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AAA or Costco Auto Purchasing Service

2322 Views 14 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  markeevee
Has anyone had any experience purchasing a new vehicle through AAA or Costco Auto Purchasing Service? I need feedbacks to evaluate any financial gains. Thanks.

I'll be buying a new car soon for my daily work commute. I've narrowed my choice to either an '02 Toyota Corolla S Auto or '02 Honda Civic LX Sedan Auto. With the options that I want, the Corolla would cost $15,248 MSRP (includes $455 dest. charge) and the Civic would cost $16,600 MSRP (includes $440 dest. charge). What would be a realistic asking price to close the deal?
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Thanks a lot for the replies.

I'll check out those websites. We've now decided to buy a Corolla instead of the Civic.
The Toyota Echo was also on my list of choices, but it did not meet the WIFE SATISFACTION FACTOR. If it was up to me then I would definitely buy it.

My choices were Toyota Echo, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mitsubishi Lancer, and Mazda Protege. My considerations are reliability, fuel economy, safety, price, handling and roominess (not necessarily in that order). Factor in the wife and the list was down to Corolla and Civic. With the difference in price and insurance premium, we decided to buy a Corolla.

I have initiated my purchase request through autobytel.com for an '02 Red Corolla S Auto with only two options; side airbags and the extra value package which consists of AC, power windows, power locks and power mirrors.
Supposedly, the dealer will contact me within 24 hours for the price offer.
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by latichever:
BTW, what is the AAA car purchasing service?

I'm a member and I checked out their web page and couldn't find anything about a car purchasing service.
</font>
I contacted AAA today and their service provides that all new cars arranged for sale are subject to availability and a price prearranged with the selling franchised new car dealer. I was hoping if someone in Odyclub had an experience with their service.

You have to register at www.aaa-calif.com, then click on 'member services' icon on the top of the member's page, then click on 'Auto Pricing and Purchasing'. Their site offers a vehicle configurator similar to edmunds. Frankly, I prefer Edmunds. To apply for their purchasing service, you have to fill in an online form and a dealer will call you or contact AAA and they will refer you to a dealer.

Well, it's been 24 hours and I haven't been contacted by the dealer accredited by autobytel. I'll give it another 24 hours then I'll just do the price haggling myself this weekend as much as I hate it.
It's been 48 hours and Autobytel's accredited Toyota dealer in Alhambra, CA never called me regarding my purchase request.
So much for that one.

Just got home from the Barry Manilow concert and I had a chat with a Toyota Prius owner before the show. He parked next to me and didn't even hear the engine. He is very happy with it and highly recommends it to anyone considering a commuter car. He gets an average of 50 mph. Very minimal maintenance and changes oil every 10,000 miles. Bought it for $20k and got a $2k tax rebate. I didn't know about that incentive.

I'll be at the L.A. Auto Show tomorrow and will be inquiring about the Prius. It sounds like a good choice.
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UPDATE: The '02 Corollas are all gone except for the CE (base) models.

We visited a honda dealer today and got home with an '02 Accord Sedan (Value Package model). Eternal Blue Pearl in color. I got it for $16600 which includes full nose mask, lifetime oil change, and destination charge. I also got the 5 year/100,000 miles service contract through Honda Care for $300. I thought it was a great deal.

Now, I have to search for an Accord Club. Know a website?
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by honda4:
What do you mean 02 corollas are gone? 02 has just started. Are they being replaced by the Matrix... </font>
Yup, the dealers are no longer receving shipments on 02 corollas. All southern california toyota dealers have sold all 02 corollas, except for the CE models.

The revamped 03 corollas are now posted on toyota's website: www.toyota.com
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