For Costco members, the retailer’s aisles are already filled with unbeatable deals on everything from groceries to electronics. But did you know they also offer a little-known gem in the world of big-ticket items? Enter the Costco Auto Program—a service designed to take the pain out of purchasing a car while delivering impressive savings.
Buying a car can be a notoriously stressful experience—most people dread the back-and-forth negotiations, the hidden fees, and the feeling of leaving the dealership unsure if they really got a good deal. Costco’s Auto Program, however, seeks to flip the script, offering members a hassle-free, transparent, and (perhaps most importantly) no-haggle way to buy their next vehicle. For anyone who loves Costco’s no-nonsense approach to shopping, this program fits right in.
The Costco Auto Program is more than just pre-negotiated prices. At its heart, the Costco car buying experience offers so much more. It is clear from the company’s track record that it’s the pre-arranged prices that are the biggest hit among car buyers, particularly existing Costco members.
The typical car-buying process, where buyers often feel like they’re stepping into a high-stakes poker game, is eliminated. Instead, Costco works with a network of over 3,000 dealerships across the U.S. and Canada, pre-negotiating prices on a wide selection of both new and certified pre-owned vehicles.
Costco members can easily browse these vehicles online, filtering by make, model, and location. Once a member finds the car they’re interested in, the program connects them with an Authorized Dealer Contact at a local dealership, ensuring the process is smooth and straightforward. Upon arrival, the member is presented with the Costco Member-Only Price Sheet—a transparent breakdown of the vehicle’s pre-arranged price, which often includes additional manufacturer incentives or rebates.
A lot of people have wondered just how much can they really save using the Costco car buying experience. The company claims that its members typically save about $1,000 compared to traditional dealership prices. While savings vary based on vehicle make, model, and location, many Costco members report even greater discounts. For example, one Costco member in New York City recently saved over $4,000 on a pre-owned Honda Pilot, bypassing the markup found at other dealerships and services like CarMax. Compared to Sam’s, the Costco Auto Program has some pros and cons as well.
Beyond the upfront savings, Costco’s program also comes with exclusive discounts that extend beyond the purchase. Members who complete a satisfaction survey within 30 days of buying their car can get 50% off parts, services, and accessories—an added value that can save hundreds of dollars on things like oil changes, tires, and vehicle upgrades.
On the website, you can enter your zip code, year, make, and model (optional) to get started. You can toggle between “New” and “Pre-Owned” to filter the condition of the car. The website also advertises different discounts from time to time. At the time of writing this release, the Costco Auto Program is offering a $1,000 member-only incentive on GMC Hummer EV Pickup or SUV models (new only), for example.
One of the biggest advantages for members is the time and stress saved by not having to negotiate. For the millions of people who find the traditional dealership process exhausting or intimidating, this aspect alone makes the Costco Auto Program appealing. There’s no guessing if you’re getting a good deal, no need to battle with a salesperson for a lower price, and no last-minute surprises when it’s time to sign on the dotted line.
Moreover, Costco’s transparency gives buyers confidence. Since the price is pre-arranged and the process is structured, there’s no confusion about hidden fees or unnecessary add-ons. Costco’s reputation for trustworthiness carries over into its car-buying program, which is why so many members feel secure using it.
And it’s not just about convenience or savings. The program’s selection is another major plus. With access to thousands of new and pre-owned vehicles from some of the top car brands—including Toyota, Honda, Ford, and Subaru—buyers have a wide range of options at their fingertips. Whether you’re looking for a practical family car, a rugged SUV, or even a luxury model, the Costco Auto Program covers all the bases.
While the program offers plenty of benefits, it’s not necessarily the right fit for every buyer. For instance, if you’re someone who thrives on pitting dealerships against one another for the absolute rock-bottom price, Costco’s pre-arranged pricing might feel limiting. The program doesn’t leave room for aggressive negotiation, so the price you see is pretty much the price you get—though, for many, that’s a huge relief.
Additionally, Costco’s partnerships are limited to select dealerships, so while the network is large, it may not cover every car brand or model. If you’re looking for something particularly niche or want the freedom to shop at any dealership, Costco’s network might not have exactly what you need.
However, for Costco members who are already comfortable with the brand’s customer-first approach and who prioritize convenience, trust, and savings, the Auto Program is a no-brainer. It’s ideal for those who want to bypass the typical dealership grind, know they’re getting a fair deal, and appreciate a transparent, low-pressure buying experience.
The Costco Auto Program’s perks don’t end when you drive off the lot. Members who buy through the program are also eligible for ongoing discounts at the dealership where they purchased their vehicle. By completing a post-purchase satisfaction survey, you can get up to 50% off parts, services, and accessories, which can add up to substantial savings over the lifespan of your car.
In addition, Costco provides ongoing support even after your purchase is finalized. They review your purchase agreement for compliance and ensure that everything was handled properly—a little extra peace of mind that’s rare in the car-buying world.
In a world where buying a car often feels like a battle of wits, Costco is flipping the script, offering its members a car-buying experience that’s streamlined, transparent, and—dare we say—almost enjoyable.
