Can You Buy a Car From Costco? UK Guide to Costco Car Buying

Picture this: you’re weaving through the massive aisles at Costco, pyramid stacks of baked beans to one side, a glittering mountain of televisions to the other, and you get caught by a thought—could you walk out of here with a brand-new car, just like you picked up that giant jar of Nutella? You’ve probably heard wild stories from friends stateside who claim you can stroll into Costco and score deals on shiny new motors. Your eyebrows go up, and the idea sticks. But is this supermarket-car buying dream actually real for us folk in the UK or is it just another American retail legend?

Costco and Cars: The Reality Behind the Rumour

Murmurs about buying cars from Costco usually start somewhere in those mad online forums or after a mate returns from California armed with tales of endless parking lots and giant hot dogs. So, let’s get this out there: in the United States, there really is a “Costco Auto Program.” Members can access pre-arranged, no-haggle pricing on new or nearly-new cars from a range of local dealerships. It’s pretty smooth—Costco doesn’t literally sell you the car, but they set up a member-only deal with partner dealers. In 2024 alone, Americans snapped up over 500,000 cars through this scheme, and that number’s expected to keep rising.

But what about here in the UK? The short answer: Costco in Britain doesn’t offer this same auto programme—yet. Unlike their US and Canadian divisions, Costco UK focuses on retailing household and business goods rather than helping you secure a deal on a Ford Fiesta or a shiny Volvo. That’s not to say it couldn’t happen in the future, but at the time of writing—June 2025—you will not find a Costco Car Centre hidden between frozen chicken nuggets and kitchen appliances in Bristol, London, or Manchester.

Of course, Costco occasionally sells some random big-ticket items—quads, scooters, and even the odd luxury ride as a display, mostly as a one-off. But there’s no ongoing car-buying program in Costco UK warehouses where you sit down, pick your colour, and arrange finance—all wrapped up with your pizza slice.

How the Costco Car Buying Program Works in the US and Canada

For plenty of shoppers across the Atlantic, the Costco Auto Program is a bit of a cult favourite—right up there with their rotisserie chickens. Here’s how it works: members pop onto the Costco Auto website, punch in their details, and browse an approved list of makes and models. Costco doesn’t stock vehicles at its warehouses. Instead, it partners with participating car dealerships to negotiate exclusive pricing for its members. The prices are usually set below the standard dealership sticker, so you can skip the dreaded haggling session.

If you see something that fits, you make an enquiry, and then Costco connects you with a dealer in your area. The key is the “pre-arranged price”—no need to put on your best poker face, as the cost is fixed up front. Dealers can’t tack on random fees or mess around with the price. Some even throw in extras, like discounted parts, extended warranties, or money off car maintenance, just for Costco members. It’s a system that’s won fans because of its simplicity, transparency, and the comfort in knowing you won’t get fleeced by clever car salesmen. There’s even a used car and leasing option, so those not in the brand-new market still benefit.

On top of all that, American buyers often snag extra incentives—think cashback deals or manufacturer rebates on top of the negotiated price. Plus, for those interested in electric or hybrid vehicles, Costco periodically works out extra savings deals with selected brands. This all adds up to a unique car buying setup where the process is demystified, and people honestly feel they’re getting a square deal.

Is the Costco Car Program Coming to the UK?

Right now, UK shoppers can only dream about the full Costco car buying experience. But that’s not to say the British warehouses aren’t testing the waters. Back in 2019, Costco UK quietly launched a short automotive trial—selling a handful of high-end cars, including BMWs, from show floor displays. It was more of a publicity stunt than a genuine sales model. The trial didn’t stick around for long, and there’s been no word yet of a regular rollout.

If you’re hoping for change, here’s some good news: UK car buyers are open to new ways of buying. Brits are used to researching deals online, avoiding hard-selling forecourts, and even snapping up “click and collect” cars straight off their phones. With that in mind, analysts reckon the unique Costco model—exclusive deals, up-front prices, zero hassle—could find a hungry audience here. There’s already a big appetite for car buying services you can trust; companies like Carwow and Auto Trader pull in millions of UK shoppers every month.

Costco as a brand also appeals to the price-savvy, those who appreciate a bit of insider intel on a deal. If the American program’s runaway success keeps getting headlines (and let’s be honest, UK shoppers hate missing out), it’s not out of the question for a similar scheme to hit our shores. So, if this is something you’d sign up for, it’s worth sending feedback to Costco UK—member demand often nudges the dial on big company decisions.

Tips for Getting the Best Car Deals (If You’re a UK Costco Shopper)

So you can’t buy a car at your local Costco (yet!). But that doesn’t mean you have no options for good-value cars. If you’re set on stretching your money, being crafty about your approach is everything. Here’s how you can still bag a decent deal—Costco style or not:

• Costco cars may be a myth in the UK, but harness that Costco approach: bulk, value, and doing your homework. Take the time to compare prices from different dealerships, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t feel right.
• Look beyond the sticker price—watch out for hidden costs like delivery fees, admin charges, or pricey finance add-ons.
• Don’t just go direct to franchise dealerships. Try car-buying services (like What Car? New Car Buying, Carwow or Motorway) which often do the upfront negotiation for you—almost as if you had your own auto program.
• Push for extras—breakdown cover, free servicing, or at least a set of mats. Dealers are often flexible if it helps to seal the deal, especially at the end of the month or the end of a financial quarter when targets need hitting.
• With shop-bought extras, check Costco’s own auto department for replacement tyres, batteries and accessories (yes, this bit does exist). Members often save on these essentials, especially with discount codes or seasonal promotions.
• If you’re eyeing up an electric vehicle, check for government incentives, grants, and discounted energy tariffs. Sometimes car makers pair up with retailers for special charging perks—worth hunting down!
• Costco shoppers love a bit of research: dig into online forums, real owner reviews, and YouTube walkarounds before getting sweet-talked on the forecourt.
• If Costco launches its car buying programme, set an alert so you won’t miss the announcement. Early adopters often snap up the best deals or exclusive perks when a scheme goes live.

Let’s face it, Brits love a queue and a bargain. If (or when) Costco finally brings over its car buying scheme, expect it to slot right into our love of smart shopping. Until then, the warehouse is still a mecca for deals on a hundred other essentials—and the odd surprise, but for now, you’ll have to stick to picking up your cars elsewhere.