Austin's Auto Sales

Buyer Profile: Family purchasing a first car for a teen. Purchase Date: July 7, 2025 – Used Nissan Pathfinder. Performance Issues: By July 9 the vehicle developed violent shaking at highway speeds. On Purchase Date: July 7, 2025 – Used Nissan Pathfinder. Performance Issues: By July 9 the vehicle developed violent shaking at highway speeds. On July 11 it died in front of the dealership and had to be pushed onto their lot. After one repair attempt, we picked it up July 16, but on July 17 it suffered another major failure—smoke and leaking transmission fluid—leaving our family stranded in West Seattle. On July 22 the vehicle was towed back to the dealership by their staff. Dealer Handling: Refund was refused. Instead, we were offered one repair or a trade for another vehicle. During follow-up, staff made dismissive remarks such as “eight thousand dollar cars break” and “you should have bought your kid a better car” (to the best of our recollection). Given that this purchase was for a newly licensed driver, this was especially concerning. Their location also prevents test-drives at highway speeds, which is where the defect appeared. Communication: We sent a demand letter on August 5 (delivered August 6) and followed up in writing. No refund was provided. Bottom Line (Opinion): Not a dealership I would trust for a teen’s first car. Documented rapid and repeated failures with refusal to refund—even after the vehicle broke down in front of their store and again days later. Documentation is available upon request. More