Used Cars for Sale at South America Motors in Sterling, VA

Andrew Rios

Aug 19, 2021

Terrible experience at this “dealership”. I have the owner on video saying that he has “many times” taken down payments/deposits on cars and that he had been taken to court for it before. I had a deal with the owner Luis that if i never drove the car off the lot he would give me my down payment back, should my loan get rejected. After this I was hospitalized for a major concussion and couldn’t come back in for 2-3 weeks. When I came back in he was out of the country and REFUSED to give me a dollar of it back. Eventually they decided to give me just enough of it back that I couldn’t sue them for the rest. I don’t believe this is a trustworthy dealership. PLEASE feel free to contact me with questions. I have proof of everything. Update #1: Was just contacted by an employee of South American Motors about removing my review, after I had been trying to contact them for about 2-3 weeks. They offered me $150 back of the $600 that they kept to remove my review.

Stefany Leon

Nov 24, 2020

I bought a Toyota Sienna and South America Motors help me through the process. I did in-house financial they explained to me everything. Very helpful staff.

Jawid Zamani

Apr 8, 2019

I was looking for a car and I was able to get a very nice Mazda through this dealership. All maintenance was fresh and up to date and handled with great care. It drove smoothly right off the lot and have had no problems. The sales person was very knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend.

Funtastyliving

Mar 21, 2019

I bought my first car here and they gave me a great deal. I definitely recommend this dealership. Customer service and care is outstanding! Thanks South America Motors for a great experience.

Andrew Kelly

Jul 24, 2019

After driving an hour to check out two Chevy Colorado's they had for sale, I was greeted with a very friendly gentleman that didn't seem to be very knowledgable. Regardless, he was great for conversation and I was able to test drive both Colorado's they had for sale. The first one I got in and drove around for a little bit, there was a check engine light that made me hesitant and the dealer didn't seem to know much about it as he didn't really deal with maintaining the vehicles. I decided I wanted to test drive the other Colorado that was a little newer, had higher mileage and was the same price with an extended cab. The owner apparently still used this vehicle so the dealer called him up and had him come down so I could do a test drive. He left the car running and let me inspect it and get in. I did my test drive and all was well. There were no lights on, no crazy sounds, nothing out of the ordinary. I turned it off and turned it back on and had no problem. I told them I would take it but would have to come back in a few days to get it. I put down a $500 deposit and my information, etc. and I left. After returning a few days later to pick up the truck, they had it sitting there waiting for me. Here's where the first problem came in. I did all the paperwork, signed all the agreements, and then gave them a bank check as I got a loan from my credit union for the vehicle. He made me pay $150 for processing fees that he already said was included in his original offer but then denied ever saying that. He refused to transfer the title until he got the check processed, however, I tried to explain to him it was a bank check and all he had to do was call the number on the check and they clear it immediately. He wouldn't have it and said he would mail it by the end of the week. I then got in the truck, and began driving home. About halfway home, the engine check light comes on. I get it checked and it reads as P0017. There is an issue with the camshaft sensor or the crankshaft sensor. I replace both as it only put me around $75 in the hole and he gave me a deal on the truck anyway. However, I then have a major issue with the battery and alternator where it has extremely weak charge and the alternator is sending out high voltage. I have the battery replaced and continue to have the same problem, so then I get the alternator replaced. Now I am $650 in the hole which surpasses the deal I originally got. It's now been two weeks, so I call up the guy because I still hadn't received any title information. He says, "Oh, it's on my desk, do you want me to mail it?"" Of course I want you to mail it. He also tells me, "Oh there also might be an issue with the timing belt." Wrap up of story is I am still driving the truck and having issues here and there I'm getting checked out. I think the worst is behind me though (unless the timing belt fails). The first dealer I met was extremely friendly and made it a relaxed and comfortable environment. The owner was more business, but still friendly enough. I may be providing a low rating based on an unlucky experience I had that was at no fault to the dealer, but I also may be giving this place what it deserves as perhaps he knew about these problems, didn't disclose them and tried to cover them up just to sell. Regardless, I will not be purchasing a vehicle from here again and do hope that I was just unlucky rather than any malicious acts occurring here.