Mark Shapiro was great from the first time I visited VW SM. I explained to him my interest in the GTI and Golf-R. He did not hesitate to take me and my friend on a test drive of both cars while explaining all aspects of the cars themselves and the VW deals and service. I could tell that he really loved the cars and was very experienced both as a driver and salseperson. I could also tell that he was up to date with the technology in the cars and was readily giving his honest opinion.
I got back to Mark by email with the specific specs I was looking for in a GTI and he found the ideal one for me. All the options I want with a great price tag and a perfect condition certified car. I felt very comfortable going back to VW SM and purchasing the car without really looking elsewhere because Mark had found the ideal car for me and had given me honest advice even regarding my own financial decisions.
After purchasing the car, Mark actually gave me a loaner while he made sure all details were taken care of, even tiny scratches on the rear bumper and normal wear on the rims.
In addition to Mark Shapiro, everyone else at VW SM was very nice and helpful, including Cy and Arun.

Was this review helpful to you?    Yes | No Thank you

I just got the new Tiguan SE from Fernando Luis Haro. I can't tell you how great he was, but I will try. I spent quite some time with him the last 2 days getting this deal done. I never felt rushed or pressured. When the deal was finalized, he didn't rush off to the next customer leaving me to remember what he told me the day before during the test drive. He went over everything again and made sure he showed me every detail of the car. He also said I can call him or come in any time if I have any questions. I really couldn't have asked for more.
I got a really great deal that I am very happy with. I even got to talk to the GM Marin Delgado and he was the best. Super engaged and determined that I left happy. This is hardly my first car shopping experience, and it was definitely the absolute best I've ever had. And to top it off, I absolutely LOVE my new car!

Was this review helpful to you?    Yes | No Thank you

Bridget Stennis has handled my last 3 VW leases. The reasons I always go back to her are (in no particular order): 1.) Knowing my busy schedule she worked to find me the exact car I wanted if it wasn't in stock each time, unlike other dealers who try to offer up another color or even model (as if!) 2.) She never tried to up sell me on the options and the only one she recommended is one I get every time and thankful I did when the lease is over 3.) Pricing is never a back/forth, we have a price and we stick to it and comprable if not better than other dealers 4.) Super friendly and helpful. Even offered to setup my new phone to the Bluetooth when I have it. Mind you I have already leased the car and her job can be done right then. But instead she goes the extra mile. I couldn't be happier with my new GTI or the experience :)

Was this review helpful to you?    Yes | No Thank you

I just had the most disappointed and absurd experience service from VW santa monica dealership. I normally never write a reviews but I really have to this time.

The Malfunction Indicator lamp was on about 3 weeks ago, and at the time I took it to VW downtown. They ran a diagnosis test and recommended me to drive the car for about 3 full tank of gas and see what happens. The malfunction lamp came back on, and then I brought it in to santa monica dealership yesterday.

They ran the same exact diagnosis test and charged me $50 ($95.75 to be exact because I had my head light bulb replaced). I complained about the $50 charge when I was picking up my car, but there was no one who I could talk to at the moment. The guy told me that I just had to pay the amount first, because he can’t release the car until it gets fully paid. He told me that he will let the service manager or the advisor know and have them call me next day.

I never received a single call, and when I finally called I was directed to voice mail. I left a voice mail and then still don’t get a call back. I called again to get some decent explanation about this $50 charge, and the guy basically told me that every diagnosis test gets charged $125 or so, but I was actually saving $75 or so because of the $50 deductible that I get from the warranty. Did he wanted me to be happy about being only(?) charged for $50? Ridiculous.

I’m just so pissed off that how the same diagnosis test under the same company differs by $125, and the only explanation that I get is (paraphrasing here but), it is what it is so just pay the amount? The guy was very rude and was keep telling me to call the VW downtown and ask them how did this same diagnosis test wasn’t charged at that time because it should’ve been charged. He also told me that how would the dealers make money if they don’t charge any money for every car that comes in gets free diagnosis tests. Am I supposed to call VW downtown and ask them what I wasn’t charged for the diagnosis test so that I can go back there and pay them? What a joke.

Don’t get fooled by their friendly welcoming. If you don’t know much about cars, you WILL get charged for unexplainable services and rude customer care. Don’t go there unless you really have to.

Was this review helpful to you?    Yes | No Thank you

Alex Konovalov has been my VW sales go-to-guy for 5 years. He is not only an outstanding sales consultant but has become a reliable friend. That's how it works at this VW dealership. From Chris (the newbie sales rep) to Billy and David (GSMs) to Debi and Rick (service advisors) to Paul (in finance)...it is a family that values you and your needs. I return time and time again to Santa Monica VW because of their incredible service, fair negotiations and infectious spirit. Each are completely knowledgeable about their products but also with their competition. They ensure you are completely satisfied and never attempt to exploit you, even if would be (and is) in their best interest. Though not completely sacrificial, Billy Rinker and his team are running a smart but friendly commerce...and this is without even addressing their impressive product aka their impeccable cars. In other words, Santa Monica VW is one of the reasons why VW has the long-standing happy reputation!- Johanna V.

Was this review helpful to you?    Yes | No Thank you

My total buying experience with Mark Shapiro and everyone at VW of Santa Monica could not have been any more positive. From my first visit to my last, Mark was totally welcoming, professional, and helpful. I never felt pressured to make a buying decision and really appreciated all of his insights and advice. Plus, he is so well versed on all of the special features of the VW cars at the dealership! I would highly recommend him. Thank you--

Was this review helpful to you?    Yes | No Thank you

Have been a VW SM customer since 2001 and have been dealing with Vante since 2005. Vante is the best! We are on our 7th VW lease and everything from service to sales to trade-in has always been hassle free and a great experience! Vante always takes good care of us! Thanks to Mike Berger & Chris Rinker, too..

Was this review helpful to you?    Yes | No Thank you

Bridget went above and beyond to assist me in leasing my Jetta. I contacted her from Boston as I was planning my move to Los Angeles. She essentially handled every aspect of the lease for me via email and over the phone. When I arrived she met me at the airport and drove me to the dealership where my car was ready and waiting. The entire experience couldn't have gone any smoother! VW Santa Monica is fantastic and Bridget is exceptional! I would highly recommend her to anyone. Also the ease of paperwork and financials was truly exceptional and Chris walked me though every detail quickly yet effectively. All around great job!!

Was this review helpful to you?    Yes | No Thank you

As a British ex-pat with no credit history in the U.S. (sadly the ample use that I made of my American Express in the past didn't do much to help matter once I moved to LA!) it took nearly two months to track down the car that I wanted. Then came the moment to make it a car I could afford. Thankfully VW Santa Monica were on hand!! I had great luck with my sales rep -- throughout the process, Joe Seymour was absolutely stellar. A friendly, earnest and all-around nice chap, he helped me for hours to not only track down the car that I wanted (a beautiful CPO convertible EOS) but also helped me to secure it when it looked as though another late-comer customer was trying to gazzump me! Joe's experience with my particular visa situation was an added bonus, as when it came to do the numbers, I felt that I had a great ally on my side to make my case to VW financing. Mike Burger was also extremely helpful and friendly, making sure that we worked on the numbers to get my monthly payment down to something that I could afford. A great experience and I intend to get my services at VW Santa Monica too!

Was this review helpful to you?    Yes | No Thank you

I recently signed a 39 month lease on a 2012 Tiguan, and at the signing I asked my sales person, Chris Weller, if I would need to make any changes to my insurance policy to comply with the lease terms. He told me, unequivocally, NO. Two months later, I received a letter from VW Credit Leasing notifying my that my insurance DOES NOT meet the requirements of the lease, and I have to increase my coverage. So now I'm legally bound to this vehicle, I have 37 months left on my lease, and the price tag just changed. I am very displeased with my experience here, and once my lease expires, I will absolutely not be a Volkswagen customer any longer.

Was this review helpful to you?    Yes | No Thank you