Reviews

I purchased a Certified Used 2023 *** ******** from Kia of South Austin on June 24, 2024, trading in my 2021 *** K5 to accommodate my growing family. Unfortunately, this has been the most frustrating car-buying experience Ive ever had.From the start, the process was riddled with issues. ************* was excluded from my contract despite my request, while unwanted protection plans were added without my consent. I was told I would have to redo financing in order to get GAP added. The problems didnt end there. My trade-in wasnt paid off for two months, forcing me to continue making payments on a car I no longer owned. Repeated attempts to resolve this were met with inconsistent responses. Only after filing a BBB complaint was it addressed. However, when I received a check for the difference, the bank informed me it was invalid after I deposited it. My account is negative (that amount) now. I still havent received clarification. Someone has my money. As soon as I drove off the lot, I noticed major mechanical issuesa misaligned steering wheel and severe brake vibrations. Kia of South Austin dismissed my concerns, but *** of North Austin confirmed the brakes needed replacement and all four rotors resurfacing. The dealership covered the repairs under what they called an extended warranty (which I never purchased), but the issues persisted. After a third inspection, I was told the rotors needed resurfacing again and the rear brakes replacedthis time at my expense. For a certified pre-owned vehicle, this was unacceptable.Due to ongoing brake issues, I no longer feel safe driving the vehicle. This has been an exhausting and costly ordeal, leaving me with serious buyers remorse. I traded in a reliable car for what I thought was a high-quality, certified pre-owned vehicle, but instead, Ive been left with unresolved safety concerns. At this point, I wouldnt recommend Kia of South Austin to anyone looking for a stress-free, trustworthy car-buying experience.

The original refund check that was issued was in the name of the person who owned the trade in. In this case it might have been the customer's father. None the less this check has been cashed we have confirmation of this. Secondly the statement on the brakes depending on the miles accumulated and overall use of the brakes. Brakes are wear and tear items and are not covered unless there is failure in components withing the braking system, but pads and rotors are wearable and are considered maintenance not covered by warranty. If I understand this correctly the customer states that work was actually performed to fix the original concern and now it is having the same concern? I would suggest that this issue be brought up with the dealership that performed the repair that you claimed that Kia of South Austin dismissed. I believe it was *** of North Austin that you stated that "confirmed the brakes needed replacement" The diagnosis and repair performed with them is where the concern would best addressed.

I truly dont know how Kia of South Austin is still in business. It has become so poorly managed, particularly the ******************* NO ONE EVEN BOTHERS TO PICK UP THE ****** They will essentially kidnap your car in their lot for god knows how many days, dodge your calls/emails/texts, and so I have learned I just have to personally drive there JUST TO TALK TO A HUMAN BEING (one hour round trip for me). This is just plain unacceptable for any business. Why cant you hire a receptionist for the ******************** Its seriously that easy and would make a world of difference. Last time I was there waiting in line, I observed 6 people laughing and talking behind the Service counter while phones were ringing off the hook. No one even thought about answering the phone. When I asked one of them if they ever answer the phone, they admitted they do not. Ridiculous - what kind of manager or director would allow this? I will start using *** of North Austin from now on.

We apologize for the less than satisfactory experience with our dealership. Your business is important to us. We have taken this information and example of your visit as a training and coaching opportunity. We have since changed the leadership in this department with a new service director in efforts positively influence the service team and to provide better service to you and all of our customers. 

My disappointment is in the overall poor reputation shared by most *** dealerships. While we would very much like to look at *** SUVs, its off to ****** we go.

Unfortunately, we cannot attest to the statement of "the overall poor reputation shared by most *** dealerships" or where this comment is stemmed from. This review does not define an incident or for that matter any interaction with Kia of South Austin specifically. There is no record of sales or service for the name posted on this review for Kia of south Austin. If there is something specific, we should be aware of that was not included in this review it would be helpful to know specifically Kia of South Austin did to receive this vague review.