HORRIFIC experience despite buying a great car (with a missing part!)
If you want to purchase a compromised vehicle (literally missing a part!!) from dishonest salesmen who inflate prices nearly $4,000 this is the place for you.
I purchased my car here 8/2021 when they demanded $3,800 mandatory "dealer add ons," and was sold a vehicle which in the advertisement was in perfect condition, but was in fact MISSING A PART. I was ignored 3 times when I contacted management after purchase. I had the car evaluated by a mechanic (who was done with his evaluation within 72 hours of purchase), and it became immediately apparent the car was incomplete-- the navigation system and technology package, 2 of the big selling parts of the car, are currently inoperable because of this missing part. I love my car-- it is a 2018 model and came off a lease where it was well maintained-- but due to negligence the dealership actually lost this part and replacing it will cost over $400. I am still trying to reach them to take responsibility for it.
My friend tried to purchase a vehicle from them 7/2021 and was so overwhelmed by what horrible, dishonest, and irresponsible (and potentially anti-woman) dealership they are that she walked out, even though they had the vehicle she was looking for and she was partway through the sales process. In terms of psychological well-being she definitely did the right thing.
I love my car and like to think it was worth the process (though I'm enraged by the additional unexpected cost of replacing a part on a vehicle reputed to be in perfect condition), the only reason I gave the dealership more than 1 stars is I wanted to clarify this is not some personal "1 star" vendetta review, this is an honest expression of sincere concern for all other potential customers. The extra star is for the potential quality of the cars themselves, though beware you may have to put additional time, energy, and money into your purchase.
Also pls be aware of your rights: While they sell vehicles "As Is" they should honor what is advertised as functioning features of the vehicle, and while I'm not sure I will take legal action I am certain that what they did selling me a vehicle with a missing part is illegal. Additionally, when purchasing a used car in California you are entitled by law to purchase a return policy that allows you 3 days to return the car. This dealership will NOT tell you about this policy, in fact the salesman denied the existence of the law until I showed it to him online. I talked to their finance department and was assured yes, it would be illegal for them to sell a car without a 3 day guarantee available for purchase, a legal "lemon law" protection for consumers. I specifically requested the 3 day guarantee and they begrudingly offered it to me. They do however additionally price-gouge you to the maximum extent of the law-- the return policy costs $250 up front, then if you enact it and return the vehicle they charge an additional $500 "restocking fee," the highest amount of money allowed by law.
Their selling me a vehicle without a part is doubtless illegal, but I have little hopes of management ever responding to my concerns.
ps: If you want a pleasant car buying experience I've heard wonderful things about both CarMax and Carvana. Both are reputed to have exceptional customer service and generous return policies (you can truly try risk free). I have heard nothing but good things and wish the exact model of vehicle I wanted had been...
Read moreI'd like to open by saying that I'm not usually one to leave negative reviews, but my recent experience with Van Nuys Alfa Romeo and Maserati has left me with no choice but to share my disappointment in a more forceful manner.
Let me cut to the chase for any potential future customers: Do yourself a favor and avoid this car dealership altogether. Your time and money deserve better than the circus that Van Nun presents as a "business."
Over the span of a week, I engaged in a back-and-forth with a salesperson regarding a used Alfa Romeo on their lot. However, every conversation seemed to bring a new price tag into play. They not only piled on unnecessary add-ons but they also made pricing a game. I'd request the lowest price, they'd provide one, only for it to change moments later. This routine played out repeatedly. Eventually, I decided to physically check out the car and purchase it(taking time off work to do so). Astonishingly, I was informed that the car I came for was on another lot. Keep in mind that they knew I was coming to see this specific vehicle. On a sweltering 90-degree day, they expected me to hike over to the other lot. I declined and insisted they bring the car to their main lot – a decision that turned out to be wise. The salesperson returned after 20 minutes to tell me they'd found the car, but couldn't locate the key. Yes, you read that correctly – they lost the key. It's baffling how a dealership can misplace something so critical. As if that weren't enough, when I expressed my frustration at their lack of professionalism, the salesperson's response was a dismissive wave and a snarky “You can leave now.”
Imagine being a salesperson, aiming to offload a used car that's been languishing on the lot, making room for the new 2024 inventory. You fumble the simplest of tasks and nonchalantly wave off a potential buyer, all while holding a check ready to be handed over. Let me repeat that: I had the check in my hand! The level of obliviousness required to let such an opportunity slip is staggering. Moreover, it's hard not to notice that the same car is still gathering dust on their lot.
I left without any intention of returning, but after a week, I decided to give them another shot. I figured maybe another salesperson could bring a refreshing level of competence to the table. My optimism was unfounded. I engaged another salesperson, only to find myself reliving the same infuriating cycle. Despite my clear request for their final offer, they opted to replay the same maddening game. Prices fluctuated, and they conveniently forgot basic details about the car despite having them in writing.
In the grand scheme, this dealership oozes unprofessionalism, and their staff might as well be the poster children for ineptitude. I am sure the ownership would want to know of the actions of the management and their sales force. This isn't merely a personal experience; countless reviews echo similar tales of frustration. Even other dealerships find amusement in Van Nun's shortcomings.
Fortunately, I managed to secure the car I desired elsewhere without enduring the absurdity that is Van Nun Alfa Romeo and Maserati. This experience was a letdown, to say the least. For anyone seeking a new vehicle, I can't emphasize enough how wise it would be to explore options beyond this establishment. Your automotive journey deserves better than the mess that Van...
Read moreWhere to begin? Of course I purchased the Stelvio Quad because of the vehicle but I live in Orange County... why didn't I go to Anaheim or Newport Beach Alfa dealerships? There's a little story behind this, but bottom line - it's because of the salesman, (and rising star) Jonathan.
5 months ago I test drove the SUV at Russell Westbrook because of my positive experience 5 years prior at the same dealership, which sold me the alfa 4 c (a beast of a car!). Once you go Alfa you never come back!
So jump forward to five months ago, and I just had to test drive the Stelvio Quad, which is probably the finest, sporty SUV in the world. My 10 yo son and I traveled to LA to meet Jonathan, who contacted us by text, in response to my online inquiry (the Quads are rare vehicles and we were happy to travel back to my Alfa roots). I knew I was in great hands with his prompt timing, no pressure professionalism, and just as important, his warm rapport with my son, who was bouncing around the back seat as I cruised around the hills in the fantastic SUV. More credit to Jonathan that he wasn't nauseous after this little jaunt. The rest of my family joined up with us and Jonathan was quick to acquaint himself with them.
Jump 5 months forward, after test driving Lambos, Porsche, Ferrari, VW, BMW - ok much of this was a mid-life crisis event - and I eventually came back to Alfa. And the Stelvio Quad no less, just where I began. What a fantastic (driver's) SUV!
Having been to all of those dealerships, at some very high end places, it was Jonathan at Russell Westbrook Van Nuys who stood out as a the most sincere, hard working professional salesperson. He has no attitude, there was no pressure; he's meticulous, and conducts himself in a manner that made the process actually pleasant (buying a car can rattle me a bit!). On top of that, my son fondly recalled Jonathan (sincerely) laughing at his riddles and jokes, so he occasionally wanted to know when daddy would drive him around again with Jonathan.
After all that searching and research (yes about 6 months!), I knew the Quad was for me. I found the Quad that fit my tastes online and called, specifically asked for Jonathan. Without missing a beat, he remembered our conversations many months back and after a little negotiation, made the deal. I felt as though he advocated for me with the manager, Dan, who introduced himself to me at the close of the deal and added to make the experience a personal, and memorable event. There's a reason they have repeat customers!
I can't speak to the other salesman in depth, but my brief interactions with the other staff in their showroom was nothing but friendly. The vibe is very down to earth, and while I think the music can be a bit more calming, that just speaks to my personal tastes and graying hair. Dan operates a fantastic team of people who are good at what they do - no, great at what they do! - because they connect with their customers, and deliver what they say they will, with integrity.
Thank you Jonathan and Dan and team, I'm grateful for your time and service.
Safe travels, and may you always...
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