The Costco Auto Program: how it works, and is it worth it?
The Costco Auto Program gets members a price set in advance with participating dealers, so you skip the haggling. Costco doesn't sell the car; you buy from the dealer. Whether it's a good deal depends on the price you could get yourself, so compare the two below.
From the Costco Auto Program's own site, checked October 18, 2026.
Costco price vs your best quote
The numbers filled in are an example. Get your Costco price from the program's site and a real quote from another dealer.
The service discount here is a rough estimate: it applies only at participating service centers, is capped at $500 per visit, and excludes oil changes, tires and more (see below).
How the Costco Auto Program works
- It's run by a separate company. The program is operated by Affinity Auto Programs, which isn't part of Costco. Costco doesn't sell cars or negotiate individual deals.
- The price is pre-arranged. You register with your Costco membership number, choose a car and a participating dealer near you, and get the price that dealer has agreed for Costco members.
- Incentives can stack. The program says you can combine the Costco member price with manufacturer incentives.
- Not every car or area is covered. Some vehicles are excluded, offers depend on availability, and the program isn't available in every area. Savings vary by vehicle, dealer and location.
The service discount
Costco members can get 15% off parts, service and accessories at participating service centers, up to $500 off per visit. It doesn't cover Costco Tire Centers, air bags, oil changes, tires or state-required inspections. For tires, Costco's own Tire Centers include installation with the purchase.
So is it worth it?
It's worth checking if you're already a member. The main benefit is a fair price without the haggling. If you're a confident negotiator, you may beat it, so get at least one other quote for the same car and incentives. Put both in the calculator above. Remember the price you pay goes to the dealer, not Costco, so don't count on the Executive 2% for the car itself.
Costco auto insurance
Costco offers auto and home insurance to members through American Family Insurance. Costco says members may get an exclusive discount when they switch, and could qualify for more. Start from Costco's insurance page to get a quote.
We don't rate insurers or quote prices: car insurance depends on your car, driving record and where you live, so the only way to know if it's cheaper is to compare a quote with your current policy. The Auto Program's site also mentions insurance discounts for members.
Common questions
Is the Costco Auto Program free?
The program's site doesn't list a fee to use it. You need a Costco membership number to register.
Does Costco sell cars?
No. You buy from a participating franchised dealer at a price arranged in advance for Costco members.
Can I use the Costco Auto Program for a used car?
The program's site has a pre-owned section; check it for what's offered near you.
Does Costco sell auto insurance?
Costco offers it to members through American Family Insurance. Costco itself isn't the insurer.
Sources: Costco Auto Program (how it works, service discount, terms) and Costco's auto and home insurance page, checked October 18, 2026. Run Don't Walk isn't paid by Costco, its auto program or any insurer. See how we check our numbers.