Costco car-buying program, explained – Business Insider

2. Choose the vehicle you’d like.

You can choose from a variety of classes, including sedans, sports cars, SUVs, trucks, and crossovers.

While you don’t learn the discounted price until you visit the dealer (this is an old sales trick — prospective customers are less likely to walk away from a potential purchase if a salesperson is able to talk face-to-face with them about their hesitations), the manufacturer’s suggested retail price ranges from under $20,000 to over $150,000 for vehicles available through the program.

You can also buy or lease a motorcycle, RV, ATV, jet ski, snowmobile, or UTV.

If you don’t want to buy outright, you can also lease or select a pre-owned vehicle, which the dealer inspects for any broken or worn-down parts and fixes before selling it again.

3. Customize the trim, features package, and exterior color.

For many vehicles, you can select the trim, features, and color you’d like. For others, you can choose only the model.

5. Go to the participating dealership and talk to the designated salesperson.

You’ll then be shown the discounted price for the vehicle you requested.

The Costco Auto Program FAQ notes that the dealer may not have the car you requested on the lot, in which case it may have to get it from another dealership or order one directly from the manufacturer.

6. Buy or lease the vehicle with the Costco discount.

Once you’ve reviewed the discounted price, you can buy or lease the vehicle — but there’s no obligation to do so if you don’t like the price or change your mind. You also have the option to trade in your current vehicle. A Costco representative told Business Insider in March that around 43% of dealership visits end in a purchase