Truecar Auto Buying Program

Like Costco I remember when TrueCar came onto the Utah scene. Back then it was known as Zagg.com but the overall feel was primarily the same. Also like the Costco program I have found that not everyone fully understands what the tool is and how it can help you with a purchase of a new or pre-owned vehicle. Now I would love the opportunity to have you become a client of mine but in the meantime hopefully this article will help you answer some questions.

What is the TrueCar Auto Buying Program?

The Truecar auto buying program is a program designed to assist consumers with a purchase of a new or pre-owned vehicle through a dealership that has partnered with Truecar. This program enables members to avoid the negotiation part of buying a vehicle. As that price has already been pre-determined between Truecar and the dealership. It is designed to save time for the client.

How much will the TrueCar discount save me?

The discounts vary depending on the vehicle and some specialty vehicles may not qualify. Typically, the price will often fall below invoice and that which a customer walking off the street could get. Because each vehicle invoices differently the Truecar approved salesman will show you an invoice for clarification on pricing.

Can I get the TrueCar price at any dealership?

No. Only a select few dealers in each state are true TrueCar dealerships and have met the strict guidelines that TrueCar sets up. Other dealers may claim to be TrueCar dealers but this is easy to validate. If you submit your information via the TrueCars website, it will only send it to a TrueCar dealership or a salesman like myself could show you documents at the dealership like a TrueCar price sheet or certification that they have received.

Is there anything I should watch for when using the program?

Yes, and this is a very resounding Yes. The TrueCar program is a great way to purchase a vehicle yet dealerships do compete still with pricing and some in a very dishonest way. Make sure your salesman follows the correct steps (listed below) and watch other areas such as trade value, fees added to the vehicle and interest rates charged. The front price might seem better but you need to make sure that the end price is your main focus.

What are those correct steps?

Make sure your salesman is a qualified TrueCar Representative. Ask for certification proof.

 After you have selected a vehicle from stock or even out of a stock you should be presented a copy of the invoice (new only) and a write up.

Make sure the write up matches those two sheets have a calculator handy.

Other questions commonly asked

Do I need to visit the store for pricing? No you do not need to visit the store, though trade values will not be 100% accurate until the vehicle is seen in person.

I heard that the dealership pays a fee to Truecar is that true? Yes some dealers do pay a flat fee per vehicle sold which effect the deal you could receive. My dealer has opted for a flat pay per month that does not impact the client.

I qualify for a Ford A/Z/X plan price is that better? Sometimes plan pricing can be better. I would recommend asking to see both options.

Is the Costco or other plan better? Like the question above sometimes it can be and again I would recommend asking to see it both ways?

Does the vehicle need to be in stock? No, pricing will work for vehicles located at other dealerships though a shipping charge may be added if needed.

Can I order a vehicle and still getting Truecar pricing? Yes.

Does the Truecar pricing exclude you from Ford Rebates? No the rebates are controlled from Ford and therefor able to be used towards the purchase.

 

RECALL NOTICE: Some vehicles offered for sale may be subject to unrepaired manufacturer safety recalls. To determine the recall status of a vehicle, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls or click here.

Interesting Fact "TrueCar claim that since 2005 a whopping 2 million vehicles have been purchased using the TrueCar tool, some of which have been from yours truly"