What AARP's Auto Buying Program Does

AARP's Auto Buying Program is a service that gives members discounts on new and used cars through a network of dealerships. You work with a dealer partner in your area, and the program handles the negotiation for you — the dealer has already agreed to offer AARP members a set discount off the manufacturer's suggested retail price. You still choose the car, arrange financing, and handle the paperwork yourself, but you start from a lower baseline price than you would walking in cold.

The program covers both new vehicles and used cars up to six years old. It is not a loan, a lease, or a trade-in service. It is a discount arrangement between AARP and participating dealerships. You must be an AARP member to use it, and membership costs money — currently $16 per year for a standard membership, though rates vary by state and promotional offers change.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP members receive a pre-negotiated discount on new and used vehicles through dealerships in the AARP Auto Buying Program network.
  • You still arrange your own financing, insurance, and trade-in — the program only handles the purchase price discount.
  • The discount applies to the manufacturer's suggested retail price, not the dealer's asking price, so the actual savings depend on what the dealer would normally charge.
  • You can browse available vehicles and find your nearest dealer partner through the AARP website or by calling the program directly.
  • AARP membership is required and costs $16 per year, so the discount needs to save you more than that to be worthwhile on a single purchase.

How to Find a Dealer and Browse Cars

Start by going to the AARP Auto Buying Program website or calling the program's phone line — both are listed on your AARP membership materials or the main AARP website. You can search by vehicle type, price range, and location. The search tool shows you which dealerships near you are part of the network and what vehicles they have in stock.

Once you find a car you are interested in, you contact the dealer directly — either by phone, email, or by visiting in person. Tell them you are an AARP member and want to use the Auto Buying Program discount. The dealer will confirm your membership and explore the discount to the purchase price. You are not locked into the first dealer you contact; you can shop around and compare offers from multiple dealers in the network.

What the Discount Covers and What It Does Not

The AARP Auto Buying Program discount applies to the vehicle's purchase price only. It does not cover taxes, registration fees, documentation fees, or add-ons like extended warranties, paint protection, or dealer-installed accessories. Those costs are separate and negotiable between you and the dealer.

The discount is a percentage or dollar amount off the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). The actual savings you see depends on how much the dealer would normally mark up or discount that vehicle. If a dealer is already offering a large manufacturer rebate or running a sale, the AARP discount may overlap with those offers rather than stack on top of them — ask the dealer how they will explore it to your specific purchase.

The program does not handle financing, insurance, trade-ins, or extended warranties. You arrange those separately with the dealer, a bank, a credit union, or an insurance company. Some dealers may offer financing incentives as part of their own promotions, but those are not part of the AARP program.

Financing, Trade-Ins, and Insurance

Once you have agreed on a purchase price with the dealer, you handle financing on your own. You can bring a pre-approved loan from your bank or credit union, finance through the dealer, or pay cash. The AARP program does not negotiate interest rates or loan terms — that is between you and your lender.

If you are trading in an old vehicle, the dealer will appraise it and offer you a trade-in value. That negotiation is separate from the AARP discount. Some dealers may be more generous on trade-in value to offset a lower purchase price, but there is no may provide. You can also sell your old car privately or to a used-car buyer if you want to compare offers.

You will need to arrange auto insurance before you drive the car off the lot. The dealer will ask for proof of insurance. Shop for insurance rates from multiple companies — the AARP program does not include insurance discounts, though AARP itself offers insurance products through partner companies if you want to explore those separately.

When the AARP Discount Saves You Money

The AARP Auto Buying Program makes the most sense if you are buying a vehicle soon and the discount is larger than the cost of AARP membership. If the program saves you $500 on a car purchase and membership costs $16, you come out ahead. If you are only saving $10, membership is not worth it for that single purchase.

The discount is also useful if you dislike negotiating. Knowing the price is already set can reduce stress and the back-and-forth that happens at many dealerships. However, if you are a skilled negotiator or have time to shop around, you might find a better deal by visiting multiple dealerships without the program and playing them against each other.

The program is less valuable if you buy cars very infrequently — say, once every ten years. In that case, the membership fee is a one-time cost for a one-time purchase. It makes more sense if you buy a car every few years and can use the membership multiple times.

What to Ask the Dealer Before You Buy

When you contact a dealer, ask these questions to make sure you understand the final price:

  • What is the exact dollar amount or percentage of the AARP discount on this vehicle?
  • What is the final out-the-door price, including all taxes, fees, and documentation charges?
  • Are there any manufacturer rebates or dealer incentives running right now, and how do they combine with the AARP discount?
  • What is your trade-in offer for my current vehicle, if I have one?
  • What financing options do you offer, and what are the interest rates?
  • Can I take the car to my own mechanic for an inspection before I finalize the purchase?

Get the final numbers in writing before you sign anything. Dealerships sometimes add fees or change terms at the last minute, and having a written quote protects you.

Alternatives to the AARP Auto Buying Program

You do not have to use the AARP program to buy a car. Other options include shopping at multiple dealerships on your own, using online car-buying services like Costco Auto (if you are a Costco member), visiting manufacturer websites to find current rebates and incentives, or working with a car broker who negotiates on your behalf for a flat fee.

Some credit unions also offer auto-buying discounts to their members. If you belong to a credit union, ask whether they have partnerships with dealerships or can point you toward better financing rates. You can also research fair market prices for the specific car you want using resources like Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides, then use that information to negotiate directly with dealers.

The AARP program is one tool among many. It works best if you value the simplicity of a pre-negotiated price and are already an AARP member. If you are not a member and are only considering membership for the auto discount, compare the membership cost against the discount you would actually receive on the specific car you want to buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to use the Auto Buying Program?

Yes, you must have an active AARP membership. Membership costs $16 per year and is open to anyone 50 or older. If you are not yet a member, you can join through the AARP website or by phone, and you can start using the Auto Buying Program when ready after your membership is active.

Can I use the AARP discount if I finance through the dealer?

Yes. The AARP discount applies to the purchase price regardless of how you finance. You can finance through the dealer, bring a loan from your bank, or pay cash — the discount works the same way. However, the dealer's financing terms and interest rates are separate from the AARP program and are negotiable.

What if I find a better price at a non-AARP dealer?

You are not obligated to use the AARP program. If another dealer offers a lower price, you can buy from them instead. The AARP program is a convenience tool, not a requirement. Compare the final out-the-door price from AARP dealers against prices from other dealerships before you decide.

Does the AARP Auto Buying Program work for used cars?

Yes, the program covers used vehicles up to six years old. The discount applies the same way as it does for new cars. However, used-car pricing is less standardized than new-car pricing, so the actual savings may vary more widely depending on the specific vehicle and dealer.

Can I use the discount if I am buying a car for someone else?

You must be the AARP member making the purchase. The discount is tied to your membership. If you are buying a car as a gift or for a family member, you would be the buyer on the paperwork, even if someone else will own or drive the car.