Save time and money with the AARP hassle-free car-buying experience. — Photo provided by TrueCar
En español | AARP is introducing the new AARP Auto Buying Program with a hassle-free car-buying experience and Guaranteed Savings off the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP)* on new cars and discounts on used cars.
The free program is available to both AARP members and nonmembers, but AARP members save more — up to $300 more on new cars. With the AARP Auto Buying Program, you can see what others across the country paid for the car you want and compare that to your Guaranteed Savings* Certificate. Print your certificate and take it into one of over 6,600 Certified Dealers to save time and money for a hassle-free car-buying experience.
When you buy a new or used car from a Certified Dealer of the AARP Auto Buying Program, you're also helping an important cause. A portion of the proceeds received by AARP from the program goes to AARP Foundation's Drive to End Hunger.
See what you can save with AARP Auto Buying Program.
How it works:
- Shop for your vehicle and see what others really paid for the new car you want and get market reports for used cars
- Get a price and your Guaranteed Savings* on a new car before you even talk to a dealer, and see dealer-guaranteed used-car prices
- Save time and money and enjoy a hassle-free car-buying experience
When is the best time to buy a new car?
It's the most-often asked question by car buyers as they prepare to shop for their next new car: "When is the best time to buy a new car?"
Savvy new-car shoppers know that every 1 percent in possible discounts can be significant — you can save simply by carefully timing when to make your purchase. But the formula to knowing when to buy can be complicated. If you're shopping for your next car, here are some new-car shopping tips — and a few statistics — to keep in mind to help you determine the best time to buy.
What about seasonal discounts on specific body styles?
Most body styles are well-discounted in the months of December and January. These two months demonstrate the highest discounts available all year for convertibles, coupes, sedans, trucks, sport utility vehicles and even minivans, averaging discounts of 6.6 percent across all body styles in December and January.
Shopping for a convertible? Statistics show that discounts are deeper on convertibles in the winter months. That's because dealers know consumers have a greater interest in top-down driving when the weather is warmer, so they're not as inclined to offer discounts during the summer months. On the other hand, it's much easier to move those convertibles off the lots in the winter months if dealers put an additional sales incentive on the hood.
So what's the answer? When is the best time to buy a new car?
While the statistics show the winter months offer the greatest potential discounts, that doesn't mean you should necessarily wait until then to make your purchase. Remember, as the year wanes, inventories become more limited, so even though great discounts may be available, they might not necessarily be on the exact model you may be shopping for. So if you have your heart set on something, you should think about whether the potential extra savings are worth perhaps missing out on the vehicle you really want.
If you want a hassle-free car-buying experience, do your research ahead of time with the AARP Auto Buying Program. You can find out what other people actually paid for a particular make and model of a new car in your area, and you can see what is a fair market price for the car you're interested in purchasing. After shopping makes, models and trim levels ahead of time, and reviewing special AARP member savings, you may find that right now could be the best time for you to buy a car!
*Guaranteed Savings and upfront dealer pricing not available in all states. In these states a "Target Price" is presented, which is not an advertised price, but an example of what you can reasonably expect to pay.
Also of Interest
- Refresh your driving skills, pay less on auto insurance
- 7 things you should never say to customer service
- ACA questions? Check out our ACA Q&A page
See the AARP home page for deals, savings tips, trivia and more
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