Costco Auto Program

I've used the auto purchase program, and I keep using the discount on dealer service Costco offers.

You can probably check with Costco corporate to verify their RV deal has a "best price" clause. If so, if a dealer really has a lower web price than the Costco offer they won't be in the program for long.

Bottom line is auto dealers have had "internet specialists" for years, frequently the same person is their fleet person. It really can take a lot of the time and trouble out of a transaction on a new vehicle. The better deal is buying pre-owned if you can find what you like.

I did not go through Costco but have bought 2 cars through the AAA program The dealer also had the Cosco program and a Internet program. The way it worked was you contacted the AAA and they told me who the dealer was and the salesmans name to contact. you then called the salesman with the programmed and made an appointment, picked out the vehicle you wanted and he gave me the price, No haggle, take it or leave it. It was about a $3000 savings which was fine with me. Signed the papers and drove home with a new Honda Accord. The thing with this program is no haggling so do your homework and decide what price you are willing to accept. Don't know how the RV program works but the car program is great as far as I am concerned., I don't like the haggle part of buying.

My experiance with Costco with trucks ,cars, and RV has been mixed. My best advice would be to shop around and do your homework.

I was just taking a quick look at the Costco program, and decided to look for my local dealership. It turns out it is the Camping World in Fairview, a couple of miles from my home.

Then I saw they also give a 15% discount at participating car dealerships as well. I was able to sign up and print a 15% discount coupon for my local Ford dealership too. Just get the estimate to repair your car, and then present the coupon and get that much off the estimate.

Great program!

Fred.

The auto buying program is awesome... I just used it about a year ago and save a couple grand off the "bottom line, employee price, we're losing money" blah, blah blah.

From what I've been able to learn so far the RV program is not near as great. I signed up for it and ended up getting routed to a Camping World here in Oregon. I chatted with the guy and he basically told me the website price was better than Costco and that's all he could do.

I also had a buddy who just purchased and tried the Costco thing. He got further into it in that he actually went into the dealership but had the same results. No savings off their "web special".

I'm not sure what the climate is like up in your neck of the woods but down here RV dealerships are busy. It's a busy time of year and sales are quick. I don't think dealers are really motivated.

My understanding of the whole Costco thing is that the participating dealers get checked up on and better be truly offering lower prices. From what I've seen that's not the case.

If/when you explore it let us know how it comes out.

Having a Washington dealer is rather "new", there have been dealers in other states for some years.
I haven't heard anything "bad" about the program, but have actually heard very little, period.