Drive Auto Center

Category:	Used Car Dealer
Address:	24120 Woodinville Snohomish Rd, Woodinville, WA 98072, USA
Phone:	+1 425-486-2404
Site:	driveautocenter.com
Rating:	4.1
Working:	9:30AM–8PM 9:30AM–8PM 9:30AM–8PM 9:30AM–8PM 9:30AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 11AM–7PM

Location

Photos 4

Reviews 4

Brian Beckham

I have dealt with Drive on two occasions. The first time was really great and Bill provided excellent customer service. That is until we took the SUV to our very trustworthy mechanic for an inspection. Our mechanic didnt even charge us for the inspection due to the amount of issues they found within the first 15 minutes. They estimated about $6000-8000 before they did a drive test. So we took it back and Bill apologized for the experience and said they hadnt had their mechanic do a full inspection yet. Looking at the other cars didnt give me great impressions about the post mechanic check up either. So we went away reasonably happy, thinking it was a fluke but giving them the benefit of the doubt. I went back with a friend that needed an inexpensive commuter vehicle and thought this would be a safe place to get one. So we test drove a car that he wanted. When they pulled it up it didnt sound great, there was what sounded like lifter noises and a whine I couldnt identify. I opened the hood to look at things. The engine was shaking a bit which was likely motor mounts which is a standard issue for a car with 150k on it and not a huge issue for now. The engine top was cracked, there was aluminum foil around a hose that looked damaged and likely needed to be replaced, probably because it was leaking. The car overall looked and sounded pretty bad mechanically. But they said it had just passed their mechanic inspection and it assured us it didnt have any issues. So we took it for a test drive and I did my normal loop in the area. Before I got back on the freeway from turning around to head out east on 522 the car threw a critical oil pressure engine warning light. We pulled over, let it sit, then limped it back to the dealership. They ensured us that it had just had a full inspection and couldnt understand why it did that. This was likely an undiagnosed oil leak or just neglect on putting oil in the engine. Either way it was in a state where the engine was likely damaged and would need substantial work due to the neglect. Im just happy we saw it before we were stranded. I told them what I had found, and that they should fire their mechanic. Any BAD mechanic should have been able to catch that, let alone a mediocre one. While the staff at Drive are friendly, they arent selling good vehicles. I cant tell if it is because they are trying to con people or if it is because they have the worlds worst mechanic and dont know anything about cars. Im betting it is the first, based on how much they talk up how long they have all worked in the industry. You cant spend 20 years selling cars without learning the basic sounds of a bad vehicle that needs to go back to the shop. So tl;dr - dont waste your time or money on one of their vehicles. It will cost you more than it is worth.

Brian

Im going to tell my full story here since Ive read other bad reviews that I dont believe to be true. On 12/29/2016 I found a 2004 GMC Sierra with less than 100,000 miles on it here. I was looking to get out from under a truck loan and they took my trade-in with a very reasonable offer that Justin and I negotiated too. I did notice an issue with the steering column, but I would say I am a bit more mechanically able than most, and knew it would be a relatively simple fix. I brought it up to Justin, and he offered to have it diagnosed if we made the deal, and I would fix it myself. He stayed over an hour after closing time to wrap up the majority of the deal to finish in the next day. Came in and finished the deal with Bill where I was offered a warranty service (I declined, but I was impressed they offered it to an older vehicle). I was offered great APR loans that Drive Auto works with, but I went with BECU since they were having a special promotion for the 2016 holiday season, and brought them a check from the bank. When I was scheduled for the diagnosis, I dropped the truck off and they set me up with a loaner car for free. They called me within 2 days, and said they went ahead and repaired it for free. Now, I dont know about you, but that speaks volumes to me. Going above and beyond customer service, honesty, and integrity is what youll find here. They also are replacing the 2nd key fob for me that was having issues for free as well. I have nothing but high marks to give Drive Auto, and my experience with purchasing a vehicle here. Thank you Justin and Bill! Do your research first, know the car you want, and know any problems that are associated with that car before you buy. If you think to blame the salesman/dealership for issues with a car you bought down the line, look in the mirror instead.

Amy Kelly

Spending a Saturday with my friend perusing used car lots was actually a good time! My car knowledge is limited and my need for a new ride is non-existent, but some times its fun to look at pretty things and pretend that I understand the car guy language. Drive Auto Center is a bit off the beaten path, but what a find! The dealership is stacked with a wide range of affordable vehicles and their inventory changes regularly, as they move cars out and bring new cars in. I learned a lot about them when I was there and was treated well by their easy-going and attentive staff. All combined, there is over 100 years worth of industry experience between the four employees I met! Dan, Bill, and the brothers (Jeromie and Justin) were all happy to see us when we arrived and were quick to offer us drinks and snacks (the key to my heart). We were even greeted by the company mascot, an energetic Golden Retriever named Kona. I like knowing where to go when I need auto buying assistance and I believe the staff at Drive would be available to me with whatever questions I have whenever I have them. Check out their website for on-site deals and financing options.

Alissa Steeb

My family has purchased at least 6 cars from Bill at Drive Auto. These guys are incredibly genuine, kind, and REAL people. No pressure - no bullshit. They were generous on our trade in -gave us no run arounds with the carfax, the price negotiating - everything was so professional and warm. It was the most amazing car buying experience in my life. A couple days after I bought our car it started sputtering and driving differently - I called Bill and he said, "bring it in right away - Ill give you a loaner and we will figure out whats wrong". The loaner was no charge (I had it for 3 days) when they figured out what was wrong they fixed it - NO CHARGE! 3 months later I came in to get a check for a referral I sent them - he asked how I liked the car I said, "I love everything accept the automatic locks dont work"... so he troubleshooted it with me and even gave me two key cards to unlock the car -NO CHARGE. In my book there are no better people then these guys. No joke!