The Usaa New Car Buying Program, once a popular perk for USAA members, was discontinued in 2022. This change, initially announced in 2020, ended USAA’s partnership with TrueCar and left many loyal members seeking effective alternatives for their car purchasing needs. If you’re a former USAA car buying service user or simply looking for a streamlined way to buy a new car, you’re likely wondering about the best options available in 2024. This article explores three leading car buying services that stand out as strong alternatives.
#1 CarEdge
CarEdge has built a reputation for being a pro-consumer car buying service designed to simplify the often complex process of purchasing a new vehicle. Many users have lauded CarEdge Concierge as a standout service in 2024 for making car buying remarkably easy and stress-free.
Pros of CarEdge:
- Personalized Concierge Experience: CarEdge provides a dedicated personal Concierge who takes the time to understand your specific needs and preferences. This expert then actively searches for the ideal car that matches your requirements and skillfully negotiates on your behalf to secure the best possible deal. This personalized approach aims to remove the common anxieties associated with car buying.
- Significant Savings Through Expert Negotiation: Leveraging in-depth market knowledge and negotiation expertise, CarEdge claims to save customers an average of $3,000 on their new car purchase. This potential saving can offset the service cost and provide tangible financial benefits.
- Convenient Home Delivery: To further enhance convenience, CarEdge offers home delivery in many locations. This eliminates the need for additional trips to the dealership, saving valuable time and effort.
- Highly Rated Customer Satisfaction: CarEdge boasts impressive 5-star Google reviews, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction and reliability. Positive reviews often highlight the ease of use and effective negotiation skills of the Concierge service.
- Independent and Unbiased: Crucially, CarEdge operates independently from car dealerships and auto manufacturers. This independence ensures that their advice and negotiation strategies are solely focused on the customer’s best interests, free from potential dealership influences.
Cons of CarEdge:
- Service Fee and Shipping Costs: CarEdge’s Concierge service comes with a fee of $999. Additionally, shipping costs are variable depending on the distance, which can add to the overall expense. Potential users should factor these costs into their budget considerations.
- Limited Availability for Rare Models: CarEdge’s service may not yet extend to extremely rare or limited production vehicle models. Customers seeking such niche vehicles may need to explore alternative buying methods.
- Geographical Limitations: Currently, CarEdge’s services are not available in Alaska or Hawaii. Customers residing in these states will need to consider other car buying solutions.
Explore CarEdge Concierge Car Buying Service in Detail
#2 Navy Federal Car Buying Service
For individuals affiliated with the military, the Navy Federal Car Buying Service, powered by TrueCar, presents a valuable resource. This service offers an online car search platform that provides upfront pricing, aiming for transparency in the initial stages of car buying. It’s particularly beneficial for veterans, active service members, and their families who are members of the Navy Federal Credit Union. However, it’s important to note that this service differs from CarEdge in its level of personalization and negotiation support.
Pros of Navy Federal Car Buying Service:
- Free for Navy Federal Members: A significant advantage is that this service is offered free of charge to Navy Federal Credit Union members. Membership eligibility is tied to a connection with the armed forces, making it a targeted benefit for this community.
- Convenient Online Platform with Upfront Pricing: The TrueCar-powered online search tool provides a convenient way to browse cars and see upfront pricing. This feature can save time in the initial research phase and provide a benchmark for price expectations.
Cons of Navy Federal Car Buying Service:
- Restricted to TrueCar Certified Dealers: The service primarily connects buyers with dealerships within the TrueCar Certified Dealer network. This limitation might reduce the overall range of dealerships and potentially limit access to specific makes or models depending on location.
- Lack of Personal Concierge and Advocacy: Unlike CarEdge, Navy Federal’s service does not include a personal Concierge or dedicated customer advocate to guide you through the buying process and negotiate on your behalf. Buyers are largely responsible for their own negotiation at the dealership.
- Dealership Visits Typically Required: In most cases, finalizing the purchase and taking delivery of the vehicle will necessitate visits to the dealership. This contrasts with services that offer home delivery and a fully online transaction process.
Discover More About Navy Federal Car Buying Service and Compare Navy Federal to CarEdge
#3 Costco Auto Program
The Costco Auto Program leverages Costco’s membership base to offer car buying benefits. While Costco receives payment from participating dealerships, the program aims to provide members with access to a network of trusted dealers. However, some users report experiencing typical dealership negotiation pressures even within the Costco program.
Pros of Costco Auto Program:
- Included with Costco Membership: Access to the Auto Program is included as a perk of Costco membership, adding value for existing Costco members.
- Pre-approved Dealer Network: Costco partners with a network of pre-approved dealerships, which are vetted to some extent by Costco. This can provide a degree of assurance regarding dealer reputation, although experiences can vary.
- Trade-in Assistance: The program offers assistance with trade-in vehicles, potentially simplifying the process of selling an existing car when purchasing a new one.
Cons of Costco Auto Program:
- Buyer Negotiation Still Required at Dealership: Despite the program’s intent, buyers are still generally expected to negotiate pricing and terms directly at the dealership. This means members may not entirely avoid the negotiation process they might be hoping to circumvent.
- No Personal Concierge or Customer Advocate: Similar to Navy Federal, the Costco Auto Program lacks a personal Concierge service to guide buyers or negotiate on their behalf. Customer support is generally less personalized compared to services like CarEdge.
- Costco Paid by Participating Dealers: It’s important to be aware that Costco is compensated by participating dealers. This business model can potentially create an incentive for dealerships to prioritize their own profitability, even within the program framework.
Learn More About the Costco Auto Program and See a Comparison of Costco and CarEdge
Unique Strengths of Top Car Buying Services
Choosing the right car buying service depends on individual needs and priorities now that the USAA new car buying program is no longer available. For car buyers who value personalized support and expert negotiation to maximize savings and minimize hassle, CarEdge stands out as a strong contender. Members of the military community can benefit from the accessible online tools offered by the Navy Federal Car Buying Service. Costco members can explore the Costco Auto Program as a membership perk, while understanding that dealership negotiation will likely still be a part of the process. Ultimately, exploring these alternatives empowers you to navigate the car buying landscape effectively and confidently.
