Full review text opened.

Google - Oct 17, 2026
I spent several weeks working with Ocean Mazda on the potential purchase of a used Ram 2500. Unfortunately, the experience became increasingly frustrating due to the dealership's handling of my trade-in.
I was initially offered $19,000 for my Mercedes, despite having multiple independent appraisals in the $23,000–$24,000 range, including an offer communicated by text from AutoNation to purchase my vehicle outright for $23,125, sight unseen, with no vehicle purchase required.
Rather than simply acknowledging that their dealership couldn't compete with those valuations, I repeatedly encountered explanations suggesting that other dealers were inflating their appraisals to sell me a vehicle. That explanation was particularly frustrating considering the AutoNation offer was entirely independent of any purchase.
Throughout the process, I was repeatedly asked to take additional steps to substantiate my vehicle's value and address their concerns about the appraisal. Yet each time I provided further information or clarification, there seemed to be another objection or explanation for why they couldn't come close to the competing offers. It became a frustrating cycle of moving goalposts rather than making meaningful progress toward a transaction.
To make matters more frustrating, I'm located several hours away from the dealership. I was upfront about that from the beginning and was willing to make the trip if we could establish a reasonable deal beforehand. Instead, I spent weeks going back and forth, providing information and addressing concerns, only to be met with additional objections rather than any meaningful progress.
I fully understand that dealerships have different appraisal practices and aren't obligated to match another company's offer. My issue was never simply the dollar amount. It was the repeated dismissal of legitimate competing valuations, the shifting explanations, and the unnecessary hoops I was expected to jump through.
Ultimately, I feel this dealership wasted several weeks of my time. Had they simply been upfront about the fact that they couldn't compete with other offers, I would have respected that and moved on. Instead, I spent weeks trying to have a straightforward conversation about a transaction that apparently wasn't going to happen.
I ultimately decided not to proceed with the purchase. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this dealership to anyone who values straightforward communication, transparency, and respect for their time.