AARP’s Official Car Buying Program Explained
Yes, AARP does have a car buying program. Since 2014, AARP has partnered with TrueCar, a trusted, negotiation-free car buying platform, to provide its members and the wider public with a simplified and transparent vehicle purchasing experience. This partnership, known as the AARP Auto Buying Program, is designed to take the stress out of buying a car by offering upfront pricing and guaranteed savings from a network of pre-screened dealerships.
While anyone can use the program to research vehicles and see upfront pricing, AARP members receive additional, exclusive benefits. This creates a tiered advantage, where general users get valuable tools, but members unlock enhanced savings and perks.
How the AARP Auto Buying Program Works
The process for using the AARP Auto Buying Program is straightforward and can be completed largely from the comfort of your home. By simplifying the purchase journey, the program reduces the need for difficult price negotiations, a common source of anxiety for many car buyers.
- Visit the AARP Auto Buying Website: Go to the official AARP auto section, which redirects to the TrueCar-powered portal. This is the starting point for your car search.
- Search for Vehicles: Browse a wide selection of new and used vehicles from local dealerships. The platform includes detailed information on vehicle features, including the latest safety and technology advancements.
- View Upfront Pricing: Get pre-negotiated, upfront pricing on the vehicles you're interested in. This price is what others have recently paid for the same vehicle, providing a clear and fair market value.
- Lock in Your Price: When you find a car you like, you can lock in your guaranteed savings certificate and contact the certified dealer. This locks in the price, so you know exactly what you'll pay before you even step onto the lot.
- Visit the Dealership: Take your savings certificate to the certified dealer to complete the purchase with confidence, knowing the price is already set.
Member-Exclusive Benefits and Savings
One of the main advantages of being an AARP member is the access to additional savings. For example, AARP members who purchase a new car through the program are eligible for at least an extra $100 in savings. These exclusive offers are a key incentive for membership, further enhancing the value of the program.
- Additional Savings: AARP members have access to special, exclusive incentives and offers not available to general TrueCar users.
- Enhanced Tools and Resources: Beyond just pricing, members can tap into AARP's wealth of resources on smart car buying, driver safety, and vehicle maintenance.
- Customer Support: The program is backed by a dedicated customer support team to assist with any questions that arise during the process.
Comparing the AARP Program to General Car Buying
The table below highlights the key differences and advantages of using the AARP Auto Buying Program compared to negotiating a purchase independently.
| Feature | AARP Auto Buying Program | Independent Car Buying | General TrueCar Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access | Open to all; enhanced benefits for AARP members. | Requires individual research and negotiation skills. | Open to all users, similar process. |
| Pricing | Upfront, pre-negotiated, and guaranteed pricing. | Subject to negotiation; price is not guaranteed upfront. | Upfront, pre-negotiated pricing. |
| Savings | Exclusive additional savings for AARP members (e.g., $100+ on new cars). | Depends on negotiation skill and market conditions. | Standard savings based on TrueCar data. |
| Simplicity | Streamlined online process, less haggling. | Can be a stressful, time-consuming process. | Streamlined online process. |
| Added Resources | Access to AARP-curated information and member perks. | No external resources beyond personal research. | Standard TrueCar platform resources. |
Exploring Other AARP Auto-Related Benefits
Beyond direct car purchasing, AARP provides a suite of other auto-related benefits that can significantly improve the senior driving experience and reduce costs.
- Car Insurance Discounts: Members can receive special discounts on car insurance through partner insurers like The Hartford. This can lead to substantial savings over the life of the policy.
- Driver Safety Programs: AARP offers the Smart DriverTEK℠ virtual workshops and other on-demand learning resources to help seniors stay up-to-date on the latest vehicle technology and safety features.
- Car Rental Discounts: Members can get discounts on car rentals through partners such as Avis and Budget, which is helpful for travel or when a personal vehicle is being repaired.
- Auto Repair and Maintenance: Access to resources that help with vehicle maintenance and finding reliable repair services, like those offered by The Hartford, can also be beneficial.
- Auto Transport: AARP partners with companies like Montway Auto Transport to provide discounts for shipping a car, a useful service for those moving or buying a vehicle remotely.
For more information on the full range of auto-related benefits and other member perks, you can visit the official AARP website.
Conclusion: A Smart Way to Buy a Car
To conclude, AARP’s partnership with TrueCar provides a comprehensive and member-friendly solution for buying a car. The program addresses one of the most stressful aspects of vehicle shopping—price negotiation—by offering transparency and upfront pricing. For AARP members, the added exclusive savings and access to a broad range of related auto benefits make it an even more valuable resource. Whether you are an AARP member or not, the program offers a clear path to purchasing a vehicle with confidence and avoiding unnecessary hassles. For seniors looking to make a smart, safe, and cost-effective car purchase, the AARP Auto Buying Program is an excellent resource to consider.
