You don't have to haggle to pay less than full sticker price on a new car. Instead, you can take advantage of little-known discounts to help get the price below factory invoice, says Brad Wilson, founder of BradsDeals.com and author of Do More, Spend Less: The New Secrets of Living the Good Life for Less.
Wilson says that several organizations that almost anyone can join have programs that members can use to get deals on new cars. Many can be combined with factory-to-dealer incentives, which can bring down the price even more. Here are some of the member-based groups that offer discounts for car buyers. Not all of these programs will automatically get you to or below the invoice price, which represents the cost paid by the dealer plus fees and is lower than the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). With those that don't, a little negotiating might help bring down the price even more.
Tread Lightly. Anyone can join this nonprofit organization with a mission to promote responsible outdoor recreation. If you join at the $100 individual membership level, you'll be eligible to receive the organization's Affiliate Rewards Program Preferred Price, which is 1% below factory invoice, on the purchase or lease of most new Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Dodge, SRT and FIAT vehicles. You can combine this preferred price with dealer or manufacturer incentives to knock thousands of dollars off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). Wilson says you simply have to take your member letter with you to the dealership to get the discounted price. Visit Treadlightly.org for more information.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
USAA. This member-based organization provides financial services to members of the military and their families. However, its investment products, checking and savings products, credit cards, life insurance and discounts are available to other individuals (its auto and property insurance is not, though). USAA offers member discounts of up to $4,000 from BMW, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, FIAT, GMC, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, RAM and smart. See the USAA Web site for more details about the discounts.
Credit unions. One of the many perks of belonging to a credit union is the discount you can get on cars. Members can get new GM (Chevrolet, Buick and GMC) vehicles at supplier price, which is less than the MSRP that is reserved for GM’s preferred suppliers -- in addition to current incentives and special offers. Visit www.mygmdiscount.com to see if your credit union participates. Not a credit union member? Here are 7 credit unions anyone can join.
Mercedes-Benz Club of America. Anyone can join this club for $49 a year and get up to $1,500 off the price of a new Mercedes-Benz. See www.mbca.org for more information.
BMW Car Club of America. After you're a member for a year, you can claim a certificate for a discount of up to $1,500 on new vehicles. Membership is $91 for two years. See www.bmwcca.org for more information.
-
What's Next for MicroStrategy Stock as Bitcoin Nears $100K?MicroStrategy stock is up more than fivefold in 2024 thanks to a furious rally in bitcoin. Here's what you need to know.
-
BJ's Wholesale Pops on Membership Fee Hike, Stock BuybacksBJ's stock is rallying Thursday after the warehouse club raised its membership fee for the first time in seven years and unveiled a big stock buyback program. Here's what you need to know.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
Gas-Saving Tips That Actually WorkThese are gas-saving tips that will actually work for you and your car this year.
-
Want to Lease an EV? There's a Tax Credit 'Loophole' for ThatTax Credits If you are deciding whether to lease or buy a car, here's what you need to know about the EV lease tax credit.
-
Car Buying in a Topsy-Turvy MarketYou need a new car? Good luck with that! What should you do? We've got some answers.
-
Watch Out for Flood-Damaged Cars from Hurricane IanBuying & Leasing a Car In the wake of Hurricane Ian, more flood-damaged cars may hit the market. Car prices may rise further because of increased demand as well.
-
Car Buyers: The 3-Day Grace Period Is Just a Myth!Buying & Leasing a Car Many car buyers think they have three days after making a purchase to return a car. Here’s where they’re going wrong, and what they should do instead to get a decent used car.
-
PODCAST: Car-Buying in an Inflated Market with Jenni NewmanBuying & Leasing a Car With cars both scarce and expensive these days, what to do if you want – or need – a new ride? Car-buying strategist Jenni Newman of Cars.com shares some tips. Also, more on the magical 9% savings bond.
