[EynonPower]

Ok, I just graduated college in May, and since the WRX's came out, i've been in love. Then I find out that the STI is comming out. I really didn't expect to land the job that I got. I'm going to be a Manager at Hertz Rent-a-Car. I don't start until July though. But the way i'm seeing it, is I can upgrade myself to the STI. I know it is a very limited car. But I didn't expect a wait list and a $X markup above the MSRP. Realistically, i'm expecting about $35,000 with tax. With the car I have now, and saving some money for about a year I should have enough of a down payment ($8-10k) to make a 4 or 5 year plan affordable. I will not lease.....ever.

Anyway, on this board is where I found out about the wait lists and the MSRP markups. I won't be able to afford any more then around $35k, a $5,000 markup will kill me, and i'll have to look for an EVO at MSRP(not a bad car by any means, I just want an STI) or a WRX. I'll be happy, just won't maxamize my happyness. Know what I mean?

So tonight, I got a list of 6 Subaru Dealers near me. Since I have no money (as in $70 in my checking account, but i'll be earning $45-55k, hasn't been 100% worked out yet. So I think i can afford the STI) I can't afford any kind of payment to put my name on the reserve list until I start my job. So what can I expect tomorrow? Can I just say I want one for next summer? Would they keep bumping me until a year later? Are they going to ask me for money to get on the list, and then a down payment? Does the payment start when you put the down payment on, or when you pick up the car?

Any advice would be great. Thanks guys.

 

[TerraJumper]

STi on Hold

EynonPower, here's what you do. As manager at Hertz, recommend that your entire fleet be converted to STi's. No economy cars, no trucks, no minivans -- just WRX STi's. Everyone on this board, including myself, waiting on an STi will rent from your company. In turn, revenue in the company will skyrocket, you will gain promotions for your idea left and right, you'll eventually become the Hertz president. You'll have access to all the STi's you've ever dreamed of! And make a bunch of us STi-nuts happy, too!

It's nice to dream, but seriously: Save up your money first. You don't need to get on a waiting list this month if you plan to buy next summer. Getting on a list this fall should be just fine. To answer your questions, most dealers will ask for a deposit to hold your spot in line for an STi. This is typically $500 or so. Make sure it's refundable upon your demand. If your aren't ready to buy, I'm sure the dealer would be happy to bump you until a year later; why should they lose a potential customer, right? Car payments start when you pick up the car and sign all the hairy paperwork.

Another thing to consider, EynonPower, if you save up your money, you could even just wait for an '04 Evo or an '05 STi. The major bugs should be worked out of both by then.

Hope that helps,
TerraJumper

 

[EynonPower]

I hate it when they do that . . . .

TerraJumper,

Yeah, it does help. You just mapped my way to the top of my career! hehe I just wanted to make sure that there wasn't a HUGE demand on wait lists (as in years). I don't plan on doing to until I know I can afford it. I'm realistically looking at a 12-18 month wait until i'd be able to get one. Hopefully, it'll be 12 months. But since it's going to be that kind of wait, i'm definetly going to get the '05 STI. Thanks for lettin me know how much to expect for the wait list.

And by the way, after reading all your guys post about peoples reactions and how they drive.....i'm 110% jealous!

 

[stacrafty]

ign cars board for second hand STi info, this board here knows lots more

anyways, my advice as I've been in my first job since graduating about 2 yrs now would be to just take it easy for a while, see how much it costs for you to live week to week on your prefered lifestyle. with a few sacrafices you may be able to save heaps more. I have found I could. I save roughly 50% of my fortnightly pay nowadays.
Also don't count dem chickens before they hatch (the 55k)

good luck

 

[RDiamond]

hey man

Yeah, sounds like a wait list is the perfect thing for your situation. If you're serious and can handle the ~$600/mo payment (i.e., no student loans, etc.) then here's what you do:

Monitor like a hawk all the regional forums near you. Call all the dealers that aren't near you. For example, I waited till the last minute. I got the car someone backed out on near me about 10 minutes after he posted it was available. I also got quickly at the top of the waiting list in Michigan, Roanoke VA (4hr drive) and Taxachusettes -- go rural, go big dealer. Never accept anything but MSRP or less. It can be done. If you don't have $500-2000 right now to reserve an STi, you can't buy one any time soon anyway! So save some pennies and find the right waitlist to fit your timeframe.

 

[CloNeGTS]

When I went down on my list in October of last year, I threw down the plastic for my $500 refundable deposit. I was told that I wouldn't be charged the deposit until the car was actually ordered (which it now is). I decided to go with a rural dealer so that I would have this timing just right. I just graduated in May and this is as close to perfect as I could have planned.

You should be able to find an STi for less than MSRP within 6 months or so. Look at the EVOs....we are all in the same boat. There are dealers that have the cars just sitting around now. We will be the same way. I don't think you'll ever find a dealer that has 6 or 7 out in the lot, but I think most dealers will have one around and will have the ability to order you one rather quickly within 6-8 months.

Wait it out...and in the mean time....watch the rest of us blow our engines with knock! (just kidding....we'll get that fixed).

 

[EynonPower]

Starcrafty: I guess you were over on the IGN Car boards last night also? Also, I really don't mind skimping on certain things. All I want is a nice entertainment center (which I have) and a nice ride. I recently became single, so I dont' have to worry about women as of yet, lol. So for a single guy, that is pulling some decent money, i'm hoping for the STI. To help save up for it though, i'm probally going to put my graduation gift money in a CD or invest in a Government Treasury Bill. Get a few extra bucks.

RDiamond: That's what I plan on doing. I called 4 dealerships near me and suprisingly, 1 of them have no wait list, 2 of them are only 2 month wait lists, and the 3rd is a 5 month wait list. So i'm not going to do anything any time soon. All 4 were at MSRP though. I'm going to post more info on the Wait List/MSRP part of this board for people looking now.

CLoNeGTS: I've also noticed EVO's sitting around lots in PA. I kind of hope the STI is the same way next year. Yeah, i'm just savin up now and reading all your stories about looks you guys get and cars full of young blondes offering "favors." I'm jealous.

 

[CloNeGTS]

haha

Also keep in mind...while this car is in high demand among those of us that are looking specifically for this car, it is a niche car. Either you love it and want it now....or you won't even look at it. Limited production or not, keep in mind that in every other market in the world, if you want an STi, you get one......much like getting a Z06 here. They aren't everywhere at every dealer, but you can get one.

 

[dyp911e]

Enyon,

The day I got my first paycheck out of college I made the mistake of buying a defender 90 and getting in way over my head. Sold it after three months at a loss & haven't had a car payment since. I bought a cheap used japanese car & saved up for my fun car(s) over time & paid cash. I found that a house that appreciates in value was better than a car that only depreciates, but I'll digress.

At any rate, if you're in the northeast and have a long term plan for an STi, Van Bortel Subaru near Rochester, NY is your best bet. You can walk out with a new STi for $29,600 rather than that $35 you were quoting. I hate to sound like a Van Bortel broken record, but they are the type of dealership that I think all others should be like-fixed, low prices & no haggling. That's why I'm flying from TN to buy a car in NY. Good luck!

Hey, I flew to Denver for my last car.

 

[EynonPower]

Actually yeah, I am in the northeast. PA actually. I'm going to try to play it as smart as I can. I'm not going to run out and get an STi, i'm going to get my feet on the ground and make sure I have enough for car, insurance, oil changes etc...after all my student loans come in. I quoted the $35k because i'm figuring that in with Tax and the secutiry/audio options. But i'll check out that Van Bortel Subaru though. I'm in no hurry though. Thanks for the advice.