Costco Auto Program - It Worked for Me & What I Learned
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 พ.ค. 2024
- Join me as I share my personal experience with the Costco Auto Program! From start to finish, I'll walk you through my experience with this easy to use car-buying program and share some of the valuable lessons I learned along the way. If you're considering buying a car through Costco or just curious about how it all works, this video is for you. Let's dive in!"
Please comment with your questions or things you’d like me to discuss in a future video.
#CostcoAutoProgram
#CarBuyingTips
#newcars
You are absolutely right on each of these points. I have used Costco Auto Program and purchased two vehicles using Costco Auto program at a price just below MSRP during the pandemic, when people paid thousands above MSRP. The vehicles I had purchased are Toyota Highlander and Subaru Crosstrek. Initially, Subaru pushed back saying they are not honoring Costco Pricing. Then I called back to Costco auto unit that evening. Then next morning I received a call from Subaru to pick up the vehicle and complete the transaction. Trust me it was so smooth. So, do want Costco watching your back while buying vehicle and you never pay any unwanted fees etc.
Thanks so much for your comments. It's those little details that make a big difference!
Thanks for the great info
Thanks for your comment!
I used the AAA program and was able to get my Velar for basically invoice.
Thanks for your comment - that's great to hear.
I was hoping to find a list of participating dealerships in order to test drive a car from a dealer in the program as I am still not sure what brand or model of car I want and could not find it on their website without going through the somewhat complicated step of building the car. I understand that the dealership I go for the test drive might not have the vehicle I ultimately want but I thought it would be useful to get a rough idea of who participates.
Thanks for your comments. It's true that it seems a little backwards as the Costco program is more designed for buying than it is for shopping for a car. If you live in or near a major metropolitan area, there's likely to be a dealership participating in the program. You might try calling them to ask about local participating dealers for the brands you are narrowing down. The customer service folks at the 1-800 number should be able to help you. Good luck!
Can you still negotiate with the deal from the Costco pricing ? Any warranty through Costco program ?
The Costco price will most likely be the bottom line for that Costco Participating dealer, however I have seen some customers use that price as leverage to go shopping at another dealer to try and achieve a lower price. But I would not expect the Costco dealer to negotiate further as their program is all about pre-negotiated pricing. Also, Costco does not provide warranty. You would be getting the standard manufacturer warranty with your purchase.
I started negotiations on an Elantra N on an upcoming allotment. They waited until today to try to add a markup. I’m upset because I was very clear I won’t pay ADM. My concern is I’ll try Costco and they’ll end up sending me to the same dealership where negotiations broke down. Also, this particular car is limited in stock and in demand.
Thanks for your comment. It couldn't get any messier if you submitted a request through the Costco program - they only work with one dealer per brand in an area and the participating dealer may or may not be the same. If it is, you'll be contacted by that dealer's Costco trained rep who may be different than your original contact and you might have a different outcome, or you may learn that the specific model you want is excluded from the program. If you get assigned a different dealer, you may learn something new that may prove helpful in your process. Just remember that the dealer is trying to create scarcity in your mind and if you can be patient, you will stay in control of the process. Good luck!
Does the Costco Program work with factory orders from dealer?
Hi - Thanks for your comment. 2 of the 3 cars I bought through the program were factory orders. My experience is with European cars, which allow customer orders. Apparently Asian vehicles manufacturers don't offer this. So, I would recommend that you submit a contact through the Costco program for the model you want and upon first contact with your assigned dealer, tell them that you are interested in ordering a car. Tell them (and hopefully) have 3 or more months before you want to see it in your driveway, and if it is a brand that allows factory orders, don't let the dealer try to talk you into something they already have in-stock as their go-to is to find you an already built car that matches most of what you are looking for. Good Luck!
Thanks for the follow up info. Appreciate your advice. Waiting to see the pricing on the 2025 Yukon.
Can you share how much you saved? Were the prices close to invoice?
Thanks for your question. My latest car was a MINI Countryman John Couper Works (JCW to MINI is like BMW-M is to BMW - so a more limited model). I paid $1000 over invoice, but got a loyalty discount of $500 as I had another MINI. But the regular non-JCW MINIs were offered at $500 over invoice instead of $1000. I ordered my car, so I got exactly what I wanted and knew that they price was pre-determined. Different manufacturers my have different pre-negotiated rates, and the overall market can impact things (like in a competitive market, they might exclude the JCW from the Costco program, etc.). You're probably not looking for a MINI, but I hope that using my example helps to clarify. Also, remember that you can always say no and keep shopping - you're not locked in to that one dealer just because you connected through Costco. It only gets tricky if they have a unique vehicle on the lot that is exactly what you want. Good Luck!
A Costco buyer is well educated - higher income customer? Because they buy in bulk and pay a membership fee? Interesting
Thanks for your comment - your point is well taken. I was referring to some of the studies on demographics on members at Costco. But clearly, one size does not fit all.
Always, and Sam’s has the dumb and lower income 😂