Navigating the new car market can be complex, but as a AAA member in Northern California, you have a significant advantage. The AAA Car Buying Program is designed to provide members with pre-negotiated pricing and potential savings on new vehicles. Understanding how this program works can help you secure a great deal on your next car purchase.
Understanding Your Estimated AAA Member Price
When you explore vehicles through the AAA Car Buying Program, you’ll encounter the term “Estimated AAA Member Price.” It’s important to understand what this price represents. For vehicles currently in stock at participating dealerships, this price is an estimate based on pre-arranged member pricing negotiated by the Auto Club. If you’re virtually configuring a vehicle online, the “Estimated AAA Member Price” is an estimated base price recommended by the dealer, based on your chosen year, make, model, and trim, excluding any optional features.
Keep in mind that this estimated price is not the final price. It excludes government fees and taxes, finance charges, dealer documentation fees, and emission testing charges. The actual price can also fluctuate depending on optional equipment, dealer-installed accessories, premium paint colors, available rebates or incentives, advertising costs, and other dealer fees. To get the final AAA Member Price and confirm the availability of your desired vehicle, it’s essential to visit the recommended dealer.
Maximize Your Savings with “Estimated Savings off MSRP”
Another key benefit highlighted in the AAA Car Buying Program is “Estimated Savings off MSRP.” MSRP, or Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, is the price recommended by the manufacturer. The “Estimated Savings off MSRP” represents the difference between the MSRP and the estimated AAA member price. This figure indicates the potential savings you could receive compared to the MSRP.
For in-stock vehicles, the MSRP is provided by the dealer for reference. For virtually configured vehicles, the MSRP is the base price suggested by the manufacturer for your selected specifications. It’s important to note that MSRP typically includes destination charges but excludes optional equipment, premium colors, regional fees, rebates, incentives, as well as title, taxes, license, or other fees. The AAA Car Buying Program aims to reduce the initial price closer to the base MSRP and then offer further savings.
How to Utilize the AAA Car Buying Program in Northern California
The AAA Car Buying Program is exclusively available to Auto Club Members. You can start by exploring the program online and checking vehicle availability. The program allows you to get an Estimated AAA Member Price and see the Estimated Savings off MSRP for your chosen vehicle. Upon using the program, you may receive a AAA Member Vehicle Certificate that summarizes these details.
Remember, consulting with a recommended dealer is crucial to finalize the purchase. The certificate is not an obligation to buy, but a tool to help you understand potential pricing. The recommended dealer may not have the exact vehicle matching your online selection in stock, so confirming availability is a necessary step.
Important Considerations for AAA Members
The pre-arranged pricing offered through the AAA Car Buying Program is regularly re-negotiated by the Auto Club and can change. While the program is available for most makes and models, there might be exclusions for limited supply vehicles, special editions, or other restrictions. Always confirm the specifics with the participating dealer to understand all applicable details and ensure the program meets your car buying needs in Northern California.
By leveraging the AAA Car Buying Program, members in Northern California can approach their new car purchase with greater confidence, knowing they have access to pre-negotiated prices and potential savings through their AAA membership.
