Purchasing a new car is a significant decision, often accompanied by lengthy negotiations and price uncertainties. The AAA Car Buying Program is designed to streamline this process, offering Auto Club members pre-arranged pricing and potential savings on new vehicles. This program aims to provide a transparent and hassle-free car buying experience by leveraging the collective bargaining power of AAA to negotiate prices with participating dealerships.
Understanding the AAA Car Buying Program
The AAA Car Buying Program connects Auto Club members with a network of franchised new car dealers who have agreed to offer pre-negotiated pricing. This means that the price for a new car is established upfront, removing the need for extensive back-and-forth negotiation. Participating dealers pay a promotional fee to be part of this program, which allows them to connect with motivated car buyers who value convenience and pre-arranged deals.
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 a dealership, the “Estimated AAA Member Price” is the anticipated price based on the pre-negotiated member pricing arranged by the Auto Club. For vehicles that you configure online – selecting your desired year, make, model, and trim – this price is an estimation of the dealer’s recommended base price, excluding any optional features you might add.
It’s crucial to note that the “Estimated AAA Member Price” typically does not include government fees and 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, available rebates or incentives, dealer advertising costs, and other fees. While the online platform provides an estimated price, the recommended dealer might not have the exact vehicle you configured in their current inventory. Therefore, it’s always recommended to visit the dealership to confirm the final AAA Member Price and ensure the availability of your desired vehicle.
Decoding “Estimated Savings off MSRP”
Another key benefit highlighted by the AAA Car Buying Program is “Estimated Savings off MSRP.” MSRP stands for Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, often considered the sticker price of a vehicle. The “Estimated Savings off MSRP” represents the difference between the vehicle’s MSRP and the Estimated AAA Member Price. This figure indicates the potential savings you could achieve by utilizing the program compared to the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
For in-stock vehicles, the “Estimated Savings off MSRP” is calculated based on the dealer-provided MSRP and the pre-arranged AAA member price. For virtually configured vehicles, this saving is an estimate based on the MSRP of a similar in-stock vehicle at your chosen trim level. It’s important to remember that MSRP includes destination charges but excludes optional equipment, premium colors, regional fees, rebates, incentives, as well as title, taxes, license, and other fees.
The AAA Member Vehicle Certificate provides a summary of the Estimated AAA Member Price and the Estimated Savings off MSRP for your selected vehicle. This certificate serves as a reference point when you visit the recommended dealer. However, as with the Estimated AAA Member Price, the actual final price and savings may vary.
Key Considerations and Program Details
The AAA Car Buying Services are exclusively available to Auto Club Members. It’s important to understand that using the service does not obligate you to purchase a vehicle. You are free to consult with a recommended dealer and explore your options without any pressure to buy.
The pre-arranged pricing offered through the AAA Car Buying Program is periodically renegotiated by the Auto Club and is subject to change. The program is generally available for most makes and models of vehicles. However, it’s worth noting that certain vehicles, such as limited supply models or special editions, might be excluded from the program. Additional restrictions may also apply, and it’s always advisable to consult with the participating dealer for complete details and to confirm eligibility for specific vehicles.
In conclusion, the AAA Car Buying Program offers a valuable resource for Auto Club members seeking a more transparent and potentially cost-saving approach to purchasing a new car. By providing pre-negotiated pricing and estimated savings, the program aims to simplify the car buying process. Remember to always verify final pricing and vehicle availability with the participating dealer to ensure a smooth and informed purchase experience.
