Costco Auto Buying Service on a 3rd Gen?

Unless I'm missing something, this doesn't seem to outline the Costco member pricing. Instead it's more so of a comparison of invoice vs msrp. Hmmm...

 

I snagged my 2010 Prerunner thru the Costco program and was very pleased. They hooked me right up with the fleet service manager who gave me a fair price. The whole process was stress free and transparent. Overall a good way to go with a vehicle where discounts are tough to come by.

 

Www.CostcoAutoProgram.com

Select "Build and Research Vehicles". Enter your preferred taco info.

I ordered a 16 DLB TRD Sport 4x4 (with: Tube steps, AllWeather floor mats, and Mudguards) at a dealership that WASN'T a Costco participating dealer.

The dealership charged me INVOICE price for the accessories and charged me $500 over invoice price for the truck(confirmed with Costco that members are usually charged something over invoice-negotiable!).

Total for my setup: $36, 700
MSRP for my setup: $39, 500
Saved $2, 800 off MSRP

Be sure to negotiate the amount over invoice price that they charge you...and shop around and nearby non-costco dealers, most will match Costco pricing (at least in MN most said they would).

 

This is just a starting point from the website, in order to get actual prices, you contact the participating dealer (through that page) and then you get actual price. It is my understanding that Costco negotiates the prices differently depending on area/region dealerships so the prices will vary slightly.

 

I bought my 2015 in April through the Costco buying program and was offered $600 below invoice by one of the fleet guys. He indicated that pricing was their standard Costco offer and didn't reflect any additional discounts due to the forthcoming 2016s. Smooth, painless, and a great price.

 

Very similar to this was offered with the above image.

 

Not sure I understand the point of your post. The image you posted without explanation left others to speculate on what story you were attempting to tell.

OP asked for people to share their experiences/perspective on the Costco buying program. I shared mine.

 

Exactly what it says, a very similar offer was made to yours on the 2016 but slightly less under invoice.

Didn't need to negotiate at all, just put in a deposit and now awaiting delivery at the end of October. All communication was done by email.

Edit: also don't want to share too much till keys are in our hands. Sorry for the vagueness. Hopefully this is enough info for members to find their way and make informed decisions.

 

Does that mean you went though Costco?

I am hesitant to visit a dealer for the Costco program, because in all likelihood you are possibly giving up better a better deal negotiating without Costco.

 

Can confirm. Costco Auto is where it's at. Takes out all the hassle and no obligation if they do order the truck for you.

 

How do Costco program prices compare to USAA?

 

I used one of those promotional checks that credit cards send to pay for a car once. The dealer had a 5k CC limit but no problem with the check. It was my REI card and the promotion was for 5% divided on a onetime purchase. Bought a new '06 Scion tC, paid the CC off immediately, got an extra grand on my dividend. They haven't sent me any of those checks in a very long time.

 

Thanks for this, adding a bookmark (no dealers negotiated in the DC metro area just yet apparently).

 

You could put in a 2015 Tacoma in the Costco search. When the authorized Costco dealer contacts you, switch the conversation to the 2016. You will then know which dealer in the DC area is the Costco dealer and have the ball rolling when they receive some 2016 inventory. You will still be able to shop the other Toyota dealers if the Costco 2016 deal is not to your liking.

 

Anybody have any luck yet using this? Thinking of getting a membership if it will save me more money than the membership itself costs.

 

At the very least, for comparative purposes, I would go ahead and spend the $55 and get a membership so that you can access Costco pricing at one or more of your local dealerships. Prior to doing so, I would utilize the Costco Auto site to find out who, if any, your local Costco dealerships are, as not everyone participates. If there are no Costco authorized dealers in your area, then no need to get a membership. If there are one or more (there's only one in my area) Costco dealers in your area, the membership may well be worth it. A few things to note:

• Each dealership negotiates with Costco to come up with the pricing. It isn't simply dictated by Costco. Keep this in mind.
• Your authorized Costco dealerships may, or may not, have negotiated those prices as of now. They may still be working on those prices so you'll have to be patient.
• You can always use the Costco pricing as a price point when searching other dealerships. Costco may not be the best deal but, given the new model, they may actually have a discount (think hundreds, not thousands maybe...) that you may not be able to negotiate outside of the Costco program. Then again, perhaps you can. Always shop around and put the onus on the dealerships to compete and meet your price points.
• If the Costco pricing meets your financial needs, the no-haggle atmosphere may be a breath of fresh air. Make sure to read the "perks" of using Costco and make sure the dealership is following the stated guidelines. If they are deviating (not showing you the separate Costco/dealer invoices, discounting the add-on sticker options, etc.), call them on it and contact Costco. Keep the dealer in line regarding the Costco program. Don't assume that they are following it to a T.

Best of luck, and keep us posted on how this turns out for you either way. HAGD

 

Anyone know if the Costco 75% cost reduction on dealer-added items includes "port" items as well? I sent a message to Costco and inquired about it and am awaiting a response. Just wondering if anyone here already knows if "port" and "dealer-added" options are considered the same. My gut tells me that they are not the same, but I just want to be certain.

 

In the event anyone reads the above and is curious, I received a response from Costco that cleared it up. Port items (as one would expect) are not considered dealer add-ons soooo they would not be available for the 75% discount (wishful thinking). Instead only add-ons from the dealer itself are available for the 75% discount. That was my assumption but I hate to assume when I can know. Knowledge is power!

 

I just signed up for a Costco membership and went through their car buying service online....and the dealerships around Orange County, CA either aren't on board with Costco, or don't have pricing yet for the 2016 Tacomas.

 

Has anyone in the Cincinnati/Dayton/Columbus area used the Costco program to buy their Tacoma yet? Since the price seems to vary by region, I'm curious to see what dealers in the area participate and how much of a discount they are offering.