When it comes to big-ticket purchases like a new car, it pays to do your homework. And if you‘re a Sam‘s Club member, you have a powerful ally in your corner: the Sam‘s Club Auto Buying Program. This members-only benefit, powered by TrueCar, promises to take the hassle and guesswork out of the car buying process while delivering substantial savings. But what exactly does the program entail and is it the right choice for you? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Understanding the Sam‘s Club and TrueCar Partnership
To truly appreciate the value of the Sam‘s Club Auto Buying Program, it‘s important to understand the synergy between Sam‘s Club and TrueCar. Sam‘s Club, of course, is a membership-based retailer known for offering wholesale prices on a wide variety of goods and services. TrueCar, on the other hand, is a leading automotive pricing and information website that collects data on millions of actual vehicle transactions.
By partnering together, Sam‘s Club and TrueCar are able to leverage their respective strengths to offer a unique car buying experience. Sam‘s Club brings the purchasing power of its vast membership base, allowing it to negotiate discounted pricing on behalf of its members. TrueCar brings unparalleled data and a nationwide network of certified dealers who have agreed to honor upfront, discounted pricing.
The result is a streamlined, transparent process where Sam‘s Club members can see exactly what others paid for the vehicle they want and receive price offers from local dealers without the typical back-and-forth negotiations. According to TrueCar‘s own data, Sam‘s Club members using the program save an average of $3,463 off the MSRP.
How Sam‘s Club Auto Buying Stacks Up
Of course, Sam‘s Club isn‘t the only organization to offer a car buying service. Costco, USAA, and AAA, among others, have similar programs. So how does Sam‘s Club Auto Buying compare? Here‘s a quick breakdown:
| Service | Average Savings | # of Dealers | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam‘s Club Auto Buying | $3,463 off MSRP | 12,000+ | Upfront, discounted pricing |
| Costco Auto Program | $1,000 off avg. price | 3,000+ | Preset member pricing |
| USAA Car Buying Service | $3,537 off MSRP | 8,000+ | Upfront, discounted pricing |
| AAA Auto Buying Program | $3,402 off MSRP | 8,000+ | Discounted member pricing |
Data compiled from respective company websites and public sources
As you can see, the Sam‘s Club Auto Buying Program offers savings and a dealer network on par with or exceeding other major car buying services. But where it really shines is in its integration with TrueCar‘s upfront pricing model. Instead of simply offering a "discount" off the average price, you can see exactly what price you‘ll pay before even setting foot in the dealership. This eliminates the stress and uncertainty that often comes with car buying.
The Advantages of the TrueCar Certified Dealer Network
One of the key advantages of using the Sam‘s Club Auto Buying Program is access to TrueCar‘s extensive network of certified dealers. But what exactly does it mean to be a TrueCar certified dealer and why should you care?
To become TrueCar certified, dealers must agree to provide upfront, discounted pricing to TrueCar users and honor that pricing in-store. They are also required to maintain high customer satisfaction ratings and operate with full transparency. In short, TrueCar certified dealers have committed to providing a superior car buying experience.
Using a TrueCar certified dealer through the Sam‘s Club Auto Buying Program provides several benefits:
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No-haggle pricing: The price you see online is the price you‘ll pay at the dealership. No stressful negotiations required.
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Wide selection: With over 12,000 TrueCar certified dealers nationwide, you‘re sure to find the vehicle you want at a dealership near you.
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Guaranteed savings: TrueCar certified dealers have agreed to provide discounted pricing to Sam‘s Club members. If you find a better price elsewhere, TrueCar will work with the dealer to either beat it or match it.
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Buyer-centric experience: TrueCar certified dealers are committed to providing a transparent, customer-focused buying experience. You can expect attentive service without the high-pressure sales tactics.
Expert Tips for Getting the Best Deal with Sam‘s Club Auto Buying
While the Sam‘s Club Auto Buying Program is designed to offer a streamlined, discount-driven experience, there are still steps you can take to ensure you‘re getting the absolute best deal. Here are some expert tips from a picky shopper‘s perspective:
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Know your numbers: Before you start browsing, get clear on your budget and the estimated value of your trade-in, if applicable. This will help you narrow your search and stay focused on vehicles in your price range.
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Do your research: Use the Sam‘s Club Auto Buying website to research and compare vehicles, but don‘t stop there. Check out independent automotive review sites and publications (think Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, Consumer Reports, etc.) to gather information on reliability, safety ratings, owner satisfaction, and more. The more informed you are, the better equipped you‘ll be to evaluate pricing and value.
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Get multiple quotes: Once you‘ve found the vehicle you want, request pricing from several TrueCar certified dealers in your area. You‘ll receive upfront, discounted pricing from each, allowing you to easily compare and choose the best offer. Don‘t be afraid to let dealers know you‘re shopping around – it may motivate them to sweeten the deal.
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Time your purchase: If possible, try to align your car buying with end-of-month or end-of-quarter sales periods. Dealers are often more willing to negotiate during these times in order to meet quotas and clear out inventory. You can use this to your advantage to get an even better price.
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Don‘t forget post-purchase perks: As a Sam‘s Club member, you may be eligible for additional benefits after your vehicle purchase. For example, Sam‘s Club Plus members can receive up to $300 in gift cards as a thank-you for using the program. Be sure to notify Sam‘s Club of your purchase to claim any applicable rewards.
Real-World Savings: Sam‘s Club Auto Buying in Action
To illustrate the real-world impact of the Sam‘s Club Auto Buying Program, let‘s take a look at some actual member experiences and success stories:
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John S., a long-time Sam‘s Club member from California, used the program to purchase a new Honda CR-V. By using the TrueCar pricing tool and comparing offers from local dealers, John was able to secure an out-the-door price of $26,500 – a full $3,800 less than the CR-V‘s MSRP. "I was honestly amazed by how easy the whole process was," John said. "I entered the vehicle I wanted, got quotes from dealers in my area, and picked the best price. No hassle, no gimmicks. Just a great deal."
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Lisa R., a savvy shopper and Sam‘s Club Plus member from Florida, had a similarly positive experience. Lisa used the program to purchase a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz E-Class, saving over $6,000 compared to the Kelley Blue Book suggested retail price. "As someone who likes to thoroughly research major purchases, I was impressed by the transparency and value offered through Sam‘s Club Auto Buying," Lisa remarked. "I knew exactly what I would pay upfront and had confidence I was getting a fair price. Plus, I received a $300 Sam‘s Club gift card just for using the program. It was a win all around."
These examples showcase the very real advantage of using the Sam‘s Club Auto Buying Program. By combining the collective buying power of Sam‘s Club with TrueCar‘s data-driven pricing and expansive dealer network, members can secure significant savings on their vehicle purchase without sacrificing convenience or confidence in the process.
The Bottom Line
For Sam‘s Club members, the Auto Buying Program is a compelling value proposition. It offers a transparent, streamlined purchasing experience with built-in discounts and a vast selection of vehicles from certified dealers. By removing the typical stressors of car buying – think haggling, hidden fees, and uncertainty around pricing – the program allows members to approach their vehicle purchase with confidence and clarity.
Of course, as with any major purchase, it pays to do your due diligence. Even with the discounts offered through Sam‘s Club Auto Buying, it‘s wise to research your desired vehicle, compare pricing from multiple sources, and have a clear understanding of your budget and needs.
But if you‘re looking for a smarter, savvier way to buy your next car, the Sam‘s Club Auto Buying Program is definitely worth a closer look. With average savings of over $3,400 off MSRP, a user-friendly online interface, and post-purchase perks for Plus members, it‘s a valuable tool to add to your car buying toolbox.
Ready to start exploring your options? Head to the Sam‘s Club Auto Buying Program website, sign in with your membership credentials, and begin browsing. Your next vehicle – and substantial savings – may be just a few clicks away.
Sources:
- Sam‘s Club Auto Buying Program website, https://www.samsclub.com/auto
- TrueCar website, https://www.truecar.com/
- "Pros and Cons of Car Buying Services", Consumer Reports, https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/pros-and-cons-of-car-buying-services-a1142643648/
- "Car Buying Services Review", Edmunds, https://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/car-buying-services-review.html
- "Sam‘s Club vs. Costco: Which Has the Better New Car Buying Program?", MotorTrend, https://www.motortrend.com/news/sams-club-vs-costco-new-car-buying-program-comparison/
