2010/2011 Recent Purchases Near Boston?

[bwc]

Hello,

First post here, I've read through the forums in doing research on a Tribeca for my family. Read lots of useful stuff, and I hope there may be some more advice I can get. This will hopefully be our first Subaru purchase. Right now we're a Saab and VW family, and we're trading in the 99 9-3 for something that will accommodate 3 car seats (we're not worried about the scant rear seat room for toddlers).

We're interested in picking up a 2010 or 2011 new Tribeca this month. I was hoping there might be some members of the board who could share their very recent purchase experiences. We're looking to purchase by the end of January and have financing through our credit union (though if SoA offers a great interest rate, we'd entertain it).

I've read elsewhere that it's possible to get a Subaru at 2% below invoice, if you qualify for the VIP program… unfortunately, I'm not a member of any of the sister orgs (though I am a member of an org that's a sister to one of them!). So my goal is to get a Tribeca for at least 2% below invoice. The last dealer I talked to mentioned they don't sell many Tribecas because of the sticker price. I saw SoA's December sales figures which back that up: ~250 sold nationwide in December. I'm hoping these factors all combine to give me a bargaining edge.

I'm looking for a "Premium" model (base model—what terrible nomenclature) because it's simply the least expensive. I'd take a 2010 for sure, if it meant significant savings.

Bottom line is that I can get a much roomier Sienna for thousands less. We're trying to stay out of a minivan. I hope a local dealer is willing to help me help them sell a slow moving vehicle!

What are your recent purchase experiences?

Thanks,
~brian

[Tribeca_06]

You could get a pretty good deal arleady on a 2010 Tribeca, or even the 2011. Check out your local dealer

[tribeca09]

I recommend looking at the prices Fitzgerald is advertising for the model you desire. Fitzgerald is a true no-haggle dealership with fair prices, IMO. (I do not have any affiliation with them and bought my Tribeca elsewhere.) Note that delivery and processing are included in their prices -- you'd likely have to tack those fees/costs on to the prices offered by others.

I also recommend looking at the "best price paid" board at Edmunds.com -- there aren't a lot of Tribecas sold each year, but you might get additional information there from other buyers.

Then, when you get a sense of prices, comparison shop for the best price by email and wait for the offers to roll in. You can insist on communicating by email if you like and avoid pesky phone calls.

My girlfriend is shopping for a Forester using the above approach and it's saving her from headaches and worry about getting a good deal.

By the way, if you're having trouble finding the Tribeca you want, I understand it costs no more to order versus buying off the lot (unless you're looking at a leftover 2010 and can get a good deal on it). My gf is probably going to order, due to the color/options she wants.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[Magic Marker]

I'm going to chime in against a Tribeca in this situation. If you have three car seats to install, all three of those kids are going to get bigger and they're gonna have friends. This is a situation where a Sienna makes much more sense. My boss has a fully loaded Sienna and it's a beautiful minivan. It drives really well with a lot of comforts.

Unless you plan to keep the Tribeca for just a few years, a minivan should be in your sights for a long term vehicle.

We love our Tribe, but don't have or plan to have any kids.

[NatetheSkate]

Bringing this thread back from the dead.

We have had our Tribeca for 5 years now. It's an 06, 7 seater with 75000 miles (in case your wondering). We have 3 kids; they are 14, 9, and 7. So, much smaller when first bought car. NOTHING can compete with a minivan. We had a 2000 ford windstar, and Im telling you it was made for kids. However, this Tribeca can hold its own. On short trips or around town the three can sit in back seat comfortably, especially if i slide the second row all the way back, that provides tons of leg room. Then on long trips the youngest gets third row all to her self. Minimal complaints (dvd player, and DSi's help immensely lol) from the peanut gallery.

Do I miss my enormous Suburban for trips and cargo? Sometimes. Did the Windstar (or any minivan) provide the most useful, convenient space for kids? Totally! Would I want a Tribeca for THREE car seats? Not sure. But IMHO, the Tribeca, while not a gas guzzling SUV or a lame ass minivan, is a great family car. Even when loaded with 7 passengers, cargo and pulliing a trailer it holds its own with the best of them. And Im not even bringing up the crazy off road abilities inherent in every Subaru, as Ive made the wife and kids super nauseous throwing doughnuts in the snow. heeheehee

[LORE BECA]

Look a the CX9 as well do to having a bigger 3rd row seat.
In my opinion the 3rd row in the TRIBECA is for a child under 10 only.