What I was told by a friend at an OEM is that lower-end the demand for lower end Subarus and Hondas was so high in the NYC area that it made sense to turn down the all cash offer as they'd likely sell the car with a loan the next day.

That's so frustrating. I'm in NYC and had a crappy experience shopping for cars as the pandemic was taking off. The dealers seems dis-interested, but they would certainly sell a car for their asking price. I ultimately ended up going with a cheap old used car that I bought directly from the previous owner. If I get to a point where I want a new car, I think I'll just order it.