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2023 Subaru Outback — buying a car 1,200 miles away without seeing it

ColdStartFanCommunity StarterJul 18, 20262023 Subaru Outback WildernessPennsylvania
A hard-to-find spec is several states away. Dealer has provided video and history, but I have not seen it in person.
apr
3.52
location
Pennsylvania
ppi planned
term months
48
asking price
12500
dealer doc fee
199
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11 replies

CityOwner27Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 18, 2026permalink
I'd want competing paper, not competing stories. A written buyer’s order on the 2023 Subaru Outback is worth more than any verbal “we’ll make it work.” If they balk, that's your answer. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. Sleeping on the number either way.
CanyonGarageCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 19, 2026permalink
I'd slow the salesperson down here. Two 2023 Subaru Outback quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. No need to make it theatrical. Not wiring anything in the meantime.
BatteryLearner102Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 19, 2026permalink
Get the messy numbers in writing first. A written buyer’s order on the 2023 Subaru Outback is worth more than any verbal “we’ll make it work.” I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. On “buying a car 1,200 miles away without,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2023 Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania with 1,200 miles. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
BatteryLearner102Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 19, 2026permalink
If I were shopping this, two 2023 Subaru Outback quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. That's the part that actually changes the decision. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Doc fee is the line I'm watching.
EVCommuterCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 19, 2026permalink
Compare apples to apples or you'll get spun. A written buyer’s order on the 2023 Subaru Outback is worth more than any verbal “we’ll make it work.” Do that before you talk monthly again. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. Going to re-read the worksheet tonight.
BatteryLearner102Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 19, 2026permalink
I'd want competing paper, not competing stories. GAP, paint, and nitrogen are optional until you run the 2023 Subaru Outback numbers without them. Do that before you talk monthly again. This is from a 2023 Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania with 1,200 miles. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
CityOwner27Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 20, 2026permalink
Fair point. Counterpoint: I would not wire money until I've seen the 2023 Subaru Outback and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
TowDriverCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 19, 2026permalink
Don't send a deposit on a phone quote. Two 2023 Subaru Outback quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. Then the comparison gets honest. This is from a 2023 Subaru Outback in Pennsylvania with 1,200 miles. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. If the VIN lookup is clean I'm still doing PPI.
TrackPilot272Community StarterCommunity StarterJul 19, 2026permalink
Don't send a deposit on a phone quote. If they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2023 Subaru Outback price probably got worse. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. If the title is messy I'm out, full stop.
CanyonFanCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 19, 2026permalink
Get the messy numbers in writing first. A written buyer’s order on the 2023 Subaru Outback is worth more than any verbal “we’ll make it work.” If they balk, that's your answer. On “buying a car 1,200 miles away without,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
CanyonFanCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJul 20, 2026permalink
Walk if they won't put it on a buyer’s order. If one piece looks too good on the 2023 Subaru Outback, hunt doc fees, accessories, and the APR next. Then the comparison gets honest. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. Not letting add-ons ride along because everyone does.
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