If you’ve ever wished that buying a car could be as simple as grabbing a rotisserie chicken from Costco, you’re in luck. Costco’s Auto Program might not be quite as quick as your weekly grocery run, but it definitely takes some of the sting out of the car-buying process. No haggling, no shady sales tactics—just pre-negotiated prices and a straightforward experience. Sounds good, right?
Whether you’re hunting for a new or used vehicle, the Costco Auto Program is like a fast pass to avoid the dealership headaches most of us dread. But before you dive in, let’s take a closer look at how it all works, why it could save you a bunch of money, and—importantly—whether it’s actually a good fit for you. Trust us, it’s not rocket science, but there are a few details you’ll want to know before you hit the road.
What is the Costco Auto Program and How Does It Work?
The Costco Auto Program is pretty much what it sounds like: A way for Costco members to buy cars (new or used) with less hassle and at a price that’s already negotiated. It’s like the bulk-buying benefits we love from Costco, but instead of a giant pack of toilet paper, you’re driving home a car.
Here’s the deal: Costco partners with a network of dealerships that agree to offer special pricing for members. These are pre-arranged prices, so you won’t need to go back and forth with a salesperson for hours to get a decent deal. You log in to the Costco Auto Program site with your membership number, browse the available cars, and pick the one that catches your eye. It’s a lot like shopping online, except this time, the “add to cart” button leads you to the dealership.
Once you’ve found a vehicle you’re interested in, Costco connects you with an “Authorized Dealer Contact”—the dealership’s version of a concierge for Costco members. They walk you through the process and show you the exclusive Costco Member-Only Price Sheet. You get a clear look at the price, which is a huge plus because there’s no hidden fine print or “gotcha” fees.
At the dealership, you’ll have the chance to test drive the car, check out all the bells and whistles, and if it meets your expectations, move forward with the purchase. The best part? No awkward negotiations at the dealership—unless you’re trading in your old ride, and even then, the haggling is kept to a minimum.
And it doesn’t stop there. If you complete a post-purchase satisfaction survey, you can even score a discount on parts, services, and accessories at the dealership. It’s Costco’s way of saying, “Thanks for sticking with us.” All in all, the Costco Auto Program works like a well-oiled machine—efficient, straightforward, and designed to save you time, money, and maybe even a headache or two.
A lot of this similar to other car programs, such as Sam’s (here’s a handy comparison between the two), but there are a bunch of saliant features as well.
How Much Can You Save With Costco’s Auto Program?
Alright, let’s talk about the thing we all care about most—how much cash you can actually save with the Costco car buying experience?
Costco claims that members typically save around $1,000 off the average vehicle price compared to what you’d get at a regular dealership. That’s a nice chunk of change, especially when you’re talking about something as expensive as a car. And depending on the make and model you’re eyeing, that savings can stretch even further—sometimes thousands below the price you’d see just walking into a dealership off the street.
The Costco car buying experience works its magic by cutting out the negotiation circus. Costco’s already hashed out deals with their partner dealerships, so you’re getting a pre-negotiated price that’s often below what the average buyer pays. No sweating through back-and-forth haggling, no wondering if you could have gotten a better deal if you were just a little more assertive. You walk in, you get the Costco price, and you’re out.
What’s more, these savings don’t just apply to new cars. The program also extends to certified pre-owned vehicles, which are usually a bit cheaper to begin with, meaning you could save even more on a gently used ride. Throw in any manufacturer incentives or rebates (yes, you still get those), and it’s easy to see why Costco members rave about how much they save.
But let’s keep it real for a second: the exact amount you save depends on the vehicle, the dealership, and even the time of year. Some cars are more in demand, and Costco can’t always perform miracles. However, in most cases, you’re likely to walk away with more money in your pocket than you would have if you’d tackled the car-buying process on your own.
Who Should Use the Costco Auto Program?
Let’s be honest, not every car buyer out there is going to vibe with the Costco Auto Program—but if you’re someone who loves convenience and hates the typical dealership runaround, this program might just be your golden ticket. So, who exactly should be using this service?
- Anyone who hates negotiating will find the Costco car buying experience to their liking. Sitting in a dealership for hours, trying to knock down the price of a car, breaking out a cold sweat. Costco has already done the work for you, so to speak, and there’s no way for you to pretend that you’re a master negotiator.
- If you’re already a Costco member and looking to buy a car, it makes a lot of sense to check out the program.
Essentially, anyone who wants to save time while still getting a good service in terms of reliability and competitive pricing with transparent terms will like the Costco car buying experience.
Wrapping Up
The bottom line is that if you’re someone who values convenience, transparency, and getting a solid deal without the usual dealership drama, the Costco Auto Program is likely a great fit for you. It’s especially perfect for Costco members who want to extend their membership perks into a major purchase—without all the extra effort.