Ever wondered if paying for car buying help actually saves you money? With dealerships notorious for hidden fees and high-pressure tactics, the Consumer Reports Build & Buy Car Buying Service promises a better way. But does this service deliver real value, or is it just another expense in an already costly purchase? Let’s dive into what you get, what you don’t, and whether it’s worth your time and money.
What Exactly Is the Consumer Reports Car Buying Service?
The Consumer Reports Build & Buy Car Buying Service is a platform powered by TrueCar that connects you with over 12,000 participating dealers nationwide. It’s designed to simplify your car shopping experience by providing upfront pricing information and access to a network of prescreened dealerships.
The service displays the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), the average price others have paid in your area, and potential member-exclusive discounts through Consumer Reports. You can browse vehicles, compare prices, and connect with dealers without leaving your home.
Key Benefits That Might Make It Worth Your While
Transparent Pricing That Saves Negotiation Headaches
One of the biggest perks is seeing real numbers before stepping foot on a dealer lot. The service shows you:
- The exact MSRP breakdown
- What others in your area paid for the same car
- All those sneaky fees that dealers often spring on you at signing
- Member-specific discounts that can lower your price
This transparency helps prevent situations where dealers try to add unnecessary charges like inflated wheel locks or nitrogen-filled tires. Users report seeing itemized fees upfront, which makes it harder for dealerships to slip in extras without explanation.
Access to Consumer Reports’ Trusted Vehicle Ratings
If you’re already a CR member, you get the added benefit of seeing which vehicles earn the “CR Recommended” badge based on reliability and performance data. This integration means you’re not just comparing prices – you’re also getting guidance on which cars actually perform well over time.
For example, vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Tesla Model 3 that consistently receive high ratings from Consumer Reports are flagged, helping you spot quality options at a glance.
Potential Savings That Could Offset Membership Costs
Members report average savings of around $3,306 off MSRP through the service. With an annual CR membership costing between $39-$59, the math looks promising if you’re in the market for a new car.
A single successful purchase could pay for your membership many times over. For example, if you save just 2% on a $30,000 car purchase, that’s $600 – roughly ten times the cost of membership.
The Drawbacks You Should Consider
It’s Really Just TrueCar with Extra Steps
Here’s something that might make you raise an eyebrow: the Consumer Reports service is essentially TrueCar’s platform with CR branding. Non-members can use TrueCar directly without paying anything, which raises questions about what extra value the CR version provides.
Reddit users have questioned the unique value proposition, noting that aside from CR’s reliability ratings, the core car-buying tools are identical to the free TrueCar service.
You’ll Still Get Those Pesky Dealer Calls
If you hoped this service would eliminate aggressive sales tactics, you might be disappointed. Once you select a vehicle, your contact information is forwarded to local dealers, who often follow up with multiple calls and emails.
Many users report being bombarded with dealer communications within minutes of using the service – exactly the kind of pressure-filled experience the service claims to help avoid.
The Final Price Isn’t Always the Final Price
While the service shows estimated pricing, it doesn’t include taxes, title fees, or registration costs. These can add thousands to your total purchase.
Additionally, some dealers still attempt to add extras once you’re in the showroom. Users have reported that despite having a “guaranteed price,” they still faced attempts to upsell services or add-ons during the final paperwork phase.
How It Stacks Up Against Alternatives
When comparing the Consumer Reports car buying service to other options, here’s what you should know:
| Feature | Consumer Reports Build & Buy | Traditional Dealership Negotiation | Free Alternatives (Edmunds, Cars.com) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Pricing | Yes | No | Yes |
| Dealer Network | 12,000+ | Limited to local area | Varies |
| Cost | Requires CR membership ($39-59/year) | Free (but time-consuming) | Free |
| Reliability Data | Integrated CR ratings | Not included | Limited or separate research needed |
| Negotiation Required | Less, but still some | Extensive | Similar to CR service |
| Pressure Tactics | Reduced but still present | High | Similar to CR service |
Real User Experiences: The Good and The Bad
Success Stories Worth Noting
Many first-time car buyers find the service incredibly helpful for navigating a confusing process. One buyer reported saving “thousands” on a Nissan Leaf by using CR’s service and avoiding typical dealer markups.
The combination of price transparency and CR’s vehicle reliability ratings gives many users confidence in both their purchase price and vehicle quality. A common theme in positive reviews is the reduced stress of negotiation and the ability to walk into dealerships with pricing information already in hand.
Complaints You Should Know About
Not everyone has a smooth experience. Common complaints include:
- Dealers still playing pricing games despite the “guaranteed” prices
- Receiving dozens of calls and emails within hours of using the service
- Finding that some dealers refuse to honor the quoted price once you’re at the dealership
- Discovering that the same cars and prices are available directly through TrueCar without a membership
As one Reddit user bluntly put it, the service “doesn’t eliminate the adversarial relationship” with dealers – it just changes how the negotiation begins.
The Hidden Costs of New Car Ownership
While the service might help with the purchase price, it doesn’t address the significant depreciation that occurs with new vehicles. New cars typically lose about 20% of their value in the first year of ownership.
Long-term maintenance costs also add up. For instance, a Honda CR-V, despite its excellent reliability rating, still incurs about $7,665 in maintenance costs over a ten-year period. These costs aren’t factored into the Build & Buy service’s pricing estimates.
Who Gets the Most Value From This Service?
The Consumer Reports car buying service provides the most value for:
First-Time Car Buyers
If you’ve never purchased a car before, the transparency and educational aspects of the service can be incredibly valuable. The ability to see detailed pricing information and understand what elements make up a car’s cost helps prevent the feeling of being taken advantage of.
Current CR Members
If you’re already paying for Consumer Reports membership for other products and services, adding the car buying service costs nothing extra. The integrated reliability ratings and the peace of mind from CR’s reputation might be worth it for existing subscribers.
People Who Hate Negotiating
For those who find car dealerships intimidating or don’t enjoy haggling, having pricing information upfront reduces (though doesn’t eliminate) the negotiation process. This can make the entire car-buying experience less stressful and time-consuming.
Making the Most of the Service
If you decide to use Consumer Reports’ car buying service, here are tips to maximize your benefits:
Secure Financing Before Using the Service
Get pre-approved for an auto loan through your bank or credit union before exploring cars through the service. This gives you leverage against dealer financing offers and helps you understand your true budget constraints.
Always Verify the “Out-the-Door” Price
Ask dealers to confirm the final price including all taxes, fees, and any add-ons before visiting. Get this in writing if possible, as it gives you documentation if the price changes at signing.
Use CR’s Resources Beyond Just Pricing
Take advantage of Consumer Reports’ vehicle reliability data, safety ratings, and recall alerts to ensure you’re choosing a quality vehicle – not just a well-priced one.
Compare With Free Alternatives
Check prices on free services like Edmunds, Cars.com, and TrueCar directly to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal. Sometimes these platforms have different participating dealers or special promotions.
Is the Consumer Reports Car Buying Service Worth It?
The answer depends on your specific situation:
For existing CR members who value reliability data and want a streamlined car-buying process, the service offers genuine value, potentially saving thousands with minimal additional effort.
For those comfortable with research and negotiation, the free alternatives might be just as effective. The core TrueCar technology is available without CR membership, and many free resources provide similar pricing transparency.
While the service doesn’t completely eliminate dealership stress or guarantee the absolute lowest price, it does provide a more informed starting point than walking onto a dealer lot with no information.
For most car buyers, especially those who find the dealership experience intimidating, the Consumer Reports Build & Buy service offers enough value to justify trying it – especially if you’re already a Consumer Reports member for other reasons.
