Poway Car Audio, Window Tinting & Marine — Local services in Poway

Review of Poway Car Audio Bottom line up front: The subwoofer I purchased sounds great, and I’ve raised my rating based on that fact. However, my overall experience with the shop was challenging. From the outset, I made it clear that my only need was a subwoofer installation for my new vehicle. Despite this, the store manager aggressively pushed an up-sell, suggesting a complete overhaul of my audio system, including new door speakers, an amplifier, and an audio processor. While up-selling is expected in retail, the approach felt excessive. After agreeing on the subwoofer and installation price, the unit was installed in the cargo area. Prior to the install, I had discussed with the manager where I wanted the subwoofer's volume knob placed—specifically in the center console. When I picked up the vehicle, I discovered that the technician had placed the knob in a different location without my approval. The manager admitted this was where the shop typically installs volume knobs but acknowledged they should have contacted me before proceeding. While they did remove the knob upon request, their "repair" for the now-visible hole in the knee panel of my week-old vehicle was simply a piece of vinyl tape. The installation quality was also concerning. On the ride home, I noticed the subwoofer sliding around in the cargo area. The issue became more pronounced when encountering speed bumps, as the subwoofer bounced audibly. The following day, while securing the unit with Velcro, I discovered an even bigger problem—the power connection to the subwoofer was sparking. To their credit, the shop acted quickly to have the issue fixed. However, the casual tone in which they addressed the faulty wiring was unsettling, as if this type of mistake was commonplace. There was no ownership of the potential fire hazard, nor did anyone offer an apology for the poor workmanship. Ultimately, the shop reimbursed me for a new knee panel and offered to install both the panel and a replacement volume knob. I declined. While I appreciate the subwoofer’s performance, the overall experience was marred by up-selling pressure, miscommunication, and installation issues. Attention to detail and customer care should be a priority, especially when dealing with...

I'm going to be very fair about this review. They quoted me a fair price for a system for my 2023 tesla model Y. They finished it fast and they were nice throughout the process. However my car was dead when I went to pick it up. After speaking with tesla, other shops, etc they did not have the knowledge nor foresight to know my car needs another battery or else the amp just kills my car within hours when not on. I didn't know this but they should have. Had to get my car towed from their shop and spend countless trips to tesla and other shops. I have had the system installed and unplugged for over a month. They did drive me home when my car got towed and we're super nice. I think 3 stars is fair because they did do a decent job. They could have housed the wires a little better but it was clean. The wires were too taught but not the end of the world. I still have an unusable system and need to pay 1000$ more to make it work. I followed up asking them for battery recs and even wanted them to do the work. Haven't heard from them in 2 weeks. Doing half a job and moving on isn't good work. I wouldn't bring a tesla here. Maybe gas cars they do...

Some examples (from my experience) of what to expect with Poway Car Audio’s customer service:

I walked into the store to find 3 representatives playing video games, away from the front counter.

Got subs installed with them 3 months ago and after 2 weeks of use they stopped working (amp went into protect mode). I just finally got an appointment the other day and they replaced the bass knob and high-low converter without my permission after having installed a brand new one I purchased in-house 3 months prior.

Front desk rep Amir tried to up-charge me on the new installation and equipment he never previously asked me about. After requesting a price adjustment and paying, he hands me the wrong set of car keys.

Amir didn’t remember me or my car from 3 months prior, or the various phone calls from the past few weeks trying to schedule an appointment.

I’m not one to leave reviews, let alone negative ones.. but this experience was super frustrating. If I were on Poway Car Audio’s management team, I’d mandate some employee training on professional...