If you want a car that has an engine that nearly fell out the bottom of the car a month and a half after you bought it go to this guy! My brother just bought a Mercedes from him. He was told that the car was just checked out and it'll be driving fine for thousands of miles without requiring an oil change or check up.. the only defense of the circumstances is that my brother did not immediately have the car checked out prior to purchase. I forced him to take it to AAA and they told us that the engine and the transmission mounts were completely shattered, and the engine could literally wobble out out of the car and that this damage had been there for years. Now he wants my brother to pay $500 to have it repaired. Yes this guy is serious and he doesn't realize that his car dealership days are at an end. He just doesn't know it yet. read more

I just bought suv today with extended warranty. The owner and his wife very nice and honest people. read more

the selling process was really easy. Olaf and Tina were very friendly , easy to deal with and helpful . I had a long drive test with Olaf. the onlz thing is that when i picked up the car , i noticed 2 obvious small scratches on the car that i did not not see before when I looked at the car in details . that brought a small frustration, they shoudl have told me read more

We had some vehicle apprehensions and scheduling complications and throughout the process Olaf was patient, informative easy to work with. He provided good suggestions on financing as well. We've been driving the car we bought here for two weeks and we are very happy. read more

I highly recommend this place! Over the years we have bought 3 cars there and every single time, had a great experience. I love how there is no pressure! read more

Had a great experience with finding a car on the lot . Olaf and his wife were so kind and helpful to my husband and I . Would highly recommend anyone to go there . read more

I bought a car from Olaf, the owner, a few years ago so this review is long overdue. Fair, trustworthy, goes out of his way to hear your concerns, I highly recommend Active Auto Sales. For the best deals and keeping promises if there is a problem, who does that now, without a complicated $$$ process. If you want to buy, consign or sell your car, there is no one else in the car business used or otherwise fairer than Olaf. read more

After my car was totaled by an oncoming vehicle, I needed a vehicle. The 2 new sales guys (Ali and Brent) who helped me look at their inventory were nice- and new to the business. They sold me what I thought was a nice '18 Volvo, that as soon as I left the lot I realized the AC wasn't working in. On an 85 degree day in July. I brought it back to them and they said 'Oh easy fix- the car just needed Freon'. When I picked up the car again, Ali told me 'Keep it on level 2 of 4- that's what will work best- you can return it within 30 days with no issue'. I should have just returned it then. Just after 30 days, the AC is defunct again (blows HOT air), and ZERO response after multiple calls to Brent and the main office. No one answers the phone at the office, no one calls you back. Horrible, HORRIBLE way to run a business. I will also say that the other Volvo I looked at there had a giant pile of hatching fleas in the back seat - absolutely disgusting (do they clean and actually test these vehicles before putting them on the lot?!). This feels like a wing-it operation and I'm resentful that I spent good money on a car that doesn't have one of the most BASIC functions a car should have. In the dead of summer. Thanks for nothing. read more

Olaf, Charlie, those guys are helpful, knowledgeable, and honest. Get your used car here, for your kids starting to drive or otherwise. They aren't pushy and annoying like car salesman. Great experience buying our Used Car there. read more

Olaf gave me a great deal on the 2005 Jaguar XK8 and made the purchase a stress free process. The car is in excellent condition and I am extremely happy with it. read more

We just purchased a VW Jetta Sportwagen. The owner Olaf and his wife Tina were a pleasure to work with. My understanding is that Olaf is a life long mechanic who strives to keep his lot full of fairly priced used vehicles, primarily European models with a few Japanese and US vehicles. read more

I had a nice experience shopping here. Charlie was very helpful. There's an interesting variety of very decent looking cars on the lot, and while I didn't quite find what I wanted, I could see myself buying a car here in the near future. read more

We found Active Auto through a web search for a couple of models, both of which Olaf had on his lot with the rough year and mileage requirements we thought we might be able to manage at the upper end of my college-age daughter's budget. We had a great experience throughout, paid what we felt was a fair price for the vehicle and both Olaf and Charlie were great to work with through the test drive and paperwork process. We would use Active Auto again the next time we're in the market for a used car. read more

Stopped by Active Auto Sales today with my girlfriend for the second weekend in a row of car shopping, following a collision that totaled her car. Needless to say, neither of us were expecting she'd be in the market for a new car, or really prepared to spend our free time scouring the area for an affordable, fuel efficient car with low mileage. After not finding anything we liked over the previous weekend, the search was narrowed down to three cars, and we made our way over to Active Autos to check out the "choice number two" vehicle on the list. Ron was helpful with letting us check out the car, we took it for a spin, and she absolutely loved the feel of the car. We talked a bit, and he was generous enough with wiggle room on haggling without being too persistent that we make a decision right then. We went on our way and checked out the next car at another spot. Something a little newer, with comparable mileage, at a little bit of a lower price. We took it for a spin, but after talking and looking at the car's history, found out we couldn't talk them down on price, despite the car being involved in a prior accident. Thus, the car at Active Auto Sales was the choice to be made! Ron and Olaf were both helpful in completing the transaction and offering additional information on things like warranty and financing. In our search for cars, I've noticed the places with cars we liked lacked customer service, and the places with great customer service lacked cars we really liked. Active Auto sales provided us with both: a great car with great customer service. I'm so excited that my girlfriend has a new car she's proud of and happy to drive. Thanks, Ron and Olaf! read more

I did not buy a car from Olaf at Active. Regardless of not having made a purchase, this was probably the best experience in my whole car shopping venture, this time around. The good: 1. Virtually no hassle 2. Sales associate brought me coffee from Peets down the street, while i was waiting, and he, and the owner were busy. 3. They took my id and let me take the car for a ride without chaperoning me, like a 13 year old retarded girl on her first date. 4. Not too much annoying used car dealer vibe. The Bad 1. The car i came to look at - as carfax later revealed, had a bad collision. 2. The owner was a bit flustered, when i called out some shoddy repair work from the collision (he wasn't aware of the history). 3. The owner tried to talk around the shoddy repair work. 4. The owner didn't offer to drastically drop the price when this info came up. 5. Also please note - I do believe that the owner may not have been aware of the cars history when HE purchased it. Having tried to buy a car from an auction - it did seem to me like it was a bit hard to do the proper research on any given car. The Ugly 1. Actually there's nothing egregious here. I wish used car dealers operated differently. I wish used car dealers took their accepted (transparent) cut, and provided a service to the general populace. That is not Active's fault. That is the business that they're in. And its an ugly business (with an ugly reputation). Why 2 stars? Two stars is because I have experienced better. Specifically when i bought my previous car. read more

I feel bad that it has taken me this long to write a great review, because these folks deserve it. They went above and beyond, truly, to meet my needs. Very knowledgeable, zero pressure, and after one sale, i feel like I have friends in the auto sales business....I could not recommend them more highly! Wonderful to deal with!!! read more

Charlie was amazing. He had such great energy and was super sweet. Would definitely buy from him again!!

I've heard a lot of horror stories about used car shopping but none of them hold up at Active Auto. These guys were great - straight shooters, very accommodating and helpful, answered all of my questions when possible. The car I initially went to see had some foggy notes in the carfax but that was not the fault of the dealership - they can't fill in what they don't know. I ended up driving away in a different car that is several years old but has a very complete maintenance history. A week later I'm still happy with the purchase. I took it to my own mechanic yesterday for an inspection and they were surprised by it's stellar condition. If you are on the fence I definitely recommend at least paying them a visit. Thank you Olaf & team! read more

A few months ago I purchased a Mini Cooper S from Active Auto sales. Both the salesman and owner were wonderful. I felt no pressure from either one. They have a large selection of Mini Coopers at great prices. read more

I had and excellent experience with Olaf. He sold me a 2012 Audi Q5 and while it wasn't a great car, Olaf advised me to also buy a car warranty. He looked at me directly and said, "believe me, if you are buying a German luxury car, you want to have a warranty." I had my mechanic review the coverage before buying it, and my mechanic said the coverage looks great. A few months later I made my first claim and have since made several claims after that. Olaf took care of me and it turned out to save me thousands. read more

I would have given them one star, but I have to admit they have a lot of cars for sale. However, when I made an offer on a car. I assume that being a dealer and listing cars for sale they expect people to attempt to purchase them. During the purchase process an offer usually inserts itself somewhere, however, the sales guy (older sloppy long hair with a beard) would have none of it. Would not consider an offer. so I asked him is the price firm? he tells me the car is a consignment. So i ask him if he would make the offer, he says NO! So you are thinking my offer must have been ridiculously low, not so. The car was listed for 12K I offered 10.5K. Ok so I left. I called the dealer and asked about the car. the guy that answered said they had a lot of interest in fact someone was test driving it at that moment, problem was I was looking at the car parked in the lot as he was telling me it was on a test drive. This dealer is untrustworthy, I recommend you avoid them, there are plenty of polite car dealers that don't resort to petty lies. read more

I hesitate to say that I'm a "fan" of any used car dealership but my experience at Active Sales was a surprisingly pleasant one. Just keep in mind the caveats mentioned below. Saw an ad that the posted on Craigslist for a high mileage but late model Mercedes that I was interested in buying which looked good from the pics on Craigslist and their website. Stopped by to take a look at the car and it was in surprisingly good shape; a few minor problems but not as many as I found on CPO cars of the same or later vintage offered at MB dealers elsewhere. Took a test drive. The car ran and handled well and, not noting any major faults, I was ready to make a deal. The car was already offered at the low end of Kelly, much lower than similar cars, which typically is a red flag but I did not find anything obviously wrong w/the car. The CarFax provided for free on their website was good and they had fairly complete service records for the vehicle. So, I wasn't particularly worried about the condition of the car. However, since it was priced so low I didn't expect there to be much flex in the price but it was clear that the car needed new tires (estimated at $1k) plus an upcoming service (about $300 for the basic service needed), which the sales manager Charlie agreed were issues. The car was actually a consignment -- apparently they have a lot of them. Offered them $1.5k below the ask and Charlie had to call the owner dealership, who called the owner of the car to get her to agree to a lower price. Came to an agreement at $500 off. No big deal in terms of the price but it was one of the easiest negotiations that I've ever been involved in with a car purchase -- and I've been involved in many. Charlie did the paperwork, I gave him a down payment/deposit subject to getting a check for the balance from my credit union to be delivered at the time of pickup later in the week. The car was ready when I got there, gave Charlie the check and drove the car home. It doesn't get much better than that. My deal was handled in a very straight-forward and business-like manner. I don't believe that I was lied to in anyway but when you deal with any used car dealership -- especially those small independent lots dotting the streets near larger dealerships around various communities in the Bay Area -- you need to keep your guard up. You need to do your "due diligence." You need to know exactly what car you want and what a reasonable price to pay for it will be. You need to know what a car in "good condition" looks, sounds and handles like. You don't need to be a mechanic but you need to be able to assess a car's condition before you even step onto a used car lot. If you don't have such knowledge or experience, then bring someone with you who does. If you are properly prepared, I think you will be fairly treated at Active Auto Sales. They won't try to cheat you but I don't think they'll try to help you overcome any weaknesses in knowledge or experience that might put you at a disadvantage in assessing the quality of the car you are looking at or in negotiating a fair price for the vehicle. No auto dealer will. As in any auto transaction, you have to be willing to walk away if the car and/or deal just doesn't "feel" right. That didn't happen in this case. The car I bought was in very good shape for its age and mileage and the price paid was very reasonable. So, I was quick to make a deal and not disappointed in the result but I think that my experience in buying/selling cars frequently made this outcome more likely than not. Someone less experienced in buying a used car may not fair as well. Caveat emptor. read more

In August I bought an Audi A3 (from a different dealership) and I absolutely LOVED it. Not two months later I get rear ended and it totaled my new baby. I actively looked for a replacement and found one practically identical at Active Auto Sales. From the very first call I made, Olaf and Dave were so helpful and understanding . They gave me a killer deal on the car, which was really nice because I've been jumping through hoops with insurance. Olaf is a European auto mechanic so he was really helpful and knowledgeable with all my questions. Dave was so nice; I was a little finicky with my meet up time / day and he was super accommodating. The whole process was easy, quick, and pleasant. Great people great service. They also have a 30 day warrantee for free out of good faith and that seems like a good deal to me! I'll be a return customer! read more

Terrible. Lots of cars, but don't waste your time. I went to look at a car. Wouldn't even entertain an offer of 900 under their asking price. All cars are listed at the high end of blue book. Just a piece of advice, if you want top dollar, have top end cars. Car still had trash from previous owner in back seat, has never been detailed, and doesn't appear to have even been serviced. Take some pride in what you are selling. read more

I wanted to wait a while before writing this review to see if my car would just suddenly explode a few months on, the experience I had was so eerily good that I was fearing something that terrible would happen (I'm a born pessimist). I bought a 1999 Mercedes e320 wagon from Amir. It was completely no-pressure, and the most honest transaction I think I've ever had. I got the car's service records and got the old mechanic's name. I've had this car for five months now, I've taken it on some long road trips and I commute a good 20 miles every day. It's in extremely good shape for a 17 year old! I feel very safe in it. Everything--from the heated seats to the 6-cd changer--still works like almost new. Considering the shape it's in, even for a car with 230k miles on it (which is nothing for a Benz), the price was very fair. I doubt I'll be looking for another car anytime soon, but these are the people I'd go through if/when I finally do. read more

This review is long over due. But nonetheless, I wanted to put in a good word for Charlie and Olaf for making our first used car buying experience so comfortable and with confidence. The communication leading up to our appointment was very prompt and informative. The prices are honest - we've looked everywhere for the same make/model and year - and I want want to emphasize - they have the most competitive prices for the best condition car - including exterior, interior conditions and quality of drive. Charlie and Olaf were helpful with any information they had, and honest if they didn't know something. I didn't feel like I was being pushed one way or another, and I find this to be a very exceptional experience with regards to buying a used car. I also wanted to add, I appreciate the multiple pictures they post on their ads. So you know what to expect before committing to going to go see the car. This prevents wasting their time and our time as well. They also have carfax reports and of course smog check papers, and will process the car transfer paperwork. The whole process was very transparent, and you're given all the facts to make the right decision for yourself. I would definitely come back here as my first choice if I were ever in the market again for a luxury used car, and be more than happy to recommend them to anyone who's looking. read more

I recently purchased a Saab 9-3 from Olaf and am very happy so far. I visited Active Auto on a few different days for multiple test drives and was given the keys to drive solo. Everyone that helped me on the different days was very nice and low key. The car has been great so far and I got what I felt was a fair deal for both the price of the car I was buying as well as my trade in. I would much rather give my business to places like Active, where you are dealing with the owner directly and he is about as nice as a businessman can be in the car business. Olaf came across as nice, honest and having kept his integrity while working in a tough business. I purchased all previous cars from large dealerships and have generally stayed away from small used car lots because of shady practices. Olaf is not like that at all. I think he buys quality vehicles and this greatly reduces any need for him to cut corners or deceive. Anyway, my experience was great, and I plan on sending future business his way. Oh, and about the car, I love the 9-3 but am now considering buying the larger 9-5 for myself as my girlfriend is in love with the 9-3 and wants it! read more

I recently helped a close family friend buy a Mini for her daughter who is moving out to CA. We saw an ad for a Mini that would fit our needs on Craigslist. I called Active Auto up and spoke with Charley who answered all my questions. I wanted a pre-purchase inspection done so he recommended a mechanic nearby who turned out to be great. When we arrived Charley figured out who I was and remembered my name from the day before. He had the car all set out and ready to go. Long story short, we had nothing short of a fantastic buying experience. The day we were up there, Charley was single handedly running the entire dealership himself (helping multiple customers, answering the phone, etc) but he still managed to make it a pleasant experience. He was informative, personable, efficient, and exceeded all our expectations. We also bought a warranty through them as well. They sell AUL warranties which are known to be the best aftermarket option on the market. I've had 2 AUL contracts and couldnt be happier. I would highly recommend working with Charley at Active Auto if they have a car you're interested in! read more

Purchased a 2013 Nissan Leaf. A seamless and simple experience. It's always nice when you aren't stuck with someone trying to hound you about what your monthly payment should be and whether you should go with their financing when you're already financed. These guys had (and will probably continue to have) the best stock and prices on used Leafs in the Bay Area. Friendly, prompt, and helpful service. Their price point is honest, so don't expect to haggle; you're probably already getting a great deal. (We got a couple hundred bucks off for USAA discount.) Not a whole lot else to say -- most seamless and friendly car purchasing experience I've ever had. Kudos to putting up an honest and friendly used car shop. read more

My 23 year old daughter went to Active Auto Sales to purchase her first car on her own in July as they had a Nissan Rogue she had been looking for. I was proud of her for going on her own, unfortunately, she was taken advantage of. At the beginning of October she realized her temporary paper license plate was about to expire. She contacted the dealership to inform them that she still had not received registration or license plates. After several messages left with Dave (who continuously acted like he knew nothing about it) she was finally able to get ahold of Olaf. She was given a story about the previous owner must have forgotten that he had lost the title & was supposed to be filing for lost title at DMV & was supposed to give it to them. A couple more weeks pass, still no response, my daughter is now worried about driving around with no license plates or registration in her name. She called again yesterday very upset & threatened action against them. So today, while my daughter was at work, my doorbell rings, a gentleman hands me a set of license plates and registration & leaves. I look at the tags & they are 2019 stickers that expire on November 12!!! Look at her paperwork, she was charged $285 registration & license fees! I see that they had to pay back registration that expired 11/12/2016! So apparently they think that even though they already charged her for registration through 2020 on her contract, that somehow she should have to pay again?? I haven't even mentioned the "optional" things she was charged without even knowing what they were! Does not make sense! I was also shocked to see them having an overall rating of 4 stars, when I looked at so many "unrecommended " reviews that were majority very negative. read more

My experience with Active Auto Sales was a positive one. I first saw the ad on Craigslist and called them up to let them know I was interested. David was the one to pick up the call. He was nice and courteous. I have never bought an used car before and I was a little nervous going in. David made the whole thing a pleasant experience. They did all the paperwork, so I didn't have to go wait in line in DMV myself. About two weeks after I bought the car, I got the license plate and title in the mail. It is a lovely feeling. Thanks! read more

Active Auto Sales - Car Dealers Near Me - Novato, California

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Bought a very hard to find Saab here at a great price. Olaf, as described, is a low-key, no hassle guy. No strong arm pitches, doesn't ask to hold on to your keys, or anything like that. You can test-drive essentially at your convenience, with no ride-along. Seems to specialize in SAABs and maybe Minis. For the record, the car we purchased has been great; one problem, covered under warranty by a local dealer. I'd totally do business here again. read more

My husband and I just purchased a 2007Jeep Cherokee from Olaf Becker at Active Auto Sales. We couldn't be happier with our beautiful car, and and the overall buying experience was very positive. Mr. Becker is courteous, honest and forthright. Not once did we feel pressured or subjected to a sales pitch. His cars are competitively priced and an excellent value. No wonder Active Auto Sales has superior ratings in a business that often lacks customer trust. If you are in the market for an automobile, give this dealership a try. You won't regret it. Sylvia and Richard W. read more

I would give 0 stars if I could. Don't waste your time. My family purchased a car here for my sister and within 300 miles of driving it the engine blew. We tried getting in contact with the shop and Olaf, who sold us the car, many times but have yet to receive a response. The repairs have now cost us almost half the amount we paid for the car. I would NEVER advise anyone to purchase a vehicle here. Save yourself the time and money and go to a real professional dealership!!! Worst experience I have had buying a car!! read more

Olaf was great. I'm in love with the MINI Cooper I bought. It actually exceeded expectations and the price was below KBB. The shopping experience was pleasant, no high-pressure sales tactics at all. If buying a car could be a pleasant experience, I'd say this was! They have a large inventory of nice cars and are great to deal with, even post-sale. read more

Could not be happier. We have purchased two cars from Olaf and team, and they are so helpful, kind and have a great inventory of used cars. We'll be back again for sure! Thank you, Olaf and team! -Steve read more

I bought a Jaguar XK8 from these guys from an online advertisement. The positives: They were very pleasant to work with, and quite helpful with the transaction and arranging shipping. I've been quite satisfied with the car for the price I paid and haven't had any issues with the vehicle after driving it about 1500 miles this summer. The negatives: Very little, except that I asked them to inspect for any prior body work. They did point out a small dent on the door, took photos, and sent to me. When I got the vehicle it was evident that one fender had been repainted and had some body work, and the clear was showing some small spider web cracks. It may just be my trained eye that spotted it and they missed it. Either way, I believe these guys try hard to keep nice vehicles on the lot and satisfied customers. I will check their inventory next time I'm in the market for a used sports car and thank them for a pleasant experience. read more

They don't don't deserve even one star! Save yourself the frustration & agony. Bought a Volkswagen from these guys & only put 313 miles on it, & was in the shop with damages costing half the value of the car!! The owner Olaf won't even return my phone calls or emails. Do you want this to happen to you? Go to a real dealership. read more

Bought a 2013 Nissan Leaf SL in January 2018 Sale went though well - they tried to charge me a doc fee of $65 - Luckily I am out of state (and Country) and I said I was not needing any extra paperwork done. This was the first red flag. After I got the car shipped to me, it was missing parts. Antenna, Instruction Booklet, and some interior trim pieces. Luckily the auto-shipper took pictures, and showed it missing when he picked it up. The car was also 6 years old, with the original tires and battery, which was needing replacement to pass a new to country (Canada) inspection. Dealer said it's used, so sorry. He did offer to replace the missing parts. Worst of all, the car had an airbag light on. The passenger sensor was bad, and needed replacement. This takes over 3 weeks to get in stock, and I am stuck waiting. These guys do have good prices and car in stock, and will sell you the car. But double check to see if ther car is missing any parts, any check engine light are on, or any airbag lights. Feel free to email / contact for more info. read more

I spent the better part of 2 weeks searching for a good condition used car. I went to every dealership in Napa, Vallejo, Fairfield, and Vacaville. I dealt with the slimiest car dealers, the worst sales people and questionable cars, and trade in offers thousands below KBB trade in value. I finally found what I was looking for online at Active Auto Sales. Olaf and Charlie were excellent to deal with. They both know about the cars they are selling and are just regular guys. They are not your typical used car salesmen. They gave me more than anyone else would on my trade in, they paid me more than KBB trade in value. A+ there. The car I looked at was the best priced I could find in the area by several thousand dollars. Almost new- had super low miles and great condition. There was a small error in the paperwork where he over charged me for a tiny amount- really nothing is $$$, but he gave me cash right out of his pocket to make it right. I mean really, c'mon what kind of dealership would be so honest and easy to work with. I will be contacting them when its time for my wife to get a newer car. read more