This VIP program is great! I bought one of the first (of 6) 2010 Outbacks that my local dealer had last fall. Walked in, asked if they had a fax with my wife's name on it and there was the price, 2% below invoice. Wow. They even gave a great deal on my trade!
The Leave No Trace program is the easiest way for most familys to get in. And it's a great cause that most Subaru owners can relate to, a cleaner backcountry experience through education. It's $20 for the year, wait 6 months, then call them (LNT) for the letter to be faxed to your local dealer. Then go to your dealer and ask them if they got the fax. Out comes the invoice. $20 bucks can save you thousands.
The dealer did mention that there are diferent levels of discount. +2%, 0%, -2%. He was a bit suprised about the 2% below that I got. I think most may be right at invoice price. My wife is a Veterinarian so we used her membership to the AVMA, it was at the highest level, 2% below invoice. My dealer had no issues with me using the VIP program to buy one from his first 2010 Outback's. I bought the second Outback sold at our dealer. Love my Super-ru!
To answer another question from above, I don't think any dealer will offer invoice pricing from haggeling. They are in business to make money. My dealership hadn't had anyone use any VIP deal in months. So I don't think its that common. Go join Leave no Trace! Check it! http://www.lnt.org/programs/subaruVIP.php
