In the Bay Area, Serramonte Subaru's internet department gave me by far the best offer for a '18 Limited Forester, but if I wanted to register it more than 180 miles away from the dealership, they would have to charge $1000 more. I asked if there was any way around this extra fee and was told no, and they let me 'walk' (by email).
That being said, other dealers were able to offer around that price or lower a few months later when there was more incentive to move the '18s.
In my experience, it's a thing, but a very very rare thing. The two big Colorado dealers are very happy to have you come and buy there and so are the Seattle area ones (and Eastern WA). AND, the internet quote from Serramonte had the distance requirement listed too, so if on the off chance there is a dealer who has to charge more to customers further away, then you should know right away. So imo you should keep your search wide - only takes a min to ask for an internet quote!
That being said, other dealers were able to offer around that price or lower a few months later when there was more incentive to move the '18s.
In my experience, it's a thing, but a very very rare thing. The two big Colorado dealers are very happy to have you come and buy there and so are the Seattle area ones (and Eastern WA). AND, the internet quote from Serramonte had the distance requirement listed too, so if on the off chance there is a dealer who has to charge more to customers further away, then you should know right away. So imo you should keep your search wide - only takes a min to ask for an internet quote!