What is the Costco Auto Program?
The Costco Auto Program connects Costco members with a network of participating dealerships that offer exclusive pricing on new and pre-owned vehicles. It’s not a car buying service where you purchase directly from Costco, but rather a way to leverage Costco’s buying power to secure a better deal. Members can also take advantage of other benefits such as pre-negotiated discounts, manufacturer incentives, and available promotional offers.
While the program is open to all Costco members, the discounts are typically available on vehicles from participating brands. Costco has established relationships with a broad network of dealerships across the country to offer competitive pricing on vehicles, which can result in significant savings compared to traditional car-buying methods.
Benefits of the Costco Auto Program
- Pre-Negotiated Pricing: One of the biggest draws of the Costco Auto Program is the no-haggle pricing. Costco negotiates prices in advance with participating dealerships, so members don't need to worry about lengthy negotiations or haggling over price. You’ll know the price up front, making the car-buying process faster and less stressful.
- Discounts and Special Offers: Costco members can access exclusive discounts on new and pre-owned vehicles. These discounts are typically better than what you might find at a typical dealership. In addition, you can sometimes combine these discounts with other promotions, such as manufacturer rebates, special financing offers, or lease deals, to increase your savings.
- Wide Selection of Vehicles: Through the Costco Auto Program, members can access a wide range of vehicle types from participating brands, including sedans, trucks, SUVs, hybrids, and electric vehicles. Whether you’re interested in a luxury car or a more affordable option, there’s likely to be a participating dealership that carries the model you're looking for.
- Vehicle Research Tools: Costco provides several tools and resources to help you research cars and compare different makes and models. You can view detailed information about each vehicle, including pricing, features, and available options, all on the Costco Auto Program website.
- Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles: The program also includes access to a selection of certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles, which have been inspected, refurbished, and certified by the manufacturer. These vehicles come with warranties and are often in excellent condition, offering a balance between savings and reliability.
- Trade-In Assistance: Costco offers trade-in assistance for members who want to trade in their current vehicle as part of their purchase. Participating dealerships will evaluate your trade-in and provide an offer, which can be applied toward the purchase of your new or pre-owned car.
- Additional Member Savings: In addition to the primary discounts, Costco members can sometimes access additional savings on related services, such as vehicle service contracts, extended warranties, and accessories, further enhancing the value of the program.
- Simplified Process: The Costco Auto Program streamlines the car-buying experience. Once you've identified the vehicle you want, you can request a price quote from a participating dealership, arrange a test drive, and finalize the purchase. Costco also provides a concierge service to assist with the process if needed.
How the Costco Auto Program Works
- Sign Up or Log In: First, you need to be a Costco member. If you’re not already a member, you’ll need to sign up for a Costco membership. Once you're a member, you can access the Costco Auto Program through their website.
- Search for Vehicles: On the Costco Auto Program website, you can browse through available vehicles by make, model, or type. You can filter your search results by price range, vehicle features, and more. Once you find a vehicle that interests you, you can request a no-obligation price quote from a participating dealership.
- Get a Quote: After you’ve selected your car and submitted a request for a quote, the dealership will provide you with a pre-negotiated price. If the vehicle is in stock and available, you can proceed with the purchase or schedule a visit to the dealership to see the car in person.
- Visit the Dealership: After receiving the price quote, you can arrange a test drive at the dealership. If everything meets your expectations, you can proceed with the purchase. The price you’ve been quoted will be the price you pay—no negotiations required.
- Finalize the Purchase: Once you've decided to purchase the car, the dealership will finalize the paperwork, including financing (if applicable), trade-ins, and other details. Costco also offers special financing options through their partners, which can provide additional savings if you’re financing through the program.
- Take Delivery: After completing the purchase process, you can drive off in your new or pre-owned vehicle. Depending on the dealership and your preferences, you may have the option for home delivery or pick-up at the dealership.
Who is Eligible for the Costco Auto Program?
The Costco Auto Program is available to all Costco members. You don’t have to pay anything extra to access the program, as it’s included with your Costco membership. However, to make the most of the program, it’s important to keep in mind that membership is required for both the car buyer and for anyone benefiting from the discounts.