Active Auto Sales

I worked directly with the owner at Active Auto Sales to find the Nissan Leaf that worked for my wife and I. I had done my research and visited other dealers so knew a good deal when I saw it. Not only did I get a great price, but I got exception service and a fantastic selection to choose from. Thanks Olaf!

If you’re looking for a quality used car, definitely go check this place out. I found what I was looking for, the car was very clean and I got a fair price. Charlie and Olaf are great guys and were easy to work with. I had many (possibly annoying) questions and Charlie followed up and answered each one. They went above and beyond to make me happy, helping me further even after I’d already paid for the car. Active Auto also handles all the DMV paperwork which is a bonus and the purchase process was very quick. I would recommend them to a friend for sure!

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.

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.

We initially bought a car here, but there were some issues with it that required immediate attention. The dealer was very decent and refunded our money. Sometimes there can be problems, but that’s life — and that’s when we have the true test of people. We were very impressed and happy that the dealer made things right with us. He was human, flexible, and honest. We didn’t buy a car from them (we decided that a new car suited our needs better than a used one) but we would recommend them without reservation. They are a high quality operation offering really excellent used cars at good prices. They really do care about their customers being happy.

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.

Charlie and Olaf made my purchase of a Toyota Prius Hybrid just a snap! I feel confident and peaceful in driving it. Their services were very honest and much tailored to my personal needs on the car. The feeling of their professionalism and quality business has never been so stronger to me than elsewhere. It can be me and my friends’ top consultation for the car possession or replacement… just fine and reliable as a car dealer, Active Auto Sales is impressive!

These guys are great! They are honest and helpful. I will both return when we need another car and recommend others looking for a used car.

Olaf is one of «The good guys».
Gave me $ 2,000 more than 3 San Rafael Car dealers offered for my 07 Infiniti.
I’m assuming he was able to do that as he will retail it himself, clean it up a bit (Have bumper painted, etc.). My Infiniti was in awesome condition, service records, great service history, new tires, brakes, etc. But higher Miles. Others said «they don’t care about service records», «Just sending it off to the auction»…

great sales people even better service department

I just completed my fourth auto purchase from Olaf and team at Active Auto and again could not be happier with the transaction. If you are looking for a place to buy a used car from people who are knowledgeable, honest and fair you could not find a better place. Their prices are very fair compared to most used/​new dealers and if they don’t have what you are looking for they will try to find it for you. No pressure, no baloney, just good used cars at a fair price from some nice people. Highly Recommended!

The best experience I have ever had buying a car. Honest, fair and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Active Auto.

Olaf, please thank your salesmen for the great service. They made buying my 2008 r32 a piece of cake. Even though there was a hold up because my financing institution gave us grief, you guys rounded up a great deal with a local credit union and Olaf even drove to us to finish the paperwork! (we live in Oakland). Thanks for the the great service, no preasure sales and a very nice car.

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!

I purchased a 2002 Saab 9 – 3 from Active Auto Sales and really like the car. They are very efficient, and have plenty of nice cars to choose from. The Saab is everything they said it was except for one issue. There seems to be a problem with the ignition switch/​module. I haven’t isolated the exact nature of the problem yet, but have been given some suggestions as to how to proceed. The owner Olaf has offered monetary assistance to remedy the situation and for now I’m happy to go forward and see how the situation is dealt with to the successful repair of the car. Update: the starter finally gave out… it was intermittently not working from day one. We took the car to a mechanic in Dublin who has experience with Saab’s and it was a simple $ 500 repair really. A new starter was installed and the car starts every time without fail.

I’ve been dreading the thought of helping my daughter buy a car due to bad experiences with used car dealers in the past. Active Auto Sales might make me rethink the stereo-​type I carry around with me as I had a good experience here.
We purchased a car that was well priced without any sales pressure from Bill in the yard or Charlie in the office.
After the deal had already been completed I had to change some paperwork due to my insurance company and Bill & Charlie couldn’t have been any nicer about it even though it caused more work for them.

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!

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.

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.

I bought a 3-​series BMW here. The sale could not have gone any better. Olaf does not apply the pressure tactics, and I really appreciated that we could look at the cars without being hassled. When it came time to make a deal, the negotiations were reasonable and I feel I got a more than fair price for the car.
I would definitely buy another car here!