I fully understand the shortcomings of dealing in used and junker cars. I have driven them and fixed them for my entire driving career (56 years). I just bought two cars from Sands Auto. They appear to be great deals for the money so far. We looked at about 6 vehicles closely and test drove at least 4. One which was purported to need a power steering box stopped shifting 5 miles down the road and just after we put $80 worth of gas into it. We had already purchased this vehicle. Bad tranny. When I called Sands fearing the worst Dave (Zimmerman) said "bring it back and we'll work things out." We discerned that the power steering box was actually in pretty good working condition. Dave took care of us, deducted the price of the gas, and set things right. We ended up buying a significantly better vehicle for a very reasonable price. If you buy a car from Sands Auto deal with Dave. He will get the job done to everyone's satisfaction. He had me by the balls but did the right thing. So I say don't be afraid to buy a car from Sands Auto. Just make sure you deal with Dave. He even returned my message while on his way to work early on Black Friday. We had no idea if the truck was still available or if we could even look at it. They highly recommend and suggest that you have to set up an appointment first. And we were already on our way by Uber. The $110 gamble turned out to be worth every cent. We all left with smiles on our face. Dave included. Happy Holidays to you and your family Dave!!! And thanks again for being responsible and displaying such integrity!!! Dave Hafner Maplewood, Mn read more

Do not ever buy from here we got a suv from here a couple days ago and it's already having engine difficulties. We talked to the buyer when we first bought it and before they had mentioned they checked everything. Then later into the day the engine light came on and it stayed on until today. So then I got it checked and we already needed to replace the timing chains in the engine. It costs 1,500 to 2,000 dollars to fix. If you do buy from here take someone who knows about cars with you, or else ask for a in depth analysis. But honestly I wouldn't. read more

0/10. If I could leave 0 stars, I would. Don't waste your time. Completely lost mine and my husband's business due to their lack of communication. We attempted to place a hold on a vehicle we were interested in and were told that was not a possibility. We drove 7+ hours on icy roads from another STATE, keeping in constant contact with the salesman about location and expected arrival time, fully intending on buying a vehicle, to get there and be told the vehicle we wanted had sold 40 minutes prior. Then told us we should have put money down to hold it.................. excuse me? What a joke. read more

Test drove a truck and the fuel light came on in process. I stopped and put fuel in it so I could get back, and they refused to reimburse me the 20 dollars. I was told I should have let them know before. Lost a pot customer over it. read more

Absolutely Do Not Recommend -- Buyer Beware! I recently purchased a used truck from this place and thought I was getting a decent deal. The staff seemed friendly enough, and everything looked fine at first -- no visible issues and no warning lights. But just a few days after driving it off the lot, the power steering completely failed, making the truck dangerous to drive. To top it off, the check engine light came on almost immediately afterward. Clearly, they either don't inspect their vehicles properly or they deliberately clear codes to hide problems just long enough to make a sale. I trusted them and got burned for it. Now I'm stuck with repair costs for issues that should've been disclosed or fixed before the sale. If you're thinking about buying a vehicle here, don't. Take your business somewhere that values honesty and safety over pushing lemons out the door. read more

July 7th 2025: I tested out 8 different vehicles in the under 6,000. price range and there was something wrong with every one! VERY DISAPPOINTED. I mean 2 had dead batteries, one had almost no brakes, 2 had non working AC, one wasn't able to open the liftgate, one had a flat tire, one had a really rusty frame, 2 had leaking exhaust. Just ridiculous! Don't support this lazy place! read more

Shiny vehicle in photos is the first deception. They are not shiny, they are wet from a quicky carwash. Vehicles are dirty outside, dirtry inside, dirty under hood, Never been detailed. No inspections prior to sale, no warranty, no refunds, all risk is yours the buyer. Vehicles on lot are dealer trade in that dealer doesn't want. That is your clue. Just like buying a vehicle at open to public Copar auction but price is higher. Hell of a bargain for suckers and buyers with crap credit rating. read more

I bought a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox from Sands Auto Sales LLC, and in less than three months the Vehicle engine died even after I had spent over 3k replacing certain parts at the dealership service center. I decided to call Sand Auto Sales to inform them about my predicament and see what they could do to help and was told there was absolutely nothing they could offer or do to help out. People should be extra careful or avoid purchasing vehicles from this place to save themselves from trouble and wasting their hard-earned money. I remember asking the sales lady whether there was a test diagnostic done on the Vehicle and if the engine was showing to be a good condition and she confirmed to me that there was a test done on the engine and that there were no problems or concerns at all before I made the commitment and paid for it. Dishonesty at the highest level for selling faulty engines/cars to people. I will never recommend this place to anyone looking for a car/vehicle to purchase. read more

They put the ick in used car dealers, they know the laws in MN and use them against the consumer so you aren't able to use the lemon law. I wish I would of seen these reviews before purchasing and having my repairs amount to half the cost of the vehicle pretty much on delivery. They sell broken cars willingly "as is" stay far far away. read more

I had the BEST experience getting my car here. They helped me look through the many options they had, kept my best interests in mind and when trying to figure out the financials for everything, they made it super easy to work through. I 100% recommend getting your next car from here, seriously they work their hardest to get you what you want and need and won't fail you or steer you the wrong way:) read more

Had a vehicle exactly 1 month to the day and it broke down completely. I drove it very easy and was nothing but mostly highway miles, taken easy since I have a toddler in the back, so no reason it should have done what it did. Not worth the $5500 I paid at all. Wouldn't trust here again for a vehicle ever again personally. Used yes, doesn't mean I should only get 1 months use and to get sold garbage. That was a big chuck of money for me. And not even worth trying to call them because it was "as is" and I paid in full by check. I wish I would have seen all the other negative reviews before going there. What a joke. read more

I just posted a review on Google. Go to Google and check out their reviews. Majority of reviews are a 1 and yet they have 3.3 rating. Not only are they preying on buyers who are looking for values or good buys, they are padding their reviews to even get the 3.3 rating. Not good people to do business with. Stay away, buy your car where the cars are not misrepresented and the people selling them are honest. It is not at Sand's Auto Sales in Bradford Minnesota. Run, don't walk! read more

They sold me a truck with bottom sprayed with black flex seal looking stuff that i presume was to cover up the rust. I asked them what was wrong and all they said was " little hole in the exhaust!, That was not close to what it really needed!! The owner will argue with you. He forgets alot of people dont play. He even said that he will " smear my name " lol for reposting the car he sold me. If its my truck why can't i do what i want with it? No one asks you why your getting cars for nothing and selling them with out checking them. Horrible. Even if you " erase this" yelp wont get involved after 2 so if you try to erase it i will post it again read more

I went there to get a cheap used van and I was aware that they were charging a low price. So I was optimistic about getting a good deal. At first they seemed helpful, and even stayed open a late which was good. However the van they sold me had warning lights on right away. I thought I could just coast home and get it checked out in the morning but it only made it 15 miles before the alternator conked out. Then I got that fixed and a couple days later realized that the gas cap was missing. This whole time they said they would save the seats from my old van because they were compatible and the new van was missing the two center seats. But then they strung me along on the phone a few times saying they hadn't gotten around to removing the old seats yet. I called today and they said the van was scrapped and the seats are gone. So don't believe any of their promises over the phone. They will just lie to get you to put off dealing with whatever the issue is. And their cars are not checked out at all not even complete with seats or a gas cap or a working alternator. The latest thing is my fuel tank has some kind of problem filling all the way so I don't know if that's going to turn out to be a big issue or not. It fills like a quarter of the way before gas shoots back out of it. read more

Very open about the vehicles being as is. Very friendly. They also let us inspect the vehicle and worked with us. We have bought two vehicles from them now and will probably be back for more. One of the better used car lots out there. read more

I bought a Jeep from them. With in a week of owning it the jeep needed a new head gasket. (4,000$)

Wish Zero stars was an option. Both GMC Yukons I came to look at didn't even start. He said "want me to jump it?" Like that was normal. Can't post screen shots on here but I texted the number provided on website to ask "are there any issues". The response and I quote "No. Works good. No issues. Come on in." After he jumped it said "oh yeah there's an exhaust leak so it's loud"...I test drove it. Everything rattles and sounds like there isn't even a muffler on it. the information screen said -Check exhaust system -Check suspension system -service passenger airbag -oh yeah and the passenger door handle doesn't open. They must have one heck of a photographer working there. I'll let you decide if that's ethical and honest after saying "no issues". There are in fact a TON of issues that will be expensive. I drove 3 hours round trip based on the text reassuring me there were "no issues". Unbelievable unprofessional and dishonest. Just flat out lied. Scumbag operation. read more

I called ahead and arranged to purchase a used Transit Connect van, and drove a considerable distance the next day to take delivery. After assurances that all was well mechanically I drove it home. The brakes were "sticky", but thought I may been sitting awhile. Within 150 miles, they locked up, replaced all front brakes/calipers hoses etc for @$2000. They are locked up again now, and the shop where it's currently at suspects that it was in an accident, which they did not disclose. Worst experience ever they should be ashamed (Or locked up) read more

Great dealer! Not pushy. They let you look without being annoying. You need to be a bit of a mechanic to know what's good and what's not, but they have a lot of good prices and inventory. read more

This is for all used car buyers! i've been in the auto industry in some form for years (not any more)! dealers like these are what they are, dishonest! they purchase vehicles as cheap as possible, and do the least work possible to get it down the road, not caring at all about you, the consumer. but you're to blame for letting this continue. listen to this! do not purchase a used car without having it inspected first! do not purchase a used car without having it inspected first! do not purchase a used car without having it inspected first! do not purchase a used car without having it inspected first! do not purchase a used car without having it inspected first! do not purchase a used car without having it inspected first! do not purchase a used car without having it inspected first! do not purchase a used car without having it inspected first! never, ever trust a car dealer! never, ever trust a car dealer! never, ever trust a car dealer! never, ever trust a car dealer! never, ever trust a car dealer! never, ever trust a car dealer! never, ever trust a car dealer! never, ever trust a car dealer! research, do the homework before signing anything! research, do the homework before signing anything! research, do the homework before signing anything! research, do the homework before signing anything! research, do the homework before signing anything! if we all followed these three tips, it would change the auto industry! getting rid of shady dealers like this! it's your fault you purchased a non-functioning vehicle from these low-lifes! i hope this helps a ton a shoppers, it's the best possible advice i could give. I had caps lock on to emphasize, but lower caps was the result, you get the message though! read more

If I could give zero stars I would. We came here looking at a specific vehicle, we test drove the vehicle and there were a few lights on and when we got back we were interested in the vehicle but wanted the dash lights taken care of.. they stated they would fix it if we were serious and would hold it for us if we put a small $200 deposit down that is 100% refundable if we changed our minds.. the vehicle was supposed to be done within a couple days and we never heard from them.. and then when we called to check on it they told us it was done but it had been over a week at this point and we had went a different route and when we told them this they told us they could not give us our money back because they put $500 into the vehicle.... um excuse me what?! The vehicle that they own and can still sell to someone else! Sketchy sleezy auto place.. don't bother or waste your time.. go somewhere else! read more

Buyer beware Shady used car dealer unwilling to honor limited warranty they offer. Jake the owner is the "as is" guy despite covering up problems. Avoid this place! If it seems like a good deal, it's a good deal for a reason, and not a good reason. read more

@SandsAutoSales PLEASE SHARE!!! Do not buy from here! They sell broken trucks and are scam artists. We came two hours away to get a truck. After taking it home it started breaking down. We took it in and found out there was over $5000 worth of repairs. My husband took our two small children and drove the truck back after they said they would help us get into something else. After bringing it back they said there's nothing they could do and kept our down payment of $1800 and the truck. I was upset and wrote a bad review as I had to take my infant daughter and drive two hours to go pick up my husband and two kids as they were stranded there. Apparently they read my review and surrounded my husband and two small kids and said "get the fuck out of here " in a very aggressive manner and they kicked my husband out and made him and the two kids sit outside of the gate in 90° heat with no shade. When I got there my poor kids were sweating and sunburned from having to sit at the gate. They weren't even allowed to go in and get water. When I got there I got angry and told them they were scam artists and frauds.. The workers and owner then stormed out and called us losers, swearing at us and screaming at us in front of my kids. This place is disgusting and will rob you. My husband is now out of a vehicle and My poor daughter is so sunburnt and red from them making them sit outside. Check out their reviews on Google and see all the other people's complaints! I will be reporting this to the BBB! read more

On June 14, 2021, I purchased a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado from them. As I drove it home, the check engine light came on and the engine was making a funny noise. On 6/22, I had a mechanic look at it and they found cylinder #5 was bad along with the piston rings, meaning I needed a new engine. I called and talked to Patrick and he said to take it to another repair shop to verify the problem. I brought it to a 2nd repair shop on 6/23 and they verified the same issue. I called on 6/25 and talked to Patrick and told him the 2nd shop verified the problem. Patrick said he would talk to his boss and see what he could do. I called again on 6/28, Patrick said he would talk to his boss and see what he could do. I called on 6/29 and talked to Jake Olson, the owner. He said there is nothing they could do because I bought it as is. I would like to return the vehicle or have the repairs paid for. read more

WOW... LIARS!!! I asked if there was any rust or anything else major wrong with the truck as I had a 4 hour round trip to go see it. I was told little to no rust and nothing else wrong with it. WRONG!!! If you call rusted out rockers and wheel wells no rust... also, passenger power seat didn't work... also, check engine light on... also, body moldings all pulling off... NOT TO MENTION THE TRUCK WAS LOADED WITH HAIL DAMAGE. Any reputable sales lot would disclose a truck with HAIL DAMAGE before making someone drive 4 hours round trip... Casey Hanson claimed he was asked if there was anything major wrong with it, but HAIL DAMAGE is just cosmetic so he didn't feel the need to disclose. DON'T TRUST THIS PLACE read more

These people are putting trade in vehicles back on the streets that just don't belong there. We got a truck there a few weeks ago and the entire rear frame of it is rusted to the point that less than a third of it is remaining. Several professional estimates later, we're told that it isn't safe to be on the road and even a minor impact from the rear would crumple the entire rear of the truck up and into the second row seating area. Not only that, but the oe parts required to redo any of it, aren't in existence anywhere anymore and no one will even commit to fabricating the parts themselves because there's no way to know what the manufacturer specs were, thereby making this vehicle UN-FIXABLE!!! We can't tow with it or go places with our kids or our dogs in it, which was the ENTIRE point of our purchase! When the owner was told about these issues, he was less than responsive and we're stuck with a vehicle that isn't safe to drive and isn't repairable. Dont buy from these people. They have no idea what kind of risk they're taking with peoples lives and what's more... THEY DONT CARE! read more

Pat helped us when we arrived immediately. He was knowledgeable, honest and nice!! And great customer service I might add. We bought a Prius and will definitely be buying here again. Thanks Pat!! read more

Called Sands Auto Sales on a Tuesday asking to come see a ford mustang on Saturday. I told the guy I am driving 2 1/2 hours so is there anything broke on it so I don't waste my time. I was told that its in great shape and nothing is broke. I called Friday to confirm it is still available and it was so on Saturday we made the trip down. Went to look at it and the windshield was broken! The car looked like someone beat it with a baseball bat it had so many dents. The drivers seat trim was coming apart and you could see the wires.?!!?!? None of the pictures online showed any of this! I wished I would have read the other reviews and saw all the BBB complaints before we drove there. read more

If you are paying cash and know about cars you should be ok. Do not, i repeat, do not finance...we just spent over 5 hours (was told it would be less than 2). Then was told they thought they could do it but instead of the "normal" $300 finance fee it would be an additional $600...so almost a $1000 to finance on top of the high intetest expected with poor credit and the 30% down we were offering! We stuck with the original car we picked and paid cash. Dont waste your day! read more

Stay away. Look up reviews, they scam people and don't disclose issues with the vehicles they sell. If you come back they want nothing to do with you and keep your money. read more

The Salesman Patrick was very helpful in helping us buy a very nice truck. First time we've gone to this place, it was really cold out and busy with people shopping for a car. Patrick showed great guest service and was very polite. Thank you Sands Auto Cindy & Lonny B Sandstone MN read more

Do not do business with these people. I would give minus stars if i could. They will coverup and hide problems with a vehicle, then after you buy it and find the problem, their answer is that you bought it "as is". Three times when we went out there, Patrick, the sales manager, offered to start the auto because it was a diesel, and so "it would be nice and warm for us". Turned out that both batteries and the starter were bad. By his starting the vehicle it kept us from discovering the problems. We thought he was being nice. When the owner was told about what was done, his response was " well then you should have known about it, shouldn't you"? Take your business to someone who is not a crook. read more

They dont get a fucken star from me. They THINK they have got us for a little over than 3 grand. Wrong we are going to court! Watch these fuckers. I will get my money back plus the money I put into the lemon. They sold me a car with no title! read more

They Misrepresent vehicles, slap outer rockers on to make them look good, had silicone sealing a seam on the rockers. Bought one truck, had rotten cobbled together fuel and brake lines, headlights held in with mechanics wire, had a bent core support. Called to get it handled, they said "as-is". I went there in person and had to argue to get them to take it back and sell me a more expensive truck, which was represented as a 5.3 liter engine, even had swapped out tag under hood saying 5.3. only had a 4.8 in it. Was told tough luck. I don't recommend buying anything from these crooks! Unless you want junk that needs immediate repairs. read more

I purchased a vehicle from this dealership recently (I paid cash). They were not honest about problems that the vehicle had with the transmission when I purchased the vehicle, they had filled the transmission fluid so it was running well. I took it to a shop 2 weeks after I bought it because the gears were slipping and they told me that the Transmission is shot and that they would have had to have known about the cause of the damage before they sold it. They sold me an all wheel drive vehicle with the wrong tires for the vehicle (I wasn't aware of this). I asked them if the vehicle had any issues that would need to be fixed and they told me no. They are dishonest and put my children and myself in a dangerous vehicle. Do Not shop there. They won't take ANY responsibility for the situation and only offered to give me a discount and leave me stuck with a vehicle that cannot be driven. read more

I have always had the best luck going to Sands to look at a car/ truck. They always tell you there honest opinion! They are always nice and friendly. They have great respect towards the customers. I have purchased car #3 from them. They also stand behind the vehicles they sell. Thanks again for another great car! I look forward to doing business with you again! read more

I bought a 2015 Kia Sorento from Sands in May. 2wks later I noticed the heater wouldn't blow hot air. Long story short, I found out that the engine head had partially separated from the block. The Kia dealership said it needed a short block engine replacement costing $10,000. As you can imagine, I was less than happy. After being assured that this wasn't a problem someone would notice on the average vehicle inspection, I called Sands and asked to talk with the owner, Jake. I told him what was going on and asked if there was generally anything they do for customers that experience this major of a problem so soon after purchasing a vehicle. After a short talk, Jake told me to bring the car to a mechanic he frequently uses so they could take a look at it, fix it, and we would "split the bill". I was blown away. The mechanic decided he could fix the engine and it didn't need any kind of block replacement. The estimated cost was $7,000. Jake stuck to his original statement and said he would split the bill. I was again blown away. The final bill was around $5,700 and Jake did indeed split the bill with me, making my portion around $2,850. So I started out looking down the barrel of either a $10,000 fix or a total loss and, due to the unbelievable generosity of Sands Auto, all I ended up paying just a fraction of that. I am extremely happy with the vehicle and equally grateful I bought from a place like Sands. read more

DO NOT BUY FROM THIS PLACE!!! I bought a diesel Ford from them, was told the truck was fully bulletproofed (if you know 6.0 Ford's this is important) bought this truck because I needed one to pull my camper to Sturgis. Truck was running hot going out, no problem figured 80 mph towing 8500 pounds with the air on was a problem. Got home and dropped it off to my mechanic. Come to find out the headgaskets are blown, even prior to me buying it, truck isn't bulletproofed right, it still has half the head bolts in it (it's studded where you can see) I'm now sitting on a 6k repair bill to fix it right on a 9k truck! read more

We had a TERRIBLE experience buying a used vehicle from these crooks! 2 days after purchase; the head gasket went out. They refused any responsibility and even questioned if anything happened! well, the vehicle was towed to a repair shop and that's what needs to be fixed! The title was clean and I think they knew it had a major issue and didn't disclose it. Never deal with these people! read more

My daughter just purchased a vehicle from Sands Auto Sales and it has been in the shop since they purchased it. Come to find out the whole engine needs to be replaced. She's called multiple times and can't get someone to call her back. I would never recommend someone buy a vehicle from them. If I could give zero starts, I would. They deserve to be in jail. read more