The Costco car buying program sounds like a steal!… But is it?
The car-buying process can be as challenging as it is exciting. But what if there was a way to simplify the process and ensure a hassle-free experience? Well, here comes the Costco car buying program, a well-kept secret that could change the way you shop for your next vehicle.
In today’s post, Urban Cars Blog is uncovering the most vital details you need to know before signing up for the Costco Car Buying Program. Here’s what you can expect: transparent pricing, exclusive member benefits, and a stress-free buying process. Sounds appealing, doesn’t it?
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned buyer, these 10 crucial insights will empower you to make informed decisions and get the most out of the Costco Car Buying Program.
Let’s dive into the world of Costco’s car deals and discover why this program might just be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.
How does it work? You’ll need to put in a bit of work to see a price.
The Costco car buying program is a members-only buying platform that links up dealerships in the area with customers looking to buy a vehicle at a lowered price. So yes, you need a Costco membership to take advantage of it.
Costco says it generally saves members about $1,000 when they buy through the program. But that number could go up or down depending on the make, model, and mileage of a vehicle.
If you’re thinking about buying a car at the megastore, you’re sacrificing easy browsing and comparing since they don’t reveal the member price on its site. You must visit Costco’s website and submit a vehicle request to view it.
Then, they’ll provide the dealership info and names of the Authorized Dealers, who, in turn, will contact the member to schedule a test drive. The Authorized Contact will communicate the price once the member selects a car from the lot.
Costco has bargained the price with the dealer in advance to arrive at what they deem a fair price. That’s good for those who struggle with haggling. But those who don’t have an issue with fighting for every last cent might be put off by this.
A lot of dealerships have realized some people don’t want to do that, noting some dealerships offer one price for certain vehicles.
They just want to pay what’s there, a little more or less than everyone else. Here are the types of cars and auto products for sale in the Costco car buying program:
- Mobility Vehicles
- Parts and services
- Cars
- Trucks
- RVs
- Powersports products
Convenience is critical regarding the Costco car buying program
Generally, dealers have many cars in their inventory, giving them more incentive to sell what’s on their lot. So, if you want to get specific about all the bells and whistles, you might be at a disadvantage going through Costco when buying a car.
Services like this are good for their convenience. If you know ahead of time that you’ve had success with something like a Chevy Tahoe, you can just check off the box and move on. This is the best option for a person who wants a specific make or model in this color.
The megastore does address pricing for additional vehicles that aren’t on its site. Much like the pricing for the standard car version, Costco has prearranged prices for various trim levels.
The company also says that through their Costco car buying program, they provide members with the information they need to configure a car by make, model, and trim level, with diverse factory options. But as we’ve said, this pricing is only available once the consumer has chosen their vehicle.
Think again about buying a used car
The Costco car buying program doesn’t just sell new vehicles. You can buy used ones, too. Remember, there’s always a chance that a new car will have issues. But if you’re going the used route, those odds will obviously go up.
So, you might wish to deal with the dealer directly instead of going through an intermediary like Costco. As with any other used car investment, be sure to look up the car’s history, including whether or not it’s been in an accident, its comfort, and its value overall.
And don’t forget to test drive it first and hire a professional inspector to avoid any unpleasant surprises. We suggest taking advantage of Carfax.com and its free recall search tool. They’re a fantastic resource for digging up dirt on an older vehicle.
Here’s how rebates work
Even though you might not get an advertised rebate or other attractive incentive if you buy through the Costco car buying program, the company does have running promotions with certain manufacturers.
General Motors, Audi, Subaru, and Honda, for instance, have all participated in campaigns that go on somewhere between 60 and 90 days.
To give you a better idea, last year’s running campaign with General Motors expanded its supplier pricing, also known as the price provided solely to GM suppliers and the employees that work for them, to Costco’s 50 million cardholders.
In 90 days, the company was met with over 120,000 vehicle transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Costco Member-Only Price Sheet?
One fantastic, not to mention transparent, thing about purchasing a car through the Costco car buying program is that its members get access to a Costco Member-Only Price Sheet, which will show you everything you’ll be paying, including savings.
The company says that you’ll get the price sheet from your dealer before any sale actually occurs. The savings can be depicted in one of two ways. One version lists pricing for all makes and models that are currently obtainable at the participating dealership.
The other will show you a VIN-specific price based on the car you choose, including any applicable manufacturer rebates or incentives.
Can I get discounts on parts and services?
The Costco car buying program offers 15% off auto maintenance and repair. This means that for every $100 you spend, you’ll only pay $85. From this deal alone, you can see how this is a significant saving to your bank account.
You can get some other savings, too, when it comes to repairs and replacement parts. A good example would be preferred glass replacement pricing plus a $25 off coupon. Here are three easy steps to save 15% on car fixes at Costco:
- Get the 15% off coupon from their website and print it out
- Make an appointment with a participating service center
- Show them your voucher along with your Costco membership
Takeaway
It’s safe to say that the Costco car buying program offers several ways to save on a new AND used vehicle. Unlike other dealers, the good news is that you won’t have to negotiate over the price of a car you find through Costco.
The wholesale club offers cars at already reduced prices for its members. Once you find out what you’ll be paying for the car, you aren’t obligated to buy it, either.
While we’re not saying you should only be using the Costco car buying program, it would certainly make sense, and we DO recommend getting a quote from them as part of your car-buying process.
We hope our thoughts on purchasing your next car through the Costco car buying program has been informative. Be sure to let us know if you’ve ever gone through this process and what your experience has been like!
Meanwhile, Urban Cars Blog is here for all your automotive needs. We highly recommend also reading about Leasing vs. Buying: What’s the Better Option for Retirees?
