"Costco's Auto Program should be as popular as its $5 rotisserie chicken - but I've learned not too many of its members actually know it exists. I discovered the program this past summer during a Costco grocery run when a pamphlet caught my eye as I was leaving. At the time, I was in the market for a car but putting it off because I didn't want to deal with persistent salespeople or lose a day haggling at a dealership."
"With this program, Costco partners with select dealerships to offer its members prearranged, discounted prices on both new and used cars. On the Auto Program website, you search for whatever vehicle you're looking for, and Costco matches you with an approved dealership near you that has it available. From there, the price is pre-negotiated. No back and forth. No "let me talk to my manager.""
"I thought it seemed too good to be true, or that this would only work for the cars that weren't selling or models no one wanted. Meanwhile, I'd had my eye on the new, updated 2025 Toyota 4Runner. I also worried that living in a larger market like Miami would mean having to deal with a ton of different dealership fees and market adjustments. I figured this would be the perfect experiment."
Costco's Auto Program pairs members with select, authorized dealerships that offer prearranged discounted prices on new and used vehicles. Members search for a desired vehicle on the Auto Program website and receive matching local dealerships that have the vehicle in stock. The listed price is pre-negotiated, eliminating back-and-forth negotiations and common dealership pressure tactics. The program applies to popular models and operates in large markets, with members completing purchase through the authorized dealer. Enrollment involves filling out an online form and receiving specific dealer contacts. The program can save buyers thousands of dollars and reduce the time and stress of buying a car.
Read at Business Insider
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