Car buying can be a stressful process, often involving lengthy negotiations and uncertainty about getting the best price. Car buying programs, such as the Allstate Car Buying Program, are advertised as a solution to simplify this process, promising pre-negotiated prices and a hassle-free experience. But do these programs really offer a better deal, or are they just another layer in the car buying maze? Let’s take a closer look, drawing insights from experiences shared about similar services.
Many car buying programs, including those offered by large companies, operate more as referral services than true buying services. Take TrueCar, for example, a service frequently discussed in online forums. Users often find that TrueCar provides referrals to dealerships, but the “offers” received are not always the best available. As one forum user noted, “TrueCar got me referrals to three dealers, but I found five others online, and got better and worse offers from non-TrueCar dealers.” This experience highlights a crucial point: these services don’t guarantee the lowest price, and you might still need to do your own legwork to ensure you’re getting a competitive deal.
The core issue lies in the nature of these programs. Instead of securing a fixed, no-haggle price upfront, they often connect you with dealerships that are part of their network. While this can save you some initial searching, the price you get through the program might not be significantly different from what you could negotiate yourself. Dealers are often willing to participate in these programs because they see it as a way to attract customers with less haggling, but this doesn’t automatically translate to deep discounts for the buyer. In fact, as another forum participant pointed out, “dealers are happy to see a Costco, Truecar, buyer because they can make a decent deal for themselves without much hassle.” This suggests that the convenience might come at the cost of potential savings.
Ultimately, while car buying programs like the Allstate car buying program might offer a streamlined experience, it’s wise to approach them with a critical eye. Don’t assume that the price offered through the program is the absolute best you can get. Just as with services like TrueCar and Costco’s auto program, you may still benefit from doing your own research, comparing prices from multiple dealers (both within and outside the program network), and being prepared to negotiate. The best car buying strategy often involves a combination of online research and direct engagement with dealerships to ensure you drive away with the best possible deal.
