awesome input guys. a lot of it is what i expected. i've actually spoken to someone who worked for subaru that i know, and she brought to my attention the kbb deal that buffalo gal mentioned. i'm going to start test driving this weekend, and see if there are any incentives. i like dave's suggestion of making the deal first, and then seeing what the trade in is worth. never thought of that. i even have a second car to trade in, mostly because i never drive it, but i've had two accidents with it, involving the front and back ends. i'm not sure if it's even worth trading in.