Copy linkEmailFacebookWhatsAppXLinkedInBlueskyThreadsImpact Link
SaveSaved
This story is available exclusively to Business Insider
subscribers. Become an Insider
and start reading now.Have an account? .
Between sky-high prices and scarce inventory, buying a new car has become a massive headache. Costco's car-buying program aims to make purchasing a new vehicle less of a hassle for the wholesale chain's paying members.
2022-07-29
Through the Costco Auto Program, Costco members can search for a variety of vehicles — including sedans, pickups, SUVs, and RVs — and buy them through the more than 3,000 dealerships Costco partners with. The program also offers limited-time, member-exclusive deals on particular brands, which it announces monthly.
A major perk of the Costco car-buying program is that it provides members prearranged pricing, removing haggling from experience. In today's tight auto market, however, finding a great deal may be tough, even with Costco's help.
Once you've chosen a vehicle and your preferred trim, features, and exterior color, Costco sends you the contact information for a participating dealership and salesperson, at which point you can visit the dealership to find out the vehicle's discounted price and decide if you'd like to buy or lease it.
Costco members can also get a 15% discount on parts, service, and accessories at participating service centers. And they can buy their tires and gas through the big-box superstore.
Here's how you can use your Costco car-buying program to save money on your next vehicle purchase:
1. Go to the Costco Auto Program's webpage or call its customer-service line.
You can choose from a variety of classes, including sedans, sports cars, SUVs, trucks, and crossovers.
While you don't learn the discounted price until you visit the dealer, the manufacturer's suggested retail price ranges from under $20,000 to over $150,000 for vehicles available through the program.
You can also lease or select a pre-owned vehicle, which the dealer inspects for any broken or worn-down parts and fixes before selling it again.
3. Customize the trim, features package, and exterior color.
After you've chosen your vehicle, you fill out a form with your name, contact information, and Costco membership number. Costco then sends you the information for a participating dealership and the designated salesperson you have to work with to get the Costco discount.
When giving Costco your information, you also have the option to allow Costco to review your purchase agreement if you end up buying the car to ensure you received the correct price.
5. Go to the participating dealership and talk to the Costco-designated salesperson.
You'll then be shown the discounted price for the vehicle you requested.
The Costco Auto Program FAQ notes that the dealer may not have the car you requested on the lot, in which case it may have to get it from another dealership or order one directly from the manufacturer.
6. Buy or lease the vehicle with the Costco discount.
Once you've reviewed the discounted price, you can buy or lease the vehicle — but there's no obligation to do so if you don't like the price or change your mind. You also have the option to trade in your current vehicle through the program.
Read next
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
