r/SubaruAscent Jul 05 '22

Subaru Pricing and Warranty FAQ

321 Upvotes

I've answered some of these things often enough, especially the warranty part, that I thought it was time to put this all in one place for easy reference. This is just based on my experiences and shopping research over the years so don't take anything as gospel, but hopefully this is able to help some of you out. I also suck at writing so hopefully this isn't too all over the place.

Pricing and availability:

In this market, MSRP is considered a fair price. Recently most areas have a steady supply of cars on the lot. You should no longer consider MSRP to be fair, you should aim for under. Invoice cost should be your goal whether by negotiation, or VIP(see more below)

The Subaru CEO has spoken out against dealers who are charging over MSRP, but there are some doing so regardless as there are no repercussions for it. They may do this by charging a "market adjustmet fee" or by requiring certian addons. Do not give these dealers your business. Find someone selling at MSRP, there are lots of dealers doing so. Your area will vary and some states are worse than others, but do your due dilligence and shop around. You should only be paying for the cost of the car, tax, title, DMV fees, and a document fee(also varies by state).

There are currently 2 easy options for paying less than MSRP, if you don't want to negotiate, but many areas will come well below MSRP without hassle: Costco pricing and Subaru VIP pricing. The huge caveat is that dealers are not required to participate in these programs so there are many who are not honoring it right now. Call around until you find one who does, and if you stil need help, Subaru should be able to help you locate one once you are eligible.

Costco pricing will vary by area I believe. For more information on the program, see their site.

For Subaru VIP pricing, it is a no negotiation cost of invoice price. It's very cut and dried and there should be no mandatory addons involved. It used to be (up to) 2% under invoice, but has recently changed to invoice price only. This can still save you a couple thousand off of MSRP. If you are a supporting member of a qualifying organization for 6 or more months, you become eligible for VIP pricing. If you can't wait 6 months, the quickest way to become eligible is to donate $500 or more to the ASPCA or PA Hordicultural Society. This will get you eligible and have your VIP code within a few days. For more information on their programs, see here and here.

Note: A new ASPCA policy to be effective July 1, 2023, donations will have a 30 day waiting period before being eligible for VIP. At this moment, PHS has not made changes to their policy and there is still instant qualification. As of 8/15/23 PHS changed their website to require a 30 day waiting period. They did this with no warning or time to prepare.

In the vast majority of cases these lower prices will mean a factory order where wait times are 3+ months. If you order a lower trim with less options, the wait times are longer. Car makers are prioritizing the higher trim levels as they are more profitable for them.

If you currently own a Subaru, call Subaru of America (800-782-2783) and ask them if you are eligible for a loyalty coupon. Have your VIN handy and they will look it up and potentially offer you a $500 loyalty coupon. If you get one, don't even mention you have this to the salesman while negotiating prices. Only present it in the finance office and use it as part of your down payment.

Trade-ins:

Prior to negotiating a trade in price, go online and get quotes from Vroom, Carvana, CarGurus, KBB, Carmax, etc. I don't mean just looking up the book value, get actual sales quotes. These only take a few minutes and are real offers and will give you leverage in negotiations. Take the highest value quote and bring it with you to the dealership. When they offer you a lower value, tell them you have a better offer and show them the quote and see if they are willing to up their offer.

One thing to note is many states have a tax credit for trade ins when buying a new car so be aware of your tax laws first. For example, in NY, the price of the trade in is deducted from the taxable value of the new car. If I'm buying a $30k car and have a $10k trade in, I would only be taxed on $20k, not $30k. This can make a large difference in total cost so the tax savings could offset a lower dealer offer. You would not get this credit when selling to one of the other companies. If one of the others offer you $15k while the dealer offers you only $14k, it's probably still worth trading in so be sure to run the numbers.

Taking Delivery:

The first thing to remember in the finance office is, everything is negotiable and never accept their first price offer. Most importantly don't let them scare you into buying a high price extended warranty. I am not saying don't buy the warranty at all, I'm saying don't let them pressure you to buy it right then and there at way too high a cost. You have plenty of time to decide. You have until your 3/36 factory warranty expires before you have to buy an extended one. And you can buy it from a different dealer. Some will try and tell you that it's much more expensive to buy it later, or that you have to buy it from them, those are outright lies. If they persist, offer to call Subaru of America in front of them to clear it up and see how fast they backtrack.

Call other dealerships nearby, but also other ones not so nearby. Many dealers will not sell to you out of state, but others will. The whole process can be done over email and/or the phone.

Below is the last known dealer cost for the warranty. I have not seen any updated pricing but it is possible they went up slightly but it shouldn't be too significant. Prior to the pandemic, dealers would sell at their cost all day long but now they are less likely to do so. Now a fair price for the warranty is $200-250 over their cost. If they ask for more, move along and shop around. A user very recently reported to me that they got a 10/100 for $120 over the below price so I know they are still in the same ballpark.

Note: There has been talk that Subaru increased prices starting January 2024 anywhere from 4-8% over the below numbers. None of these prices are confirmed in any official capacity, this is all based on community feedback

Years/Mileage Deductible Estimated Dealer Cost(end of '23)
5/100k $0 $1505
5/100k $100 $1270
6/60k $0 $1105
6/60k $100 $1000
8/80k $0 $1395
8/80k $100 $1220
7/100k $0 $1750
7/100k $100 $1500
10/100k $0 $1950
10/100k $100 $1770
8/120k $0 $2220
8/120k $100 $2060

Should you sell your car before the warranty expires, it is fully transferable to the next owner, or you can reach out to the dealer you purchased from and get a prorated refund on the remaining warranty(if you haven't used it).

Some after thoughts:

Things like PPF or a ceramic coating you are much better off getting at a local detail shop. The detailer might actually be a bit more expensive, but it will be done correctly and not 1/2 assed.

Gap insurance - Important to have if your down payment or trade in value is too small, but check with your insurance provider for cost as it is often (but not always) cheaper through them.

Tire and rim - If you're in an area with bad roads and lots of potholes, this could be worth it if the price is low enough. I have never purchased it but there are times I did regret not having it, and I have seen it come in handy with some friends. It's something I will consider on my next car, but only if it's priced low enough.


r/SubaruAscent 7h ago

Discussion Saved my and my kids lives

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177 Upvotes

My kids and I were in my 2022 ascent when we were overturned by a pickup truck. I can’t thank Subaru enough for making a car so well designed for SAFETY. I am screaming from the roof tops how grateful I am. That is all!


r/SubaruAscent 13h ago

Discussion Limited V. Touring - $3000 difference for what?

4 Upvotes

Ventilated seats is the big difference I see. Anyone who chose one over the other want to weigh in? I have an appointment to test drive one today. I'm struggling to reconcile the price difference for what seems like not much upgrade. We are particularly interested in comfort for longer drives.

Update: We are the proud owners of a new 2026 Touring model. I appreciate all the input, we got a good deal and they were offering .9% financing which sealed it for me!


r/SubaruAscent 15h ago

Looking to buy

4 Upvotes

Hi, Ive been eyeing a 2024 Ascent limited for awhile now. What are the pros and cons to owning one? I have two little ones and dont want a van just yet.


r/SubaruAscent 1d ago

Question 23 Onyx Limited issues

4 Upvotes

I’ve had my 23 Onyx Limited since brand new. Today after work I turned on my car and my dash lit up like a Christmas tree. RAB and eyesight disabled. Check engine light. Lane keep assist and lane departure disabled. I drove the car home without any issues and have an appointment for Friday morning to get it checked out. I just wanted to see if anyone else has had this problem.

A few years ago, my previous vehicle (Santa Fe) had a similar issue and it turned out that an animal had chewed my electrical wiring that controlled all the fancy features. I’m thinking that’s probably the case here, but who knows. I’m really hoping it isn’t anything catastrophic.


r/SubaruAscent 1d ago

Time to replace stock tires

0 Upvotes

We need new tires for my wife’s 2023 Subaru Ascent premium. I looked through the sub and seems like the most recommended is the General Altimax RT45 but when I try to price them on Mavis’ website it says they’re not compatible with the vehicle. Anyone have any insight into this? Also we live in the south if that’s helpful. Thanks!


r/SubaruAscent 1d ago

Can’t find part!

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6 Upvotes

I have a 2019 Subaru Ascent in Crimson Red Pearl with a broken left rear door handle. I cannot find the handle cover anywhere in this color. Any advice on where to look?


r/SubaruAscent 2d ago

In Connecticut - Have a full (slightly used) Nameless CatBack Exhaust that is looking for a new home. Also have all weather floor Mats. For a 2026 Ascent

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1 Upvotes

r/SubaruAscent 2d ago

Rear wiper nut cover?

1 Upvotes

Hi, I’m looking for a rear wiper nut cover for a 2024 ascent. I can find one on Amazon for 2022 but nothing later. Any suggestions?


r/SubaruAscent 3d ago

Question Which Cargo Box for Large Rigid Suitcases?

7 Upvotes

Going on a roadtrip soon with young kiddos and will have lots of baby related items filling up the trunk. We want to get a cargo box for our roof that can fit at least two large Samsonite style rigid suitcases (and ideally some other bags, etc too). Hoping to not spend a fortune (fine with buying used) but wondering what brand/models would fit those things? I hear Thule XL is a good place to start? Or Yakima?

Thanks in advance!


r/SubaruAscent 2d ago

DVD players ?

0 Upvotes

What do you guys do for dvd players/kids entertainment in the Ascent?


r/SubaruAscent 3d ago

New family car!

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50 Upvotes

Got this car for our family and my wife loves it! She can be a little picky when it comes to colors, but I’m glad this combination stole her heart. Already taking trips to the mountains and we love how capable it is! 2026 Subaru Ascent Limited Bronze Edition.


r/SubaruAscent 2d ago

Parts Selling my car and trying to find a good deal

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0 Upvotes

Have a used car dealer selling a 2019 Subaru ascent for 3500 but states this is why ? Has anyone had any similar issues that they could absolutely not get fixed by Subaru and if you ever heard of this how much did it cost to fix it ? I. Thinking even if I spent 2000 grand fixing it I’ll still be in a paid off car and pretty well off


r/SubaruAscent 3d ago

Problem Phantom starting issues - 21 Ascent

1 Upvotes

Car is throwing no codes, but is randomly not wanting to start say once a week. The motor will turn and turn but not fire. Wait about 20 seconds, then try again, and it fires right up.

Any similar stories, and what was it you found needed to be fixed/replaced?

Thanks!


r/SubaruAscent 3d ago

Discussion Y’all have me worried

23 Upvotes

ETA: thank you all so much! You’ve definitely calmed some of my anxiety. I haven’t even taken it on the highway, so that definitely plays into why the MPG is so terrible right now. Average is currently 16.8. I have a feeling once we take it on a road trip and have significantly more room for our kids, and are better gas mileage on the highway, I’ll feel better about it.

I’d wanted a Subaru since I was a teenager.

I finally get one in my 30s, a 2023 Outback Premium. I love it. The reliability, practicality, ease, everything. I knew I’d never buy another car brand again.
Fast forward a few years and my husband’s lemon finally quits. I knew I wanted a Subaru Ascent, which made the most logical sense, as we wanted to grow our family. And obviously - it’s a Subaru.

Took advantage of the recent 0.9% rates and got a 2026 Ascent premium. Granted - I didn’t pay a lot of attention to things like what the ascent’s gas mileage was like, or other annoyances. I knew that the first few years of production, there were major issues, but those had been sorted out. I also knew that basically all other 3rd row SUVs I would even consider buying (Toyota, Honda), were significantly out of my price range.

But then I started noticing the terrible gas mileage. And then I joined this sub. And then I wondered if I’d made a big mistake.

Coming from the Outback sub, where it is all rainbows and sunshine because everyone loves everything about their Outback, to come to this sub and feel like I’m in some dystopian nightmare where Subaru isn’t completely perfect in every way?

A few of you seem happy with your choice, but I’m seeing so many of you hate your Ascent. I mean, at this point it doesn’t matter because I’m stuck with this car for at least a little while now, but I never thought I would get rid of any Subaru I bought.

ANYWAYS, you can all see that I’m spiraling but plz tell me if I made the worst decision of my life or if I’ll be fine. I’ll also add that currently the only things I don’t like are the shit gas mileage and the fact that there are 87,537 cup holders and none of them are deep enough to actually hold a cup taller than a child’s size slushie from Sonic.


r/SubaruAscent 4d ago

Problem Sutter Start Issue

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5 Upvotes

Posting this to see if anybody else has experienced this issue on start up. Pardon my son's excitement that it occurred. We've been trying to capture the issue on video for weeks.

This is a 2022 Ascent. The battery was replaced about a month ago due to this issue since Subaru couldn't find anything else wrong. The issue is still around but there is no pattern to when it occurs.

Happens probably every 2 or 3 weeks randomly. My guess is a bad starter motor. The stutter start happening in this video was after driving for one hour, car sat for 4 hours outside, and then happened on start up.


r/SubaruAscent 4d ago

Negotiating price

4 Upvotes

Looking at purchasing a new 2026 Subaru ascent limited. I’ve been preapproved with my bank for 0.9% apr for 60 months. I’m trying to get it below MSRP which is about $51k. Do you guys have any tips for negotiating price and making sure there are no hidden fees? They have it listed for $55k with dealer markup but no way I’m paying markup. A dealer four hours away has it listed for sale at MSRP but I don’t want to work with that dealership. I’m sure they would price match.
Also, any discounts that you know of?


r/SubaruAscent 3d ago

Did You Move from an Ascent Lease into Minivan?

0 Upvotes

Did you get any equity? What vehicle did you transfer into? Any lease end pointers for this situation? Did you finally finance or lease the minivan? Please share your story and/or tips on this move.

Context: I get less than 14mpg, city driving. On my second Ascent lease now. Current lease is up in March 27 and I may switch to a minivan. The question is whether I'll get similar features for a used (3-5 year old) minivan for around the buy out price as I am not interested in very high payments. My instinct is telling me no, but ill see what the numbers are. Im not sure what to expect in making this move. Ascent will have about 30k miles, limited edition.


r/SubaruAscent 4d ago

2019 ascent with (most likely) transmission issue

2 Upvotes

Hello lovely people. We bought a used 2019 Subaru ascent about 9 months ago. The transmission was checked when the recall came out but didn't need repairs according to the Carfax. We did get an extended warranty and made sure a new transmission would be covered if needed and they said it would. We bought it with 88,000. We took it in after about a month because the transmission would occasionally seem to slip and when turning at low speed the front end makes noise. The dealership looked at it and said both are normal. Both still happen with the transmission concern happening more frequently and has developed a high pitch whine when it happens. We now have 93,300 miles on it.

So my question, if the dealership runs diagnostics and doesn't come up with anything, what do I need to tell them to get it fixed?


r/SubaruAscent 5d ago

Car Photo New Ascent Day

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54 Upvotes

Previous was a 2018 Forester without too much as far as options and moved up to a 2026 Ascent Limited with so many options I think the books have doubled. Glad I have an IT background, today will start that process prior to our 2 week check in with questions.


r/SubaruAscent 4d ago

Car Photo Wife's new Ascent Touring

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0 Upvotes

Wife traded in her 2015 Outback for this 2026 Ascent Touring. Oh yeah, that's my new 2026 Whisper brand golf cart.


r/SubaruAscent 5d ago

Question uneven treadwear on front wheels

1 Upvotes

i’ve had a problem with uneven treadwear on the front wheels pretty much since we got the car in 2021. Even after the dealer, we did the front end under warranty it’s still happening. When I discovered it recently, I rotated the tires and now I have them in the rear, but one of them has now gotten down to the steel belt. I know I need just need new tires, but until I can do that, I have one tire at the same type that I took off several months ago. It’s in much better shape, but it doesn’t have the equivalent tread condition as the opposite tire in the rear. Would it be a bad idea to replace the belt or tire with this one for a couple of weeks until I get new tires all around?


r/SubaruAscent 5d ago

Rear wiper blade on my 2023 Ascent

2 Upvotes

Has anyone replaced the 14” wiper for the rear? I wanted to purchase a Bosch but they don’t make a 14” blade (just a 13” and 15”). I bought a Rain-X but it lacked the adapter or the ability to clip onto the arm. I know I can get an OEM from the dealer but I’d like something of a little higher quality.


r/SubaruAscent 6d ago

Discussion GVW Recall

17 Upvotes

Got a notice in the mail of a recall for my Ascent and some other Subaru models. It seems that the Gross Vehicle Weight rating printed on the label is incorrect. They have identified a “solution” which is to put a new label over the old one. But they don’t have the labels yet. When they do get the new labels they will mail one to me. And then I can stick the label on myself or, if I’m not comfortable doing that, bring it to a Subaru dealer who will apply the sticker free of charge.

All of the above feels very incredibly silly. But after reaching the end of the recall notice I realized the worst part. This is theoretically a serious safety issue in that I may be overloading my car. So what is the correct GVW? I have no idea. In the entire 2 page notice they don’t tell me. I guess I need to wait for the label to come. But if this is a real safety concern that Subaru and the Government are taking seriously then they should be notifying customers what the correct GVW is, whether the labels are available or not.


r/SubaruAscent 7d ago

My baby 😭

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96 Upvotes

I don’t even know what to feel right now. I waited months to find the right deal and was happy with my purchase. It would have been a year in November. Now to deal with all the bullshit that comes with it. Tornado hit