A Never Seen Before Subaru Phenomenon Is Happening Now

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At Subaru of America, things are strange and getting stranger. A never-before-seen occurrence is happening now. See what it means for new car shoppers.

Once in a blue moon.

There is a truly unique phenomenon unfolding at Subaru of America right now. You've likely heard of a blue moon, a rare event that occurs approximately every 33 months. The Subaru occurrence, however, is even rarer. It's a never-before-seen event, making it truly intriguing for new car shoppers. 

It's more like a green flash, a rare occurrence sometimes seen at sunset and sunrise.

EarthSky says, "The green flash is an optical phenomenon you can see shortly after sunset or before sunrise. It happens when the sun is almost entirely below the horizon, with the upper edge still visible. For a second or two, that upper rim of the sun will appear green in color (or sometimes blue)." 

Ok, so what is it?

Subaru has always run the tightest new model inventory levels of any automaker. You can read my recent report here. But we are living in strange times indeed. Toyota has always had more new cars available on its lots to sell than most automakers. Not now. Toyota USA has a smaller inventory of new models than Subaru of America. 

It's unheard of. 

Automotive News says, "According to the Automotive News Research & Data Center, Toyota Motor North America is the only automaker among automakers reporting monthly sales and inventory to report less than a one-month supply."

A report from Automotive News reveals that Toyota USA only has a 27-day supply of new vehicles. Where is Subaru's inventory now? According to Cox Automotive, Subaru of America now has more than a thirty-day supply at 33 days, the first in a long time. Subaru typically runs less than a thirty-day supply, even in the best of times. 

Too good to be true?

If you're considering a new Subaru Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek this summer, you're in for a treat. This rare occurrence at Subaru puts you in a powerful position with Subaru retailers. It's a buyer's market, giving you the opportunity to negotiate and secure the best deal. 

In April, I reported that a perfect storm was brewing at Subaru of America. Well, now that storm is a Category 5 hurricane, and it just made landfall. Here is what it means for customers.

There's an unprecedented abundance of new cars on Subaru's lots, more than ever before. This is your chance to ride the wave and secure a great deal. Customers can now find more 2025 Forester, Outback, and Legacy models at Subaru retailers' lots, which is sure to excite potential buyers. 

The remodeled Forester is here now, and the 2025 Outback and Legacy have also arrived at U.S. retailers this month. 

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is now made in America, and it takes significantly less time to get the newly remodeled subcompact SUV to its retailers. You will see more of these models now. 

You may also be able to get below-sticker pricing on some Crosstrek trims. The Sport and Wilderness are hot trim levels, but there are more available now. They could be the best models to buy now. 

There's more going on.

Subaru offers discounts, special financing, and manufacturer incentives on models like the Outback and Solterra they want to sell now, including the 2024 Forester and 2024 Outback. So, from what I've seen, it's an excellent time to buy.

Subaru's Ascent 3-Row SUV and Legacy midsize sedan are due for remodels in 2025, so Subaru wants to move all remaining 2024 models this summer. 

But overall, I would say it's the best time to buy any Subaru model now. The perfect storm just made landfall, and it's a buyer's market for the first time in a long time. We are living in strange times indeed. 

Are you shopping for a new Subaru? Which model do you have your eye on? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, and Facebook.

Photo credit: Subaru

Submitted by Walter J.Springer (not verified) on July 21, 2024 - 9:39AM

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My wife and I both love our 2017 Outback Touring. The car is very high quality and very comfortable on long drives. The only objection we have is Subaru's obsession with gadgets and gimmicks. The all controlling touchscreen is a major issue. What's wrong with simple buttons to control HVAC, seat heaters and the such? Do they save that much on manufacturing costs by making a driver take his attention off the road to make a simple adjustment to fiddle with the touchscreen? Another item is the electronic parking brake, I much prefer the simple cable and crank.

Agreed on the touchscreen. I'm sure it saves Subaru money not having to install a bunch of knobs, just one screen, but it makes for a worse customer experience. The parking brake button at least allows auto brake release, and I've grown to appreciate the ease of setting the brake. But the touch screen is super annoying fiddling with, esp while driving as you point out. I'm hoping they fixed the automatic radio blaring on start up even when it was muted the last trip. One should have to intentionally turn on the radio by default.

I have a Subaru 2022 Outback. I love it. The long drives are very comfortable. The special all wheel drive is amazing! Gas millage reasonable.. But as Walter said in the above comments, the touch screen is a major issue. I was told by a service representative at a dealership one just needs to “glance” at the pad to find the adjustment one needs to apply!! Firstly, driving rules are that one should - never - take one’s eyes off the road. If there were nobs or facsimile one would not have to “glance”!
Secondly, the pad gets really dusty. Lots of attention into that matter! Thirdly, when the sun hits in a certain way, -nothing- can be seen on the pad. Electronic widgets are just that - gagits. Simply put there is -no- reason for this “pad”. It is unsafe at all speeds. I speak from experience! I wish there was some kind of exchange Subaru could devise such as nobs however ugly it may be. I would be thrilled!! I would really be able to say Subaru is a safe car. Period.