Carmotive Santa Maria California: What Drivers Report
- 01. What Is Carmotive in Santa Maria, California?
- 02. Key Facts at a Glance
- 03. Why Visitors Choose Carmotive Santa Maria
- 04. Price Ranges by Vehicle Category
- 05. Inventory & Services Offered
- 06. Customer Experience & Reputation
- 07. How to Prepare for Your Visit
- 08. Final Verdict for Santa Maria Buyers
What Is Carmotive in Santa Maria, California?
Carmotive is an independent used-car dealer located at 1911 N Broadway St, Santa Maria, CA 93454, serving Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties with pre-owned vehicles, auto financing (including 2nd-chance options), and on-site service. Founded on January 14, 2014, and led by President Fawzi Sood, the dealership maintains a BBB rating of B- after 11 years in business and stocks over 150 cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Address | 1911 N Broadway St, Santa Maria, CA 93454-1109 |
| Sales Phone | 669-3038 |
| Service Phone | 500-1000 |
| Hours | 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Mon-Sat) |
| Inventory Size | 114-150+ vehicles |
| BBB Rating | B- (not accredited) |
| Customer Rating | 4.2⭐ (TrustAnalytica); 2.7⭐ (Yelp, 64 reviews) |
Why Visitors Choose Carmotive Santa Maria
Customers turn to Carmotive SM for its fair pricing strategy and transparent sales process, which prioritize honesty and reliability for buyers navigating significant financial decisions. The dealership positions itself as a neighborly used-car destination where well-trained staff guide shoppers through an extensive inventory aligned with lifestyle and budget needs.
Financing accessibility is a core strength: Carmotive offers competitive car loan options including 2nd-chance financing for used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, making ownership attainable for diverse credit profiles. This approach supports community members across the Central Coast who might otherwise struggle to secure auto financing.
Price Ranges by Vehicle Category
| Service | Sub-Service | Average Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Sales | New Vehicles | $25,000 - $35,000 |
| Vehicle Sales | Used Vehicles | $15,000 - $25,000 |
| Vehicle Sales | Trade-in Vehicles | $5,000 - $15,000 |
Inventory & Services Offered
Carmotive maintains a virtual showroom with detailed vehicle information, picture galleries, and convenient contact options for shoppers researching before visiting. Current inventory includes 114 listed vehicles spanning sedans, SUVs, trucks, and vans, with over 150 total units in stock at any time.
- Sedans and compact cars for budget-conscious daily commuting
- SUVs and crossovers for families needing space and versatility
- Pickup trucks for work, towing, and rural Central Coast lifestyles
- Vans for commercial use or large-family transportation
- Certified pre-owned options with improved warranty coverage
The on-site service department supports owners post-purchase, ensuring vehicles remain reliable through routine maintenance and repairs. This integrated sales-and-service model distinguishes Carmotive from pure online retailers.
Customer Experience & Reputation
TrustAnalytica reports a 4.2-star rating from real customers in 2025, reflecting satisfaction with vehicle quality and sales transparency. Yelp shows 2.7 stars from 64 reviews, indicating mixed experiences typical of independent dealerships where individual transactions vary.
The BBB file opened February 22, 2016, notes one unresolved complaint as the reason for the B- rating, emphasizing the importance of timely customer service follow-up. Despite this, the dealership has operated continuously since 2014 with 11-50 employees headquartered in Santa Maria.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
Before visiting, review the virtual showroom inventory to identify 3-5 vehicles matching your budget and needs. Bring proof of income, valid driver's license, and insurance information to accelerate financing approval if you plan to purchase same-day.
- Check vehicle history reports (Carfax/AutoCheck) for units you're serious about
- Test drive multiple vehicles to compare comfort and mechanical condition
- Ask about warranty options and service package inclusions
- Negotiate based on market comparables from CarGurus and KBB
- Confirm trade-in value if trading in your current vehicle
Final Verdict for Santa Maria Buyers
Carmotive Santa Maria delivers accessible used-car ownership for Central Coast residents through fair pricing, flexible financing, and a large local inventory. While customer reviews vary and BBB accreditation is absent, 11 years of operation and 4.2-star third-party ratings suggest reliable service for informed buyers.
Everything you need to know about Carmotive Santa Maria California What Drivers Report
Is Carmotive Santa Maria Worth Your Visit?
Yes, if you value in-person inspection, financing flexibility, and local inventory over brand-new vehicle warranties. The dealership serves buyers seeking affordable used cars with 2nd-chance financing options that national chains often exclude.
What Is the Address and Phone Number?
Carmotive is at 1911 N Broadway St, Santa Maria, CA 93454. Call sales at 669-3038 or service at 500-1000.
What Are the Operating Hours?
Hours are 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. The dealership is currently open as of May 30, 2026.
Does Carmotive Offer Financing for Bad Credit?
Yes. Carmotive provides 2nd-chance financing for used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, targeting customers with challenging credit histories.
How Many Vehicles Are in Stock?
The dealership lists 114 vehicles online but maintains over 150 units in physical inventory across multiple categories.
