The man, the myth, the legend Mike was absolutely spectacular. As cliche as this sounds, I do believe God put him on my path. I was originally looking at a vehicle that was like a door down from this lot and the other gentleman was not up to par. My family and I decided to take a look at this lot and there were quite a few vehicles on the lot that I was a fan of. Mike was SUPER professional and very straightforward. I let him know what I was looking for and he met me where I was. Before the end of the day I went home with a 2013 Highlander. It has been a few weeks and I am sooo in love with my new baby. Mike even took the car I was driving off my hands. Mike is a BLESSING and I could not have left more satisfied. He was patient, kind and trustworthy. The opposite of what you tend to find with salesman. I will recommend him to anyone looking for a great used car! read more

I am filing this complaint against La Mesa Preowned regarding my vehicle purchase and the dealership's handling of my financing. Since March 27, 2026, I have been going back and forth with the dealership about my financing. I was repeatedly told I had been approved, but I received multiple letters from the finance company stating that my application had been denied. When I questioned the dealer, he asked me to come in to discuss the issue. During that meeting, he told me to pay an additional $1,000 toward my trade-in because he claimed it needed extra repairs. He also instructed me to misrepresent my income to the finance company, and I later discovered that fake pay stubs had been created and submitted without my knowledge or permission. I did not hear from the dealer again until June 11, 2026, when he demanded that I return to the dealership immediately. I informed him I was out of town, and he became upset. I later received a certified letter directing me to contact the dealership within 10 days. I did so but received no response. After hearing nothing further, I discovered that my vehicle had been taken without any prior communication or explanation. I believe I was misled throughout this transaction, pressured to participate in dishonest financing practices, and left without proper communication before my vehicle was taken. I respectfully request that the Better Business Bureau investigate this matter and hold the dealership accountable. I have copies of all financing denial letters, call logs, text messages, and other communications documenting my repeated attempts to resolve this matter and am prepared to provide them as evidence. read more

Wow- Negative experience with this dealership. I inquired about a Pathfinder, contacted Mike and negotiated the price. Mike had given me his best price for the pathfinder and then suddenly did not hear from him. Called and said the vehicle was at Nissan for a recal and told Mike to call me when the vehicle was back. I offered to put down a deposit since I had to drive 100 miles from LA couny to see the Pathfinder. Then I was ghosted. Did not hear back from Mike, no update on the vehicle and no honor on the deal we had discussed. Like other reviews state, unprofessional, no word from Mike and will ghost you the moment he finds someone else to buy the vehicle. With sooo many incentives and so many vehicles for sale, I highly recommend to try elsewhere, not worth the hassle. 12/23/2025 read more

Smooth & Easy Car Buying Experience Just bought my 2005 GMC Yukon from La Mesa Preowned last week, and it was such a great experience! Mike, the owner, was friendly, straightforward, and made the whole process quick and easy. No pressure, no games--just a fair deal and a good price. I drove away feeling really good about my purchase. Thanks, Mike! read more

We try to purchase a car for our daughter but the dealer owner was very unprofessional. He sales Bad cars! Do not buy here‼ read more

La Mesa PreOwned - . DO NOT BUY HERE!!! Save your self from disappointment! ‼ - Used Car Dealers Near Me - San Diego, California

This review is LONG overdue! When my son was maybe 2/3 months old, we knew it was time for a bigger car. I'd been searching high & low for the perfect vehicle for our family. As a new parent, something with a large trunk & safe was what we were looking for. A Nissan Rogue caught my eye on the website for La Mesa preowned & I immediately fell in love with it. The Rogue has always been one of my dream SUV's to own so this was like a dream come true! PLUS low mileage on a 2011 , two previous owners. There was some exterior damage from the previous owner including some front bumper damage, but no reported accidents. Our car came with a 5 Year discount plan through Pep Boys which we've used since purchasing the car. I contacted Mike via email after my mom sent me the listing. This was the only dealership to get back to me in less than five minutes, answered all my questions (& more), & set up a time to come & test drive the car. As soon as I saw the car & got into the drivers seat, I knew we were done with our search & I'd be driving home in my new car. The car drives incredibly smooth. Great gas mileage, clean car, low mileage. I'd also again like to highlight Mike's fantastic customer service. Not at any point did I feel pressured as I have in the past at other dealerships. He's very easy going, & really goes the extra mile for his customers. We were in & out within 4 hours (including test driving!). In the future we'll definitely be coming here for our families car needs! Thanks Mike & La Mesa PreOwned! read more

Was looking for a specific car and I found it on their website. I emailed and Mike got back to me quickly. I met Mike, test drove the vehicle and was driving off within an hour my arrival. I did finance using one of the dealerships preferred lenders and that process was quick and easy in my case. Mike was a nice guy and I personally never felt like I was being pressured into anything. I love my new pre owned car and would definitley work with Mike again. I bought a 2008 Acura TSX and could t happier! Thanks again Mike read more

Don't buy a car from this guy, it's a scam his vehicles do not operate as they should. Complete waste of money. Bought my 2008 Nissan Altima with 100,000 miles on it and this is the second time I am constantly taking this car to the shop to fix MAJOR issues. DONT BUY A CAR FROM MIKE. DONT GO TO LA MESA PRE OWNED. Save your money. I'm already looking to trade this car in and I haven't even had it for 6 months. read more

Bought a 2013 CR-V at the end of September from here. It is a used car dealership so go in with reasonable expectations. Mike did let me drive the car unattended to my mechanic in El Cajon and which was nice. He doesn't haggle really so don't expect anything I'm that regard, only knocked off a few hundred bucks despite the car being a little rough around the edges. He did mail me my tags tho so that was nice. Solid 3 stars. read more

La Mesa PreOwned - Used Car Dealers Near Me - San Diego, California

They have a good selection of cars SUVs and they are in REALLY good condition. Sales people are friendly, straight forward and very transparent. Really honest people...which is a very refreshing these days. I would ABSOLUTELY purchase future cars and refer family and friends to these guys. read more

In these times we live in .There are certain words and actions that seem to be vanishing. Perhaps it may seem like Utopian Idealism on my part.I have had an overabundance of Hard knocks in my life,Especially Post Covid., as we all have and do . It is indeed about Actions far more than words for me,my parents exemplified this for me at a very young age and i hope to do the same for my children.Especially where business dealings are concerned ,,especially in this economy we live in,we hope to find reputable and honest business in which to spend our hard earned money with Integrity,Honesty,and Character.These are qualities and actions I practice in my life.These are the qualities i look for in others and hope for in business dealings.When it cones to buying a car one hopes to make the right choice. Lets be honest here.Business dealings, car lots and especially Used Car Dealerships can indeed be a very scary experience. My car served me well and it broke my heart when it finally gave out. For the last five months i have literally been throwing hundreds away on Uber as i live i a place where there is no public transit and had to get to work! Not alot of money upfront to buy private party as i always have .The thought of car payments did not seem realistic for me. Found myself in a really bad spot ,needing a car badly and spending way too much on Uber. LIterally have been researching every possible option to get t a new car,MANY Car lots,dealerships,online ,you name it and ive been doing it. Came across La Mesa Pre Owned.LIterally read every review, checked many resources about it.Though the ratings were all stellar ,the stereo type of used car sales is scary, horror stories etc. I finally went to check it out.Not only was i not made to feel like bait in a feediing frenzy of sharks as i felt in various dealerships i went to.Mike came and greeted me, he was kind relaxed and told me to take my time and if i needed any help just let him know. He let me test drive several cars.He was informative, knowledgeable,kind and yes GENUINE.I felt it immediately. He knew i had much anxiety and hesitation, as i have never gone this route to purchase a car,and living as we all are, just getting by .One holds hope to find a genuine person , an honest car dealership,who truly wants to do the right thing ,help you get what you are looking for, work with you and actually hear what you are saying,most importantly,treat you like a person, not just their next sale. MIke did all these things and more.I test drove a car i liked,went home to truly think about it.Came back again, test drove it again.His patience and open honest communication meant a lot. He really did work with me and for me to meet my budget needs and the car right for me. I purchased the car, there were a few minor things that needed to be addressed,he did not hesitate to help me with them.Customer Service as it should be..At this point i find it so refreshing and hopeful that there is actually still good people left in the world..All the concerns of USed Car Sales can be put to rest if you go to this Dealership .Mike is a truly is a person of integrity and honesty and his actions backing up his words speak volume of his character and this Dealership I took my first real drive yesterday ,popped on some music, and enjoyed how well it ran and cant bellieve this beautful well running car is mine.Ive been struggling so long without a car in a city where you need one,.My daughter will love it! It runs Great and looks brand new,its a great car! i feel truly blessed universe led me to La Mesa Pre owned and appreciate Mike very much. While i was there i watched families who were repeat customers looking at cars .I asked opinions of their experience and all were positive. Many happy longtime customers is what this place has . But For myself and through my own experience, i would highly recommend this Dealership.The customer service, the integrity and Mike .All Stellar! You have to go here if you are looking for a good vehicle and true family feeling customer service. Thank you Mike and i know this is really long, but its important to shout out to those who are worthy of that honesty and in a world of mistrust, its nice to know there is still an honest business with great people who do business as it should be, with honesty , integrity, and actually treating people with respect.La Mesa Pre Owned.If you are in the market for a car SUV or otherwise, you have to come here..Mike has been very patient and has gone above and beyond for me to feel secure in my purchase and i appreciate it greatly! Love my new car!Thank you Mike . read more

Great Customer Service!!! Very happy with the vehicle, price and peace of mind. Normally we are skeptical dealing with small dealerships because of bad experiences in the past. This dealer is not like others, no pressure, no add on's, and no lies. Definitely buying more vehicles from here in the future. read more

La Mesa PreOwned - Yukon Denali - Used Car Dealers Near Me - San Diego, California

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The staff here at La Mesa Pre-owned went above and beyond to make sure that I was a Happy Camper and a satisfied customer. Thank you Gang!

I bought a car from them before and now one from them to be honest, both were lemons and tons of problems mechanically in the long run

I just purchased a used vehicle from mike the manger very professional and very friendly and funny guy I highly recommend to purchase a vehicle from this place read more

If i could give this place zero stars I would. I went in there to begin my very first car purchasing journey and was met with the owner. I didn't stay very long because the owner was very arrogant and rude. It was our first time at a dealer and we were just looking at the cars on the lot when the owner walked up to us we told him exactly that and it felt like a confrontation as he responded that "you're in my house now" . He then proceeded to ask for our preapproval and in a moment of hesitation I said 12,000 although I was approved for double the amount. After that the owner rolled his eyes and walked away to a new customer that came onto the lot. I did not personally purchase a car but how you treat potential customers is very important when running a business I would neither recommend nor go back to this place. read more

I was definitely scammed into buying a crappy car for way too much. The guy, made me feel so uncomfortable. i came back two times of my car after my car stopped in the middle of the street and almost got us into a car accident. i told him that if i have to come back a third time i wanted my money back. he replied, "don't threaten me!" I knew i made such a bad choice. My Bluetooth barely works (constantly disconnecting), there is a loud noise in my hater/AC, and a crack in my windshield. all of these things are going to be super expensive and i was too uncomfortable to come back to tell him about them. when you spend top dollar for 2015 car you shouldn't have to deal with all that. I think he saw a young single girl and knew he could take advantage. i hope no one else makes my mistake. DO NOT GO HERE. There is absolutely no warranty. read more

Thank God, I came in through this used car dealership Really stress free no Pressure or over pressuring to buy the car , it feels like buying car with out 10 sales people over your head at Franchise dealer. Friend of main prefer me to see Ray the owner amazing guy was straight forward no games. I'm excited I got fair deal and I'm happy with my purchase I recommend this dealer plus plus this guy Ray he will really treat you like family ! read more

I have bought a ford Transit van from Mike who didn't disclose major damage occurred in an accident. I took it to a couple of authorized Ford dealers in town and they all told me that this van is probably not safe to drive since the under frame was welded and badly too. I had to get an attorney to get my money back. Once I returned the vehicle I was told by the owner ray to make sure to release the title immediately. I saw today that the vehicle is for sale again ready to scam another unsuspecting customer. Stay away from this place. This is just how they do business. read more

We bought a car about 2 months ago and of the 2 months I've only driven it about 3 weeks. Very bad car, $1000 in on mechanic worm and I'm still without a car. We bought here because we thought we would get a reliable car. Please check car before buying there. read more

These gentlemen are amazing as is their selection. We had more than 1 car choice and they went above and beyond ensuring they were running optimally. We loved both! Our Acura choice was lit. Thanks guys! read more

Very friendly guys. I found the specific Toyota model I was looking for which they have had for a couple of months. I took it for a test drive even after noticing the two front tires were nearly bald, dash light indicated low tire pressure and visor would not stay up. I suggested they fix these items and scheduled a pre-purchase inspection with my mechanic the next day. I picked it up the next day to take it to my mechanic. They had not even inflated the low tire pressure, Results of the inspection indicated major work was needed adding up to $3,000. I returned the vehicle with the dash tire pressure fault light off, clean and smelling nice. If you see a Toyota with two nearly bald front tires, which my mechanic said is illegal for a dealer, don't think twice, run. I always do a pre-purchase inspection. The last dealer I dealt with passed inspection and I bought the car. The dealer before that was the same as La Mesa Pre Owned, $2,500 in major repairs needed! read more

I purchase a 2014 Toyota Highlander so far so good. My experience with Mike was nice. I felt he was knowledgeable about the vehicle, he also gave me some good financial tip on how to pay it off. Treated my sister and with respect answer all our question. I will be taking my vehicle into the mechanic to make sure everything is good to go. My experience was stress free and easy. I would recommend him to others. Thank you Mike for schooling me on the finance area it was very insightful. read more

Please read before you consider buying a car from here. I worked with Mike and bought a 2013 WRX from him. After asking multiple times to know if they've done any work to the vehicle or if it was modified and returned to stock they denied again and again. I decided to trust them despite the reviews. Come to find a few days the later the car had a blown turbo, bad valve seals, and a blown clutch. All in all repairs would cost me over $4000 to get the car semi-reliable. Mike said he'd replace the clutch and that was it. I was told i would get calls back and never did, I always had to call first. They buy there cars from auctions, fix them to be BARLEY drivable and sell them to people in bad situations further screwing them over. The mechanic they send you to is dishonest. I had to bring my car in on a lease at VW as La Mesa Pre Owned would not take it back. Please, please, please if you find a car you love from them take it to a trust worthy mechanic first and make sure it's good to go. Other wise there's a good chance you'll be paying the big $$$ to fix it. read more

So my daughters 16th birthday is coming up and I had to start this derided car shopping experience, needless to say i was so overjoyed about. (NOT) I had visited a few Pre-Owned lots before I stopped by here and I must say it was a great experience. I did find what i was looking for at some other location but I honestly did not feel comfortable with the Sales guy or the Management at that location so I continued my oh so fun search. I was meet with a welcoming smile and handshake by Bret and was told to go look around and let them know if i had any questions. WOW! What car place ever just lets you walk around and look without a salesmen with you. Once I drove the Honda I new it would be a great starter car. The price they had posted on the car was fair per KBB & Car-guru. At this time I was expecting to get the whole back and forth car thing but to my surprise it did not happen. I made a low cash offer knowing they would not take it but would counter back. Ray the Manager walked in and introduced himself and both Bret and Ray thank me for the offer and gave me a "The best I can do" price and it was a amazing deal on that Honda! So if you are looking for AMAZING customer service, GOOD DEALS, and HONEST car buying experience then this is place. I am still amazed on my experience at Car4Less. It was the easiest car buy experience I have had! Will recommend Friends and Family here. read more

La Mesa was a dream to work with! Even during this difficult time with COVID-19, we were able to arrange for me to test drive and have a pre-purchase inspection on the car I was interested in. La Mesa let me take the car to a shop of my choice and after the inspection, which went very well, we were able to come to an agreement and complete the transaction! The price was fair and they were so easy to work with. I will keep them in mind if I am ever in need again! read more

Beware of the dealings here. If you really want the car they have, inspect it fully, or better yet, bring your own mechanic. I bought a Cadillac STS that looked clean in the photos on Craigslist. I asked at the time about the car's condition. I was told the same line as others, "We safety inspect all our cars, and go through them to make sure nothing is wrong". So, I drove it around on the streets. Seemed okay until I got back to the lot. Smelled coolant. Should have walked away, but for the price from $5995 to $3500, figured a leak could be fixed. But the red flag was there. I was stupid and bought the car. Drove the car over 100 miles back home. Upon next day inspection, bad water pump, traction control now limits the car to 70 miles speed limit, any right turn activates traction control and stalls the car, oil leak on the timing chain cover and oil pan, a rattle in the engine likely to be the timing chains that will break soon, the car was in an accident despite being told the car was not. The front undercarriage is held up with plastic zip ties and the fender wells are torn from the car's body. The driver's electric door lock does not work unless you use a key. The rear tires are worn in the middle which means the car had some type of frame damage or serious alignment problems that causes the tires to wear in the center. Finally, the engine has developed a vibration at idle which means either the timing is getting worse or the motor mounts are bad. The sad thing is, I paid for the car in full and signed an AS-IS document. So, they F'd me on this one. After 3 repair quotes of over $5k, I basically have a parts car. They run the nice guy game and use shade tree mechanics to just make the cars driveable. No different then most flip places. At least others will wash and flip. Not these guys. Lessoned learned. If they had a conscience, they would offer to buy the car back, but I know they won't. And any response here is lip service. read more

Let me start by saying....if you're looking for a used car, this is the place to go. From the moment I stepped on the lot I felt at ease and under no real pressure. They have a great variety of cars to choose from and Mike the sales manager worked his rear of to get me the best financing for my credit situation. I was able to drive off with my new to me 2012 Prius V the same day. When the time comes to get another vehicle La Mesa Pre-Owned will be my 1st stop. read more

BUYER BEWARE!!! We purchased a used car there with a "Gold Standard Warranty" which the Warranty company refuses to stand behind since the Dealer did not "check the right box" or disclose to us that the vehicle had "after market tires" which were the wrong size and supposedly caused the Transmission to fail 16 mos. and 12K later. Everyone is playing stupid there and all they are willing to do is cancel the warranty, which will refund the money WE FINANCED back TO THE DEALER. We now have a car that is completely nonoperational and needs a $4K repair and absolutely NO COMPENSATION for THEIR "mistake". read more

My current finance company told me to reach out to a few dealers they are approved to work with, and Car for less was one of them. I applied online (all personal information included) and I guess was so unworthy of a client that they decided I didn't deserve a call or email. A month later, when they DID call it was to tell me they had the "wrong number" lol. No loss on my end because I got a car, apparently not on their end either. read more

I bought a 2010 BMW 335i, one month after purchasing my tire blew out on the freeway. Wouldn't at all recommend buying a car from this place. read more

Just bought a car here last week. Mike was my salesman and was very kind and easy to work with. No pressure. Highly recommended!!

If youre looking for a top quality car . This is the place to go . Mike made our experienced exellent no preasure at all gave us the keys to a super clean buick enclave an off we drove for a test drive ..... when we came back we signed the papers an we were the owners of that beutifull buick enclave ..exellent service .. exellent cars most recomended read more

I did not understand that I only had 48 hrs to decide to bring the car back. Pay $350.00 for restocking. I would have liked to do that. They explained that part to an old person, (the buyer), that did not relay that fact back to the driver. I asked the salesman for a car with good air conditioning, because I had to take children and animals across a dessert of over 100 degrees. The next day. After the sale, i head to the mountains to pick up kids and take them to desert. The air conditioning didn't work the whole way. When I arrived at Mts. I had to borrow a truck to used for this task. when I got back in 5 days. I told CARS FOR LESS, " I did not want this car." The blue book is $2300.00 in good condition for a 2005 Honda Element LX with miles unknown. I paid Cars For Less $7100.00 (tax, DMV, and money business) and I don't even have one receipt that shows that TOTAL amount. The sign on the car windshield in the lot was $5900.00 plus or minus. I still have the pic. Then a few weeks later, the starter went out. $700+ which I mentioned I could hear that problem when I bought it from the salesman. He wouldn't even tell me if it had an oil change. They don't like to put money into it. I also found that beyond the 35 pts. to be alerted of about the car. They didn't mention it was in a flood in Florida. I found Atlantic sand coming out of the middle of the doors. and the carfax didn't mention it was used for smuggling drugs... A syringe needle fell out from a pocket under the seat when I was inspecting the function of the seats. they didn't even vacuum the car. Just wiped it with armoral. slippin' around on oily grit all inside surfaces. with a bit of a dead rat smell they couldn't quite get rid of... the exterior plastic panels in the front were duct taped. still rattling against the mudflaps and tires when you turn it. there was more duct tape in other places. read more

What a pleasant car buying experience! While shopping for a mini van, I ran across the Cars for Less (LaMesa Preowned) website and noticed a vast inventory. They were reasonably priced but I was concerned and absolutely DREADING the uneasy-wheel-and-deal-you-pushy car salesman routine. I contacted the lot first before making the trip. I was greeted by a friendly gentleman named Mike. He reassured me the van I viewed on the website was still available. Upon my arrival, Mike was finishing up with a customer and I obshe was professional, knowledgeable and patient in answering all the customer's questions. I took a look at two minivans and with the straightforward approach of Mike and his confidence in standing by the product, we made a sale in less than 15 minutes. WOW! What a purchase. I had the car FULLY inspected and the dealership agreed, it was a van and a great purchase. Worth the trip and I got quite a deal. Way to go Cars for Less! read more

Mike and Brett at Cars For Less were friendly, professional, helpful, no pressure sales men. After no luck with Craigslist, my husband and I decided to try a used car lot. They have quality cars at affordable prices with impeccable service. We purchased a vehicle that will fit our family perfectly! We are very happy with our purchase. Thank you, Mike & Brett! read more

We are very happy with our purchase except for the fact that they miscalculated our registration fees it went from 215 all the way up to 568. When it was time to pick up our plates and registration we had to pay $353 that we didn't really have, out of pocket. A few of our tires were also in horrible condition and had to be replaced the next day after purchasing. Hopefully they are more careful with registration fees and calculate with accuracy. read more

ONE STAR IS TOO MUCH...We bought this SUV in December from Mike after being told a "brand new transmission" was put into the vehicle and "we'd never have to worry about transmission issues". One week later, the vehicles transmission went into Safe Mode and I was stuck going 35mph on the interstate. It was taken back to the dealership and inspected. Told we had a "pinched wire" and it was fixed. This vehicle"s transmission along with all gaskets and fluids burned up a week ago after 7 months while on our way to Ohio for a wedding, stranding myself with small children in Kansas! Towed to the GMC dealership and was told it was most certainly NOT a new transmission and the vehicle is will cost $5300 to fix! Called Mike and he told me it was "8 months old" and "not his problem". This vehicle was sold fraudently so I'm letting the President of the bank they work with handle this one. ABSOLUTE LIARS. read more

La Mesa PreOwned - Used Car Dealers Near Me - San Diego, California

Went in to get a specific vehicle. Really liked it. My husband took his car back to get a value for trade in and was ok with the amount. He asked to take one thing off of it as it was aftermarket and did not affect anything on the vehicle (airhorns) the service guy told him he could not take them off. My husband walked away to get his keys so he could leave the sales guy asked what happened but did not seem to take the time as he had others in his office (I get it he's making money) but at the same time you are losing a sale and a customer over something so small and so ridiculous and you don't take the time. A little sad to lose the vehicle but at the same time not as the customer service was not great. read more

Came down to Los Angeles from bayarea to see my grandmother. Since i was here i decided to check the area for a new car. Specifically a Pontiac gto. I searched craigslist and seen one in la mesa here at la mesa preowned. So i gave them a call to see if they still had the vehicle, considering the ad said its been posted for 12 days. I called, and mike answered. I asked if they still had it, he said yes come down and we'll work a good deal. So i did I took a 2hr trip from La to la mesa. I got there and seen the car. Car looked nice. Opened the door and realized there was no driver seat in it. So i asked mike and he said seats getting restitched since it came apart. I told him well lets get the seat on and ill take it. He told me car wouldnt be ready till following day, so i was furious. Since i was going back to bay area that same day. Mike then said unless you wanna take car home with no seat. I was like wtf. Why is the car posted for sale, if its not even ready. Mike had an attitude after i told him if i cant take car home today i cannot buy it. Then rushed us out of the floor where car was. Bad customer service. I had enough cash to buy it without finance. Horrible experience. read more