On May 5th, I visited Walter’s Audi of Riverside to
inspect a 2024 Audi Q8 Etron. I had been eyeing this car as a surprise gift for my wife. Initially, I wasn’t particularly fond of its white color, bu
inspect a 2024 Audi Q8 Etron. I had been eyeing this car as a surprise gift for my wife. Initially, I wasn’t particularly fond of its white color, but after taking a test drive with Joshua Rambow, I decided to proceed with the purchase. What began as a positive experience quickly turned into a frustrating ordeal that has left me hesitant to ever buy a car from Walter’s again.
On the positive side, Joshua Rambow was incredibly informative and patient throughout the process. He didn’t pressure me at all.
However, it turned out that the price quoted to me by Joshua and Chris Alcocer was not the final price I paid. They were not transparent about an additional $1695 charge for Stargard, a theft detection system.
Chris had mentioned that the car came with Sirius, but at the end of the trial period, it would automatically end unless I opted in. In the very next sentence, he also mentioned that Stargard was included and that I could opt in at the end if I wanted. It was my mistake to assume that it was an option or trial. Additionally, I failed to thoroughly review all the documents while signing.
Days later, I reviewed the sales documents and noticed the charge. I emailed Chris and requested that they remove Stargard and refund the money. He informed me that it couldn’t be removed. I then met with Joshua in person, and he confirmed the same. Finally, I spoke to the Sales Manager, David Yi, who promised to discuss the matter with his GM and get back to me in three days. After seven days of persistent follow-up, David informed me that his GM, John Scholz, had stated that there was nothing he could do.
After purchasing the car, I read some reviews for Audi of Riverside and discovered that other buyers had also felt deceived by the dealership regarding Stargard.
The lack of transparency at best and the deception at worst were truly disappointing.
Having purchased over 20 cars in my lifetime, I have never encountered such deceptive practices from a dealer. In contrast, other Audi dealerships clearly display the car’s price and any additional items, such as the Appearance Package, so that customers are fully informed. I informed Audi USA and they said that the GM would reach out to me and it's been a month and no contact...
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by Tri Leu
Jun 10, 2026 -
Audi Riverside responded
Thank you for your review.
We genuinely appreciate your kind words about Joshua — he's a valued member of our team. However, I do want to be transparent regarding the Starguard system, as we take disclosure very seriously.
The was a product that was purchased by you and was acknowledged across three separate documents during your transaction — including the contract, the due bill, and the Starguard form — each specifically referencing the system being in place and active. I personally reached out to you following your survey response and left a message, though I have not yet received a callback
I understand that a lot of information is exchanged during a purchase, and I genuinely appreciate that you've acknowledged in your own words that this may have been overlooked. That's something we completely understand, and it's part of why we build multiple acknowledgment points into our process.
That said, my door remains open. If you'd like to sit down, review the paperwork together, and ask any remaining questions, I welcome that conversation. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly.
Thank you for your business — we value you as a customer.
John Scholz
General Manager
Audi Riverside
(951) 441-6183
Jun 23, 2026 -
Tri Leu responded
Tri Leu responded PRIVATELY on 6/16/26 12:52 AM
Thank you, John, for addressing my concern. I’m curious why I didn’t receive your call or voice message. Could you please let me know when you made the call? I admit that I was at fault for not thoroughly reviewing the documents. As I mentioned, I didn’t intend to purchase anything that day and forgot to bring my reading glasses. In your response, you mentioned that there were three documents that referenced the charge. However, Chris never mentioned that I was signing a form indicating that I was paying $1695 for Stargard. That would be a total of five instances where your team failed to disclose the charge. The first time was when Joshua quoted me the price. He even wrote down the prices when he printed the original window sticker for the two Q8s I was considering, and neither one indicated the additional $1695. Of course, Chris never mentioned the extra charge during the signing of the documents. I was hoping that your dealership would take the right action, but it doesn’t seem like it. Since other customers have raised similar concerns, it appears that your employees are being trained to deceive. So I will give you an opportunity to correct this before I escalate the situation . Thank you.
Shout out to Joshua Rambow!
!! Within minutes of posting online my interest in an Audi 2024 SQ5. I was sent a personal and comprehensive video of the car. Throughout the whole pu
!! Within minutes of posting online my interest in an Audi 2024 SQ5. I was sent a personal and comprehensive video of the car. Throughout the whole purchasing process He was acceptable, responsive and more than just helpful. He made a possible stressful purchase a pleasant experience. His constant communication went beyond expectations. Thanks for having such an attentive sales representative.
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by hawk211
Apr 08, 2026 -
Audi Riverside responded
Thank you for your positive review! We are so appreciative of the opportunity to work with you, and we are glad Joshua was helpful and informative. Our guest's satisfaction is our top priority. Congratulations on your new Audi SQ5!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for specials and updates.
Regards,
John Scholz - General Manager
Josh Rambo was the absolute best!
Never pushy, always informative. Actively looked for ways to make my deal happen..would recommend him to all.
Never pushy, always informative. Actively looked for ways to make my deal happen..would recommend him to all.
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by tom villalobos
Jan 15, 2026 -
Audi Riverside responded
Tom, thank you for your positive review! We are so glad that Josh provided you with a smooth and informative experience. He will be honored to have earned your kind recommendation. If there is ever anything more that we may help you with, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for specials and updates.
Regards,
John Scholz - General Manager
Jashua and Ramen are great in sales.
They are not pushy, they don’t call too many times, and they are very professional and flexible. I am very happy with Walter Audi Riverside — I previ
They are not pushy, they don’t call too many times, and they are very professional and flexible. I am very happy with Walter Audi Riverside — I previously purchased an Audi A3 from them and just bought an A8 last night. I really enjoyed driving the car home. Thank you so much!
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by mark
Dec 08, 2025 -
Audi Riverside responded
Mark, thank you for your positive review! Providing a smooth, top-notch experience is always our goal, and we are glad that Joshua's and Roman's efforts met your satisfaction. Your repeat business means so much to us. On behalf of the entire team- congratulations on your new Audi A3! Please do not hesitate to give us a call if there is ever anything more that we may help you with.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for specials and updates.
Regards,
John Scholz - General Manager
Friendly staff with no hassle.
I have a great experience dealing with Romen and Josh.
I have a great experience dealing with Romen and Josh.
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by Nizar.elias
Sep 22, 2025 -
Audi Riverside responded
Thank you for your positive review! It is always our goal to ensure our guests are comfortable with their visit, and we are glad that Romen and Josh were both kind and helpful. We hope for an opportunity to work with you again!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for specials and updates.
Regards,
John Scholz - General Manager
Very personable people, which we appreciated.
They let us take time to think, helping with information when we asked. Joshua Johnson and Anthony assisted us and we thought they both were great
They let us take time to think, helping with information when we asked. Joshua Johnson and Anthony assisted us and we thought they both were great
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by Margaret
Other Employees Tagged:
Joshua Johnson, Anthony
Jul 30, 2025 -
Audi Riverside responded
Margaret,
Thank you for your positive review! We are so glad that Joshua and Anthony were both helpful and informative. If there is ever anything more that we may assist you with, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for specials and updates.
Regards,
John Scholz - General Manager
The service was professional, knowledgeable, and prompt.
Also, not too pushy, which made the experience better.
Also, not too pushy, which made the experience better.
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by jeffhelsing
Mar 20, 2025 -
Audi Riverside responded
Jeff,
Providing white glove service is so important to us here at Audi Riverside and we are glad that our teams efforts met your satisfaction! We are thrilled to know that they were professional, knowledgeable, prompt and not too pushy. Congratulations on your new vehicle- behalf of the entire team!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for specials and updates.
Regards,
John Scholz - General Manager
Very professional, helpful and patient.
Made our buying experience easy and didn’t feel rushed.
Made our buying experience easy and didn’t feel rushed.
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by Caloca
Jan 27, 2025 -
Audi Riverside responded
Caloca,
Providing stellar review is so important to us here at Audi Riverside and we are glad that our teams efforts met your satisfaction! We are thrilled to know that they were very professional, helpful, patient and made your experience easy without feeling rushed. Congratulations on your new vehicle- behalf of the entire team!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for specials and updates.
Regards,
John Scholz - General Manager
I was very happy with Joshua and the Audi team.
The vehicle I was interested in was ready when I arrived and we immediately took a test drive. All questions had been answered and we received person
The vehicle I was interested in was ready when I arrived and we immediately took a test drive. All questions had been answered and we received personalized video instructions.
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by Stefan
Other Employees Tagged:
Vinny Ginsberg, A.J. Gordan
Jan 07, 2025 -
Audi Riverside responded
Stefan,
Providing first class service is so important to us here at Audi Riverside and we are glad that Joshua's efforts met your satisfaction! We are thrilled to know that he answered all of your questions and gave you a personalized video of instructions. Congratulations on your new vehicle- behalf of the entire team!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for specials and updates.
Regards,
John Scholz - General Manager
A smooth easy experience with the purchase of my Q7.
My sales associate Joshua Rambo was very informative and accommodating. He was able to instantly answer any questions pertaining to the new vehicle
My sales associate Joshua Rambo was very informative and accommodating. He was able to instantly answer any questions pertaining to the new vehicle and handled the entire transaction without any pressure or hard sell. All in all a very fair deal and an overall easy experience.
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by Randy A.
Dec 30, 2024 -
Audi Riverside responded
Randy,
Congratulations on your new Audi Q7! Providing a pressure-free and informative experience is always our goal, and we are glad that Josh's efforts met your satisfaction. It is our pleasure to assist you in any way possible. We thank you for your positive review and we hope for an opportunity to work with you again!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for specials and updates.
Regards,
John Scholz - General Manager
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