Has anyone bought a Porsche via the USAA car buying program? I have the good fortune of being a member since my dad was in the military for a few years. When I called to get a quote on a Cayman S they mentioned their car buying program, which I hadn't heard of before. Basically, they have negotiated prices for all sorts of cars (for example a 328i is $800 over invoice).

Their current number on the Cayman S is 55,427 including the destination fee (7.5% off MSRP). I know that it's possible to do better this time of year, but that might be a good deal in a few months if the same rate relative to MSRP is available on the 2009s. I'm assuming that the dealers tighten up their discounts at the beginning of the year. Is that a valid assumption?

Anyway, anyone had experience working through this program?

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"Nothing happens"

I tried using them in the past for purchase of my WRX in 2002; they couldn't help much with that, because the car was brand new to the market and in such high demand that many dealers were charging a premium above MSRP (and certainly no discounts) - so it didn't help much. My purchases since then have all been used or dealer demos.

You didn't say what kind of options were available for the price you were quoted, so it's hard to judge if that's a good price or not (though I think the discount from MSRP is in line with what many people average). Their service mainly appeals to people who don't like to haggle with a salesman - you may, or may not do better on your own - but I don't think you have anything to lose by trying them.

Good luck.

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My Blogs
2006 CS Tip (Daily Driver & Part-time Track Toy)
2005 Ford Expedition (to haul the CS)
2006 Lexus RX400h (wifey's)
Gone, but not forgotten: 2002 WRX, 2004 MINI

I have USAA for about everything they offer but have not used them to buy a car, though I have received quotes from them. As stated earlier I think they get good prices but also believe you can do better if you are willing to hassle and go through that ordeal. I have been looking at Caymans for a couple of weeks but I am a little hesitant with the economy and I am in the airline business. My airline is about to merge, at least I believe it is, so I am holding off until things settle down a little. They never settle down completely, but that's part of the business I guess. I tried USAA on a BMW about a month ago but they were unable to do anything with the car i was looking at, not sure if it was BMW or just the specific car.

I asked and USAA said they did not do Porsche's in my area.

I haven't used them for a car buy, but I've been a USAA member for 27 years - I guess that's a testimonial! FYI, I got 6% off in Dec 06 on an 07 through a dealer - which about split the difference on Porsche MSRP mark-up.

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DANIEL

Dan, would you believe that I have been a member of USAA since 1954? A terrific company.

Norm

Been with USAA for a number of years great company for alot of services. I used the car service in CA was able to get an ordered car at roughly 4% over invoice

I have USAA for auto insurance on my cars and I used them to purchase my porsche. Great company to deal with, they always pay for damage without a wink. recently had my audi worked on. (rear bumper scratched)

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Cayman GT
369BHP 325LBSTQ
313WHP 276WTRQ
some people like the regular stock factory look, cool people modify the car.

Norm -- Well, you got me - never too old for the tomfoolery though: 356, 911, 987 ... and whatever the future holds, right?

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DANIEL

I just found out a month ago that USAA has leased out our names and personal information to some company called Zag! I signed up to buy a car and was contacted by what I thought were USAA members. However, when they called me (several times in one day, I might add), the representatives were rude, did not know what the (blank) they were talking about and lied to me about being with USAA. Further investigation, proved this to be untrue. WHen I called the number back, it was some internet company in Santa Monica. I guess...however, I got a little concerned when the rough-sounding man on the phone asked me for my credit card number???? This was a very strange experience for me! My family have been USAA members for two generations now! My dad purchased a car through USAA and did not have this kind of trouble...they (USAA) negotiated the price and told me where to pick it up!!! I do NOT appreciate this Zag or whatever company! when you get a call from one of them make sure that you DO NOT give out your credit card #. A neighbor of mine had a similar experience with the credit card request and her # was used by the guy requesting the # to make a lot of internet charges!!! Be careful.

I have been a member of USAA for many years too and have been quite happy. Although, I recently decided to inquire about auto rates with Met and the rates were lower. I quickly called USAA and they told me I was eligible for a "special discount" due to length of service. I was a little pissed but stuck with them for the lower price. As far as car buying, I attempted to use their service, but they were unable to help me out. I think they are helpful when it comes to American made cars, but foreign is a bit iffy. I would assume you could work a darn good bargain these days.

I used USAA to negotiate a car purchase many (20) years ago. My recollection is that the I might have done a little better (don't know for sure) if I was willing to go head to head with the dealer but at the time I was not in the mood and this was for a low priced car. (Honda Civic)

One thing to remember about USAA is that it is a mutual company and profits are shared with the members each year depending on how well the business did. Checks for $100-$200 are a nice bonus