Originally Posted by Afterburner

Ok, this will really only work if you're in the military, are married to someone in the military, or are a dependent of someone in the military. Basically, these are the requirements to join USAA, an insurer, bank...etc. I wanted to make people aware they have a car buying service which essentially pre-negotiates incredible deals on the exact make and model you want (options and all) with participating dealers in your area.

Here's how it works:

1. Once you're a member(this was easy for me, I'm insured and bank with USAA) just log on the site and find the car buying service under the products and services tab. It only takes a few minutes to sign up if you're new.

2. Enter the make, model, and everything you want on the car. It gives you a table of the invoice prices, MSRP, and the "USAA member price" of the car and the options.

For example: I put in a 2009 370Z touring 6spd, platinum graphite, persimmon interior, sport pkg. , nav, carpeted floor and trunk, and illuminated kickplates. I got an MSRP of $40,440 , and invoice price of $37,148 and a USAA member price of $36,448. That's exactly $700 below invoice and $3992 off of MSRP. Granted it said it was the lowest price in California, which was at a dealer only 32 miles from me. There were also several other near-by dealers(within 50 miles) listed though with pricing almost the same.

These are guaranteed dealer prices on the exact make and model you chose, so its a no haggle, easy buy.

3. You're now given a list of dealers to contact with their respective offers. Basically, USAA just sends them your info with the car specifications and the pricing. I chose to contact the cheapest dealer and I received a prompt reply. They said they didn't have the exact model I wanted in stock, but could get one if need be and the USAA price would still be honored. Of course, you're still given the chance to test drive and check the car out before you buy plus look at cars with other options with the same kind of deal as long as the dealer doesn't suck.

That's really about it. I'm not going to buy until Summer 2010 since I'm currently studying abroad in London, so I don't have more information about actual dealer experience. I'm probably going to use a military credit union to get low interest rates so I don't need to bother with dealer financing.

If you're affiliated with the military this is an incredible opportunity to get your Z cheap. Or any other car for that matter. Another great thing is you can use the USAA prices as a bargaining chip at closer dealers to see if they can get you the same deal. Honestly, I'd rather give my business to participating dealers because they're giving such great support to men and women in the military.