Navigating the car buying process can be daunting, even for seasoned shoppers. With numerous dealerships, financing options, and models to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Programs like the AARP Car Buying Program aim to simplify this experience, offering members potential discounts and a more streamlined approach. But is the AARP Car Buying Program truly beneficial? This review dives deep into the program to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your next vehicle purchase.
The AARP Car Buying Program, operated by TrueCar, is a service exclusively available to AARP members. It promises a hassle-free car buying experience with pre-negotiated pricing and access to a network of certified dealerships. The core appeal lies in the potential for savings and the convenience of avoiding traditional negotiation tactics at dealerships. For seniors, who might be looking for a less stressful buying process, this program can sound particularly attractive.
How Does the AARP Car Buying Program Work?
The program operates online and connects AARP members with certified dealerships in their area. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Membership Verification: You must be an AARP member to access the program. You’ll need to log in through the AARP website to verify your membership.
- Vehicle Research: The program’s website allows you to research different makes and models. You can compare vehicles, explore features, and see average market prices.
- Get a Price Quote: Once you’ve selected a vehicle, you can request a price quote from certified dealerships in your vicinity. These quotes are supposed to reflect pre-negotiated prices.
- Connect with a Certified Dealer: The program connects you with a dealer representative who is familiar with the AARP program. This representative should guide you through the purchase process.
- Finalize the Purchase: You visit the dealership to test drive the vehicle, finalize financing (if needed), and complete the purchase. The program aims to ensure a transparent and straightforward transaction.
Potential Benefits of the AARP Car Buying Program:
- Pre-Negotiated Pricing: This is arguably the biggest draw. The program claims to offer members pre-negotiated prices, potentially saving them money compared to negotiating on their own.
- Certified Dealership Network: Working with certified dealerships can offer peace of mind. These dealerships are expected to adhere to certain standards of customer service and transparency.
- Simplified Process: The online platform and dedicated dealer representatives are designed to simplify the car buying process, reducing stress and time spent at dealerships.
- Transparency: The program aims to provide price transparency, allowing members to see what others in their area are paying for similar vehicles.
Things to Consider Before Using the AARP Car Buying Program:
- Savings are Not Guaranteed: While the program promises savings, the actual amount can vary. It’s crucial to compare the pre-negotiated price with other sources, such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds, to ensure you’re getting a truly competitive deal.
- Dealer Participation Varies: Not all dealerships are part of the AARP Car Buying Program network. Your choice of dealerships might be limited, and your preferred local dealer might not be participating.
- Incentives and Rebates: It’s important to understand how AARP discounts interact with other incentives and rebates. Sometimes, you might get a better deal by negotiating incentives and rebates separately rather than relying solely on the AARP pre-negotiated price.
- Limited Negotiation: While the program offers pre-negotiated pricing, it might limit your ability to further negotiate the price. If you are a skilled negotiator, you might be able to secure a better deal on your own.
- Focus on Convenience: The program prioritizes convenience and ease of use. If your primary goal is to get the absolute lowest price, regardless of the effort involved, exploring all options beyond the AARP program is advisable.
Aarp Car Buying Program Reviews: What Are People Saying?
Reviews of the AARP Car Buying Program are mixed. Some users report positive experiences, highlighting the ease of use and perceived savings. They appreciate the simplified process and the assistance from certified dealers. However, other reviews are less enthusiastic. Some users have found that the “pre-negotiated” prices were not significantly lower than what they could achieve on their own, or that dealerships were not always transparent, even within the program.
It’s important to note that online reviews should be taken with a grain of salt. Individual experiences can vary widely depending on the specific dealership, vehicle, and market conditions. The perceived value of the program often comes down to individual needs and negotiation skills.
Conclusion: Is the AARP Car Buying Program Worth It?
The AARP Car Buying Program can be a valuable tool, particularly for those who value convenience and a less stressful car buying experience. It offers potential savings and a simplified process, which can be attractive to many AARP members. However, it’s not a guaranteed path to the absolute lowest price.
To determine if the program is “worth it” for you, consider the following:
- Do your research: Compare the prices offered through the program with market prices and quotes from other sources.
- Compare dealerships: Check if the certified dealerships in your area are reputable and offer good customer service.
- Understand your needs: If convenience and a hassle-free experience are priorities, the program might be a good fit. If your main goal is to squeeze every last dollar of savings, you might want to explore all options, including traditional negotiation.
Ultimately, the AARP Car Buying Program is a tool to consider, but it shouldn’t be the only step in your car buying journey. Informed consumers who do their homework are most likely to benefit, regardless of the program they choose.
