I hate car dealers, I really really despise them and have literally walked away from buying $20-30k cars simply because I couldn't bring myself to buy a car from a salesperson who was such a low-life. I mostly wanted to stay away from San Jose because I had phone and email conversations with some of the Subaru dealers up there and that alone was enough to know not to give them my business. I kept seeing a few nice looking Subaru's online, and although the dealership was about 2 hours away decided it was worth looking at since they had the exact car we were looking for. I checked Yelp to make sure the dealership didn't have 2 stars like some did. Nope, perfect ratings. I called up and was hoping to get Bob on the phone since so many people mentioned him in their reviews and sure enough Bob answered. Little did I know that Bob and Ginger were the only two people there. Bob was so good on the phone and just exuded honesty that I knew we had to go up there and buy the car if it drove like the rest of them. I love the idea of not haggling over a price...it's all really stupid and I just wish every dealer would give you a price that you pay, not one that's inflated for no reason. We drove up and took a few test rides with Ginger. She is great and helpful as well. Then we met with Bob who helped us sort out the paperwork, actually SAVED us another 2 hour trip back up since we had pre-arranged financing from a bank, encouraged us to use our existing financing rather than what he had because we already had it. We drove out of there with the car same day and I'm still glowing about how good of an experience it was, I really am. Can't say enough about Family Motors. The cars they sell are really the ideal used cars too because Bob seems to only buy really pristine condition, late models, with low miles and their detailing on them makes them look brand new. If family motors has a car that you know you want or you're just interested in used Subaru's or Saabs you really deserve to buy a car from someone who has tact and is friendly. We ended up saying goodbye after discussing non-profits and volunteering with Bob...that's not a typical used car buying experience to be sure. read more

I've never bought a used car before, so to say that I approached this experience with trepidation would be an understatement. I was referred to Family Motors by my trusted mechanics at Embarcadero Automotive in SF, because they didn't have what I was looking for, and couldn't get one at that point. I'd recently been in a bad accident with my trusty 10 year old Saab 9-5 wagon, was in a lot of pain, and wasn't interested in dickering around, exploring other options, or even thinking about trying to get used to a completely new make of car - I just wanted another one of the same thing with no hassle. I didn't see any reason to argue with the engineering excellence that had just saved my life. You don't always get to just pick the used car you want off a tree, though, which is part of why I've never bought one. As others have said, the whole experience was a complete pleasure. I called Bob when I saw a car that interested me on his website, and a few short hours later, after going up for a test drive, it was mine. I absolutely could not believe I'd found a 4 year old car with only 21,500 miles that was still in factory warranty, and obviously in absolutely cherry condition, with a clean Carfax, etc. - or a used car dealer who was actually a really nice guy who genuinely wanted to be sure I got the right car and wasn't the slightest bit pushy, especially on my very first experience with this sort of purchase. It actually turned out that Bob and I have some mutual friends, too, so that was fun. But I felt totally taken care of, and he even knocked an extra $600 off the price without my even asking. I still can't believe that I scored such a good car, and practically brand new, for such a low price, and that the whole experience was so easy. It's also obvious that he takes great care of clients, because the place is tucked away in a field, invisible from the street, so you'd have to know it's there and be looking hard to even find it. There's no way he can be getting the walk-in business that your average car dealer gets, so you know it *has* to be all word of mouth. Which indeed it is. Driving in is a bit of a surreal experience, because it's like you're going to someone's private farm, turning down a dirt road, going along the fence of a field - and then suddenly the vista opens up, not to fields full of growing things, but to a field of shiny, spotlessly clean, mint condition Saabs and Subarus. This is, indeed, what buying a new car ought to be like. If Bob's still carrying Saabs when I'm ready for my next one (and indeed if they're still even being built), I'll go right back up to him and get the next one there, too. BTW, if Bob doesn't have what you're looking for in stock, he'll go out and search one down for you, still with the same requirements of being low mileage, cherry lease returns. read more

A year ago I bought a slightly used Subie Outback from Sonoma Family Motors. I live in LA so I wondered how it would work out, but the answer was "very smoothly." No-haggle prices that are reasonable - really. Clear vehicle details on their website - really. I was tired of trawling Craigslist and local dealer ads, so a couple of emails and a phone call later I had a good feeling about them and bought a car I had seen on their website. No payments or credit card details; just my word and theirs. A few days later $50 got me to SFO on Southwest , and another $50 got me to Sonoma on a shuttle. It was a nice day trip for a southern California! My only other expense was for lunch, which I ate at a picnic table in a corner of Family Motors' lot, watching the fields behind while they prepped the car. The shuttle driver, who lived in Sonoma, didn't even know the lot was there. As it looks like another farm property, hidden from the road except for a small sign and flag, and surrounded by white fences, I'm not surprised. Twelve months on, the car has been great, no problems. The price was fair to me and them, I think. Also, I felt good about my purchase from the moment I started the afternoon drive home. That feeling has stuck with me since. To give you a comparison, I had bought another Outback three years earlier, from an LA area dealer. I had to endure a couple of visits to the dealership to figure out what the car was, followed by the usual haggling, that achieved nothing substantial for them or me. The end result was the same, plus all the hassle, plus that 'unclean' feeling you get when you drive out of a dealership. Maybe there is a good reason why Bob's way is not the normal way to buy a car, but I can't imagine what that it is. I will use them again. read more

I normally try to avoid used car dealers as I've been burned by the general dishonesty to 'move a car' and make as much off the customer as possible. My experience with Family Motors was the best used car buying experience and most fair for both parties I've had to date. Saw the car on their inventory, rang them up, they reserved the car for us to test drive as we drove up from South Bay (a 2hr trip). Bob went over all the details of the car with us, showed us the mechanic's 100 point check, answered any questions we had, and took us for a test drive. What you see on the website is what you get. No bull, no haggling, no pressure, no dishonesty, fairness for both purchaser and seller and and dealing with an owner that wants to make sure you are happy with your purchase. We drove away with our new Subaru with a nice feeling. read more

Buyer beware!!! They may seem nice and helpful but its fake. I traded on my car for a truck and they were wonderful. Within one mile of leaving the lot with my new (used) truck the check engine light came on. The day after it would not start. I called multiple times and even went in there and their attitude was horrible! I paid $10,000 for the truck and since purching it put over $6500 into it just to attempt to keep it running. I've owned it for 6 months and its been in the shop more than I've been able to drive it. It needs a new transmission, the calipers locked up, it leaks oil and needs the head gasket replaced. I'm not the1st person to experience this from them and just want to try to save another person from having to deal with their shady business practices. read more

As you can see i don't do a lot of reviews but I felt compelled to do this one, as in my many yrs of dealing with automobiles (pushing 70) i won't say from which direction. the absolute best treatment from the staff or owner, with a terrific selection of late model Subarus and a smatering of others. I felt very comfortable, as a family member so to speak. Bob was a super nice person and went out of his way to be a help to me acquiring a vehicle for my nephew. I have never in my life felt more grateful to a car dealership or representative for. although family motors is a bit off the beaten path its well worth the time to find it .. a beautiful town Sonoma in the wine country of n ca there is a map if you look it up on google or yahoo.. best Don read more

When my beloved Golf ('01.5 GLS 4H AWW-KO3S), with all of its 152,000 miles, racked up over $1500 in deferred maintenance, I knew it was time to start looking for my next vehicle. But I'd been avoiding thinking about this for over a year. I'm a scientist and an NT personality. The car buying process, designed to appeal to emotion, wrapped in obfuscation, and dependent on high-level interpersonal conflict, just doesn't work for me. I'm reasonably competent, but just because I can out-math the salesman as he "works the box" and spews bullshit numbers doesn't mean I look forward to the process. But I knew what I wanted, thanks to the internets. It was clear: sporty hatchback or wagon (Do non-hatchbacks exist? Why?), good power/weight ratio, refined driving experience (soundproofing), all-wheel drive (damn you, Caltrans--I know how to drive in snow but you don't believe me), precise handling and balance. Most of the cars that meet these criteria are not imported to the US, sadly, and what is imported fall into the $30K+ category. I love cars, I appreciate good design, but $35K for an A3 Quattro is too much money. But there was still the Saabaru. I looked at the Saab 9-2x in 2005, and appreciated the blend of Japanese engineering and quality control (built on the Impreza platform at the Suby plant in Japan) with a little Euro styling and refinement (doesn't feel like you're riding inside a vacuum cleaner). Yeah, it's still slightly buzzy and still flashes a bit too much hard shiny plastic, but it's the best choice out of a limited set of options. Let's do it. So where do I get one? Craigslist to the rescue, as always, which leads to to few private sellers, lots of shady dealers, and one organization way up in Sonoma. They had half a dozen 9-2x's, with prices listed very close to KBB/Edmunds valuations. I drove up on Super Bowl Sunday, in hopes of avoiding more interaction with the Bay Area Saab dealerships that treated me so badly during my first attempt to buy one of these cars. Family Motors delivered. The cars, advertised as high-quality lease returns, lived up to the expectation created by the Craigslist postings. Clean, shiny, well-displayed, all with low mileage, most with factory warranties, and all parked in the middle of scenic vineyards between Sonoma city and the Carneros region. The pricing is firm--no-haggle--which reduces the purchase to a straightforward retail experience. I test drove three different 9-2x's with the help of the owner, and spent my time deciding which car was for me, rather than worrying about what kind of deal I'd be able to cut. Bob was very patient, letting me put the car through all sorts of annoying maneuvers as I figured out handling characteristics and acceleration, and he didn't flinch when I plowed the test vehicle through a flooded intersection at 10mph over the recommended speed. Once I made up my mind, the transaction was processed efficiently and at my convenience, with forms faxed ahead and the office kept open so I could drive up after work and pick the car up after regular business hours. The entire process was just... exceedingly pleasant. What the hell is wrong with...everyone else in this business? If you're looking for 2-3 year old, lightly used Saabs and Subarus, these are the folks to contact. read more

We've purchased 2 cars from Bob, one Suby and one SAABy, and each experience has been outstanding. We've got 2 pins in his map on the wall (so cool). Get this.... he treats you like a grownup. Talks to you like you were an adult. Has respect for his customers as people. Suby needed a couple of adjustments during his month long shop warranty, and he went out of his way to make it right. The prices are set, and though you may (or may not) find a better deal elsewhere, I'll pay a couple hundred bucks to be treated decently and fairly. We've recommended Family Motors to others who have driven off with a Saab or Sub and felt just like we did. I've owned SAABy for 7 years, and it's time to trade up. With SAAB's drop off in quality (totally my opinion, you may disagree), and owning another Suby, I may not go back to him this time around. However, I feel really bad about not buying a car from him. How many other people can say that about a car dealer?!?!? Only downside.....name of the dealership is very cultish, gives me the heebeejeebees just saying it. I hope the economy doesn't bring him down and he sticks around. read more

I arrived in Napa driving someone else's car....I wanted a newish car and really didn't want to deal with dealers...but Family Motors' listings on craigslist caught my interest. Suffice it to say, everything the prior reviewers had said is true -- Bob said about 45% of his business is repeat customers and I'm not surprised at all. I was very very pleasantly surprised. read more

Family Motors is a great way to buy a used car. We dealt with Bob, who was extremely helpful. His cars are in great shape and fairly priced. Our 2005 Subaru was like new, and with low mileage to boot. They have a fixed price policy, so no haggling necessary. He also helped getting an after market warranty. They really seem to take pride in their cars, and when a tire pressure light started going off during the first week, made sure to have it repaired and returned to us in a timely manner. Overall, the experience was smooth, and it was a pleasure dealing with Bob and Family Motors. We even got a jar of homemade jam to go. Would encourage anyone looking for a Subaru to check them out. read more

I got my first (and very used) car in 1952, and have purchased many new and used cars and pickups since. Nothing in those past purchases could match the pleasant experience of buying a Subaru from Bob. The car is for my granddaughter, and he spent a lot of time with her - test drive, going over maintenance items, explaining the features of her car - the works. All the cars are Subaru lease returns, all are fixed price below Kelly Blue Book, and all look great. We chose an '07 (one of three on the lot) based upon the condition it was in when it arrived (original brakes, original tires - obviously driven gently). I had to drive four hours from the Sierras to get to Family Motors, and it was well worth it. I like Subaru cars, and I like Bob. read more

Sonoma Family Motors is a very different experience from the common car dealer. The lot is off a side road, and there's no balloons and lame red, white, and blue banners like at the "auto mall" dealers. The cars are quality lease returns, so there's no need to stress about a dealer trying to sneak in a rental. The staff is friendly and low-pressure, so there's no hard sell. The prices are fixed as advertised, so there's no stress from haggling. I had been looking for a slightly used Outback for 4-6 weeks and had a lot of trouble finding the model and features I wanted in the area. Most of the used Outbacks I was seeing from other dealers. were out-of-state rentals. Finally, Sonoma Family Motors advertised almost the exact car I wanted at a solid price. Making the deal was easy, and I'm very happy with the car. I highly recommend buying from Bob. read more

I can't say enough about my experience buying a used car from Bob at Family Motors. He is honest, genuine, and friendly, which is atypical for a car salesman. More than anything, he's a good guy. I walked away from buying my car thinking I had a new fatherly figure who I could check in with car advice for the rest of my life. I was looking for a used, standard, Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, which is not easy to come by in the Bay Area. Bob had the exact car I was looking for an made the experience extremely enjoyable. I hope to buy multiple cars from him in the future. Please please support the local business owner who is really good at what he does. read more

I bought a 2008 Subaru Outback from Bob at Family Motors on Saturday of July 4th weekend. The entire experience was excellent and I LOVE my new car! I echo what other reviewers have written. My 1998 Outback had served me well but it was getting shabby and not so fun to drive any longer. I knew I wanted a 'slightly used' Outback, so researched and surfed the net looking at what was for sale in the greater bay area. I found that Family Motors in Sonoma had a good inventory, with several cars meeting my criteria: 2008 or 2009 model year, leather interior, in good physical and mechanical shape. Since I had a holiday weekend trip to Sonoma county planned, it sounded like a stop at Family Motors would be in order. I got to the town of Sonoma and looked for the local Subaru dealer. When my partner and I couldn't find any car dealerships, we asked a local and were told there wasn't one in town. I had noted the address of Family Motors, found it on the map, and headed in that direction. Driving down a country road with no car dealers in sight, we were surprised and delighted to find the lot down an innocuous driveway. But oh no, the gate was drawn and the sign said 'closed on Saturday.' I hadn't noted the hours in their ads, nor had I called ahead. :-( The sign said feel free to come in and look, and that we did. 'My car' was there -- 2008, not LL Bean or other fancy trim package, but with a lovely tan leather interior -- exactly the car I wanted. It looked pristine. As I gazed fondly at it and tried to figure out when to come back, Bob came out. He normally wouldn't have been there, but happened to be doing some work. Long story short, he let me interrupt his day off and made the deal, including taking my '98 on trade-in and dealing with financing. As others have said, Bob's firm, fair pricing and no-b.s. approach were a breath of fresh air and made for an absolutely delightful car-buying experience. It was more like buying a piece of furniture or art from a craftsman than buying a vehicle. Forget all the 'regular' dealers and go see Bob if you're in the market for a previously owned Subaru!! read more

Back in 2000 I bought a Subaru Outback and loved it. The car was excellent,especially on my cross country move from New Jersey to California in 2007. Recently, I decided I wanted to retire the car but wanted another Subaru. I began my search in May of this year. I thought about buying a brand new one but, to be honest, I wasn't in love with the new models. In 2008 I had wanted to buy a new one but didn't so I knew the model year I wanted was 2008 or 2009. Looking online, I saw many but none seemed to be up to par, until I discovered Family Motors in Sonoma. Living in San Mateo I thought Sonoma might be a bit far for car shopping but it was well worth the trip. After checking Family Motors inventory I found they had what I wanted - a 2008 model with low mileage, ironically from New Jersey. I made the trip to the wine country to check it out. Upon arriving & seeing the vehicle, I knew I was interested. It was in beautiful condition and just happened to be the turbo I was looking for. The car was fairly priced, but what put me in the driver's seat of my new Subaru, which I happen to love, was when I met Paul and Ginger of Family Motors. I've purchased many cars and dealt with many sales people but the staff at Family Motors was second to none. This was far and away the most pleasurable experience I have ever had purchasing a vehicle. I was able to trade in my 2000, which had some issues, and they gave me a very good deal on the trade in. When I picked the car up I met Bob, the owner, who was just as nice as Paul and Ginger. It was a pleasure to deal with such genuinely nice and honest people. They even accommodated me and held the car while I put finances in place. The name of this dealership is apropos because they made me feel like family. I would recommend this dealership to anyone who is looking for a preowned Subaru. It is worth the trip just to experience the warmth and excellent service provided by Ginger, Paul and Bob. read more

It was time for me to trade-in or sell my very small car for a larger style that would enable my aging friends to enter and exit the back seat through a passenger door and not the wedge of space behind a folded seat bacik. I researched station wagon styles, preferred over SUVs, talked to my mechanic and decided on a Subaru Outback. I set to work searching the internet for Subaru Outbacks within 100 miles of my home (southern Marin County) but was finding only much older vehicles or newer models with very high (even extraordinarily high) mileage on them. Besides not finding the car I was hoping for, I dreaded the dealership haggle of buying a car. Out of my searching I found a car listed on kelley Blue Book. It looked good in the pictures and a phone call confirmed it was still available. A 2008 with under 27k miles. This was the perfect car, at Family Motors. The right color, the right interior finishes and color, the right bells and whistles and 'clean as a whistle'. After a little test drive I knew i had located Exactly what I wanted and also had discovered where all of the low mileage Subaru Outbacks were. There is no high pressure selling, no small print to be afraid of, no gimmicks, no fast talk or bait-and-switch tricks at Family Motors of Sonoma. This is the ideal place to buy either a Subaru or a Saab. I was completely happy with the entire puchasing process with Bob and his office staff that day, Paul. Very nice, reasonable, accomodating and intelligent people. Even though it was a Sunday they were able to obtain loan approval and interest rate from by credit union through their membership in an association of credit unions. I thought we would need to conclude the deal during the week but Bob made it all happen that Sunday morning. I traded-in my very small car to Bob and he offered me the fair Kelley Blue Book value for it - I was amazed at how simple and honest he had made the transaction. I knew it was the fair value because I had checked that out too. Since I was buying and trading-in we had a double dose of paperwork to wade through. Bob patiently explained each and every page, what I was signing and why, what my warranties were and even recommendations on warranty service work for the future. As it turned out, I paid off my credit union loan immedicately and asked them to arrange for the pink slip to come to me. They called Bob, explained the transaction and Bob followed through with no other calls from me or the credit union. The DMV sent me the ownership paper this week. The car I bought was in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition. My Marin County mechanic looked it over a week later and fully agreed. It was detailed completely and looked and was taken for a NEW car. Bob had the owners manual, two sets of keys and the valet key for me. Nothing was missing. I am very happy I stumbled upon the Family Motors of Sonoma's Subaru offering on the internet. I was spared all the anxiety of dealership wheeling and dealing, big talk and little service. Bob had just the car I wanted and I wouldn't hesitate a minute to go back to him for another Subaru purchase. It turned out to be a grand 2011 Christmas present to myself. It is now almost February 2012 and I love my Subaru and am still very happy with the used car buying experience I had. Thanks so much, Bob and happy future travels. read more

I bought a Subaru Outback XT from Family Motors, sight unseen, and then had it shipped to my home in Arizona. From start to finish, this was absolutely the best car purchase experience I have ever had (and we have bought a lot of cars). The car was just as advertised- no suprises. Ginger and Paul were gems to work with- all paperwork completed and Fedexed as promised. I seriously will not buy a used Subaru from anyone else now- they spoiled me. I will tell anyone I know what a great experience this was, and if you call Family Motors and get my phone number from Ginger I will tell you as well. read more