COSTCO Auto Program?

[wadu1]

HAs anyone used the COSTCO auto program with success? The last truck I purchased was through Price Savers that was before Sam's Club. Back then it was $100 over invoice, if you ordered one it was even better. I'm getting to the point of replacing my 1994 Z71. I'm leaning to a Dodge 4X4 diesel with a stick, Dodge is the only one of the big 3 that still offers a manual.  Thanks

[Rick]

I used Costco to buy our Honda. Pretty painless process. The dealer verifies your membership, then shows you the Costco price. You say yes or no and go from there.

On a side note,the Ram with a manual is going to have considerably less power than an auto. I had a Ram with the G56. if you're going to work the truck,the stock clutch and dual mass flywheel sucks.  Just something to think about in case you weren't aware.

[jrebel]

Is the G56 the same clutch they had in the 06 model?   If so I have no complaints with the clutch or the power.  Matter of fact....it is the only way to go.   

If it is not the same clutch  / manual tranny then I can't speak to its reputation.

[magnanimous_j]

Costco is a good program, but if know what you're doing, you can always get the best deal negotiating yourself.

[Bean Counter]

Costco is a good program, but if know what you're doing, you can always get the best deal negotiating yourself.

I had this feeling going through it. It felt kind of gay the way you had to go in there, show your card, let them photocopy it, etc. Color me old fashioned but I love a good old fashioned haggling. I'd have fun going a round or two with mags

I priced a 2006 or '07 Tacoma. The price was OK. I came to my senses and realized that I am a part of the 98% of people who have no business buying a new car. 

[Pnwrider]

Just bought a new car for the wife. The costco program got me to 500 over invoice, I then turned the costco price sheet over and got the dealer down to invoice. Ymmv.

[Wanttohuntmore]

So if I print up a piece of paper and call it "my invoice"  you'll believe me and buy my car with a $500 markup?  I think you will do better doing some bigger research and haggling with many dealers.  Just because the paper has a piece on it means nothing in the auto world or rv/motorcycle world.

[Bean Counter]

 

[Sportfury]

It was no hassle with Toyota and they took $3500 off the price at that time. I looked at the list and other more popular models they would only give $1000 or so off. Can't remember in comparison to the invoice, but I think it was around $500 to $700.

[birddogdad]

HAs anyone used the COSTCO auto program with success? The last truck I purchased was through Price Savers that was before Sam's Club. Back then it was $100 over invoice, if you ordered one it was even better. I'm getting to the point of replacing my 1994 Z71. I'm leaning to a Dodge 4X4 diesel with a stick, Dodge is the only one of the big 3 that still offers a manual.  Thanks

Dave Smith, Kellogg ID!

[wadu1]

HAs anyone used the COSTCO auto program with success? The last truck I purchased was through Price Savers that was before Sam's Club. Back then it was $100 over invoice, if you ordered one it was even better. I'm getting to the point of replacing my 1994 Z71. I'm leaning to a Dodge 4X4 diesel with a stick, Dodge is the only one of the big 3 that still offers a manual.  Thanks

Dave Smith, Kellogg ID!

I'll check them out on my way or on my way back from Montana this week. I did check the website and they do have some in stock that meets my wish list.

[magnanimous_j]

HAs anyone used the COSTCO auto program with success? The last truck I purchased was through Price Savers that was before Sam's Club. Back then it was $100 over invoice, if you ordered one it was even better. I'm getting to the point of replacing my 1994 Z71. I'm leaning to a Dodge 4X4 diesel with a stick, Dodge is the only one of the big 3 that still offers a manual.  Thanks

Dave Smith, Kellogg ID!

I'll check them out on my way or on my way back from Montana this week. I did check the website and they do have some in stock that meets my wish list.

Dave Smith has good prices on new cars, but he makes it up on the back end by ripping the trades. Make sure you have a way to get your current car home if you don't like his trade offer.

[HntnFsh]

HAs anyone used the COSTCO auto program with success? The last truck I purchased was through Price Savers that was before Sam's Club. Back then it was $100 over invoice, if you ordered one it was even better. I'm getting to the point of replacing my 1994 Z71. I'm leaning to a Dodge 4X4 diesel with a stick, Dodge is the only one of the big 3 that still offers a manual.  Thanks

Dave Smith, Kellogg ID!

Local dealer in Chehalis has been beating Dave Smiths prices on Dodge and chevy.

[jjhunter]

I used it with my most recent purchase - worked pretty slick.   Cost me $300 over invoice but I killed it on my trade.

[h2ofowlr]

What % is invoice over dealer cost?  They always seem to make a ton of money on the back end as well.  Rebates from factory, % of cars sold, etc. 
Then you get nailed on extended service contracts, under coating, light coating, panel coatings, upgraded mats, GAP coverage.  Price owed vs. value of car loan.  They want you to cover the negative equity you carried into the deal from the bellow Kelly Blue Book offer they threw your way.  Then they let you know they don't look at Kelly Blue Book.  They look at another book, etc., etc., etc.
Just be willing to walk or get up and start for the door.  They become quicker negotiators at that point as they try to corral the potential buyer.
Costco is a feel good story.  Instead of a $5k+ commission check, they can get you in quicker with a happy customer at $3k+ commission check.   

I get so worked up going to car deals anymore.  If I feel like they are trying to rake me over, they find out my dislike quicker in the process than later on.  I get the take it or leave it mentality in short order. 

[b23]

The two best negotiating tools you have are your own two feet.  If you think they can do better on the price, the only way you'll know is if you stand up, tell them thank you for their time and proceed to walk out.  If they can do better, they'll stop you and adjust the price, if they can't, for whatever reason, they'll let you walk.  The last vehicle I bought was Dec. 2013, they stopped me 4 different times and made their price better before they let me leave.  Then they called me two days later and I negotiated the install of my TRD supercharger. 

Far to often people get emotionally attached or frustrated with the stealerships BS and submit to a deal that typically isn't very good, except for them.  I always give myself lots of time so I can play their little games.  I let them think I can barely afford to pay attention.  They don't need to know where you work or if you have a two income family or if your kids go to private or public school.  They ask you all those personal questions to get a sense of what they think you can afford, not because they want to be your pal and invite you over for dinner.  ALWAYS believe they can do BETTER on the price, whether they really can or not doesn't matter, just always assume they can. 

[h20hunter]

Disclaimer: I'm in the car business....parts guy.....so just trying to help out.

Here is what I think is one of the best things about the program. In a way, it protects people from themselves as well. What I mean is it allows them to get a good fixed price on a unit before even walking in. You can talk for a long time about dealer holdback, dealer incentives, back end gross, and all the other ways dealers stay in business. Dealers are after all a for profit business and the different levels of profit go to various places. For example holdback....sales departsment don't make their money there....that is dealer bottom line. Finance.....for those that don't have financing lined up..yep...you may be paying an extra 1% because the dealer hung your paper at 5% and you agreed to 6%. Sales doesn't get that cut...it goes to the finance folks in the box. Warranties...same thing. It all has its quirks.

That being said, not all dealers are "stealerships". Sadly, there are plenty that play games and b.s. people around and it sucks. I've seen it and agree, its a pain. If you educate yourself first, know your options, know your financing, don't allow yourself to be upsold or talked into what you didn't plan for, can get fair trade in value for a trade, and pay what the Costco Program has set you will have done OK. Could you do better? Sure, a bit. It depends on your time spent working at it and what your end goal is.

Also, keep in mind. There may be a time where your dealer can be your saviour. For example....if you have a good relationship with your dealer, especially your service department, it can pay you back and then some. I've seen many examples of this. Weekly I see vehicles that are juuuusst past warranty, maybe even a year out. They have good service history and next thing you know "goodwill warranty" is stepping in and they are taken care of.

Not all dealers are out to get you. All dealers are looking to make a profit, gotta be done. Carry on.

[h20hunter]

Another thing.....even us parts guys can help you out. Guy called today...nice guy ove the phone. Asked for a quote on two knock sensors and wire harness. I'm looking them up and he asks if we have an old man military discount this weekend. I chuckled, asked what that discount typically was....he said he "reckoned"...kid you not.....that it was either 10 or 15%. We settled on 15% for the old man military discount.

My point is dealerships and the staff there will often treat you just as you treat us. When asked properly I've never said no to a discount. When treated like I'm dishonest I wouldn't budge and would let you walk and not miss a beat.