Sam’s Club Car Buying Program Review

Buying a car can be a stressful experience for many people. Because it’s something you don’t do often, it’s easy to feel like you’re being taken advantage of by professional car salespeople. And, once you figure out the tricks of the trade, it will likely be years before you have to buy another car (plenty of time to forget it all!).

One option to consider when buying a car is the Sam’s Club Auto Buying Program, which promises upfront pricing and a transparent buying process.

How does Sam’s Club car buying work?

Sam’s Club uses the TrueCar network for its car-buying service, and promises a host of benefits. After getting the true value of your current car and a cash offer within minutes, you can then search from millions of new and used cars. And, if you do end up using the Sam’s Club Auto Buying Program, you can get a $110 Sam’s Club e-gift card.

To buy a car through Sam’s Club and TrueCar, you’ll just follow a few easy steps:

1. Sign in with your Sam’s Club membership

Although you’re free to browse the prices of actual cars available for purchase on the Sam’s Club Auto Buying Program website, you’ll need to be a Sam’s Club member to actually use it. You can sign up online or in store — membership costs range from a reasonable $50 per year for a Club membership to a slightly fancier $110 per year for a premium (Plus) membership.

2. Decide on a vehicle

You’ll have plenty of cars to choose from, with over 660,000 used cars alone available through the Sam’s Club Auto Buying Program. You can search for used cars near you based on a wide range of criteria, such as distance from you, engine type, body style, make, model and mileage, among others. When you search for a new car you can either select an auto brand or body style first. No matter which method you choose, you should be able to find a car that works for you.

3. Shop for a car loan

It’s important to realize that the Sam’s Club Auto Buying Program is just a marketplace, so you’ll need to secure funding. It is very clearly stated that “neither TrueCar nor Sam’s Club brokers, sells or leases motor vehicles. Unless otherwise noted, all vehicles shown on this website are offered for sale by licensed motor vehicle dealers.”

You can get a car loan either through dealership financing or from a lender, whether online or through a bank or credit union. Getting preapproved car loans will help you find a good deal. Estimate your monthly payments using an auto loan calculator.

4. Finalize paperwork with the dealership

Once you’ve selected the car that you want to buy and secured your financing, it’s time to finalize the paperwork for your new purchase. Depending on the dealership that’s selling your car, the process may look slightly different, but it should follow the same basic process. Once the paperwork and payment have been approved, you’ll simply contact the dealership to arrange to pick up the car and drive away.

5. Report purchase to Sam’s Club for additional benefits

After you close the sale, you’ll want to report the purchase of your car to the Sam’s Club Auto Buying Program within the next 45 days. You’ll be eligible for a $110 Sam’s Club e-gift card, which is enough to cover your Sam’s Club Plus membership.

Other car-buying discount programs

Besides the Sam’s Club Auto Buying Program, there are other programs available from similar companies. It’s good to be aware of the different options so that you can make the right choice for your particular situation. Here are a few other car-buying discount programs to consider:

• Costco: The Costco Auto Program is very similar to Sam’s Club’s service. However, Costco has slightly more perks: discounts on parts and service and finance and insurance options, too. You will need to have a Costco membership to participate in Costco’s car-buying program.
• Navy Federal Credit Union: Also operating through the TrueCar network, this car-buying service offers after-purchase benefits worth $4,000. And because Navy Federal also offers car loans, it can make it easier to secure financing for your new purchase. Keep in mind though that you’ll need to be a member of Navy Federal, which generally means that you have an affiliation with the military.
• AAA : AAA’s car buying program also offers discounts on new and used vehicles through the TrueCar system. That means that you can select from TrueCar’s nationwide network of dealers. You’ll also get $2,000 or more in after-purchase benefits for reporting your AAA car purchase, which makes AAA a solid option if you don’t have a Sam’s Club membership. The cost of AAA membership will vary by location and the type of plan you select.
• AARP: Membership for AARP costs $12 per year, and also unlocks access to the TrueCar car-buying program. However, buying through the AARP Auto club doesn’t include the post-purchase perks of auto deductible and auto repair reimbursement (worth as much as $2,000 or more) that AAA and Costco offer. Instead, you’ll only get access to an AARP Smart Driver online course. Still, if you don’t value the auto repair and deductible benefits that come with the other TrueCar buying programs, the AARP car buying program can be attractive, since the cost to join AARP is much less than that of AAA or Costco.
• Consumer Reports: Consumer Reports is another organization that partners with TrueCar to offer a car buying service. If you already have a Consumer Reports membership or would find it valuable, this can be another way to access this service. However, be aware that Consumer Reports charges $39 per year for membership.