An Enlightening Encounter with Dubious Sales Tactics at Plug-In Auto Date of Experience: 3/29/25 / Rating: (1 out of 5 Stars) Embarking on the pursuit of acquiring a new vehicle, I ventured to Plug-In Auto with expectations of straightforwardness and integrity. Regrettably, my experience not only failed to meet these expectations but also served as an illuminating example of certain business practices that prioritize profit over customer satisfaction, eroding trust and wasting invaluable time. Upon my initial visit, the staff at Plug-In Auto welcomed me with congenial gestures and warmth, setting a seemingly positive tone for what I anticipated to be a fulfilling car-buying journey. The vehicle that attracted me to this dealership, known for its attractive pricing and commendable specifications, appeared to be an ideal match for my requirements. However, this enthusiasm was quickly tempered. Following my request to test drive the advertised vehicle, I observed a discernible shift in the sales environment. The once-attentive sales representative adopted an evasive demeanor, revealing that the vehicle's price had been augmented with additional features that were neither necessary nor previously discussed. Strikingly, specific details regarding this new proposal were conspicuously absent. It was at this juncture that I encountered the archetypal bait-and-switch maneuver, with alternatives presented that not only inflated the financial commitment beyond reason but also failed to align with my originally stated preferences. More perplexing was the sales team's endorsement of extraneous add-ons, such as an ostensibly essential paint protection program, whose cost-effectiveness and value were questionable at best. This approach starkly contradicted the principles of fair and transparent business dealings. Throughout my visit, despite my visible dissatisfaction and disillusionment, there was a continued push towards up-selling, with a blatant disregard for my stated needs and budgetary constraints. The boldness with which these tactics were employed left me astounded. At no point was there an attempt by any member of the dealership to ack/nowledge the misleading practices or offer a sincere resolution. The experience at Plug-In Auto underscores a concerning trend where the ethos of customer service is overshadowed by the relentless pursuit of profit. It is a reminder that vigilance and thorough research are paramount when navigating the car-buying process. To those considering Plug-In Auto for their next vehicle purchase, I advise proceeding with caution. Your time, trust, and financial resources deserve respect and should be invested in a dealership committed to ethical practices and genuine customer care. The automotive purchasing journey should be transparent and rewarding, a sentiment that, regretfully, Plug-In Auto has failed to embody. This revision aims to provide a more professionally toned review of the disappointing car dealership experience, emphasizing the importance of ethical business practices and customer r read more

"Buyer Beware: Misrepresentation and Poor Vehicle Quality" On Saturday, July 5th, I came in specifically to purchase a Polestar 2 Performance Pack. For weeks leading up to my visit, your website advertised 10-12 of these models, many listed with EV credit. Yet when I arrived, not one of them was available. Only three models were on the lot--and none matched what I had seen online. That was the first red flag. While my salesperson, Vitto, was professional, the overall process raised major concerns: * **Misrepresentation of availability**: When I asked about the Performance Pack models I saw online the night before, I was told they "might have already sold." However, those same cars continued to appear on your website even after my purchase. This feels misleading. * **Incorrect trim and restricted test drive**: I was shown and test-drove a different trim than what I was told. The test drive was restricted to a quick loop around the block--I was not permitted to take it on the freeway. When I asked directly if the car had the Performance Pack, I was told "yes," but later discovered it did not. Being misinformed and limited from properly testing the vehicle was unacceptable. * **Mileage disclosure at the last minute**: I traded in an EV with 72k miles, believing I was purchasing a Polestar with significantly fewer miles. Only at the signing stage--after four hours at the dealership--did I learn the car had 79k miles, more than the one I traded in. This should have been disclosed clearly and upfront. * **Poor delivery condition**: The vehicle was delivered dirty, with scratches, scuffs, and a loose A-pillar trim that created loud creaking and wind noise on my drive home. At freeway speeds, the car shook so badly that I feared suspension issues. Multiple alignments and balancing services later, I had to invest further just to make the car drivable. On my very first road trip, the A-pillar trim literally flew off on the freeway. In total, I've already had to spend significant money correcting issues that should have been addressed before the car ever left your lot. What troubles me most is not only the condition of the vehicle, but also the misleading advertising, lack of transparency, and restricted test drive that prevented me from making a fully informed decision. This entire experience has eroded my trust in your dealership. Plug In Auto presents itself as professional and customer-focused, but what I experienced was the opposite. I hope upper management takes a hard look at how these practices affect your customers, because right now, they reflect poorly on your reputation. read more

Warning: Extremely Disappointed and Frustrated with Plug-in Auto I rarely write reviews, but my experience with Plug-in Auto has been so utterly disappointing that I feel compelled to warn others. I purchased two cars from this dealership, and both have turned out to be nothing but trouble -- despite their false advertising and misleading promises. First off, when I bought these cars, the dealership confidently assured me that there were no issues, that both vehicles were in perfect condition, and that I wouldn't face any problems. They painted a picture of reliable, trouble-free cars, which lured me into making the purchase. I trusted their word because they seemed professional at the time. However, within just a week of owning each vehicle, problems started to emerge. The first car developed serious mechanical issues--major engine trouble and electrical faults. The second car, surprisingly, began exhibiting the same problems. It's as if both cars were ticking time bombs, and I was sold faulty vehicles under the guise of "no issues." The worst part is the financial drain I've experienced since these purchases. I've had to spend more money on repairs, parts, and maintenance than I originally paid for both cars combined. It's a complete scam. The dealership's false advertising about the condition of these cars is unacceptable, and it feels like I was duped into buying defective vehicles. Customer service has been unhelpful and dismissive when I've reached out for support or resolution. They show no accountability or willingness to address the problems, leaving me stuck with cars that are costing me a fortune and providing zero peace of mind. In summary, I regret buying from Plug-in Auto more than words can express. If you're thinking about purchasing a vehicle from them, I strongly advise you to look elsewhere. Their cars are not as advertised, and their business practices are shady at best. Save yourself the headache, money, and frustration -- avoid this dealership at all costs. One star is too generous. read more

Updated Review: A Cautionary Tale of Unsavory Business Practices I feel compelled to respond to the recent comments made by the manager, especially since they're now engaging in this conversation. Let me make it clear--this isn't just a "bad review." It's a cautionary heads-up to anyone considering doing business with this establishment. You can take it or leave it, but if it saves even one person from going through what I did, it will have been worth it. To Address the Manager's Response: When we initially approached the dealership to discuss the issues we experienced with the vehicle, we were told that there was nothing they could do. This was before any reviews were written, showing that the concerns were brought directly to them. Despite the numerous issues we faced, it's been over a month since our initial attempt to resolve the matter, and only now are they responding. This response feels too little, too late. Moreover, during our interactions, we were informed that Toyota does not service the particular model we purchased. It was also revealed that the car had been involved in three separate accidents--information that was never disclosed to us at the time of purchase. This omission is significant and points to a lack of transparency that consumers should be aware of. Nowhere in the documentation provided to us was there any mention of these accidents, leading me to believe that this information was intentionally withheld. I'm currently looking into the legal implications of this non-disclosure, as I'm certain there are laws governing the sale of vehicles with such histories. If this dealership operated with integrity, I wouldn't be writing this review. Unfortunately, my experience has proven otherwise. Again, I urge you to be very cautious about spending your hard-earned money at a place that appears to lack the moral compass necessary to provide full disclosure of the vehicles they sell. read more

I wish I could give less than one star to this place, just a terrible experience from start to finish I came to the place just to purchase a car that I saw at a certain price online, when I arrived and asked to see the model the salesman kept trying to show me other models and during the test drive I asked the salesman questions about the car such as (full self driving) & (auto pilot) the salesman indicated that it included in the price, during the test drive I asked about the final price of the vehicle and I agreed with him on the price because that is what I was looking for, when I finished the test drive and arrived at the office one of the worst experiences of my life began, first of all the salesman ran my credit even though I asked that they not run it because I have already documents of an approved loan, after that the salesman tried to sell me the car for 9,000$ more than the specified price and what I agreed , When I left the store because I didn't agree on the price, the salesman ran to me when I got to the car and told me that he agreed to sell it to me at the agreed upon price. When I entered the store, one of the "managers" came to me and tried to continue selling me the car for more than what was agreed upon, and then another manager came and another manager, a total of 6 managers until Shawn arrived and he was the least nice and was not even interested in talking to me and simply prepared a contract that is not correct and is not what was agreed orally for the matter that the car comes with: registration for one year, full self driving, auto pilot, wireless charger In the end I purchased the The car after 6 hours of suffering, I don't wish anyone to enter the store or certainly not to buy a car from them and if you have already entered, I really hope for you that you don't fall for Shawn's scam, as far as I know I am not the only one he trashed with his method of changing the contract read more

I had one of the worst car-buying experiences of my life at Plug-In Auto. They are completely dishonest. The car I purchased had been involved in an accident, which they never disclosed, yet they had me sign documents without mentioning it. They are incredibly sneaky and will not tell you the full history of the vehicle. When I bought the car, there was an alert about the parking sensors, which I thought was minor. After struggling for a month and even getting a Tesla engineer involved, it turned out the issue was because the front bumper sensors had been painted. That's when I realized the car had been in an accident--information they intentionally withheld during the sale. Tesla charged me $700 to replace the sensors, and when I asked Plug-In Auto to reimburse me for the repair, they flatly refused. But that's not all. They were responsible for handling the DMV registration, yet I was given a temporary license plate valid until November 2024. I waited seven weeks for my original plates, and when they finally arrived, they had the same November expiration as the temporary plate. To top it off, I ended up paying $865 for car renewal. Does that sound fair to you? This dealership is nothing but a group of liars. They advertise cars at low prices and make the vehicles look great, but it's all a facade. I strongly urge you not to buy a car from them. This place is trash, and if I could give them 0 stars, I would. read more

My experience with Plug In Auto was extremely pleasant! I had to shop for a vehicle due to an accident not of my own doing on the East Coast. I searched for a week and just happened to find the vehicle I was looking for at this dealership. Now, I must say that I am extremely particular about my vehicles. I want to know everything I can about a car before I purchase. I don't normally do reviews for anything unless the experience is worthy of mention! In this case I must be extremely lucky because when I called this business I had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Martinez. Mike assisted me with high quality videos, detailed information on the vehicle and without hesitation answered every time I called him with information related to my purchase and the steps needed to complete the purchase! Keep in mind I'm on the east coast of the US - I must say this entire experience was without a doubt easy and memorable due the interactions of the employees at the dealership. Shout out to Tony in finance also! No pushy sales mess - straight forward honest and factual! The vehicle I wanted arrived today and it's sitting in my driveway, over 2000 miles away all because Mike took the initiative to assist me in my time of need. Thanks to the entire team at Plug-In Auto - specifically Mike! read more

I had a great experience at Plug-In Auto. Jennifer made me comfortable right away and answered all my questions via text and over email. She even filled my car with gas when I was having issues with the gas tank, and let me drive the car to the bank to get a cashier check! Plug-In Auto allowed me to negotiate a fair price for the vehicle and was very transparent about the vehicle's history. I was also able to call ahead about any additional fees I could be responsible for on top of the listed price (as I noticed some reviews mentioned unexpected prices) and they walked me through the fees transparently and showed me how I could view this through the website.) They also washed my car before I drove it off the lot :) Though my experience was overall positive, Jennifer is who sealed the deal for me buying the car. I was hesitant to make this kind of purchase and she made me feel comfortable from start to finish and didn't make me feel rushed or pressured in anyway. Her sense of humor and genuine energy made me feel like I was in good hands and like she was on my team in this, rather than trying to sell me something. She was informed, patient, and kind. I'm impressed by the experience and would recommend Plug-In Auto! read more

My brother and I recently visited this dealership, and unfortunately, our experience was extremely disappointing. From the moment we arrived, we encountered long wait times with little to no communication from staff. We were left sitting for extended periods without updates, which made us feel overlooked and unvalued as customers. What was even more concerning was how the financial discussion was handled. My brother was discouraged from purchasing a vehicle based solely on his income hence him being a part time employee/student but still having good credit. So when we explained that our mother, who earns a substantial income, was willing to assist him, we were told that it "wouldn't make a difference." This response felt dismissive and did not align with standard practices where co-signers or financial support are typically considered. Given the circumstances and the fact that we were the only Black customers in the dealership at the time the overall interaction raised serious concerns about potential bias and unequal treatment. The lack of effort to work with us, combined with the dismissive communication, created an uncomfortable and disheartening experience. read more

About two weeks back, I purchased my first off lot vehicle, a Lexus CT- hatchback (hybrid to top that off). My girlfriend and I were kindly welcomed in and felt comfortable right away with the Italian background that some of the guys have as well. Because of my no-credit score, we all put in a fight for about 6 hours, but the fight was well worth while. A few of the guys from Plug-In Auto gave an arm and a leg to help me close a deal we were all happy about. A great deal. Chris was our primary salesman throughout the process and went out of his way to keep us laughing and in great spirits through the endeavor, we truly couldn't ask for more and recommend any single person looking for a great experience purchasing your next vehicle. Take our word for it. Thank you kindly to each of you guys, for the time and patience and willingness to close a great deal, and to Joe for working back and forth after I drove away days after to be sure all was clean cut and flush. Great work and well done ! All the very best. read more

Avoid PIA like Corona Virus, it is your worst possible option. This is a sleezy stereotype used car lot in every way. Classic bait and switch. They never had the cheap cars they advertise (oops, we JUST sold it as you drove here!) and will try to upsell you to a more expensive car. DO NOT TRUST ANY FAKE 5-star reviews here, PIA is full of slimy salesmen. Ask about their $1200 "paint protection" up front! Watch out for used condoms in the trunk. Their incompetence wrecks people's credit rating. Yes, for real, read the reviews. Yet some idiots still buy from them! Five per hour, so they say!!! Unlikely. BTW PIA used to be Anaheim Pre-Owned Cars. Read THOSE reviews at https://www.yelp.com/biz/anaheim-pre-owned-cars-pomona-2. So bad these charlatans had to move and change their name to start with a clean slate on Yelp, but the slimy scumbag salesmen remain. You have been warned, do not waste a dime or a moment on this POS hellhole. Drive them out of business. Take them to Detroit!!! read more