Baldwin Auto Sales

The salesman couldn’t seem to care less about selling me the car that I was interested in and didn’t know anything about it. But, that wasn’t the part that caused me to give one star.
Baldwin will NOT let you take their vehicles to a mechanic other than the one across the street that they have a relationship with. NOT only that, I asked if they had a relationship with this mechanic and they said no. Called the mechanic and they said yes, of course they did.
If you know anything about buying used cars, you know that an inspection by an independent mechanic is vital to a good purchase. I could forgive an indifferent salesman, but not being able to confirm the condition of the car for myself is unacceptable.

So on September 16^th I bought a car from this dealership and they were very nice and helpful when selling me the car. However!, it took three months THREE MONTHS to get my registration! First they tell me the DMV lost the smog certificate for the car so I had to take time out of my busy schedule to go get it smogged and then still yet it took another mo the and a half or longer to finally receive my registration. I will never again but another car from Baldwin Auto Sales not will I EVER recommend them to Anyone. Do yourself a favor and take your business elsewhere!!!

Drove 2 hrs here to see an truck…“all original” was what we were told. The walk around revealed that the rear windshield was replaced (there was still broken glass between the cab and bed). The top of the truck was peeling off huge palm sized paint sheets… and even the most protected item (the gas filler) had been resprayed.
The owners (brothers) have been doing used car sales for too long. The double lies just roll off their tongues to easily. Either they don’t know their cars or they are crooks. Either way, beware!

Last week I purchased an SUV from Baldwin Auto Sales. I have purchased a number of vehicles in the past, from various car dealers, and was impressed with this dealership and the Don Baldwin, the Sales Manager. Don was highly professional, answering all my questions, and was easy to deal with. It was a pleasant, non-​stressful experience, and I would highly recommend Baldwin Auto Sales to everyone who is looking for a good quality car at a reasonable price.

I thought a lot about this feedback and realized it is an important responsibility to leave it and be 100% truthful. We were lied to by This Dealership and the manager Don Baldwin.
My Wife and I are looking for a nice pre-​owned truck. we found a 2008 Red Silverado chevrolet for around $ 14,799. online at this dealership that looked clean in the pics. Located at Baldwin auto sales 8327 Hercules St. La Mesa, CA 91 942. My Wife and I did not want any dents, tiny dents or damage. So I wanted to be as careful as possible before we drove 80 miles round trip to look at it. The cost of gas is no joke these days. I called and spoke to Don Baldwin the sales manager and asked him to carefully check the car for dings or dents. He said it did not have any dings and it was a super clean truck as you can see in the pics. We actually called again 3 more times over 3 days to show our concern about this before we drive down. Again over and over we were told the truck has no dings, dents, and is super clean. We were lied to. This truck has 2 big dents: 1 on right front corner, 1 on right rear fender, large ding on right rear fender (front portion), 3 tiny dings on right front door, poor bodo repaint and grinding marks on left rear door. and there is too much more to list here. wow, this is a really low class mentality dealership. sad, so I say beware.

Update: i submitted a formal complaint to the BBB.
I had one of the most disturbing and surreal experiences at this dealership today.
I am going to allow Mr. Don Baldwin’s words to tell most of the story. Bear in mind that these are direct quotes, that I wrote down on the envelope that contained my now-​canceled contract:
‘You’re manic depressive
You’re a moron-​you can write that down
At first I thought you were smart
You think you’re so smart
I knew you were unstable the first time i saw you
You are an unstable, unreasonable, and terrible person
Good smile’ said with sarcasm and a smirk as i counted the monies he returned to me.
‘Have a nice life-​hope i never see you again
Up and out-​now’ said several times after i finished counting my money.
These are just the highlights, that i had the time to write down.
All to say, i feel i dodged a bullet. As insulting as Don was to my friend and myself last night as we started the process, and as defensive and reactive as both he and orange shirted man both were, as i told Don he was disrespectful, and then mentioned previous Unilocal reviews– the orange shirted man all but threw my money at me and yelled at me repeatedly, ‘Get out, get out, get out’ — i stopped counting after ten.
I was alone this morning and felt threatened and so scared.
Edited to add-​to the moderators… i have the envelope where i transcribed the quotes.
I completely stand by the veracity of my report.

I saw a couple of Camrys at Baldwin’s on
. The one I was interested was priced at $ 12 999 on
, and was ready to buy this car barring any mishaps. When I arrived to look at the car it was priced at $ 16 000, and I asked one of the younger slick haired guys if I could see the car, as in get the keys, look at the engine, normal car buying stuff. Well this guy acted like he was doing me a favor just to open the car for me. When I looked under the hood, he quickly shut it and asked how I would be paying for it? I said cash, but could I see the carfax, as it looked like the front bumped had been damaged. Well, this was almost too much for him to bother with, and he tried to lead me toward another car. I then asked what he would be able to do on this car, price-​wise. He said they dont negotiate, their cars are priced to sell. Then I said this car is advertised online for $ 3,000 less. His reply was dismissive, «yes sometimes we have sales…» I said, «You guys don’t really like to sell cars here do you?,» turned around and walked away… Only then did he even show any interest or emotion, and shouted something back like «yea, real nice buddy!»
Don’t ever try and buy a car from these pretentious family of fools.

i went with my dad this afternoon to go look at a truck and this guy named Don was very rasist and extremely rude i am extremely angry these people arnt worth your time, my dad was preared to pay 7000 dollars down payment but instead they gave it to an American guy and started to put my dad to the side just because were mexican and dident want to assist us so they assisted him instead these people are just a joke worst place ever they dont even deserve a star

I’ve dealt with many auto dealers in my life and I thought I had heard it all… but no, again I am amazed. I have never been asked to «work out numbers» on a cash deal BEFORE a test drive. Does this tactic really work for them? Apparently because they’re still in business.

My wife found the used Nissan Murano She was looking for.
We drove down from northern California on their recommendation.
The car was everything we had hoped for.
The pricing was right on, and the service was top notch.
We just wanted to thank the Baldwins and there staff for a pleasant
car buying experience.

My wife & I purchased a BMW from Don at Baldwin Auto Sales last week and we couldn’t be happier or more pleased with the BMW and our buying experience. Don is decidedly and refreshingly non-​pushy but was close by and attentive when needed to answer questions or explain anything.
We learned this is a family owned business and the father has nicely set the tone as a non-​pushy car dealership. Most sales people from other dealerships won’t leave you alone, they’re always pushing for the sale, but in our experience, you don’t have to worry about high pressure sales tactics at Baldwin.
My wife & I agreed after the sale that we will recommend them whenever possible, we believe the dealership to be a definite cut above the rest in terms of offering a pleasant and honest buying experience.
I don’t give five stars easily but do so gladly here. I couldn’t be happier with our decision to buy from Baldwin.

I called and spoke to Don. I think he’s one of the owners or the owner’s son. He must be an actuary or accountant by trade because he is not a salesman. I was looking at a Jeep Grand Cherokee and it didn’t look like the pictures but I was willing to give it a test drive. As I get in, the inside door panel is falling apart. I bring it to Don’s attention. He remarks, «nothing a few clips can’t fix.» It was comical because it was falling apart. Then I said I wasn’t interested and he said, «ok if you want to throw the baby out with the bath water.» I asked to see a second Jeep but he was so aloof, or maybe that was condescending, that it was a total turn off. Unless you’re getting a smoking deal here, look elsewhere. …or don’t deal with Don. It was a bummer of a long drive home.

Trust the bad reviews for this place! Lol Its almost comical what a douche this guy is. I drove a 100 miles to buy a car from him and the pictures were so deceiving. There were parts missing from the inside of the car. The center console top was missing, backseat storage pocket and lettering on the actual vehicle. I was irritated mainly with myself for not listening to the bad reviews. But at the end of the day I ended up finding a better car with less miles and looked gorgeous. So thanks Mr douche bag for this comical experience and for reminding me to go with my gut instincts. Everything BAD people write about this place is true and if you don’t believe me go ahead TEST it out for yourself. I look forward to your comments LOL

All I can say is we should have paid more attention to the negative reviews that were already left for this place. We saw a car they were selling on Craigslist and my husband called and arranged for us to go and see it. When we arrived, Don said hello curtly, opened the car for us and then walked away. When he came back we explained we were extremely interested and were ready to buy that day. Don could not have shown less interest if he tried. My husband tried to discuss numbers with him and he acted as if no one has ever negotiated with him before. When my husband explained that there were a few very minor cosmetic things bothering him (the door handle was broken and the car badges were in bad shape) during the negotiations, Don balked at this suggestion and responded «oh my god, ok then, if you really need me to then Ill take $ 5 off for the badges» In an extremely condescending tone. Don gave the impression throughout our discussions with him of being stuck up and pompous. He rarely looked at us, was extremely unfriendly and less than personable. As soon as we walked into the parking lot and met him I felt he was slimy and stuck up and he proved us right. After the negotiations my husband had decided that the price was good (we actually were going to buy it regardless and were just trying to get a good deal for ourselves like everyone who buys a used car!) and we wanted to buy but not from this pretentious man who seemed to think he was God’s grace rather than a used car salesman. He explained he would rather look elsewhere as he felt we had not been treated well, Don got himself extremely worked up and said he was insulted and demanded we leave immediately lol. «Just leave, now. I cant belive what I am hearing, how DARE you» lol. We thought it was funny in the end… but we really wanted that car!!!
Please if you are going to buy/​sell a car here, make sure its not with Don. He clearly hates his job and refutes the fact that he has to work for Daddy. OH and when we asked if they do Military Discount Don laughed and patronisingly said «we dont DO military discounts».
I wish we had been able to deal with someone else, maybe the customer service would have been better.

The salesman wasnt interested in showing us cars, it seemed to be a real hassle for him. My wife asked to see a car in which he had the key and he would not open it for her, just told her here it is. I had to tell him to open it up, No other customers, 3 employees on site.

12/​22/​2014 530pm worst salesman not sure his name but said he was the owner wow no way this guy was the owner he was so stupid, lazy, insulting, liar, just wanted to go home and hated his job. Gets the car keys for me and my son just to open the door doesn’t even start the car. Then starts questioning me about if I can afford the car, and if I would buy tonight for the sales price of the car. This is all before I could even start the car let alone take it for test drive., Really come on lazy sales person. At least do your job and tell me about the car and start it and go over all the bells and whistles. Also let me test drive Right? So I tell him I think the price is over booked compared to others of its kind. He didn’t like that so he says o you cant afford it, and starts insulting me. so I tell him I have been in car business and know whats up, also I have done my research. He says well why would you have come here if it was over priced. I say lets test drive the car and see why you have it priced like this, his response you can afford this car. I tell him if I am going to buy this car it wouldn’t be from him I would have to talk with the owner of Baldwin Auto sales because I don’t like his attitude, Hi response I am the owner. LOL really come on a owner doesn’t talk to the customers like this, his next response to me was you need to leave, I said now I really want to talk to the owner, he says Its time for you to leave get off my property or I will call the cops. I laugh and tell him call them. Really lol this guy needs to be fired and if he really is the owner I will find out too. Then run from this place they are over priced and I did bring my flash light and saw a lot of the cars had oil leaks so buyer beware.
Run from Baldwin auto Sales this is how I was treated before we could even start the car which we never did wow. Horrible stay away serious.

I came in to look at a Ford Escape. It didn’t look all that bad and I asked to take it for a spin. After talking some numbers in the office first (no budging off price) the salesman had an employee move a couple vehicles parked in front of it. As the vehicles were being moved I notice an oil spot under the car. So it promoted me to look under the engine and I noticed it did have a leak.
I notified the salesman and asked if I can pop the hood to evaluate further. Just then, the guys cocky brother comes walking up and the salesman tells him I’m looking at the engine. I told the two of them it had an active leak and it can be seen on the wiring. After that they said its completely normal for that type of vehicle to have a leak and that if a leak is a deal breaker that I best not bother test driving the vehicle.
I then asked to see a Jeep that was around the same price and the brother said that vehicle might as well be leaking oil too (in a cocky way). Matter in fact he said all vehicles that age leak oil.
There is no bother going here for a used vehicle around the year 2004 because they all have leaks. If they don’t have the integrity for a cheap car, why would they have it for anything else?
Sorry DUDEs… my small chump change goes elsewhere.

I found a 2003 Chevy Tahoe with 151,000 miles on their website for $ 7,500.00 As soon as I show up, the sticker price says $ 8,500.00. When I asked the salesman he tells me «it’s an internet special». Funny how It didn’t say that on the vehicle or on the «internet». I went to test drive the SUV and the vehicle ran great. Fortunately for me the mechanic I use for my wife’s vehicle is literally 100 yards away down the street. I had to ask repeatedly if I could take it down there for an inspection. They finally agreed and my mechanic said it needed some work but overall was a good vehicle.
So I go back to the dealership and talk numbers. He tells me $ 7,500 plus tax and license, $ 8,200 out the door. I’ve done my homework and per Kelly Blue Book, this vehicle, with this many miles (a lot) will sell for $ 4,200 private party and $ 6,800 retail. (Of course his KBB says otherwise) So we go back and forth and the best offer they provided was $ 7,900. I even offered him $ 7,500…cash…full sticker price… and he still wouldn’t take it. He said he would drop the price to $ 7,000 plus tax and license comes out to $ 7,900??? I’m no mathematician but the first offer u gave me the tax and license was only a seven hundred dollar difference now it’s a nine hundred dollar difference? Regardless I was able to find a vehicle the same day at a larger, reputable dealership and they accepted my CASH offer the first time.
$ 7,500 cash for that vehicle was a fair offer. Baldwin motors are delusional and greedy. Look to the left of your business. Carl Burger Dodge is a large dealership because they are honest. Look across the freeway. Drew Ford, and Drew Hyundai have cars flying off their lots. Just because you’ve been a «family» business for a certain amount of time doesn’t mean anything. They’d be lying through their teeth if they say «oh we like being a small operation». BS, You’re a small operation because you’re greedy, you have no people skills and you’re delusional of the products you sell. Somebody will pay too much for that Tahoe, it just won’t be me.

Buyer Beware…
They have some really nice cars here. If you find what you are looking for, great. Just know that if you have any problems with it, they will not try to help you with it. They want to sell the cars and that’s it. Even if it comes with a basically useless warranty, they will not stand behind their cars. You are on your own. Take a mechanic with you, if you can, check everything before you buy anything from them. They’ll tell you they’ll cover any problems, but don’t count on it.
Like someone else said, «typical used car sales people.» That’s them, the total stereotype, you get the picture.

Three stars for A-​OK.
Overall: Baldwin Auto Sales offers standard service you would expect at a used car lot. Check their website for inventory and don’t avoid these guys if you see a car that you are interested in — the salesmen are reasonable. However, buyers should cage their expectations here as for any car dealer.
Good: Online advertised prices are reasonable, and selection is above average for a used car lot. Courteous staff if you are an informed buyer.
Others: It is a used car lot, and a business — you are not paying new car prices that justify great warranty service. The cars are not guaranteed to have been cared for in their previous life. The cars do get Smog check and major issues with the major systems were fixed before the car I purchased was placed up for sale. Don’t expect them to bend over backward or spend much time or money fixing problems once you have taken ownership of the vehicle. Their salesmen are paid for sales, and you deal with the same salesman for basic warranty service. There is no financial incentive for the dealer to help pay to fix anything but a complete catastrophic engine/​transmission failure immediately after the sale.
They provide CARFAX on their vehicles, but not accessible online. You have to come to the dealer to see it if you don’t want to pay for a CARFAX subscription yourself. If you want to actually look at the CARFAX they have, you should call ahead and tell a sales rep to print it out before you get there. They will probably do it if they don’t get wrapped up doing something else.
Not unexpectedly, there were no records at the dealer or at any of the listed service centers on the CARFAX report of any recent factory recommended maintenance. After the sale I immediately had an oil change performed and found that the oil filter was so dirty it was about to fall apart — a clear indication that the last oil change was too long ago.
I had a few minor issues with the vehicle a month after the sale. I was able to fix them myself, which is good because when I questioned the dealer about the procedure for requesting warranty service he immediately got defensive. The salesman quickly fired off all the things the dealer wouldn’t do but struggled to give me a straightforward answer as to how to request warranty service. Though they have a mechanic, apparently the process is to call the salesman, not a service department. I imagine that that process does not result in a lot of liquidated warranty claims.
Recommendations for customers:
— Check out the inventory and prices online. The online prices at Baldwin are reasonable, and lower than the sticker prices if you just go to the dealer. The salesmen will honor them if you print them out and bring them up during negotiation.
— Get your own financing. It makes the sale go through quicker and gives you a stronger bargaining position. I had my own financing and was able to get a slightly lower price due to cash negotiation. If you rely on dealer financing anywhere you put yourself at the mercy of the dealer during negotiation.
— Research the recommended service of the models you are interested. A used car with 30k+ miles on it, especially luxury or import makes, will have recommended service due. With a used car, there is no guarantee that the previous owner or dealer did things like change spark plugs, flush coolant, change timing belts, or even change the oil regularly. Probably the reason that the used car dealer even HAS the vehicle is that the previous owner was coming up to an expensive service interval and elected to trade in or sell the car rather than pay for the service himself.
Factor into your budget the cost of the last (or last few) major service intervals. I had them done myself after the sale just to be sure it got done. Or, purchase a car from someone who has records. Or purchase a new car with a real warranty and service plan.
— Realize the standard warranty from the dealer is not going to be very useful. It will only reimburse a fraction of the parts and labor for catastrophic failures of the engine or transmission. The high failure items (sensors, brakes, tires, axles, electronics) will not be covered, and it is in the businesses’ best interest to avoid paying for anything other than a complete failure or seizure of the engine pistons or transmission. If you actually do have to use the standard warranty it will cost you a lot of money out of pocket anyway, due to the deductible and the nature of the covered components.
— Like all dealers they offer an extended warranty, theirs through Alpha. There are two plans, neither of which cover recommended preventative maintenance. The plans did not offer enough value to be worth their cost.