The Usaa Used Car Buying Program, once a highly valued service for its members, was discontinued in 2022. This change, initially announced in 2020, ended the partnership with TrueCar and left many USAA members seeking effective alternatives for purchasing their next vehicle. If you’re looking for the best options to replace the USAA car buying service, especially for used cars, we’ve evaluated three leading car concierge services available in 2024 to help you make an informed decision.
CarEdge: Your Expert Car Buying Concierge
CarEdge stands out as a premier, consumer-focused car buying service designed to simplify the often complex process of purchasing a vehicle. Many users have praised CarEdge Concierge for offering the easiest and most effective method to buy a car in the current market. Unlike traditional car buying experiences, CarEdge provides a personalized approach with dedicated experts to guide you.
Key Advantages of CarEdge:
- Personalized Concierge Service: You are paired with a personal Car Concierge who takes the time to understand your specific needs and preferences. This expert then actively searches for the ideal car for you, handling negotiations on your behalf to secure the best possible deal. This is particularly beneficial when navigating the used car market, where pricing can be less transparent.
- Significant Savings Through Expert Negotiation: CarEdge prides itself on its negotiation expertise. Customers who have used the service report average savings of $3,000 on their car purchases. Their skilled negotiators are adept at working with dealerships to reduce prices and hidden fees, maximizing your savings whether you’re buying new or used.
- Convenient Home Delivery: To further streamline the car buying process, CarEdge offers home delivery in many locations. This eliminates the need for multiple trips to dealerships, saving you valuable time and effort.
- Exceptional Customer Reviews: CarEdge boasts a 5-star rating on Google reviews, reflecting high levels of customer satisfaction and trust in their services. Positive reviews often highlight the ease of the process and the substantial savings achieved.
- Independent and Unbiased: CarEdge operates independently from car dealerships and auto manufacturers. This independence ensures that their advice and negotiations are always in your best interest, free from any conflicts of interest that might arise from affiliations with specific brands or dealerships.
Considerations for CarEdge:
- Service Fee and Shipping Costs: CarEdge’s concierge service comes with a fee of $999. Shipping costs are additional and vary depending on the delivery distance. It’s important to factor these costs into your budget when considering CarEdge.
- Limited Availability for Rare Models: Currently, CarEdge does not service rare or limited production models. If you are looking for a very specific, hard-to-find vehicle, you may need to explore alternative options.
- Geographic Limitations: CarEdge services are not yet available in Alaska or Hawaii. Customers in these states will need to consider other car buying services.
Explore CarEdge Concierge’s car buying service in detail
Navy Federal Car Buying Service: TrueCar Powered Convenience for Military Members
For members of the Navy Federal Credit Union, the Navy Federal Car Buying Service offers a TrueCar-powered online platform providing upfront pricing on vehicles. This service is specifically designed for veterans, active service members, and their families, offering a convenient tool for car research and purchasing. While it offers benefits, it differs significantly from concierge services like CarEdge.
Strengths of Navy Federal Car Buying Service:
- Free for Navy Federal Members: A primary advantage is that this service is included with Navy Federal Credit Union membership. If you are already a member or eligible for membership (requiring a connection to the armed forces), this is a cost-effective option.
- Online Car Search and Upfront Pricing: The TrueCar platform allows you to easily search for cars online and view upfront prices from certified dealers. This transparency can simplify the initial stages of car buying and help you understand market values.
Limitations of Navy Federal Car Buying Service:
- Reliance on TrueCar Certified Dealers: The service is limited to dealerships within the TrueCar Certified Dealer network. This may restrict your choices and potentially limit your ability to negotiate beyond the upfront price.
- Lack of Personalized Concierge Support: Unlike CarEdge, Navy Federal’s service does not include a personal concierge or customer advocate. You are largely responsible for navigating the process yourself, including negotiations and finalizing the deal with the dealership.
- Potential Dealership Visits Required: In most cases, you will still need to visit the dealership to complete the purchase, handle financing, and take delivery of the vehicle. This can still involve traditional dealership interactions that some buyers seek to avoid.
Learn more about the Navy Federal Car Buying Program, and compare Navy Federal with CarEdge
Costco Auto Program: Leveraging Group Buying Power
The Costco Auto Program leverages Costco’s membership model to offer car buying benefits. While Costco is compensated by participating dealerships, the program aims to provide members with access to a pre-negotiated dealer network and some level of price advantage. However, it’s important to understand the extent of the service provided.
Pros of the Costco Auto Program:
- Included with Costco Membership: Similar to Navy Federal, the Costco Auto Program is included with a Costco membership. If you are already a Costco member, this program is available to you without additional fees.
- Pre-approved Dealer Network: Costco pre-selects and approves participating dealerships, aiming to ensure a baseline level of customer service and potentially more transparent pricing compared to non-participating dealers.
- Trade-in Assistance: The program offers assistance with trade-ins, which can simplify the process of selling your current vehicle when purchasing a new one.
Cons of the Costco Auto Program:
- Buyer Negotiation Still Required: Despite the pre-approved dealer network, buyers are still expected to negotiate prices and final terms directly with the dealership. The Costco program does not eliminate the negotiation aspect of car buying.
- No Personal Concierge or Advocate: Like Navy Federal, the Costco Auto Program does not provide a personal concierge or customer advocate to guide you through the process or negotiate on your behalf.
- Costco’s Compensation by Dealers: It’s important to note that Costco is paid by participating dealers. While this is disclosed, it’s a different model than a service like CarEdge, which is solely paid by the consumer and therefore positioned as fully aligned with the buyer’s interests.
Discover more about the Costco Auto Program, and see a comparison between Costco and CarEdge
Finding the Right Used Car Buying Service After USAA
Choosing the best alternative to the USAA used car buying program depends on your individual needs and preferences. Each of these car buying services offers distinct advantages. For car buyers prioritizing a personalized, hassle-free experience with expert negotiation, CarEdge emerges as a strong contender. Military members and veterans can benefit from the convenience of the Navy Federal Car Buying Service, while Costco members have access to the Costco Auto Program as a supplementary option. Regardless of the service you choose, the availability of these programs makes it easier than ever to navigate the car buying process effectively and confidently.
