DriveEasier vs. Costco Auto Program: how they differ
Updated
Costco Auto Program and DriveEasier both aim to spare you a long negotiation, in different ways. Costco Auto Program gives Costco members prearranged pricing at approved dealers, and you visit the dealer to buy. DriveEasier is a person who sources the car, negotiates every line for you, and brings back one written quote, for a flat $1,000.
| DriveEasier | Costco Auto Program | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A car buying and lease negotiation service: a person who works the deal for you. | A member car-buying program for Costco members, operated by Affinity Auto Programs, Inc. |
| How it works | You tell us the car. We source it from dealers within about 50 miles, negotiate price, fees, add-ons, financing and your trade-in, and bring back one exact quote in writing to approve. | You choose a vehicle and find an approved dealer near you through the program, then visit the dealer to buy or lease at the program's prearranged pricing. |
| Cost model | First call free. Full service is a flat $1,000. Dealers pay us nothing; the fee is the only money we make. | Open to Costco members. Pricing is prearranged with the participating dealers; some makes add member-only incentives from time to time. |
| Talking to dealers | We call the dealers. You sign directly with the dealer once you approve the quote. | You visit and deal with the approved dealer yourself. The program says it offers member advocacy along the way. |
Who each suits
Costco Auto Program can suit a Costco member who is happy to visit a dealer and wants a set price to start from, without negotiating the vehicle price. DriveEasier suits someone who wants the whole deal handled: the price, the fees and add-ons, financing and the trade-in, with one number in writing before they go anywhere.
Either way, look at the full out-the-door price, not just the vehicle price: fees, add-ons, financing and the trade-in are where a deal often moves. Our guide to dealer fees covers what to check.
What DriveEasier does
Buy or lease, any brand; new cars every day and used ones case by case. Trade-ins are priced apart from the new car. Within 24 hours of paying, the fee is fully refundable; after that, 50% comes back for any reason until you sign. The details are on How it works and in the service agreement.
Costco Auto Program details last checked October 18, 2026 on its own site, costcoauto.com. Programs change; check there for current terms.
Want someone to negotiate it for you?
Tell us the car. We source it, negotiate it and bring back one exact quote. Flat $1,000.