Austin Motors

You sold my contract to 2 companies. You told them I made a purchase for 2 cars. You lied. Got caught. Chet, the law is looking for you. Great scam.

We purchased a ’08 Jeep from Chet in March and have been waiting on plates and registration since. Sadly I think we’re in the same boat as Steve and Cedric. Bugger!

Worst fears 3 mos no registration and the showroom and company have left dodge. Wasn’t getting my calls returned so I drive up and these guys are ghost. Now I’m out of registration money and possibly the car if I can’t get title. Do your due diligence and look them up first in reviews before laying a dollar down.

Do you wish to be dazzled by lies told to you by cunning and charming con men? Then you’ve found your dealership. Let me give you a bit of advice in the event you don’t have a neon «sucker» sign flashing over your head: Take the car you are interested in buying to an independent mechanic. Then let me tell you what will happen: Austin Motors will tell you whatever you want to hear so that Austin Motors can sell a car. Let’s say you take the car you are interested in to a mechanic and the mechanic gives you a list of issues. Austin Motors will tell you they will fix whatever your mechanic finds… or they will give you a discount on the car… but they won’t. They tell you that they will call you with a satisfactory resolution… but they won’t. There is no transparency. There is no honesty. I promise you that this very minute, there is a severely flawed car waiting for you on the lot of Austin Motors… as they look for their next sucker to buy it (because we just had the above-​experience). I don’t even know you… but I don’t want you to have the experience our family just had.
We DO have a happy ending! At this moment, we’re happy with our new car… purchased from a REPUTABLE dealership.

I am a young female who is new to California and had absolutely no idea where to go! I looked at quite a few dealerships on Unilocal/​Google to get an idea of what people were saying. I’ve had previous experience working for dealerships in the past, so I had an understanding of how things worked. I’m really shocked at all the negative reviews on here!!! Chet and David were BY FAR the most professional and easy going individuals I have ever met. Not only were they were extremely helpful, but they put me at ease knowing I was here by myself! They both had my paperwork and the vehicle ready for me to pick up on my lunch break! Not only that, but they even had new tires put on the vehicle before I took it for delivery because the tires were bad. They were easy to work with and it was literally the easiest process I’ve ever endured in the car industry. I never felt rushed, pressured, or manipulated during the entire process. I absolutely recommend them to anyone looking :)

Worst customer service ever. I wanted to get a quote on a vehicle because the one I liked was overpriced compared to KBB. The representative pretty much insulted me and told me that car is priced correctly and that I should go somewhere else. I will never again look at the inventory of Austin Motors. There are plenty of places where you can get a fair deal but Austin Motors is not one of those places.

Please stay away… long story short he sold me 2006 Audi A3 which he said was inspected and certified by his mechanic. Turns out his mechanic missed two torn CV boots and bad CV joints, a bad fuel pump, a bad radiator and coolant sensor, a worn out wheel bearing, a faulty alarm, and tons of electrical issues. The car hadn’t even had an oil change prior to the sale! Good thing i had a 30 day warranty from Austin motors… Except the fact that the warranty covered NONE of those issues, and i had to use the secondary warranty i had purchased through my lender (Thank you USAA for being an amazing company). Then to top it all off, i bought the car in Oct of 2013 and now it is Jan of 2014 and i still have no registration, or plates. Everything about this place is awful. They are extremely charming at first, but on the backside you are on your own. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere else.
P. s. You might be saying that it is my fault for not having the car inspected before buying it, and perhaps it is. However, the fact that they would either knowingly sell a car in this condition, or trust a mechanic so daft and incompetent says all it needs to about this business.
UPDATE!!! I Just called USAA and spoke to them about the registration issue. They called the California DMV and were able to see that Austin Motors has not even submitted the paperwork for the sale or registration!!! Its been since Oct and they haven’t even begun to process the papers. Are these the kind of people you want to buy your next car from?! I should hope not!

I trust the negative reviews after this experience.
This was probably the worst customer service I have ever experienced. The owner lost his temper when I asked about maintenance records, so I lost my cool as well. He told me if I wanted to have the car looked at, then I should take it to a dealership and pay out of pocket. He also said that anyone can fabricate maintenance records, which led me to believe that he was a dishonest person. I told him that his reaction to my question was ridiculous and that it is his job to provide the information about the cars he’s selling. He told me he didn’t like my tone and that he wasn’t going to work with me. This man was patronizing, condescending, and sexist. In his lecture about disrespect (me being disrespectful to him), he also threw in that he was a cop for 15 years in Florida, as if his resume mattered or intimidated me in any way. He later tried to make amends by offering to personally take the car to a dealership to have it looked at for my own peace of mind, but only after he made significant racial remarks about middle easterners who sold cars nearby in his attempt to convince me that his shop is superior to theirs. I was not charmed by the recovery speech.
When buying a used car, please make sure to ask the questions below. If the seller reacts poorly, much like this location, then walk away. There are plenty of cars for sale elsewhere.
Questions to ask:
1) If the car is certified, can I see the mechanic’s pre-​certification inspection?
Every certified car has to go through an inspection before it can be certified. Ask to see that paperwork to find out what was fixed. It’s a good piece of paper to hold onto for future problems.
2) Who was the vehicle purchased from?
If it was a trade-​in to that dealership, ask to see the maintenance records. Tell them they can black out the owner’s name and address. If it was bought at auction, make sure it is gone over with a fine-​tooth comb by a mechanic who specializes in inspecting used cars.
3) Who certified a used car that is called certified?
The only certification that means anything is a manufacturer certified pre-​owned car. All others are insurance backed programs that I have rarely heard good things about.
4) How long of a test drive can I take?
The used car market is somewhat cold. Take advantage of it. See if the dealer will let you take the car overnight for an extended test drive. Put it in writing that you won’t put more than 100 miles on the odometer, prove you have insurance, and you’ll bring it back with a full tank (if you leave with a full tank).
5) Is a CarFax report provided before purchase?
A reputable dealership will have no problem with this. A disreputable dealership might, or worse yet, might present a doctored report. Make sure the report’s vehicle identification number matches the VIN on the used car you’re looking at.
6) What is the dealership’s return policy?
High-​pressure dealerships will probably laugh at this question. However, a consumer friendly dealership will probably give you time to rethink the purchase and at least provide you equal value. No dealership is going to offer you cash back.
7) What is your cash price for this used car?
Cash is king, even at used car dealerships. Dealers try to make money off financing, but in any market, cash should get you a lower price. Figure to cut 5% off the price. Point out to the dealer it eliminates a lot of work on their end when you plop cash on the table.
8) If the dealer won’t give you a deal for cash, ask what kind of consideration they will give you for doing the financing through them. Just make sure the rate they offer is equal to or lower than what your bank or credit union would offer.
Cash should still get you a lower price but sometimes financing can work to your advantage, too. Either way, make your money work for you towards a lower purchase price.
9) What new equipment comes as part of the purchase?
See if you can get the dealer to throw in a set of new tires. A timing belt might be a nice touch, too, if the used car’s mileage is approaching 100,000.
10) What service has the dealership performed on the used car since acquiring it?
This helps you determine what value you’re getting for your purchase. Complete overhauls mean you won’t be dealing with service repairs anytime soon after purchasing the car.
10) Do you take trade-​ins?
This makes your life a lot easier if the dealership will handle this for you. Don’t let yourself get tied up in trying to selling your own used car, especially if you hate selling.

Typical outside a military base dealership, except with higher prices. The dealer is hilarious how hard he tries to charm you and sweet talk you. Let the young Marines and Sailors make the mistake of overpaying for cars from this guy and go else where.
Typical used car lot, with the creepy guy behind the desk.

I completed the purchase of a 2005 Hyundai Sonata today and I could not have been happier with the process. I’m baffled by the angry, vitriolic reviews I’m seeing here on Unilocal (though not on
or Citysearch). Everyone is welcome to his or her own experience — it’s just that these experiences don’t match mine.
Chet is a knowledgeable, thoughtful, kind person who also happens to be a very competent businessman. He comes across as personable and no-​nonsense. He is aware of the profit margin he wants to make on any given sale and he is candid about the costs he incurs in preparing cars for sale — as well as costs he is not willing to incur. He did not volunteer information about every flaw the car had, but it’s not his job to do that. He was candid and honest about the minor flaws I did observe. He was willing to spend a lot of time waiting for me to walk through the various steps of testing and inspecting the car over a couple of days. He spent a lot of time just talking with me about the business of buying and selling cars, which was interesting and worthwhile. He offered me a fair price for the car, somewhat below the KBB retail price, which would be appropriate, since the car does not meet KBB’s definition of «excellent» condition. He provided a zero-​pressure approach to the sale. Since he owns the business, there was no nonsense about having to have a superior approve the deal. There was no flimflam about optional extras. In fact, he noted that he sells an extended warranty but advised against buying it. He actually included a couple of extras free, gratis, and for nothing, despite having no obligation to do so. A big plus to me was that he was exactly as polite and professional with my wife as with myself, which is an attitude one does not always see in car sales and service.
Chet’s staff, who include his eponymous son Austin, are polite, professional, and apparently knowledgeable about the functions they perform. Every interaction I had with them was pleasant. I certainly cannot say that about any other car dealer I have ever interacted with.
Chet himself seems to have responded to at least some of his negative reviews, but I’d like to take a moment to respond to a couple of points other reviewers have raised.
«Looks like most of the cars came from TJ» — apparently written by someone who has never been to Tijuana. The majority of Chet’s stock appears to be well out of my modest price range and in excellent condition, as well as comprising models that are not big sellers in Mexico.
«This man knows no boundaries» — interestingly enough, it seemed very clear that Chet has good boundaries. He told me that he is willing to buy back cars from customers who prove too fractious, and is willing to fire customers on the same grounds. Conversely, he did not encroach on any of my own boundaries. I am a mental health professional and I’m very sensitive to boundary violations. Didn’t find any here.
A couple of reviewers are upset about poor communication from the dealership. I had the opposite experience. My calls were answered and my emails returned. Not immediately, in every case, but certainly timely.
All this by way of saying I very strongly recommend Chet and his dealership to any person who is willing to be careful and thoughtful about their own car purchase.

Sure didn’t like the service here. Looks like most of the cars came from TJ

HORRIBLE SERVICE! HORRIBLE SERVICE! HORRIBLE SERVICE!
This has to be the worst customer service ever. So I saw the exact car that I have been looking for forever and they picked one up for a nice price. So I called and I was told to come down as soon as possible because they were receiving a lot of calls on this item. So right after work (4:30pm)I rushed down there in the Rain and stood outside knocking on the door. There was no answer so I call their number and there was no answer. I called 2 more times and still no answer. I then received a phone call from the lady who works there and she tells me that she is not in the area and will not be for the rest of the day. Also, that the other person who told me to come down was on his way to the store but it would take 30 minutes since he was driving from Oceanside. So I was already like… why did he tell me to come down here. But. anyways she even told me that I could sit at Starbucks for 30 minutes until he arrived. So I told her okay I really was interested in the vehicle. Well 30 minutes go by and then 40, 45, 50 so I call her back and ask whats going on and she says «Ohh let me call you RIGHT BACK, Ill go find out.» So I am sitting for about umm.30 yes 30 minutes and no call back. Ohh and I am standing outside their business. I call her back and she doesn’t answer. So I called a few more times and then she say’s Ohh I left you a text
!!! Why would she text me back, super unprofessional. This was a complete lie. Then all of a sudden she says «Sorry but the other person just decided to DRIVE STRAIGHT HOME!!!» I couldn’t believe what I heard. She said that I could come back tomorrow but… its not for sure if the vehicle would be there since people were calling about it. So I tell her that I have work tomorrow but I will leave If she can give me a call when I can come test drive the vehicle. She said no problem. Welp!!! I never received a call and the vehicle is still posted on Craigslist. (2001 BMW 330ci black, 5 speed). Absolutely HORRIBLE SERVICE. I couldn’t imagine purchasing a vehicle and dealing with any type of warranty issues or anything with theses people. Most sales men actually want to sell vehicles but not this time.

I had an absolutely wonderful eience dealing with Austin Motors. Chet Hernandez is a great businessman who understands the needs of the automotive enthusiast! I purchased a vehicle from him this weekend, and i could not have had a better car buying experience anywhere else. Beware all of the negative comments from other reviews… Go see Chet at Austin Motors yourself, and see what it «Should be like» to buy your next automobile. Cant speak more highly of this place!

Incredible experience from my first visit to driving off in my «new» 2001 BMW 330i. Chet Hernandez knows cars and is very honest. I hate buying a DVD player, let alone a used car! Too many choices, options, potential risk and, of course, the cost. Buying a car, until now, has never been a pleasant experience for me. I have brought 5 new and 2 used cars thus far in my lifetime. I am the overly suspicious type and do my homework. Chet is the best!
I am new to San Diego and came here less than 2 months ago from NJ. I was driving rentals for several weeks. I went to 7 – 8 dealerships looking at used cars. I also did the on-​line searches. I was loosing hope that I would find something decent. I came across a BMW that looked good on CraigsList and made an appointment to see it for the following day. Fortunately, I stopped at Austin Motors first. All the cars in the show room looked great and seemed to be fairly priced. I meet Chet and talked to him about the BMW that I was going to see. He gave me good pointers on what to look for and even offered to look at for me if I could bring it in. The next day, I test drove that BMW from CraigsList. I didn’t have to take it to Chet because of what he told me. When I showed up at Austin Motors later, I was so disappointed that the car didn’t work out. Chet said confidently not to worry because he could find me a good car in my price range. He did just that and even exceeded my expectations! It took only a few days. I saw and test drove the car when he just got it. He later did the mechanical inspections and cleaned it up. There were a couple things it needed but he kept his word on the price quote. When I picked up the car, all the bumps, scratches and such were also completely gone. The car sounded, drove and looked brand new! My co-​workers and friends all say the car looks new and they can’t believe its a 2001. I absolutely love the car! I am so glad that I met Chet. I will buy my next car from him (many years from now) and I also recommend him to all of my friends and co-​workers.

I was orginally pressured into a car from another dealership, which i wont name. In short i was not satisfied with the car, ripped off if anything. So i began looking for a car that was originally what i was looking for. So i found myself at austin motors looking at a 4dr 335i. I had been to austin motors before just to stop in and look. So i was pretty well aquanted with Chet. Anyway, Chet was upfront and honest, he told me that he just got the car in off an auction, he hadnt inspected it yet and he didnt know if it had anything done or if it needed anything. So low and behold he threw me the keys and told me to take it for a spin. The cars turbo inlet valve was on the frits, so the car went into stationary mode. I took the car back and chet took a look at it. After we found out what the problem was he had it in the shop ASAP. and when i say ASAP; the car was in the shop just as soon as he got the keys back. Chet spent over $ 600 (just parts not including maintance) to replace the inlet valve and tune the engine, he did it even after the deal was done. I have never heard of a single dealership doing that for a customer after the contract is sighned and the deal is done. ontop of that the finance company that i had a loan through with the trade in, was giving me some grief. Chet backed me the whole way, acting more like my own personal financal representitive rather then just the dealership owner i bought the car from. Any way back to the trade in, i orginally bought this previouse car for $ 14 500, being worried about loosing the $ 6000 down payment i had on the car, Chet told me not to worry and that he would give me the best possible trade in he could. Now i didnt get the full value i bought the car for, simple beacuse the previous dealership ripped me off. But Chet did give me face value off the lot, which was damn close to what i paid for. Ontop of that, since the finance company had given me so much trouble about the loan. Chet gave me a brand new pair of CSL Low profile rims with high grad tires, originally $ 1600 rims and tires. He did it for FREE… once again FREE… wasnt includeded in the contract, or any kind of agreement. what dealership can you honestly say would spend $ 2200 on a customer after the car had been sold. Honestly most of these people writting negitive reviews to this dealership havent even done buisness with Chet. They are only angry beacuse Chet wouldnt do buisness with them. Its safe to say ive gotten to know chet well enough to know that if something is up, he wont do buisness with you. Simple beacuse he doesnt have too, and why should he? If he knows somethings up and you cant afford a car your looking at then why would he go trough the trouble of having you look at the car. And how can you judge a dealership that you have never actually been too? some of these reviews are just rediculous. Scam artist? Liar? Rip off? People look at the actual REAL reviews people have left. Most of them are all 5 stars. If any of you have any questions or concerns, read an interview from a person thats actually done buisness with the guy. Keep up the good work Chet i truly hope your buisness grows. And i hope you get better quality of people coming in and out.

Steer clear of this place. The owner/​operator Chet will attempt to charm your socks off –this man knows no boundaries. In an attempt to gain your trust he will tell you that he’s an ex-​cop.
When it comes down to closing the sale he will say anything to get your business – in fact, he told us numerous lies to make a sale. Be very careful and do not trust what this man says, little of which might be true.
He lied to us about the pricing (said tax and license was included), he told us the car had newer tires (it didn’t), he told us the car had xenon headlights (it doesn’t), He told us he’d ship us a new stereo becuase the installed one was faulty (he didn’t).
In our opinion, this man is dishonest and not capable of being trusted.
Don’t just walk away from this place —run! Learn from our mistake!
I wish we had seen the previous Unilocal comments before we visited Austin Motors!

I got a great car for a great price. A check engine light came on a few days later and Chet said he would take care of it… And he did! This is a great place with great cars at great prices.

So I am looking for a car and I see one I like. Call them guy picks up and says they have it. I didn’t hear his name exactly but he gave me his personal cell phone number and told me to come check the car out on monday because the car is in the shop to fix something. The next day I call to make sure he doesn’t pick up. I text him he doesn’t respond. Just wanting to know whether to wait or look somewhere else. On Monday today I call him he doesn’t pick up I text him he doesn’t respond. I call the main number and the girl who answers says it is sold. Grow up and just answer a simple question to avoid your possible customer unneeded waiting. Should have known after the other reviews.
UPDATE**
Let me just clarify since he obviously does not get the whole point of the review. One of the customer service workers, maybe even him gave a personal cell phone number. He said he had the car and it was in the shop. I then called the following day when asked to multiple times that day and was being intentionally clicked on. My review is for the indecency and unprofessionalism of him and his staff. A simple no would have been sufficient.

Okay… so here’s a review that no one can dispute… WARNING!!! Chet Hernandez sold my car for me and here’s how it went… he sold the car, WITHOUT HAVING LEGAL OWNERSHIP OF THE TITLE (seeing as how I’m not a car dealer and knew nothing about dealer ethics and business practices and yes he WAS my friend I trusted that this was okay)!! Not only did he sell my car without having the title but he also kept the 6k he got for it for over TWO MONTHS after it was sold even though I asked him for it over and over and over. Because of this I could not get the bank to release the title (again because he offered to do this for me when he was my friend I assumed it was fine… that is my mistake… however he knew better) and I had to pay two car payments for TWO MONTHS! This also means that the person he sold my car to was driving around in it with it still in my name because he wouldn’t give me MY money for MY car. This customer was also constantly having to ask him for the title. For all of you posting trying to boost his ratings and flag my posts… what happened was NOT OKAY or even LEGAL! He knew better. He did it anyway. I will be filing a report with the BBB and the DMV regarding his selling practices. Have a great day.