I'm actually looking to buy a 2005 Volvo s40.
I called both places for information regarding their serviecs and this is what I got.
APA:
Nice guy answered the phone, answered all my questions, stated there's a price fixing scheme going on with all the volvo dealerships in toronto, so they're not selling for less than 2% off MSRP, but he had a hookup with a dealer in Newmarket if I wanted to buy now. This scheme is actually going on at many companies right now, but he said it wouldn't last. He added the he figured in a few months things would change in order to boost sales in the spring. he explained further that the apa is a non-profit group working to help us, the comsumer with all car related questions, not just new car buying. They can assist with used car buying, consumer reports for things like winter tires, etc. Very helpful. Said that apa is full service, whereas CCC was just for new car price quotes. Also stated that the $65 annual fee covered 4 invoice quotes with buying service, not 2, as listed on their website.
Carcostcanada.
called the number listed and it was a general number for a few companys. Pressed various buttons on the phone, finally got through to CCC. Lady was nice on the phone, claimed she never heard of the apa(a little hard to believe. "who are they? what do they do?). explained $39 fee you get 5 quotes for new car prices(invoice) and if there was a participating dealer, a special buying referal service.
Bottom line. It looks like CCC is a no-frills kind of place, where apa is more a informative package when it comes to car buying and owning.
Still unsure who to try out, but for 39 or 65 bucks, you really can't go wrong for the amount you could be saving.