2025 AAA Car-Buying Review
You might be a card-carrying member because of its towing, but did you know that you can also use AAA to buy a car? The AAA car-buying service can help you compare vehicles at participating dealers and access exclusive member prices. If you pair the car-buying service with a AAA auto loan, you could get an extra 0.25% discount of off financing.
How the AAA car-buying service works
If you’re already a member of the American Automobile Association (AAA), here’s how to buy a car with its car-buying program:
- Research cars: Think about what you’re looking for in your next ride. Do you need more room for your growing family? Or maybe you want to downsize so you can save on gas. Research makes and models and use an auto loan payment calculator to make sure your plan fits your budget.
- Create a profile and shop for cars online: When you have a car in mind, head to the AAA car-buying platform, powered by TrueCar. You can specify options and color or let TrueCar “build” a trim package for you. Before you can see inventory in your area, you have to use your email address or Facebook account to create a profile.
- Get connected with participating dealers: You’ll fill out a form with your contact information when you’re ready to buy. Then, you could get multiple offers from certified dealers in your area. Prices will include your AAA membership incentives.
- Head to the dealership: When you’re ready to take the next step, head to the dealership to take a test drive and fill out all the necessary paperwork. You’re free to use the auto loan of your choice (or you can pay in cash).
Pros and cons of the AAA car-buying service
Pros
- Unlocks exclusive car rebates and incentives
- Available for new and certified pre-owned vehicles
- No negotiating
- Can pair with a AAA auto loan for a rate discount
Cons
- Have to be an AAA member
- Must buy from a participating dealer
- Could save more by haggling
- Might get lots of phone calls and emails from dealers
Pros of AAA car-buying service
- Unlocks exclusive car rebates and incentives: Car manufacturers frequently work with AAA (and other car-buying services) to offer members-only deals on specific makes and models.
- No negotiating: When you use AAA’s car-buying service, the price you see is what you get. Offers from participating dealers will already reflect AAA member pricing, no haggling required.
- Available for new and certified pre-owned vehicles: The AAA car-buying service applies to both new and certified pre-owned vehicles at participating dealerships.
- Can pair with a AAA auto loan for a rate discount: Using the car-buying service and financing with a AAA auto loan can net you 0.25% off your auto loan rate.
Cons of AAA car-buying service
- Have to be an AAA member: You can only use the AAA car-buying service if you are a AAA member.
- Must buy from a participating dealer: AAA’s car-buying service is only available when you shop with dealers that participate in the program. That means no private-party auto sales.
- Could save more by haggling: You can’t negotiate car prices when you use the AAA car-buying service. This might save you some headache, but there’s no guarantee that you’ll save more than you would have if you haggled.
- Might get lots of phone calls and emails from dealers: The point of using a car-buying service is to find and compare car prices in your area. This can be convenient, but expect multiple dealers to reach out (maybe more than once).
AAA auto loans
AAA offers auto loans (through Auto Club Trust, FSB) in select states. Unlike its car-buying service, you don’t have to be a AAA member to borrow. You can find financing for new and used cars, RV loans, motorcycle loans, auto refinance loans and lease buyouts.
Although AAA doesn’t specify what credit score you need to buy a car, lowest rates go to people with 720+ credit scores. Not sure where you stand? Check your credit score for free with LendingTree Spring. Here’s what else you should know:
| Starting APR | 5.49% (with autopay) |
| Loan amounts | $5,000 – $99,000 |
| Available loan terms | 12 to 84 months |
| Vehicle age | 15 years old or newer |
| Minimum credit score | Not specified |
AAA car loan rates may vary by state. The rates above are based on ZIP code 33803.
AAA car loans are only available in:
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Wisconsin
Joining AAA
You have to be a AAA member to use its car-buying service, but you can join online. AAA plans and pricing depend on where you live. The best way to see what AAA offers in your area is to compare plans using your ZIP code. For reference, here’s an overview of AAA membership in central Florida.
| Level | Cost per year | Membership benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday | $14.95 |
|
| Classic | $77.00 | Everything included in Everyday membership, plus:
|
Pricing and promotions above are based on ZIP code 33803 and reflect introductory pricing that is valid for the first year of membership.
Alternatives to the AAA car-buying service
AAA isn’t your only option for a no-haggle experience when it comes to buying a car. You might already qualify for a car-buying service through your credit card, warehouse club or credit union.
- American Express Auto Purchasing Program: The American Express Auto Purchasing Program offers many of the same benefits as the AAA car-buying service, but it also lets you put at least $2,000 of the total price of the car on your AMEX card.
- Costco Auto Program: The Costco Auto Program works like AAA’s by providing members with discounted vehicle offers and services. Sam’s Club also offers a similar program.
- PenFed Credit Union: PenFed also uses TrueCar to bring its members special pricing from participating dealers. Navy Federal Credit Union has its own program, as well.
- Used car websites like Autotrader and Carvana: Browse our list of the best used car websites and apps. Each of our top picks operates entirely online and many are available to buyers nationwide.
Is the AAA car-buying service right for you?
The AAA car-buying service might be a good fit if you want a stress-free dealership experience. You can shop for cars, compare prices and depending on the make and model, qualify for a members-only rebate or incentive.
AAA also offers auto loans, and you don’t have to be a member to get one. But there’s a hitch: AAA car loans are only available in 15 states. If you qualify, AAA car loans can come with two 0.25% rate discounts: one for using the car-buying service and the other for signing up for autopay.
At the same time, you could save money by skipping the car-buying service and negotiating with the dealer yourself. Also, the AAA car-buying service limits your choices. You have to buy through a participating dealer, so it won’t help you find a car for sale through a private party.
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