California Motors Direct - Santa Ana

This dealership takes down Google reviews! ⚠️TL;DR: Stay away. Friendly service and low initial pricing are just a trap. Despite an almost 800 credit score, $2.5k down, and a trade-in, they ⚠️TL;DR: Stay away. Friendly service and low initial pricing are just a trap. Despite an almost 800 credit score, $2.5k down, and a trade-in, they lowballed my trade by $2k and tried to lock me into a 75-month loan at nearly 14% interest making an $18k 6 year old car cost more than my brand new car's MSRP. To top it off, the manager snatched the pricing sheet away when we asked for privacy to discuss it. Go elsewhere. ⚠️ The whole story: Called and made an appointment same day and made the drive out to see a 2020 Mazda 3 I was interested in. Looks like a decent place with decent people but don't fall for any of it. Came to this place specifically for one car I was interested in that was priced lower than anywhere else which should have been a red flag in itself. My girlfriend and I go inside and we meet with the salesperson who I spoke with on the phone. We were sat down and they were attentive while we waited for the car to be pulled up. Gave us waters while we waited and showed us where the restrooms were. Once the car was outside we checked it out and went on a test drive. The car was not clean, had little gas and the tire pressure was not where it should be. Not a good start already. We start the drive around and car feels fine and drove good. Stopped at a parking lot elsewhere to examine further then headed back to the dealership. Once back we sat down again and I gave them all my info and they checked out my car which I planned on trading in. Salesguy came back in and forwarded everything to his managers. Waited for a very long time meanwhile and chatted with the Salesguy who seemed like a good guy. Told us about himself, asked about us and made compliments on our relationship. Other people working at the dealership came and were trying to make small talk but I wasn't all that convinced anyone was being genuine. Someone who I believe was one of the managers came over to talk to us as well. He's your classic slimy sales dude and I saw that instantly. He boasted about his big truck that he doesn't need (his words) and how he thinks Tesla makes the best cars. That in itself should give you a good idea of the type of people that work here. Once the numbers came back it was all downhill from there. That same manager put a paper down in front of me that displayed a loan term of $521 a month for 75 months at an interest rate of almost 14%. I was rolling in negative equity and putting $ 2.5k. But for someone who has an almost 800 credit score I knew it wasn't right. I was genuinely appalled by what they were trying to pull. They even lowballed my trade in by $2k. The cost of this 6 year old used car would cost me more than my new car's MSRP. They kept being pushy and trying to make it seem like they were doing me a favor and trying to convince me this deal is the best. I work in a dealership myself and I know what it looks like when other people get ripped off. The real kicker is when I asked for time alone to discuss the numbers over with my girlfriend (I knew we were gonna walk out) THE MANAGER TAKES THE PAPER SHOWING ALL THE NUMBERS WITH HIM. That was the biggest sign to take our business elsewhere. Once we got up the salesguy dry begged for us to stay claiming "He'd get in trouble with the managers" if we leave. Not sure what's going on there but the finance guy walked over to try to do some more convincing. Told him I know what I'm doing and I can get a better deal elsewhere and we left. If you're young, have good credit, good pay and have means of getting a vehicle elsewhere, PLEASE DO SO. I wouldn't give these guys my business by any means. More

WARNING: THINK TWICE BEFORE BUYING A CAR FROM THIS DEALERSHIP! I honestly wish I had read more reviews before doing business with this dealership. What happened to me has been one of the worst car- DEALERSHIP! I honestly wish I had read more reviews before doing business with this dealership. What happened to me has been one of the worst car-buying experiences of my life. I purchased a Mercedes-Benz from this dealership, only to discover AFTER the sale that the vehicle had a history of STRUCTURAL DAMAGE AND SEVERE DAMAGE reported on its AutoCheck history. The Carfax report I reviewed showed minor and moderate damage, but the AutoCheck report contained much more serious information that was never properly brought to my attention before I signed the paperwork. There were also inconsistencies between the vehicle history reports, which raises serious concerns about the transparency of this dealership. To make matters worse, the vehicle has been experiencing multiple problems, including a horn that doesn’t work. We’re talking about a Mercedes-Benz, not a $2,000 project car. I paid good money expecting a safe, properly represented vehicle. Instead, I ended up with a car carrying a structural damage history and a long list of problems. The biggest issue isn’t just selling a vehicle with previous damage. It’s the lack of transparency and the fact that a customer can walk away without fully understanding the vehicle’s actual history. I am now having to spend my time dealing with a situation that should never have happened in the first place. I strongly encourage anyone considering buying from this dealership to obtain BOTH a Carfax and an AutoCheck report, have the vehicle independently inspected, and read EVERY document carefully before signing anything. Don’t let the excitement of buying a car blind you to what might be hiding in its history. I would not recommend this dealership based on my experience. Trust is everything when buying a vehicle, and this experience has seriously damaged mine. More

I had an amazing experience working with Eddie. From the start he was friendly, professional, and transparent. He didn't try to upsell me or waste my time - he found me exactly what I was looking f From the start he was friendly, professional, and transparent. He didn't try to upsell me or waste my time - he found me exactly what I was looking for within my budget and walked me through everything step by step. More

I am submitting this complaint to document my experience regarding the purchase of a 2015 Hyundai Genesis on May 2, 2026 at California Motors Direct Santa Ana. Working with Juan Salgado and Benjamin Fernand regarding the purchase of a 2015 Hyundai Genesis on May 2, 2026 at California Motors Direct Santa Ana. Working with Juan Salgado and Benjamin Fernandez. The vehicle was advertised for $14,999, and I made a $10,000 down payment toward the purchase. One of the primary reasons I felt comfortable proceeding with the transaction was the dealership's representation that I would have a 48-hour period to review the transaction and return the vehicle if I disagreed with any aspect of the purchase or was dissatisfied for any reason. Relying upon those representations, I completed the purchase believing I would have a meaningful opportunity to review all transaction documents and associated charges. However, I was not provided copies of my paperwork until after the 48-hour period had expired. Upon finally receiving and reviewing the documents, I discovered that the total cost of the transaction had been significantly increased by additional products and charges, including $1,936 for a Tire and Wheel Protection Plan and $3,399 for a theft deterrent product (Starguard), which i was originally quoted $20 per day. These charges materially increased the overall cost of the vehicle and were not expressed to me at the time I entered into the transaction. My current balance on the car is $12.360.55, after putting $10,000 down on a 14,999 car. OC Motors is a total rip off! Had I been provided the complete paperwork immediately following the sale, I would have been able to review the documents during the promised review period and make an informed decision regarding the transactions. But apparently thats how this company operates. After discovering these charges, I made numerous attempts to contact the dealership to discuss my concerns and obtain clarification. Unfortunately, my efforts were unsuccessful. I was repeatedly transferred between offices, informed that I was contacting the wrong department, and, on multiple occasions, my calls were disconnected. I also sent emails seeking assistance and clarification but did not receive any response. I further learned that the vehicle had a prior damage history reflected in the vehicle history report. While vehicle history information may have been available, consumers should be provided with complete transparency regarding both the condition of the vehicle and all financial terms associated with the purchase. I'm documenting this to caution other consumers to exercise diligence when purchasing a vehicle. Prospective buyers should carefully review every document, verify every charge, ask questions regarding all add-on products, and ensure they receive copies of all signed paperwork BEFORE leaving the dealership. I wouldn't recommend them at all but if you do purchase a car from this dealership, read everything, even the small print, they are very crafty- they try to “legally” scam people. In my opinion, the manner in which this transaction was handled lacked the transparency and customer service that consumers should reasonably expect when making a significant financial purchase. No matter how good these cars look or the prices, do not trust this company I hope that by sharing my experience, other consumers will be better informed and able to avoid similar frustrations. *They will reap what they sow* Blessings to all More

Marcus is AMAZING! From the very first contact with Marcus to driving off their lot after the sale, he was so helpful, responsive (even after hours), kind, honest and a From the very first contact with Marcus to driving off their lot after the sale, he was so helpful, responsive (even after hours), kind, honest and an overall great person! Recommend going to the SANTA ANA location and he and Kifah will work a deal for you and get you what you want! Highly recommend going to Santa Ana even if another location is closer to you! Have the car you want transported to Marcus! He will make it happen! More

I paid $8,000 cash out-of-the-door on December 1, 2025, for a used 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S (R55). While the young salesman was kind, the dealership’s management and service department operate in complet for a used 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S (R55). While the young salesman was kind, the dealership’s management and service department operate in complete bad faith. Once they have your lump-sum cash, you no longer exist to them. 1. Very questionable if not fraudulent Pre-Sale Reconditioning Claims. The Carfax report stated this dealership fully serviced AND reconditioned the vehicle in September and October 2025. This was a blatant misrepresentation. A post-purchase inspection just 3 days later revealed: Two leaking right-side shock absorbers. Broken sun visors and 4 dead exterior lights. A missing bottom chassis splashguard. A massive active oil leak which required me to leave the car there overnight for fixing because it was apparently such a "big job". While "as-is" protects against minor wear, a vehicle is legally expected to meet a basic minimum operational standard. Selling a car with these undisclosed safety and mechanical failures violates basic consumer trust. 2. Severe Inconvenience & Broken Promises The dealership agreed to fix the initial inspection failures for free. However, it took FIVE separate round-trips to get the work done. Living 71 miles away, I was forced to drive 355 miles out of my own pocket just to receive the roadworthy vehicle I already paid for. 3. Hidden Defect Cascade & Ghosting The nightmare didn't stop there: The Battery & Wipers: Less than a month later (January 2026), the battery died. Testing proved it was nearly 6 years old. The windshield wipers were also completely shredded and useless. I paid $400 out of pocket for a battery and new wipers. Management completely ignored my emails asking to split the cost (I offered to pay labor if they covered the part). The Missing Lug Nut Key: The car came with custom rims. The dealership failed to provide the mandatory wheel lock key. I now have to spend more money just to be able to change a flat tire. Major Mechanical Failures: In April 2026, the entire thermostat system failed, causing severe coolant drainage. I paid $550 to an independent shop to replace the water pump. Two weeks later, the system failed again. The car also consumes oil rapidly, requiring a top-off every single week. I am facing hundreds more in repairs. 4. Total Refusal to Mediate (BBB) When management ghosted my emails, I filed a formal complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) seeking a simple battery reimbursement to offset my massive travel inconveniences. The dealership refused to respond, answer, or mediate with the BBB. Final Verdict: This business is hyper-focused on taking your money and abandoning you the second you leave the lot. As a Google Local Guide whose reviews generated over 10,000 views in early 2026 alone, I am posting this to ensure thousands of local buyers see how this business operates. Take your hard-earned money to a dealership that respects consumer law and stands behind their inventory. The cost and inconvenience and aggravation alone leave me no choice but to write this. This dealership acts in really bad faith. What a terrible experience! These are the kind of unfortunate and deliberate and avoidable experiences that give a stereotypical bad name and bad reputation to car dealers and dealerships. No wonder people hate going to a dealer! More

Everything went smooth, the employees know what they're doing. It's been a great experience working with George, who is knowledgeable, kind, also a firm and a great negotiator. And they have a very nice bo doing. It's been a great experience working with George, who is knowledgeable, kind, also a firm and a great negotiator. And they have a very nice boss, the business owner, Kifah, which rocks! More

The people in there are nice and easy to work with especially saleman Gorge great person!!! especially saleman Gorge great person!!! More

This was my second time going to california motors, and each time that i've went, the cells, rips, and the staff have always been professional.And knowledgeable. I have to give shout outs to the salesman w each time that i've went, the cells, rips, and the staff have always been professional.And knowledgeable. I have to give shout outs to the salesman who helped me. Ed Aguirre he was very informative on the vehicle that I wanted to purchase, which was a Hyundai Santa Fe calligraphy. Thank you to California motors. Direct when it's time to purchase another vehicle.I'll definitely go to you guys.Thanks again5 More

I dealt with “JUNIOR” who had my back from start to finish. He naturally helped me and supported me for four days without me feeling bugged or any hassling. On the 4th day that it took my credit union finish. He naturally helped me and supported me for four days without me feeling bugged or any hassling. On the 4th day that it took my credit union and for me to shop and find a new insurance company he remained confident and patient before I took over the keys and placed my beautiful race red Mustang GT manual into my driveway. He even checks on me from time to time and that’s the type of service Junior gives and his young self with an elderly spirit is the type of service that’s rare and just about a dying breed. Honesty, shows you the facts, will take care of noticeable in-corrections from paperwork to the vehicle. Also the rest of his team will jump in and help you and not act like they don’t care or they don’t know when you have questions just because it’s not their sale. They take care of eachother meaning they will take care of you without even knowing if you’re buying or not. This was by far the best car dealership team I just happened to stumble upon in Santa Ana and decided to stop by and I’m more than happy I did. Thank you guys at California Direct Motors Santa Ana. Please ask for Junior you guys, -Richard S. Mustang GT 5.0 new owner More