Save on routine care and simplify buying a vehicle with a program that blends everyday maintenance discounts and prearranged pricing through dealer partnerships. Members receive immediate savings on parts like air filters and wipers, plus reduced labor for brakes, alignments, A/C work, and major maintenance at 30k/60k/90k mile intervals.
Nationwide vetted partners provide access to parts and repairs; showing a membership card unlocks those discounts at participating locations. The costco auto program also sets up transparent pricing with Authorized Dealer Contacts, factoring in manufacturer incentives for lease or purchase comparisons.
Membership tiers (about $60 basic and $120 executive) add predictable value for car owners. Member Advocacy helps handle questions and dealer follow-up, and the program limits include no phone price quotes and the need to start through the official site to avoid mix-ups.
This short guide maps membership basics, typical savings scenarios, and practical steps so readers can weigh real yearly savings and feel confident when buying or maintaining a vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Members get parts and labor discounts on common repairs and routine intervals.
- Nationally vetted shops and a membership card unlock immediate savings.
- Prearranged dealer pricing and Authorized Dealer Contacts simplify buying.
- Member Advocacy supports shoppers before, during, and after purchase.
- Know limits: start via the program site and expect no phone quotes.
Costco Auto Services at a Glance: What Members Get Today
A small annual fee unlocks maintenance savings and a streamlined vehicle-buying path for many drivers.
Membership basics: Basic level is $60 per year and executive is $120. Members get a 15% discount on eligible parts and services at participating centers. Oil changes are typically excluded per dealer notes.
What the program covers
Discounts apply to items like air filters, windshield wipers, touch-up paint, drivetrain parts, and accessories such as roof racks and floor mats. Routine work—alignments, brakes, A/C service, and scheduled maintenance—falls inside scope at many locations.
| Tier | Annual Price | Key Perks |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $60 | 15% parts & discounts; dealer pricing channel |
| Executive | $120 | Same benefits + extra member services and potential cash back |
| Program Path | — | Prearranged dealer price for cars and select pre-owned vehicles |
To get access, start online, enter a ZIP code to find participation, then present your card at checkout. The cost vs. expected visits helps determine if the fee pays for itself.
Maintenance and Parts Savings for Costco Members
Members can shave service bills by applying a flat 15% reduction on eligible parts and labor at participating centers.
What’s included: The 15% applies to many common parts and routine work. Covered items include air filters, windshield wipers, touch-up paint, engine and drivetrain parts, plus accessories like roof racks and running boards.
Common exclusions and practical notes
Oil changes are often excluded at Authorized Dealer Service Centers. Always ask for an itemized estimate showing pre-discount and discounted line items.
How to redeem and compare
- Use the online locator with your ZIP code to find participating centers.
- Schedule an appointment, then show your membership card at checkout.
- Compare the final price after discount with local shops—the net price is what matters.
Realistic savings scenarios
Bundling brake work, an alignment, and A/C service at a milestone (30k/60k/90k) often creates the largest savings. Reported totals can reach up to $500 depending on scope.
| Service Type | Typical Cost (pre-discount) | Estimated Savings (15%) |
|---|---|---|
| Brake pads & labor | $600 | $90 |
| Alignment | $120 | $18 |
| 30k scheduled maintenance (parts + labor) | $800 | $120 |
What Auto Services Does Costco Offer: Your Guide to Costco’s Automotive Benefits
Members access prearranged dealer pricing that removes haggling and speeds transactions at participating locations. The costco auto program negotiates price points with a national network of dealers so shoppers see a clear offer when they arrive.
How the program works: Specially trained authorized dealer contacts and dealer contacts coordinate with showroom staff. They ensure the right team presents the agreed price and configuration for each car or vehicle.
What you can buy
Inventory includes new car models and select pre-owned cars. The program also covers powersports: motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, and snowmobiles. Leasing and trade-ins are handled at participating dealerships.
Pricing, incentives, and member support
Final prices reflect national promotions and manufacturer incentives. Costco members should request the member sheet that lists the prearranged price and any incentive adjustments.
- Member Advocacy helps resolve issues without confrontation.
- Authorized dealers do not provide price quotes by phone; start via the official site.
- The network includes thousands of dealers and expands during special sales for wider selection.
| Feature | Scope | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Prearranged pricing | National dealer network | Simplifies buying, removes haggling |
| Authorized dealer contacts | Trained showroom liaisons | Ensures correct quote and paperwork |
| Member Advocacy | Before, during, after purchase | Supports customer if a dealer strays from process |
Buyer’s Guide Essentials: Research, Dealer Access, and Smart Savings
Start with clear research and a calm plan before you visit dealers. Shortlist models, read independent reviews, and list must-have features. This helps you avoid last-minute upgrades that add cost.
Key limitations and watchouts: Authorized dealer contacts will not give prices by phone. Members must start through the costco auto program site to gain access. Some dealers may push add‑ons like paint protection, accessories, or extended warranties. Confirm what the member price includes and politely decline extras you don’t want.
Step-by-step to maximize value
- Go to CostcoAuto.com and enter your ZIP to find participating dealerships and dealer contacts.
- Verify authorized dealer status in writing before visiting.
- Request the member offer sheet with itemized prices and incentive adjustments.
- Compare the final out-the-door price with at least one competing quote.
- Bring a pre-approved loan quote and schedule test drives at matched dealers.
“Start through the program and insist on the member sheet—this prevents surprises at signing.”
| Step | Why it matters | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Initiate via program | Routes you to authorized dealers | Dealer listed as authorized in writing |
| Request offer sheet | Shows itemized pricing and incentives | Includes incentives, taxes, and fees |
| Compare quotes | Ensures best total price | Match out-the-door figures side-by-side |
Final tips: Verify trade-in values from multiple sources and confirm whether the 15% service discount applies at the dealer’s service center. Keep communication inside the auto program channels and deal only with the authorized dealer contacts listed—this protects members and preserves agreed prices.
Conclusion
A membership turns routine maintenance savings into a simple, year‑long value proposition for drivers.
Recap: costco auto pairs everyday parts and accessory discounts with prearranged dealer pricing. With a modest costco membership fee ($60 basic, $120 executive) a costco member can often recoup costs through a 15% discount on eligible parts and services at participating centers.
Next steps are simple: use the online locator, verify participating locations, and bring your membership card so the discount applies at checkout. For purchases, initiate via the program site, work with listed authorized contacts, and lean on Member Advocacy when needed.
Compare final out‑the‑door quotes, decline add‑ons that don’t add value, and keep paperwork to track savings over the year. These habits help members protect price promises and make smart car costco choices with confidence.
FAQ
How do members access the Costco Auto Program and what does it include?
Members enroll online at CostcoAuto.com or call the program line to receive a prearranged price from an authorized dealer. The program covers new and select pre-owned cars, some motorcycles, ATVs, and scooters through participating dealerships. Members get a haggle-free price, dealer contact information, and access to manufacturer incentives when available.
What membership level is required and how much does it cost?
A valid Costco membership—Gold Star, Business, or Executive—is required to use the vehicle buying program and to access member-only maintenance discounts. Membership pricing varies by location and type; check Costco.com or your local warehouse for current rates and benefits tied to Executive upgrades.
Which maintenance and parts receive the 15% member discount?
Eligible items typically include common replacement parts and service labor like oil changes, air filters, wiper blades, and certain accessories. Drivetrain and major mechanical component coverage varies by service center. Always confirm exclusions—tires, some high-value parts, and third-party vendor services are often excluded.
How do I find participating service centers that honor member discounts?
Locate participating centers through CostcoAuto.com or by asking at your warehouse. The program lists authorized service partners and authorized dealer contacts. Bring your membership card and verify the discount before work begins to avoid surprises.
Can I get a price quote by phone from a participating dealer?
Dealers generally provide price details through the Costco Auto Program channels rather than over unsolicited phone quotes. Use the online request or the program’s customer support to obtain formal pricing and authorized dealer contacts for a confirmed quote.
What types of savings can members realistically expect for routine maintenance?
Typical savings depend on service type: routine oil changes and filter replacements yield modest savings, while more expensive jobs—brake jobs, alignments, A/C repairs—can produce larger dollar savings when parts and labor discounts apply. Use documented program pricing to compare total cost at the required service intervals (30K/60K/90K miles).
Are there restrictions or common upsells to watch for at participating dealerships?
Yes. Dealers may propose add-ons, extended warranties, or accessories that are not included in the prearranged Costco price. Verify what’s included in your Costco Auto Program quote and decline unwanted extras. Confirm trade-in values, fees, and financing terms before signing.
Does the program assist with leasing, trade-ins, or manufacturer incentives?
The Costco Auto Program facilitates leasing and can help include manufacturer incentives in the offered price. Authorized dealer contacts coordinate trade-in appraisals. Always compare the Costco offer to other dealership quotes and check lease terms, residuals, and mileage limits.
How does Member Advocacy work if I have an issue with a dealer?
Member Advocacy provides support to help resolve disputes in a non-confrontational way. They act as an intermediary between members and participating dealers, clarifying program terms, assisting with billing issues, and helping negotiate fair resolution when problems arise.
Can I use the program for accessories like roof racks, touch-up paint, or drivetrain parts?
Yes—many accessories and parts such as roof racks, touch-up paint, and selected drivetrain components are eligible for member discounts when purchased or installed through participating partners. Confirm eligibility and installation costs with the authorized service center beforehand.
What steps should I take to maximize value when buying through the program?
Research the vehicle and market pricing, request a Costco Auto Program quote, verify the dealer’s authorized status, review included incentives, and compare the total out-the-door price. Inspect any proposed add-ons and confirm warranty coverage to avoid unexpected costs.
Are service warranties or part warranties affected by using Costco-affiliated providers?
Warranty terms depend on the provider and manufacturer. Work done at authorized service centers typically carries standard parts and labor warranties, but always request written warranty details before authorizing work to ensure coverage aligns with your expectations.
How do trade-ins work within the program and will I get a fair appraisal?
Dealers participating in the program provide trade-in appraisals as part of the vehicle purchase process. Appraisals vary by dealer; compare the appraisal to independent pricing guides like Kelley Blue Book and request that all figures be included in the final Costco Auto Program documentation.
Is there a fee for using the Costco Auto Program or Member Advocacy?
There is no separate program fee charged to members for access to Costco Auto Program pricing or Member Advocacy support. Costs relate to the vehicle purchase, services, parts, and any optional dealer add-ons you approve.
