sportbuyer]

Sorry…so the VIP pricing is now ONLY dealer invoice, NOT 2% below dealer invoice?

My local dealer just said their “pricing may be better than VIP…” if that can be possible?

Thanks.

 

[packout]

Sorry…so the VIP pricing is now ONLY dealer invoice, NOT 2% below dealer invoice?

My local dealer just said their “pricing may be better than VIP…” if that can be possible?

Thanks.

Vip pricing program only covers what is ordered from the Subaru factory ( not dealer installed add ons), so build your vehicle as you would like it and ask for the out the door price in writing. Some dealers will allow the vip pricing to be used for a specific vehicle already on their lot or in transit, but be certain it has only what you want. Keep an eye out for any dealer fees or dealer required. You can buy VIP from most dealers now so you can compare these other elements of the purchase.

Do you qualify for the Subaru / Chase financing? You will need tier 1 or 2 credit score. You can check your Auto credit score yourself to make that determination (i have posted on this in other threads). The dealership may require or pressure you into some other more expensive financing or f&i add on so be very careful. You can easily look up the dealer invoice pricing for all trims / packages and accessories that you want to assure the numbers are accurate.

With interest rates the way they are now, you are probably not going to do any better than Subaru financing, but you can determine that yourself ahead of time without any hard pull on your credit.

Are you trading in a vehicle? If so, this is a separate negotiation for which the sales person maybe looking to make up the difference in their profit.

The other issue to look at us whether the dealer wants to sell you a unit from their lot compared to factory ordered. Nothing wrong with that per se, but be sure, it does not have add-ons that you do not want.

 

[garya505]

Sorry…so the VIP pricing is now ONLY dealer invoice, NOT 2% below dealer invoice?

My local dealer just said their “pricing may be better than VIP…” if that can be possible?

Thanks.

Outside the VIP Program, dealers are free to offer any price they want to offer. It could be higher or lower than VIP pricing.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

Sorry…so the VIP pricing is now ONLY dealer invoice, NOT 2% below dealer invoice?

It's been that way for a long time now...like a year and a half or so