My experience started off positively. Mo came across as professional, helpful, and understanding of my situation. I felt like I could trust what he was telling me. He explained that the deal I was getting on the car was basically my only realistic option due to my credit and the $5,500 down payment, and said he had to "pull strings" to get it approved. He also mentioned that applying elsewhere would likely result in worse credit outcomes since my credit had already been checked by him.
However, once the paperwork process began, things felt rushed and not fully explained. The vehicle was listed at $17,500, but the final price ended up being over $21,000 due to several added fees that were not clearly discussed at the time of signing. These included charges such as anti-theft protection, appearance protection, and multiple warranty fees (which I later discover that it's just ally insurance-they made me buy separate insurance on top of that insurance). During signing, it often felt like pages were being pointed out quickly with little opportunity to ask questions.
There were also inconsistencies regarding the vehicle's condition and history. I asked about recalls shown on the Carfax, and I was told they had been taken care of. Later, I found through my insurance account that the recalls were still listed as open. The paperwork also included a statement saying I acknowledged open recalls, which contradicted what I was verbally told. Additionally, I was told that reported frame damage was minor (scratches/dents according to Mo) but the vehicle feels unstable at higher speeds, swaying and shaking significantly on the highway making it difficult staying in one lane.
Other issues included undisclosed charges such as a mileage adjustment fee of 310, as well as discrepancies in the odometer history (the car reportedly last showed 43,943 miles but was sold showing 40,960). I was also told I could call a number provided in the paperwork to obtain a second key, but when I did, I was informed that the dealership should have provided it directly.
The explanation of the contract cancellation option was very brief and rushed, and I was encouraged to sign a waiver declining it with the comment that most people don't use it anyway. At one point, I was also asked to leave a positive review before leaving, which felt pressured (I left a positive review upon leaving, then once I went over all documents and the vehicle started having issues, I edited accordingly). There was also confusion involving insurance arrangements through a referred contact. I was told to send additional money via Zelle to complete payment, but later received documents labeling that amount as a "broker fee" rather than part of the insurance premium, which was not explained at the time. The payment was then returned to me with the condition that I remove the negative review from google.
Mo also knew my trade in vehicle was located in San Diego, however, he told his towing guy that it's in Oceanside. The towing guy told me he went to Oceanside for the vehicle already so I will be charged more for the towing. Mo is also not responding to any of my calls or messages. He's communicating through his towing guy and insurance guy.
Overall, my experience felt rushed and not fully transparent, and I feel as though I was taken advantage of due to my situation. I would not recommend this dealership based on how the process was handled.
Note: the place is not permanently closed they just don't want to take accountability for the horrible reviews on Yelp.
They also clearly bribe people to write good reviews on google and bribe you to remove bad ones. The bad ones on yelp are a more accurate representation of this dealership. read more