So I went to check out a few used Forester Wilderness models yesterday.
CarMax had some 2022 and 2023 models with 15k to 30k miles, all priced around $30k to $32k. They quoted me 9.8% interest over 68 months with $10k down.
That sounded ridiculous, so I went to my local dealership. They offered me 1.5% on a brand-new 2024 Forester Wilderness. Same $10k down, but the monthly payments over 60 months were $40 cheaper than the used ones at CarMax.
I only planned to browse, but I ended up putting down a deposit on the 2024. It should be here in under two weeks—they’re bringing in a green one from another dealership since they didn’t have it in stock.
I’ve been researching this for over a year, and I figured it was the right time, especially with potential tariffs that might make things more expensive soon. This is also my first brand-new car, and I’m excited to join the club!
Spence said:
Yeah, this is really common right now. Used car interest rates are much higher.
Exactly. Also, I’ve noticed that buying a used car from a different brand at a dealership (like a Toyota at a Subaru dealer) tends to be pricier. I once found a used Highlander that cost about the same as a new one down the street at the Toyota dealership.
The best way to buy a used car today? Befriend older folks who drive Foresters or Outbacks. Once they stop driving, you can get a great deal. Kinda joking, but the used market is crazy right now.
ToyotaGuru said:
The best way to buy a used car today? Befriend older folks who drive Foresters or Outbacks. Once they stop driving, you can get a great deal. Kinda joking, but the used market is crazy right now.
That’s actually how I got mine. A family friend passed, and her husband sold me a 2008 Forester with 110k miles for $3,500.
ToyotaGuru said:
The best way to buy a used car today? Befriend older folks who drive Foresters or Outbacks. Once they stop driving, you can get a great deal. Kinda joking, but the used market is crazy right now.
ToyotaGuru said:
The best way to buy a used car today? Befriend older folks who drive Foresters or Outbacks. Once they stop driving, you can get a great deal. Kinda joking, but the used market is crazy right now.
Same here! About five years ago, I found a 2005 Forester with 185k km for $3k on FB Marketplace. Had to travel for it, but totally worth it. I couldn’t imagine buying used in today’s market—hope my Forester lasts forever.
$32k for used? Wow. I just bought a new 2024 with the options package for $32.7k. CarMax offered me $1,800 for my 2015 Forester, and I’m sure they’d turn around and try to sell it for $15k.
That 1.5% isn’t a true rate—Subaru is covering around 6% behind the scenes to bring it down. They do this to move inventory. So basically, you got an extra discount without even realizing it. Congrats!
If you’re financing, new is often better. I bought a 2023 Touring with 12k miles for $31.6k out the door, but I paid cash. Financing a new one with low interest would’ve been close to the same price overall.
Same thing happened to me. I was looking at a used 2024 Sport and ended up with a new 2025 Forester. The used interest rate was double, so even though the new one cost more, my monthly payment was $50 less.
Here are a few tips: Focus on the total price, not just the monthly payments. If your credit is good enough to get 1.5% on new, being offered 9.8% on used is insulting.
Also, CarMax is overpriced. They charge no-haggle prices but don’t offer much value for it. I bought a 2020 Forester with 23k miles for $25.5k from a dealer.
Make sure you love the terms and the car—don’t settle for ‘good enough.’
I’ll never go back to CarMax. Their rates and prices are insane, and the salespeople I dealt with were shady. I went back once in 2021 to look at Volvo wagons, and it was just as bad.