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Purchasing Programs (AAA, Costco, BJ's, etc.)

51 messages,  Last post on Dec 06, 2010 at 8:07 AM

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What is this discussion about? Car Buying

Messages Page 3 of 6

#12 of 51 Re: The Club Price [jasmith52] by rob_lopez

Dec 15, 2004 (8:07 pm)

Replying to: jasmith52 (Dec 15, 2004 6:54 pm)
Thanks for the information jasmith52. Unfortunately the cars I am looking at are entry luxury. I had an Acura dealer give me a price for a 2005 Acura TL of $31,250. I thought this was pretty reasonable...it was about $1200 over invoice.Other cars are Audi A4, Volvo S60, Saab 9-3 that I am checking out.

#13 of 51 by stickguy

Dec 16, 2004 (7:04 am)

Not sure about the Audi, but the Volvo and SAAB are being readily and heavily discounted normally.
 
I agree that the value of the club is getting a good price, without having to negotiate or play games. You can often beat that price if you want to work at it, but many people don't (or can't) negotiate like that.

#14 of 51 United Buying Service?? by jvp25

Jan 14, 2006 (5:07 pm)

Folks in the D.C. metro area- ever hear of or deal with UBS?
Or can anyone tell me if these programs through credit unions and other institutions that link you with specific dealers in a given area are worthwhile in purchasing a new/used car at a better rate than average negotiating (which is about all I'm probably capable of) at a dealership of your choice?
Thanks,
Jessie

#15 of 51 Re: United Buying Service?? [jvp25] by exb0

Jan 15, 2006 (3:02 pm)

Replying to: jvp25 (Jan 14, 2006 5:07 pm)
I used UBS to purchase a new Pontiac about 12 years ago. It was an easy $100 over invoice with no junk fees deal, but you still have to watch your back because everyone in the store was trying to pull something. In addition, I ended up purchasing from a dealer 25 miles away. It was extremely incontinent to take the car for warranty service in DC traffic. Also, at the time, their deals on Japanese cars were not that good.
 
My advice to you would to use them to get a number for the car you want, and then have your local dealer match that price. Remember, with UBS there are no junk fees (i.e. processing fees, doc fees, advertising etc.). Also, when you call UBS for a certificate, make sure you ask them about customer rebates and also manufacturer to dealer incentives. Their deals are supposed to pass both of them on to you.

#16 of 51 Re: United Buying Service?? [exb0] by jvp25

Jan 15, 2006 (4:26 pm)

Replying to: exb0 (Jan 15, 2006 3:02 pm)
thanks- i'll take your advice!

#17 of 51 Re: United Buying Service?? [jvp25] by bobst

Jan 16, 2006 (9:50 am)

Replying to: jvp25 (Jan 14, 2006 5:07 pm)
We used UBS to buy a Ford Taurus in 1987 and the deal went very smoothly.
 
Since that time, we have bought Hondas by going to the dealer and offering a take-it-or-shove-it OTD price and that method also works well. The only problem is that you would have to do a good deal of research first to determine a reasonable OTD price.
 
If you want to get a decent price with no hassle, UBS is probably OK. However, you may pay too much.
 
For example, we usually paid about $150 over invoice for Hondas in the 1990's. Before we bought an Accord in March 2005, I did some research on Edmunds and found others were getting their Accords for about $500 under invoice. I found that hard to believe, but we went to Fairfax Honda and offered that price and they accepted. In short, the info I got from Edmunds saved us about $650.

#18 of 51 Costco vs my own efforts: by bremertong

Jan 21, 2006 (9:33 pm)

#19 of 51 Costco vs my own efforts: by bremertong

Jan 21, 2006 (9:49 pm)

Was looking for a Chrysler 300C about a year ago and had Costco refer me to a local dealer. The dealer manipulated me around in every direction and than offered me the car for about $ 300 dollars under MSRP. I said no thanks and left. Started to get phone calls, just so much more manipulation.
After about the fourth call I said either sell at invoice or find another customer. To my surprise they said yes but at that point their credibility was gone so I kept the car I own, a recent model Cadillac Deville. Bottom line Costco program would have resulted in my paying a much higher price than haggling on my own. Costcos response was something like we are sorry our program didn't work out for you. We will note your experience on our records.

#20 of 51 Re: Costco vs my own efforts: [bremertong] by waynethepain

Mar 20, 2006 (11:43 pm)

Replying to: bremertong (Jan 21, 2006 9:49 pm)
Try Costco. I bought mine tonight -- XLE V6 everything except navigation and traction control & butt warmers. MSRP 28,665 --- walked in and was quoted 26,050. Decent deal with no hassle -- dealer gave full blue book on the trade in as well. First ever "no haggle" buying service and definitely will do again. Sure others might get a lower deal -- but I was completely satisfied for how easy it was. Good luck in your search!

Messages Page 3 of 6

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