Our initial experience purchasing the vehicle was positive. We were treated respectfully and everyone we interacted with was professional. However, the loan provider never received the title to the vehicle we purchased. When I reached out to Tom's Auto several times to resolve the issue and showed up in person I was given the runaround and even laughed at for being concerned that I had paid off a vehicle and had no title for it. I don't even think they tried to locate the title or investigate what happened. It was a huge hassle. I was told by the loan provider that this is a common occurrence with Tom's Auto, though I've read reviews about them from different platforms and have not seen anything pertaining to this particular issue. After spending time making phone calls to Tom's and the loan provider and being told to go to the DOT and then to go to the county treasurer I did have the issue resolved at the treasurers office. I did get the title to my vehicle. It was very frustrating and unnecessary to have to deal with this. All because the documents were mishandled. read more

I had been researching Toyota Land Cruisers for a bit and settled on wanting a 2006. Tom's North had one! I knew that there would be a few things that would likely need replaced soon due to having 200k miles. We made a list and purchased parts for everything that goes bad around this mileage. No problem at all and I absolutely love this purchase! This is an as-is dealership. In my opinion, if you're looking for a turn-key vehicle that's going to be perfect for you for years to come with zero maintenance required - go buy something brand new. I see a lot of reviews that seem to think Tom's is responsible for their used, high mileage, low-priced vehicle having issues. Do your own research and know the common issues the vehicle you're buying has at the mileage you're purchasing it at. Then decide if it's worth the cost to fix those things after purchasing. I had a great experience, it was so fast and easy. read more

Tom's Auto Sales - Car Dealers Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

My first experience was not the greatest. They reached out and wanted me to come in so we could figure out a solution that would leave both of us happy. They gave me a great deal on my trade in and also helped me get into a newer truck that will be a better fit for my family and I. Todd and Anson helped me out a ton and greatly appreciate all that they did to ensure it was a good experience and to make a repeat customer out of me. Thank you once again. read more

If you could give it negative stars, we would! We were looking for a car for our son. We decide to purchase the car, do the paperwork and then are told...You can't drive it home, we don't have the title (why not have the title? and why advertise the vehicle until you do have the title) and we need your son to sign. We purchased another vehicle in Iowa and had no problems with the purchase. In Iowa, you have 30 days to register your vehicle! It was 2 months before he got the license and title. DO NOT do business with this dealership! RUN!!! read more

Don't buy from toms auto. Do your homework first On the car you are trying to buy. Kelly blue book the trade in value. Because that's what they gave for it or less. Then they want 3 to 5 thousand more than it's worth. Then you go to sell it or trade it. You'll bend over and take it dry. It's not worth what you paid for it. read more

'Zero' if I could...I have dealt with this company twice...it was a terrible experience both times. I only went back bc the truck I purchased died 50 miles after I left the lot. They would only let me pick from the Lot and not give me my money back! They are absolutely rotten...please just don't even! Save yourself the same heart ache. My neighbor and her husband moved to Iowa and found a car there before we met them and they had the EXACT same thing happen-they would not cover it under The extensive warranty bc of a loop hole in the contract! read more

Brian A. was outstanding and I couldn't be more pleased with the personal experience. My credit was less than perfect and Brian went out of his way to find me local credit union. The loan process was painless and very timely. He was off the day I picked up my car and he had it all ready to go when I arrived. I would definitely recommend Tom's Auto and Brian. Thanks guys!!! Pam E read more

I was going to come test drive a vehicle at 3 pm today and I called at 2:35 to see if they could go down on the price at all and I was told probably not and that someone else was out test driving it and they didn't know if that other person would buy it or not... I would've never known if I didn't call them so do not buy a car from them they don't deserve any business read more

Stay away from this dealership, they don't check or fix anything before putting a vehicle up for sale, when you point something that needs fixed they always say we'll get that fixed, family members also had issues with toms auto. YOUR BETTER OFF GOING SOMEWHERE ELSE TRUST ME! read more

I would not buy any car from this place without having it looked at I bought a 2017 ford flex and I thought it was a great price for a full loaded car and it is nice but a month later we are getting the transfer case replaced 3000$ dollar fix the mechanic says it has been going on for a long time leaking fluid on the exhaust. These people at tom's will lie to your face and then ask you to leave a good review. read more

These vehicles are doctored to drive for a few months then they are junk. They stand behind nothing!

Do not buy a car here, they sold me a car that needed more work and at first they told me they were going to help and after that javier won't even pick up the phone, been calling him 1 entire week and im yet to get a call back. please don't buy here there are better dealers out there. read more

Bought a 20k car there and first 2 weeks the engine light came on, after taking it to they're recommended mechanic after "fixing it" (the car originally didn't have a resonators when I bought and I think that's all they did because they provided no diagnostic paperwork) one of the hoses must've gotten pierced and was told I had to buy/fix it myself. Fixed the problem now I'm seeing black smoke build up at the bottom of the engine guessing there's a crack in the transmission or the engine. I'm a young guy and I just wanted a car I wanted back in highschool with low miles. A dream turned nightmare from this dealership read more

Bought a town and country and was assured there was no coolant leak. There was. Caused the transmission to be destroyed and was offered no help. Scummy people with no knowledge of vehicle maintenance. DON'T GO HERE read more

Do not trust, bought a $24,000 Ford F-150 the engine went out before we got our plates. They said nothing they can do, nice. Do not trust this company read more

I would just like to say I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a vehicle. They helped me buy my first car at 20 years old ( a 2012 Jeep Liberty) , and explained everything for me because I didn't really have anyone to. Everyone was super nice and the process is so fast! If you are ever looking to purchase a nice used vehicle. Do not walk, Run!! This place will take care of you. read more

After lots of shopping around and dealing with some not so customer friendly car salesmen I landed at Tom's auto. This place has some good looking vehicles and that's what brought me in to look. Brian was my sales guy and he was super personable and helpful. He gave me the keys and let me take the ride out for a spin on my own, which I greatly appreciated. While I was test driving he printed up a car fax on the vehicle I was interested in. Very cool. It was a good vehicle and the customer care was spot on so I decided to buy. The process of buying a vehicle can be a headache. Dealing with the finance and all the paperwork to fill out and sign and then the waiting. Brian made the experience far better by making sure we were comfortable and even gave my two kiddos fish food to go out and feed the big fish they have swimming in a pond around the lot! I also have to give a shout out to Todd who helped a great deal getting the financing to go through quickly and getting all the paperwork done quick and explaining everything clearly. These guys were a pleasure to do business with and I'd recommend anyone who is looking for a vehicle to at least come check this place out. read more

Tom's Auto Sales - Car Dealers Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

BUYER BEWARE!!! Like someone else stated, if i could give this place 0 stars I would. I wish I'd have checked the reviews online before considering purchasing a car from Tom's. I'm reading many similar experiences. Dealing with this dealership has been a nightmare. Absolutely the worst dealership I've ever dealt with, and probably all around the worst sales experience I've ever had. We purchased a not cheap used car. Within one week the check engine light came on and it was making a couple different noises. I called back to speak with the salesman. He asked if we got the warranty. (It had only been one week, but he proceeded to tell me that we should've purchased the warranty to account for "situations like these"). Long story short the car has numerous issues. It was in the shop twice for a week both times within the first month we had it. But since we didn't get the warranty, we had to foot the bill. A week after we got it back the transmission went out. But again no warranty so not Tom's problem. So in the first month we paid $550 on repairs, in the first 4 months, the total is now almost $3000 and the car has been in the shop a month and a half. Tom sure talks a good game in his commercials, but they care nothing about customer service. It's the type of place responsible for the negative stereotypical sleazy "used car salesman". If you're considering purchasing a car from Tom's Auto, please, save yourself the money, headaches, and frustration. This dealership has a strict "as-is" policy. Once you leave the lot with the car, it's your problem. read more

I saw a nice vehicle they listed online and I went to test drive. Test drive went great and I began to work on financing. After 3 days of working out my loan with the bank, I went to pick up the car they had sent the purchase agreement for. I live about 1.5 hours away from the dealership and after multiple people had helped me AND written a purchase agreement, they waited until I was 20 minutes away with a check in my hand to call and say they can't sell me the car because of a clerical error in the posted price. The same price they put on my purchase agreement. Rather than own their error, they refused to sell me the car unless I came up with another $1,000. I was polite, but blunt about how unethical this was, but they didn't care and informed me that after being in business for 40 years, this was bound to happen. Mistakes DO happen, but they decided to continue their unethical practices by not giving me the car promised to me in our purchase agreement. Very shady business. I would highly recommend you buy cars from ANYONE else. Tom's Auto Sales made it clear that customer satisfaction isn't something they care to uphold and they will screw over anyone to make an extra buck. read more

If I could give this place 0 stars I would. While the selling process was quite quick & simple I'm sure it's only because they want the car gone before you can realize there's issues with it. Have had my 2012 Equinox for about 4 months & at month 3 I'm told the battery is completely dead- happens I suppose but don't think it should be happening after purchasing the vehicle only 3 months prior. Another month goes by & car dies again with battery light on, come to find out now it's the alternator. There's no reason I should be putting $1000+ into a car that was purchased only 4 months ago. They will sell you anything to make some money. Don't ever go to this place or give them your money. I would never recommend them & make sure to go out of my way to let others know to never give them their money either. Pathetic! read more

My fiancé and I have been shopping around for a used car and have really enjoyed looking at all the Tom's locations. The employees are what make the place great. They are knowledgeable about the cars they are selling. They are also friendly and try to get to know their customers. A lot of times we end up talking to them about things other than cars for 20 minutes! The car lots are also the best to go to if you don't want to buy from a big dealership. There is no sketchy feel that you may get from other car lots. Although we are still shopping around, we are definitely keeping our eye on Tom's ever-changing inventory, as we would love to buy from one of their locations! read more

I can not stress enough DO NOT BUY A CAR HERE!!! I bought a 2006 Equinox. We had a little taken off the sticker price because it needed what we thought was a new strut. Take to my mechanic and they find quite a few more things wrong with it which made it unsafe to drive. My mechanic had to replace the front sway bar bushings, both rear springs, wheel alignment, replace the right output shaft seal, replaced the leaking oil filter adaptor, and degrease the engine. Coolant leak, timing cover is dripping. This cost me over $2000. We also find out that one of the head gaskets was about to blow. That is going to cost me another $2500. Tom assured me that the car had been looked over by a mechanic. Seems to me that he needs a new mechanic who knows what he is doing. A car with these pre-existing conditions should not have even been on the lot. When I called Tom to tell him he sold me a piece of junk and immediately got defensive. Seems to me that he should have been willing to make things right or at least help with the final bill. I got no offer for some sort of refund to help offset the extra work that this car needed. Suggested that I "don't need to get all that fixed". This is my daughter's car. How could I not fix it??? I have filed a complaint with the BBB. In looking at his scores with the BBB he has had 3 complaints in the past year! I wish I had done more research on this dealership. I am also looking into getting a lawyer. I have been more than taken advantage of! If I could give negative stars I would! DO NOT BUY ANYTHING HERE!!! read more

The real deal! Bryan!! Great buying experience! Called about a car we liked. When we arrived it was pulled up front and ready to road test. None of the usual car sales stupidity. Fair deal. Great car. Will 100% be buying here again. Highly reccomend! read more

I bought a 2013 Nissan Altima from there . I kid you not , I had the vehicle not even 2 months , haven't even got the plates yet from Tom's and the vehicle already needs a new transmission, needs the whole shifter assembly replaced . Hummels and Nissan said it would cost me 5000$ . I'm still doing payments on the vehicle at Toms . I haven't even paid 1000$ off the vehicle yet and now they want me to pay out of pocket to fix it. But I would not go here . I wish I didn't but now I'm fucked !! read more

Bought a car that broke down the first week I got it. They wouldn't let me trade it in for another. I'm in the process of suing them

Bought a car for my son with cash 1 month ago. The car has been in the shop 2 expensive different times for 2 different expensive reasons. These people refuse to negotiate pricing and clearly do not inspect their vehicles. Left several messages for Tom after the second issue and he ignores messages and does not return calls. Alan isn't any better! Today, the car is back in the shop. If I could rate 0 stars I would! I understand these are used vehicles but this is ridiculous!!! NEVER again will my family come here. read more

Place is a joke. Lots of con artists hiding issues with vehicles. I was told by several people not to buy from them but thought they would be somewhat respectable since being in business for so long. Have had my vehicle less than a year and have had nothing but trouble. Have spent half as much as I paid for it in repairs and more needs to be fixed. Plus they hid the fact that the entire under carriage is rusted out and will cost more than the value of the vehicle to fix. Don't even buy from here as a last resort. Stay away. Only gave it one star because I couldn't post with zero stars. read more

The staff is friendly, but be careful buying a truck here. My daughter had tried to do some adulting on her own at another Tom's location and they sold her a truck that had been patched together with expanding foam that had been shaped to look like actual parts, and then covered with undercoating and paint to hide it. When I found out she bought a truck on her own a couple days later I had her take it to my mechanic and that's how we discovered the treachery. They "graciously" offered to let her trade that back for another vehicle, at any of the Tom's locations- so she went to Tom's trucks who then tried to sell her several trucks with frame rust so severe that they weren't safe to drive. One had the section of cross frame that the rear shocks attached to rusted so badly that it was detached from the main frame rails, and the only thing holding it in place was the spare tire. They certainly seemed to be pushing her towards the trucks with the most issues, even telling her that the one with the detached cross member had passed their inspection (before we saw the damage). With that in mind who knows what other hidden issues they were intentionally hiding. She did end up getting a truck here, and my mechanic gave it the green light, but they actually tried to steer her away from that one. She ended up paying for inspections on three trucks and only one of them was road-worthy. I would also be very skeptical of 5 star reviews for them on Google, they seem canned to me, and aren't in line with the reviews on cars.com or the BBB. After seeing some of those reviews, and from my own personal experience, there is no question in my mind that they are perfectly aware of the dangerous condition of some of their vehicles. read more

My husband and son recently went to purchase a care from this dealership. My son got there first to get the process started. My husband arrived later to help. They were told that there was a little bit of a wait for the financing part. They left to get something to eat, and after that they were never contacted again. My son had to go back to get his rental car and was never even acknowledged. Very poor customer service! Needless to say we bought a car somewhere else. read more

I would not recommend Tom's to anyone, not even my worst enemy. Everyone has a different experience but ours has been absolutely horrendous. We bought two cars from them and long story short, between the two cars we have had 6 check engine lights come on and have driven probably 200 miles total with no lights on. The first time they came one we took the cars back to Tom's and they offered to fix it. A day later, the lights came back on. So we took them back and they "fixed" them again. Literally the next day the lights were back on. We've done this repeatedly and finally took one of the cars to a mechanic and they said the part Tom's replaced was just "garbaged and jammed on there." It seems Tom's "fixes" are the bare minimum to get the light to go off rather than a true fix. We've reached out to them again a few days ago and haven't heard anything back now. Don't think I'll ever buy a used car again after this experience. What a nightmare. read more

Pretty decent cars but a lot of the nicer sports cars usually have accident reports. Always check reports before buying cars from them! They also don't check every thing in the car (transmission fluid, brake fluid, etc) I bought a car that had like 4 quarts low on transmission fluid read more

In February my husband and I bought our first car from here, we had saved up all we could after having a baby and we were ready to get a car for my daughter and I. We saw the decent prices at this lot and decided to speak with a salesman. We thought he was wonderful, he told us that he would do everything he could for us. We told him that we were worried about finding an honest person that would make us a good deal. He assured us that he was that person and that he would not screw us over like most would. We were so happy, we found the car that we wanted and drove off the lot. We had the car no more than a week when the noise it was making got to me, we hadn't thought anything of it because the salesman told us that was how all cars of that model sounded. I took it to a shop and it had a large exhaust leak that lead to needing the whole system repaired, a $400 cost. We thought, ok so that was one thing, just one. We were then told that the k frame was rusted out severely and that it needed replaced as soon as possible or it could bottom out. The next day the car began to jolt. We thought overdrive had been turned off, but no it is a transmission issue. On top of it all two days ago I went to turn the vehicle on and the engine began to shake and rumble. I had it looked at and was told the engine is going out, the car dealer took the brake and oil lights out as well, and unless we want to spend $5,000 getting the car the repairs it needs, that we should just get a new vehicle. Today we said good-bye to the lovely little red ford focus that is now getting scrapped because it is unsafe to drive. Toms Auto U-Save Budget Lot put my husband's, six month daughter's, and my safety on the line so that the shady salesman could gain an extra dollar. I do not recommend this company to anyone. If you care about quality and your families safety stay far away from here. read more

Only had the vehicle a week and a half and issues started to arise! Grabbed a used vehicle, this vehicle has been in the shop about every week with something else going wrong with it. The "Service Engine Soon" light still comes on. Was told by the sales person that they can do nothing more... I would not recommend this place to purchase any vehicle as they can not stand behind what they sell. read more