Is buying a car from MAS a better option than buying from regular dealers, in terms of price and ease of negotiation?

I've purchased several cars through the Military Sales Program from Japan as well as the UK. Several things to like about the program...no haggling over the cost of the auto...customize the options/colors as you wish...sometimes the manufacturer will have special extended military warranties above the local US dealership. If still OCONUS you can take delivery, drive it, and the manufacturer will usually ship it to the States for you. Different scenario: In the UK and Germany for sure, there are Military program dealerships so you could select a car at their dealership just like in the States. Okinawa may still have their BMW dealership as well, but its been some time since I dealt with them.

If you take delivery in the sates, they will send your car to a local dealership which has to have an agreement with the Military Sales Program. I've done this as well. When you go to register and tag your car I did not pay any sales tax or fees, just the cost of the car tag...for me in AZ it was around $10.00.

As to cost savings, it was significant. I bought both BMWs and Volvos and the military sales price was lower than the dealers negotiated price by far. The cherry on top, was no sales tax which is also a significant savings. And to boot, both BMW and Volvo had better warranties through this program.

Last advantage on my first Volvo purchase the car was being refreshed by the factory mid year...local dealerships was not interested in ordering a refreshed model which had significant electronic upgrades, but the UK dealer I went through was able to delay the factory build until my car was part of the upgrades.

The only downside is no trade-in. But the upside is a private seller should have no problems if their car they are selling has been maintained.

Good luck!!

Your best bet is to shop around at local dealers. Find a vehicle you like, keep your in mind your budget, and find who will give you the best price and interest rate. One dealer might have a better deal on a vehicle that is better priced than the one you're specifically looking for. And, DO NOT be afraid to negotiate.

I bought two vehicles through the Overseas Military Sales. I bought a Cherokee in 93 when I was in Germany and picked it up when I got back to the states. I then bought a Pontiac Vibe in 2003 when I was in Korea and picked it up when I got back to the states. I had no problems with it and kept both vehicles for over 10 years.