Costco Auto Program Saves Shopper Over $11,000 on Car Purchase

Costco member shares how the retailer's car-buying service helped him avoid dealership hassles and get a great deal on a new Toyota.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 8:23am

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A Costco member in Miami, Florida discovered the retailer's little-known Auto Program and used it to save over $11,000 when purchasing a new 2025 Toyota RAV4 hybrid. The program allows Costco members to access pre-negotiated, discounted prices on both new and used vehicles from select dealerships, eliminating the need for haggling and high-pressure sales tactics.

Why it matters

The Costco Auto Program offers an alternative to the traditionally stressful and time-consuming car buying process, providing members with upfront, transparent pricing and a streamlined purchasing experience. As more consumers look to avoid the hassles of traditional dealerships, the program highlights how warehouse clubs can leverage their buying power to deliver significant savings and convenience for their members.

The details

When the Costco member, Vincent Rives, was in the market for a new car, he stumbled upon the Auto Program pamphlet at his local Costco store. He was initially skeptical, but after filling out the online form, he was paired with a local dealership that had the 2025 Toyota 4Runner he was interested in. The dealership quoted him a price a couple thousand dollars less than what he had seen elsewhere. Later, when Rives was ready to purchase a 2025 Toyota RAV4 hybrid, he again used the Costco Auto Program and was able to get the vehicle for $36,720 - about a 25% discount off the sticker price of $48,540.

  • In July, Rives first discovered the Costco Auto Program and was paired with a local dealership.
  • In November, Rives returned to the same dealership to purchase a 2025 Toyota RAV4 hybrid.

The players

Vincent Rives

A Costco member in Miami, Florida who used the retailer's Auto Program to purchase a new 2025 Toyota RAV4 hybrid at a significant discount.

Costco Auto Program

A service offered by Costco that allows members to access pre-negotiated, discounted prices on new and used vehicles from select dealerships.

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What they’re saying

“Costco's Auto Program should be as popular as its $5 rotisserie chicken — but I've learned not too many of its members actually know it exists.”

— Vincent Rives

“Buying a car this way felt like a real life hack. I told friends. I told family. I even made a TikTok sharing my overall experience, sure it could help somebody in the market for a new car.”

— Vincent Rives

The takeaway

The Costco Auto Program provides members with a hassle-free, transparent car buying experience, allowing them to access significant savings without the typical dealership negotiation process. As more consumers seek alternatives to traditional car buying, this program highlights how warehouse clubs can leverage their buying power to deliver value and convenience for their members.