Here's some general rule of thumb - even if its limited (I'm a Mazda & Peugeot Sales)

1. Loan agreement to be signed, booking fee paid irrespective car allocated or not.

2. Balance down payment should only be paid if a chassis number is allocated. This is common practice to ensure car is available before parting with your money.

In case they can't allocate the car after the downpayment is made, and come up with excuses to delay the delivery, there's the scenario where customer is stucked, cancellation will only makes matter worse.

Another way, is to call Subaru HQ to confirm the SOP of downpayment. As for the 2 brands I'm handling, no chassis number, we don't collect the balance D/P from customers.

Of course, certain clients don't mind paying early in order to secure faster delivery.