The process of purchasing a new car can often feel overwhelming, filled with negotiations and uncertainty about securing the best possible price. However, for AAA members, there’s a distinct advantage designed to simplify this process and drive significant savings: the Aaa Car Buyers Program. This program leverages the collective buying power of AAA members to pre-arrange discounted prices with franchised new car dealers, ensuring a more transparent and potentially less expensive car buying experience.
What is the AAA Car Buyers Program?
The AAA Car Buyers Program is a service exclusively available to Auto Club Members. It functions by establishing pre-negotiated pricing agreements between the Auto Club and participating franchised new car dealerships. This means that as a AAA member, you gain access to an “Estimated AAA Member Price” which is a discounted price already arranged for you. This price is typically lower than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), translating directly into savings.
It’s important to understand that the quoted “Estimated AAA Member Price” can vary depending on whether you are considering an in-stock vehicle or virtually configuring a vehicle online. For in-stock vehicles, the price is based on the pre-arranged member pricing. For configured vehicles, it’s an estimated base price excluding options. Regardless, the program aims to provide a baseline for savings and price transparency.
Benefits of Using the AAA Car Buyers Program
Utilizing the AAA Car Buyers Program offers several key advantages for members looking to purchase a new vehicle:
- Pre-Negotiated Pricing: One of the most significant benefits is the pre-arranged pricing. You bypass the often stressful negotiation process, knowing that the “Estimated AAA Member Price” is already a discounted rate secured by the Auto Club.
- Estimated Savings Off MSRP: The program clearly highlights the “Estimated Savings off MSRP,” showing you exactly how much you could potentially save compared to the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. This provides a clear picture of the financial benefit of using the program.
- Transparency and Convenience: The program aims to make the pricing process more transparent. By providing an estimated member price and savings, it gives you a clearer starting point for your car purchase. This also adds convenience, as you are leveraging the Auto Club’s negotiation on your behalf.
- Access to Participating Dealers: The program connects you with a network of participating franchised new car dealers who are committed to honoring the pre-arranged member pricing. This simplifies the dealer selection process and ensures you are working with dealerships familiar with the program.
How to Use the AAA Car Buyers Program
While the original article is brief, the process to use the AAA Car Buyers Program generally involves these steps:
- Verify Eligibility: Ensure you are a current Auto Club Member. The AAA Car Buying Services are exclusively for members.
- Browse and Select Vehicle: Use the program’s online tools (likely accessible via the “Get Started Now” button mentioned in the original text) to browse available makes and models. You can search for in-stock vehicles or virtually configure your desired vehicle.
- Obtain your AAA Member Vehicle Certificate: Once you’ve selected a vehicle, you can typically obtain a AAA Member Vehicle Certificate. This certificate will display the “Estimated AAA Member Price” and the “Estimated Savings off MSRP” for your chosen vehicle.
- Visit a Recommended Dealer: The certificate will likely direct you to recommended participating dealers. Visit a dealer to finalize the purchase. It is crucial to verify vehicle availability and the final AAA Member Price directly with the dealer.
- Finalize Purchase: At the dealership, present your AAA Member Vehicle Certificate and confirm the final price, taking into account any additional factors like government fees, taxes, finance charges, and dealer documentation fees, which are typically excluded from the “Estimated AAA Member Price.”
Understanding AAA Member Pricing and Savings
To fully leverage the AAA Car Buyers Program, it’s helpful to understand the pricing terminology:
- Estimated AAA Member Price: This is the cornerstone of the program. It’s the pre-arranged price negotiated by the Auto Club for members. For in-stock vehicles, it’s a fixed estimated price. For configured vehicles, it’s an estimated base price. Remember it excludes various fees and taxes.
- Estimated Savings off MSRP: This figure represents the difference between the MSRP and the Estimated AAA Member Price. It highlights the potential savings you are gaining by using the program.
- MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price): This is the price recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. It includes destination charges but typically excludes optional equipment, premium colors, regional fees, rebates, incentives, and title, taxes, license, and other fees. It serves as a benchmark to demonstrate the savings offered by the AAA program.
Important Considerations and Limitations
While highly beneficial, it’s important to be aware of some considerations regarding the AAA Car Buyers Program:
- Availability and Participation: The program is available for select vehicle makes and models at participating dealers only. Not all dealers participate, and availability can vary. Always confirm dealer participation and vehicle availability.
- Price Variations: The “Estimated AAA Member Price” is an estimate. Actual prices and savings can vary based on factors like optional equipment, dealer-installed accessories, premium colors, and any applicable rebates or incentives. The final price is always determined by the dealer.
- Exclusions: Limited supply and special edition vehicles may be excluded from the program. Always clarify any potential exclusions with the dealer.
- No Obligation to Purchase: Using the AAA Car Buying Services does not obligate you to purchase a vehicle. It’s a service to help you find better pricing, but the final decision to buy is always yours.
- Pricing Subject to Change: Auto Club’s prearranged pricing is regularly re-negotiated and subject to change. Prices are not guaranteed indefinitely.
Conclusion
The AAA Car Buyers Program is a valuable resource for Auto Club members seeking to purchase a new car with greater confidence and potential savings. By leveraging pre-negotiated pricing and a network of participating dealers, the program simplifies the car buying process and aims to secure a better deal for members. If you are a AAA member in the market for a new vehicle, exploring the AAA Car Buyers Program could be a smart first step to unlock exclusive savings and a more transparent purchasing experience. Be sure to visit a recommended dealer to get started and verify the final AAA Member Price for your desired vehicle.
