USAA discontinued its car buying service, which was powered by TrueCar, in September 2022. This program allowed members to get pre-negotiated, no-haggle pricing on new and used vehicles through a network of certified dealers. The decision to end the service was a strategic one, allowing USAA to reallocate resources toward its core financial products like banking, insurance, and investment services. For members, this means the dedicated car buying portal is no longer available.
However, USAA members still have a path to vehicle discounts. The association now directs members to the USAA Auto Circle program. This is essentially a partnership with a specific network of dealers who have agreed to offer special pricing to USAA members. It functions similarly but is a more streamlined offering. The key for members is to navigate to the Auto Circle section on the USAA website to access these participating dealers.
If you were accustomed to the old system, here’s a quick comparison of some popular car buying services available today, which can serve as alternatives:
| Service Name | Primary Model | Key Member Benefit | Best For |
|---|
| USAA Auto Circle | Dealer Network | Pre-arranged pricing for USAA members | Existing USAA members seeking a straightforward process |
| Costco Auto Program | Dealer Network | Pre-negotiated, no-haggle pricing | Costco members who want a trusted, hassle-free experience |
| TrueCar | Dealer Network | Upfront price quotes from multiple dealers | Shoppers who want to compare offers from various local dealers |
| CarsDirect | Online Marketplace | Price comparison and online research | Buyers who want to start their research entirely online |
| Consumer Reports | Build & Price Tools | Data-driven pricing reports and dealer cost info | Informed buyers who negotiate using invoice price data |
The end of the original service doesn’t leave members without options. It’s now more important than ever to do your research, compare the final out-the-door prices from different services, and leverage your USAA membership for potential financing or insurance discounts, even if you buy the car elsewhere.
