I’ve inquired about a few used cars this weekend and have been getting pummeled with dealer calls.

^^^ This has not been my experience at all recently, although I was expecting it. Shopping for Volvo and BMW. Volvo we’re pushing higher prices than I thought were reasonable (even though they had plenty of inventory to sell which is still not sold 4-5 weeks later), but no shortage of salesperson attention or attempts to make a deal, and we were still talking about 8-9% off MSRP. Am buying BMW for about 9% off MSRP - they didn’t have inventory but bought the exact spec I wanted off another dealer’s inventory. I’m finding this a fine time to buy a new car, and trade in prices are still ridic high

FWIW, the dealers are going to mostly leave you alone, because they have no cars to sell. You might have to call ten just to find the car that you want in stock.

If you don't want to do business with a dealer, just tell them you already bought a car and they will take you off their list.

Tried to use USAA to buy a somewhat in demand car a couple years ago. USAA price was only $100 off MSRP—yes, $100. We ended up paying $3000 off MSRP on our own.

Used USAA and was happy. Did my research, knew what I was willing to pay for a Honda Odyssey several years back.

The USAA price beat what I was willing to pay by almost $3k and I didn't need to spend my time to haggle.

I had a great experience through AAA years ago. But I feel like the car-buying experience has improved since then, with prices more transparent and the ability to email around.

I didn’t find it very helpful. I negotiated myself. Looked at a dealership in Hagerstown and got a number there (and would’ve driven if I had to) but got it matched in Rockville.

Do you have a car in mind? When I looked at this a few years ago (also a USAA member), the better deals were with certain automakers. I was looking at Audi, so did best with a no-haggle dealer who had a posted prices.

I use the USAA price as a number in the back of my head that I either beat or walk away from the negotiation

I tried USAA and Costco and I got a better price negotiating myself. It probably depends on your car choice.

We are looking to buy a new car in the next month or so. The last time we did so, I used costco, and it was pretty painless. I did not have to give out my personal information 10x. Does anyont have recent experience with the varied auto buying services? We are getting a car that is in high demand, so don't think we can save that much, just don't want to be called by 20 different dealers 20x a day..
Which is the best service/experience? We are USAA, AAA, costco members