Purchasing a new car can often feel like navigating a maze, filled with complex pricing and negotiations. The AAA Car Buying Program aims to simplify this process, offering members a streamlined and potentially cost-saving approach to buying a vehicle. But how does the AAA Car Buying Program actually work? This article will break down the key aspects of this service, helping you understand how it can benefit your next car purchase.
The AAA Car Buying Program operates on the principle of pre-arranged pricing with franchised new car dealers. Participating dealers agree to offer special pricing to AAA members, taking some of the guesswork and haggling out of the car buying experience. When you explore vehicles through the program, you’ll often see an “Estimated AAA Member Price”. This price is based on negotiations between AAA and the dealers. For in-stock vehicles, this estimate reflects the pre-arranged member pricing. If you are virtually configuring a vehicle online, the price estimate is based on the dealer’s recommended base price for the selected year, make, model, and trim, excluding options.
It’s important to understand what the “Estimated AAA Member Price” includes and excludes. Generally, it does not include government fees, taxes, finance charges, dealer documentation fees, or emission testing charges. The final price can also be influenced by optional equipment, dealer-installed accessories, premium paint colors, and any applicable rebates or incentives. While the online platform provides an estimated price and potential savings, the actual and final AAA Member Price is confirmed at the dealership. It’s always recommended to visit the recommended dealer to verify vehicle availability and finalize the pricing.
The program also highlights “Estimated Savings off MSRP”. MSRP, or Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, is the price recommended by the car manufacturer. The “Estimated Savings off MSRP” represents the difference between the MSRP and the Estimated AAA Member Price. This gives members an idea of the potential cost savings they could achieve by using the program compared to the standard MSRP. Keep in mind that MSRP typically includes destination charges but excludes optional equipment, premium colors, regional fees, rebates, incentives, and title, taxes, and license fees.
To utilize the AAA Car Buying Program, members can typically start online to browse available vehicles and explore pricing. The program is available for most makes and models, although availability can vary, and certain limited supply or special edition vehicles might be excluded. After consulting with a recommended dealer through the program, there is no obligation to purchase a vehicle. The pre-arranged pricing is regularly reviewed and subject to change by AAA.
In conclusion, the AAA Car Buying Program aims to provide a transparent and potentially cost-effective way for AAA members to purchase new cars. By leveraging pre-negotiated pricing with participating dealers and providing estimated member prices and savings, the program simplifies the car buying process and offers a valuable benefit to AAA members. For those looking to purchase a new vehicle, exploring the AAA Car Buying Program could be a beneficial first step in their car buying journey.
