Anyone used Costco Auto buying program

[ski_mom]

We're looking at getting a new truck for DH. We have a costco membership and I know I've read about their auto buying program, but I wondered if anyone had used it and how it went.

I hate haggling with auto dealers! I went to their website and I see where I can request information for a participating dealer, but we are in a fairly small community and I know people from all the car dealerships, so would rather know how this all works ahead of time if possible - and to know if it's worth it to buy through it.

Thanks for any info!

 

[robinb]

I tried to use it twice. The first time the deal wasn't as good as what I could get from Truecar.com. The second time (just last month) the nearest dealership was 95 miles away and they wouldn't give me the price over the phone. I already had an internet quote from them and I was unwilling to drive to the dealership to find out if it was better. There was a "sister" dealership in my town and I bought the car from them for the internet price from the other dealership. That was the best price I found by about $1,000.

 

[tvguy]

A co-worker bought a Honda HR-V. She got a quote from Costco. She called another Honda dealer, about 30 miles from her house, one that is not part of the Costco progralm. She got the car for $300 less at that second dealer.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I just used it in May for the first time and it was amazing. It was a meticulous process. I got quotes for several dealers for the same car through truecar. I then did the Costco thing for another dealer. It was so easy. The Costco certified dealership contacted me with the price of the car I requested. On top of that I got a factory offered rebate.
When I went it to test drive they had to follow a procedure set forth by Costco and show me various paperwork that Costco requires. I also had to work with one of just a few employees who had been through the Costco training or whatever. They showed me the papers/numbers from Costco. It was the discount amount set by Costco off the dealer invoice, not the sticker price. I said ok and bought the car. There was no back and forth. This was a new vehicle, not used, and Costco had a list of every model and the corresponding discount. They had to show me that sheet too. I was writing a check so no financing to deal with or trade ins (that always helps cut out the crap). I was in and out of there in 2 hours. Best car buying experience ever. Since I had requested quotes from several dealers all over the state I knew not to overpay. I knew the price at this dealer before ever arriving and they didn't try to change it once I was there. They kept saying Costco would be sending me a survey asking if I was shown this and that and making sure they followed procedure, which they did. I told DH we'd never buy a car any other way from now on.

ETA: we are executive members and for some reason I am thinking that means a better discount. I think somewhere I had to specify on a form and I recall them checking my membership card too.