Finding a car in the Bay Area is usually a nightmare of epic proportions. You've got the 880 traffic, the aggressive sun on Mission Blvd, and that nagging feeling that the person across the desk is trying to squeeze every cent out of your wallet. Honestly, it’s exhausting. But there is this place called Subaru of Hayward that basically flipped the script on how this whole thing works.
If you’ve driven past 25000 Mission Blvd recently, you probably noticed the massive, modern building. It’s not just another lot. It actually has a bit of a backstory. Up until June 2025, this spot was known as One Subaru. It was founded by Brian and Devin McCafferty, who spent eighteen months just prepping the site because—get this—it sits right near a fault line on a hillside. They had to build a massive retaining wall before they could even think about showrooms.
The Big Ownership Shift
Recently, the dealership went through a major change. In June 2025, the Dave Cantin Group managed a deal where the McCaffertys handed over the keys to new owners, Uwe and Chris Waizenegger. With that move, the name officially transitioned to Subaru of Hayward.
Why does this matter to you?
Well, usually when a dealership changes hands, the vibe goes out the window. But the Waizeneggers kept the "One Price One Person" philosophy that made the original spot famous. It’s a specific business model that’s actually pretty rare in California. Most people hate the "finance office" dance where you get passed from a salesperson to a manager to a finance guy who tries to sell you undercoating you don't need.
Here, you deal with one human. That’s it.
How the "One Price" Thing Actually Works
The concept is pretty simple, though a lot of people are skeptical at first. Basically, the price you see on the window of that Crosstrek or Outback is the price. No haggling. No "let me check with my manager" nonsense.
- Transparency: They post the lowest price right on the window and the website.
- No Markups: They historically committed to never charging over MSRP, even when car shortages made other dealers get greedy.
- Efficiency: Because you aren't fighting over nickels, the paperwork moves faster. One customer, Dani, recently mentioned that even though she stayed past closing, the finance process was actually explained thoroughly rather than rushed.
It's kinda refreshing. You don't have to be a master negotiator to get a fair deal. Whether you’re looking at a brand new 2026 Forester Hybrid or a used Toyota RAV4 they took in on trade, the price is just the price.
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Service with a Video Feed?
The service department at Subaru of Hayward does this weirdly cool thing where they send you a video of your car while it's on the lift. A technician literally walks around with a camera showing you your brake pads or that oil leak you were worried about. It’s hard for a shop to lie to you when you’re looking at the actual part on your phone screen.
They handle the standard stuff—oil changes, tire rotations, and those 30,000-mile major services. One local owner recently noted they were in and out in 90 minutes for a routine check, which is basically a miracle given how backed up most East Bay shops are.
Realities and Trade-offs
Look, no place is perfect. If you go on a Saturday at 11:00 AM, it's going to be packed. It’s a high-volume store. Some folks have complained about getting too many automated follow-up emails after they visit, and occasionally, a used car sells before a customer can get there for their appointment.
Also, if you're the type of person who loves the thrill of the haggle—the kind of person who wants to spend six hours fighting over $200—you might actually hate this model. There’s no "winning" a negotiation here because there isn't a negotiation.
Staying Grounded in Hayward
The dealership isn't just a glass box for cars. They’re heavily involved in the "Subaru Loves to Care" initiatives. They’ve worked with the Hayward Chamber of Commerce and local groups like Abode Services to do things like sock drives for the homeless.
The building itself was designed to be pet-friendly. If you’re a Subaru owner, there’s a 90% chance you have a dog, so they have water bowls and a vibe that doesn't make you feel like a criminal for bringing your Golden Retriever inside while you sign papers.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to head down to Mission Blvd, keep these things in mind:
- Check the Website First: Since the "One Price" is listed online, you can see exactly what your monthly payment will look like before you leave your couch.
- Ask for the Video: If you’re getting service, make sure they have your correct cell number so you get that technician video walk-through.
- Timing: Weekdays before 2:00 PM are generally the sweet spot for the service center if you want to avoid the commuter rush.
- Trade-In Appraisal: You can actually start the appraisal process online. It’s better to have that baseline number in your head before you show up.
Subaru of Hayward represents a shift in the way cars are sold in the East Bay. By sticking to a single-point-of-contact model and fixed pricing, they’ve removed the part of car buying that most people find soul-crushing. Whether you're in San Leandro, Union City, or Oakland, it’s a spot worth checking out if you're tired of the traditional dealership "dog and pony" show.