Dealer Negotiation

[cpyne]

Hi Everyone,

When it comes to price negotiation for Baja's, who do you think the dealer or the buyer is at an advantage? It seems like the rest of the world considers these to be an "ugly" car, so most likely dealers don't have tons of demand for them. On the other hand, there aren't many out there to choose from. What do you think? Dealer? Buyer? or is it a wash?


Thanks

[bulwnkl]

It really just depends. In my area, the Subaru dealer can just about set their price and sell any Baja they get within a week, often just a few days. They don't gouge (that I've seen), but they can get what they ask for. Having said that, we got our Baja from a non-Subaru lot (used side of a new car dealership) in the next sizable town south (~20 miles) and we beat them down a good long ways. They don't have traffic looking for Bajas, and this one had been sitting there without so much as a look for some weeks.

[corgimas]

stick? or manual???
up here in new england there are a crapload of automatics and turbos...but try to find a straight 5 speed and it is a needle in a haystack....we searched for about a year + til i got mine!!!!
happened to be on a HUGE ford lot as a trade...and they just wanted it gone too....
r

[Honda_Fan]

The dealer I bought mine from mentioned he wished he had more as he could sell everyone he gets. I believe him to as 2 other buyers were interested and trying to come in the same morning as me to see the one I eventually got. Sure am glad I was the first to call that morning or else I may still be looking.

[cpyne]

I'm in New England as well and I've noticed the same thing. You can have your pick of Automatics and Turbos, but strait 5 speeds are tougher to find. I have no interest in driving an Auto and I don't feel like putting gas in a Turbo. Also, I'd dread waiting for the inevitable big bill when the Turbo craps out.

[Emsanon]

The dealership where I bought my Baja now has another one. Same 2003 but maroon in color and it's a stick! As much as I like sticks, I just couldn't trade in mine. I love the yellow color, the hard cover, and lights on the top. The Baja in their lot is in pretty nice shape though. Maybe I can have two!! If I was rich and could afford it...

[bulwnkl]

Also, I'd dread waiting for the inevitable big bill when the Turbo craps out.

Closer research on Subarus will show you that you're more likely to have to replace the head gasket(s) twice on the naturally aspirated model before you have to worry about the turbo or any other part of the turbo engine.

[Emsanon]

And luckily!! I haven't heard of that happening very often either. I have a 2003 NA and so far so good!

[cpyne]

That's good to know that the Turbo's are very reliable. I'm probably somewhat unfairly jaded towards turbos. My only other experience with one was a Toyota Celica All-Trac Turbo that I bought with VERY high mileage, (I was young and stupid). I'm still looking for an NA one due to high gas prices, but this is reassuring information none the less.