What Costco's car buying service does
Costco offers a car buying program called Costco Travel (for members) that connects you with pre-negotiated dealers in your area. You don't buy the car through Costco itself — instead, the program gives you a list of participating dealerships that have agreed to sell at set prices. You then visit the dealer, complete the purchase, and handle financing on your own or through the dealer.
The core idea is that Costco has already negotiated the markup and dealer fees with these locations, so you arrive at the negotiating table with prices already locked in. You skip the back-and-forth haggling over the base price, though you still handle your own financing terms, trade-in value, and add-ons.
This is not a financing program, a lease program, or a way to buy a car directly from Costco. It's a referral service that gives members access to dealers who have committed to transparent pricing.
Key Takeaways
- Costco's car buying program is available only to Costco members and requires you to visit a participating dealership in person to complete the purchase.
- The program provides pre-negotiated prices at select dealers, but you still arrange your own financing, insurance, and handle the full purchase process yourself.
- You access the program through the Costco Travel website or by calling the member services number on your Costco card.
- The dealer list varies by location and vehicle type, so availability depends on what you want to buy and where you live.
- Using the program does not lock you into a purchase — you can walk away or shop elsewhere if the terms don't work for you.
How to find participating dealers near you
Log into your Costco account on the Costco website and navigate to the Costco Travel section. Look for the "Cars" or "Auto Buying" link — the exact label changes, but it's grouped with travel and insurance offers. Enter your ZIP code and the vehicle type you're interested in (sedan, SUV, truck, and so on).
The system will show you which dealerships in your area participate in the program and what prices they've agreed to for specific models and trim levels. If no dealers appear for your location or vehicle choice, the program has no participating locations for that combination — you cannot special-request one.
You can also call the Costco member services number on the back of your membership card and ask them to look up dealers for you. They can tell you the same information over the phone and may be able to answer questions about specific inventory or pricing for models you're considering.
What prices you'll see and what they include
The prices listed are the dealer's agreed-upon selling price for that vehicle model and trim. This is the amount you negotiate down to — it's not a starting point for further haggling. The price typically includes the vehicle, basic dealer prep, and documentation fees that the dealer has committed to charge.
What the price does not include: destination charges (shipping from the factory), taxes, registration, title, dealer add-ons like paint protection or extended warranties, and financing costs. You'll pay those separately, and they vary by state, by your credit, and by what extras you choose.
Because prices are locked in by the dealer, you cannot negotiate them down further. You can, however, negotiate your trade-in value (if you have one), your financing rate (if you arrange it yourself), and whether to add optional packages or services. The dealer still has room to move on those items.
Steps to complete a purchase through the program
Step 1: Find your dealer and vehicle. Use the Costco Travel website or call member services to locate a participating dealer and confirm they have the model and trim you want in stock or can order it.
Step 2: Contact the dealer directly. Call or visit the dealership and tell them you're a Costco member using the car buying program. Provide them with the vehicle details and agreed price from the Costco listing. Some dealers will ask you to bring a printout of the offer; others will look it up in their system.
Step 3: Arrange financing (optional). Decide whether you'll finance through the dealer, bring your own financing from a bank or credit union, or pay cash. If you're financing through the dealer, they'll handle the paperwork. If you're bringing outside financing, have your pre-approval letter ready.
Step 4: Complete the purchase at the dealership. You'll sign the purchase agreement, title documents, and registration forms. The dealer will collect taxes and fees. This is the same process as any car purchase — the Costco program only affects the base price you negotiated.
Step 5: Take delivery. Once financing clears and paperwork is filed with your state's DMV, you receive the keys and the vehicle is yours. Timing varies, but most purchases are complete within a few days to two weeks.
What you need to bring to the dealership
Bring your Costco membership card (physical or digital) to prove you're a member. Bring a valid driver's license and proof of insurance (you'll need insurance before you can drive the car off the lot). If you have a trade-in, bring the title and keys.
If you're financing through an outside lender, bring a pre-approval letter or proof that your financing is ready. If you're paying cash, bring a bank statement or proof of funds. The dealer will ask for proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns) to complete the credit process if you're financing through them.
Bring the Costco offer printout or have the vehicle details and agreed price written down so there's no confusion about which car and price you're purchasing.
Comparing Costco's program to other buying routes
The main advantage of Costco's program is that the base price is already set — you don't spend hours negotiating the markup. For members who dislike haggling or want transparency upfront, this removes friction. The disadvantage is that you're limited to dealers in the program and vehicles they stock or can order, and you still handle all the other parts of the purchase yourself.
If you use a traditional dealership without Costco, you negotiate the entire price from scratch, which takes longer but may result in a lower final number if you're a skilled negotiator. If you buy from a private seller, you have no warranty protection and must arrange your own financing and title transfer, but you avoid dealer markups entirely.
Online car buying services (like Carvana or Vroom) offer home delivery and simplified paperwork, but they typically sell used vehicles and charge their own markups. Manufacturer incentives and rebates explore the same way regardless of which route you choose, so check those separately before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Costco member to use this program?
Yes. Only active Costco members can access the car buying program through Costco Travel. If you're not a member, you can join Costco and then use the program, but membership is required.
Can I return or cancel a car I bought through the program?
No. Once you sign the purchase agreement and take delivery, the sale is final. The dealership's return policy applies, not Costco's. Most dealerships offer a short window (typically three to seven days) to return a vehicle if there's a mechanical defect, but this varies by dealer and state law. Check the dealer's policy before you buy.
Does the Costco program cover used cars or only new cars?
The program primarily covers new vehicles. Some participating dealers may offer used inventory through the program, but availability is limited and varies by location. Check the Costco Travel website for your area to see what's available.
What if the dealer doesn't honor the Costco price when I arrive?
Contact Costco member services when ready with your offer printout and the dealer's name. Costco can follow up with the dealership to enforce the agreement. If the dealer refuses to honor it, you can walk away — you're not obligated to buy. Costco may also remove the dealer from the program if they consistently violate the agreement.
Can I negotiate the Costco price down further?
No. The price listed is the agreed-upon selling price, and dealers in the program commit not to negotiate it lower. You can negotiate trade-in value, financing terms, and add-ons, but the base vehicle price is fixed.