Purchasing a new car is a significant decision, and the AAA Auto Program is designed to make this process smoother and more cost-effective for its members. Understanding how this program works can unlock substantial savings and ensure you get the best possible deal on your next vehicle. This guide will walk you through the key aspects of the AAA Auto Program, focusing on how it simplifies new car buying.
Understanding the AAA Member Price
One of the primary benefits of the AAA Auto Program is access to the “Estimated AAA Member Price.” This price is pre-negotiated by the Auto Club with franchised new car dealers, ensuring members receive a competitive offer. It’s important to distinguish between two scenarios when considering this price:
- In-Stock Vehicles: For vehicles readily available at the dealership, the “Estimated AAA Member Price” is an estimated price based on these pre-arranged member discounts.
- Virtual Configured Vehicles: If you’re configuring a vehicle online, the “Estimated AAA Member Price” is an estimate of the dealer’s base price, based on your chosen year, make, model, and trim, excluding any additional options.
Keep in mind that the “Estimated AAA Member Price” typically does not include government fees, taxes, finance charges, dealer documentation fees, or emission testing charges. The final price may also fluctuate based on optional equipment, dealer-installed accessories, premium paint colors, and any available rebates or incentives. To get the definitive AAA Member Price and confirm vehicle availability, it’s always recommended to visit the dealership.
Maximize Your Savings: Understanding “Estimated Savings off MSRP”
The AAA Auto Program also highlights the “Estimated Savings off MSRP,” which represents the potential savings you can achieve compared to the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). This “Estimated Savings off MSRP” is the difference between the MSRP and the Estimated AAA Member Price.
- For In-Stock Vehicles: The savings are calculated based on the dealer-provided MSRP for vehicles currently in their inventory.
- For Virtual Configured Vehicles: The savings are estimated based on the MSRP of a similar in-stock vehicle at your selected trim level. MSRP in this case is the manufacturer’s base suggested price for your chosen configuration, including destination charges but excluding options, premium colors, regional fees, rebates, incentives, title, taxes, and license fees.
The AAA Member Vehicle Certificate will detail both the Estimated AAA Member Price and the Estimated Savings off MSRP for your selected vehicle, providing a clear picture of the potential value.
Important Considerations and Program Availability
The AAA Auto Program is exclusively available to Auto Club members. It’s crucial to understand that consulting with a recommended dealer through the program does not obligate you to purchase a vehicle. AAA’s pre-arranged pricing is regularly updated and subject to change. While the program is available for most makes and models, certain limited supply or special edition vehicles may be excluded. It’s always best to confirm the specifics and any potential restrictions with the participating dealer to ensure a smooth and informed car buying experience through the AAA Auto Program.
