Consider using Costco's Auto Program (even joining Costco so you can)

[Mark H]

This may only work in certain regions of the United States, but it is worth investigating. If you are a Costco member, sign into the Costco Auto Program by inputting your membership number and identifying the specific car and model of interest. They will send you an email identifying a dealership and Authorized Dealer Contact(s). They tell you to bring this to the dealer, but this is unnecessary because the dealer will already have you in their system. When you go there, they will give you a written quote. The written quote specifically states, in bold: "Remember, you are entitled to applicable manufacturer rebates and incentives or special financing." I have not actually purchased a GT1 AWD yet, but the quoted price was excellent and I am quite sure that Costco pays close attention to its members' experiences at the selected dealership because there are incentives for the member to fill out a satisfaction survey.

 

[HomeLAN]

I second this. My experience was that most dealers were fairly inflexible in my area - one quoted 2k over sticker even through the USAA buying program. USAA was telling me that the average deal was basically at sticker. Costco got me 3k below with zero haggle. Apart from a $100 disagreement over my trade-in, it was a frictionless experience, and was $200 below what I had pegged as a fair deal through my own research.

 

[Rey]

I used Costco buying a BMW several years ago. At the conclusion of price discussion, dealer hinted a steeper discount by going direct with dealer, avoiding Costco.

 

[KiaWill]

I used Costco as a starting point from an "authorized Costco dealer" then shopped around by phone. Ultimately, the Costco program did help me get to best price from competing dealers.

GT2 RWD

 

[cjkgt97]

I have a Costco membership and always try and use the Costco program. What I find is that the only dealerships that stay with the program are the highest volume dealers, and that can often be 90 - 100 miles away. There is generally only one choice per brand. This has been a major frustration for me, as I typically lease, and often end up driving the distance only to find out some other facet of the lease is unfavorable or a deal breaker. Some dealerships will quote this in advance, but many require you to show up with your one-pager or card in order to quote it.

After going around and around this last time, I sent an e-mail offer for the lease cash + a $3,300 discount and got an immediate acceptance from the Internet manager. I am finding more and more that this is simpler than Costco and much less restrictive. The Costco price means you don't even want to ask if you can do better. It means you are willing to accept 4% under invoice as the best deal. Financing terms aren't protected, but often are a known commodity for a lease (set nationally). They can still make money off of you if you don't know the bank rates.