Fuller Kia

TL:DR; This dealership has recently changed management, and is no longer the customer-focused, communicative business that it used to be. Highly recommend finding a better Kia dealer/service dept in San Diego. Just a few of the changes since my last visit in July 2021 to January 2022:

1. No more loaner vehicles...so if your vehicle is in for repairs for longer than a day, you're SOL. 2. No more shuttle to the trolley 3. A service department that does not honor warranties for repairs done under prior management, causing me to have to reach out to Kia corporate for support. 4. Condescending, dismissive attitude towards customers, ironically even for owners of flagship Kia products like the Stinger or the Telluride. 5. Incredibly hard to reach to confirm the status of your repair; I eventually gave up trying to reach a Service dept rep and showed up to find out my car had been done for most of the day.

Kia is an aspirational brand- their cars consistently get nicer year over year, but the dealership experience is often still severely lagging, especially for a brand that is starting to sell cars that are competing in price with BMW, Audi, and Mercedes (all of which have vastly superior service/repair experiences). Under the prior management, this dealer was exactly what it needed to be; loaners were provided for repairs over a day, trolley transport was available via shuttle, and the service department went to bat for me on a warranty repair, appealing my request all the way up to Kia HQ.

Now that this dealer is under new management, they seem to be focused only on profits, and nothing else. They've gotten rid of all loaner cars, forcing me to get an expensive rental; they've cancelled their shuttle service supposedly due to covid, although they had no issues running a shuttle as little as 6 months ago, when covid also existed.

They've also developed an incredibly condescending attitude in regards to honoring repairs done under the prior management, and then proceed to lie on the service remarks, accusing owners of car abuse where there is none (and in this case, when the issue is a widely known defect with early-model Kia Stingers).

It's always a bit sad when a business you'd like to patronize so radically changes its priorities- by focusing so hard on the bottom dollar, they've likely lost thousands in future repair billable hours. If you own a Kia and you're in San Diego, I highly suggest finding an alternative place to get your vehicle serviced.

I came into Fuller Kia on more of an information-​gathering mission than anything. My current lease was due to expire in March and I was weighing my options as to financing the residual or leasing a new car. I had a pending appt. with another local dealer but wanted to stop in to Fuller to see how their inventory might compare to the other dealer. I spoke to Jacob, one of the internet sales managers, and he showed me a few of the newer vehicles (Optimas). After gathering a bunch of info regarding the leasing of a new car, I actually decided to look into the process of financing to keep the car I had already been leasing. We returned to the offices and I started dealing with Enrique, one of the sales managers. My credit situation placed me in a position with not a lot of bargaining power, but they (Enrique and Sylvester, I believe) convinced me that they were really trying make the situation work. We started out playing the typical back and forth game, their first offer was too high, etc. I gave Enrique a number that I had in mind and, lo and behold, I’m now paying slightly lower than that number. They were able to find me an interest rate that even surprised them! I left Fuller quite satisfied with the experience and will definitely consider going back in the future.

Really awesome customer service
Took the time to really help you out and put you in a car that fits your budget

Maybe the worst customer service at a dealership ever in SD. Dealing with the guy I dealt with was so bad that I now drive all the way to La Mesa to avoid him when this particular dealership is 1.4 miles from my home. Customer service and mutual respect are both very important to be and sadly this location lacks in both categories. Kia La Mesa however is much different and I really liked the people there that I dealt with.

We had a bad experience at Ball Kia that made us weary of purchasing a Kia. We decided to try again, and went to Fuller Kia. Our salesman Aldo Jimenez was awesome. He immediately greeted us, listened to exactly what we wanted to pay for the Kia Optima. He said no problem, came back with an offer under what we were willing to pay, and we were out of there in under 2 hours. I would definitely recommend Aldo and this dealership. It was a positive, stress free buying experience.

Shady, shady, shady service. I had been super-​stoked on my BUYING experience here, but then all the s**t started to hit the fan. Allow me to explain…
1. My wife traded in her car on our purchase. A few months later, she got a notice in the mail of toll road evasion from Irvine, CA… for an incident a full TWO MONTHS after she traded in the car! Which means the dealership never submitted the appropriate DMV paperwork on the trade-​in. Which means we could have been SCREWED if whoever was driving it got into an accident or a hit & run, or whatever else. As it stood, it took us another two months just to clear my wife’s name with the toll road operators.
2. About 2 months after buying the car, our A/​C went out completely. Took it to the El Cajon dealership (closer to our house) and they fixed it under warranty easily. They also found a recall notice that had been issued BEFORE WE PURCHASED THE CAR, but hadn’t been fixed by Fuller Kia! Also, the A/​C issue was a broken hose… which was probably broken before we purchased the car as well.
3. About 3 months into owning the car (a 2013 Sorento), a plastic piece flew off the front underside of the car, got lodged between the bumper & wheel well, and broke off a chunk of the lower passenger side bumper. We hadn’t hit any road hazards, or any bumps in the road. Piece just flew off. When I inspected the same piece on the driver side, it felt loose and easily-​moved. I took the car in for repair (as it was still under warranty) and they told me that wasn’t covered! They kept insisting that we had hit something. I got up under the car on their lift and showed that there was NO IMPACT POINT, but they held firm. Talk about a load of BS. They wanted to have me pay $ 750 out of pocket or submit to my insurance. I was beyond angry. That, and they overcharge like a mo-​fo. I got suckered into one of the major milestone service packages (yeah yeah… dumb me) while I was there.
I will NEVER return to this dealership… not for a purchase… not for service… not for anything. I suggest everyone else take my advice on that as well.

This has been the best experience I’ve ever had at a dealership. I did not want to drive the car because I had my baby with me so they didn’t pressure me after I said no. I wasn’t swarmed by sales men but was approached at a reasonable pace. I did not once feel pressured to say yes to anything. I was helped by Luis Antunes and he was nothing but helpful. He helped me get into the car that I was looking into (without even having to test drive because I didn’t really care about the drive, just looking for a bigger car for my family), and took my trade in off my hands with out a problem. It took a little to get to an agreement but at the end It all worked out. He never once pressured me when I said I couldn’t do what they were offering, He was very professional and showed me how to work everything inside my car. I drove off with a 2016 Kia Sorrento and I absolutely love it! I would definitely come here again without hesitation.

Very very bad manors. I pulled into customer parking and was yelled and cursed at by a sales man or manager, who said I was blocking a car that was being sold it was pretty intense! Very unprofessional even if he was having a bad day. No excuse for that kind of behavior. Beware of tall Mexican man in suit or tie when parking in customer marked stalls. Crazy!!! No stars for this Establishment! Only 1 star because its necessary to put at least one to post.

This by far has been the worst experience that I have ever had in leasing a vehicle. I leased a Kia Cadenza in October 2014. The salesperson assisting me was a trainee and worked with a more experienced salesperson to close the deal. I was promised that maintenance would be Included for 36 months. I was told that this was standard. I informed the dealership that I would be transfering to Virginia Beach and was told no problem they can still take care of your maintenance there. When I go in for that first oil change in VA beach; of course the local service department has no idea what I am talking about. I call Fuller Kia and am told to call back Monday.
I call back on Monday and speak the the service manager, Sylvester Green. Mr. Green says I’ll look into this and call you right back. 2 days later I hear from him and he finds out that I was in fact told that maintenance was included however the salespeople were not authorized to offer it. He apologized and said that the best he could do was to charge me half of what the dealership pays for the maintenance plan (350.00) and reimburse me for the oil change that I already paid for. Not the best solution since you did already admit fault but… better than nothing.
I send the check and a copy of the receipt and then get ignored and blown off for the next few months. Now when I call I get «he isn’t here, I’ll have him call you» or «He is off today, I can’t help you. Call back» I call every week now. Tomorrow I’ll start calling daily.
I know that Fuller Kia won’t read this and I’m almost positive that they won’t make this right. Mr. Green and his team are as unprofessional as they come. I can’t lie and steal at my job and most of you reading this probably couldn’t get away with it either.
I don’t even want the car anymore because of my experience with the salespeople. Fuller Kia cares about profit but they don’t care about customers. I’ll be posting this any and everywhere that I think it might get seen and you can guarantee that I won’t be back and hopefully no one that knows me or is stationed with me will buy from you either.

Juan, Lewis and the manger want to say thank you for helping me pick the perfect car I really enjoy my brand new 2015 Kia Optima overall a great experience I hope to come back soon to get myself a van for my family. Thank you once again guys.

Took my Kia in for a oil change and a non operating door handle. Came out with a bill over $ 750 dollars in oil change and repair. DO NOT use this dealer for service as I have come to find out from another Kia dealer that fuller pays retail for parts, other Kia dealers do not, and then Fuller marks the part up 100% !!!
In checking 2 other Kia sources I would have saved almost $ 100 dollars on the part alone. They charged $ 254 for the door handle and another $ 250 to install. Had I gone another route 1 dealer was $ 192 for the part at another Kia dealer was $ 137 for the part.
BEWARE of this place

See John in service! He’s a super quality service manager and genuinely cares about each and every customer ! Once you meet him you’ll understand what Im saying! Good job John. You have a customer for life!

I really don’t like buying cars but I hate being lied too. The sale employe lied to me at least twice. He got caught in 2 lies. Makes you wonder if you can actually trust anything they say. From my experience it a very unethical dealership with sales
I as well got told that by someone else that bought 2 cars from that watch the sales to make sure you get what they say as not complete honest., The previous buyer did say there part and service were good but watch sales…

these guys are so amazing– we just bought ANOTHER vehicle from them 8 months later-​this time a 2014 Kia Rio 5 EX and their customer service was not an accident when we bought our Sedona in May– Victor Aceves immediately remembered me when introduced by Emilio this time around. Cannot quite put into words how much Fuller Kia’s amazing sales staff really treat you like family and I (again) did not feel at all pressured to agree to terms I did not like. Victor again listened to what I wanted and went above and beyond what I expected to get me into the car I wanted and he completely respected my terms and family’s situation. These guys really help get you into what YOU want!!! Other dealers try to sell you a car that they need to move off their lot– not so at Fuller Kia!!! MIL GRACIAS Victor and Emilio!!! 5 stars on Unilocal is not enough!!!

Awesome service!!! Had an apt. With Emilio I was shooting for another Honda but Emilio showed me the 2015 forte5 and just fell in love. Got my paper work done quick and easy also help by Victor Aceves Assistant Sales Manager, they were super friendly and helpful I’m glad I switched over to Kia thanks guys

I have purchased 2 cars here, and my dad bought his here too. Great service. Angel Hernandez is the man, he is the best salesperson ever. He is super nice, polite, hears your needs, and helps you get what you want. At no point do you feel pressured. Id give 1million stars if I could, I definitely plan to go back to Angel for years to come.

Love my KIA Soul. This, however, is about the KIA fuel reimbursement program. First off the car does not have the great gas mileage they promised upon my purchase. Fine, whatever, I joined the reimbursement program. This is my second year jumping through their hoops (which are many) to be reimbursed and this is the second year that they are screwing with me. I owe KIA money and do not pay on time I am penalized with fees and they send a negative report to my credit. They owe me money and nothing can be done! Way to go large American corporation, screw with the little people as usual!!!

Stupid filter review, they took out my previous 5 stars… This place is 45 mins away I live in Mira Mesa but it’s worth a drive I end saving $$$$. Look for Victor (manager) & Angel the car sale man. They know what to do and will try their best to make you one big happy New car owner. I bought TWO CARS on the same month I wish found them sooner and bought the first one w them. Definitely will come back and recommend them to my family n friends…

I came here to trade in my wife’s Jeep Patriot and I have to say this place is not what I expected from previous poor reviews. I highly recommend this place I got a monthly payment way below what I was planning on. Internet sales person Juan knows his job well very impressed with Fuller Kia will do business with them again.

This was the best buying exp. EVER! and in the 23 years I’ve been married I’ve bought a lot of cars! We were so impressed with the service we received from the sales Dept. Here at Kia Fuller. Our sales consultant Luis was not pushy at all which I liked, he took a lot of time showing us the options on the vehicle And this was before we even decided to buy. Then during the negotiating it was easy we said this is what we can afford if it’s not possible that’s okay! No back and forth haggling just a yes we can or no we can’t and it was a deal! After the purchase he went over the vehicle completely and explained everything letting us know we can always come back if we have any questions or need clarification. The car itself Optima is fabulous! Love this vehicle drives great looks great I turn heads driving down the street! Several days later we received thank you emails, welcome to the Fuller family, emails from the service dept. as well as phone calls. Never in 23 years of car buying have I received such amazing service! The entire staff at Kia Fuller really cares! If you want a great buying experience you will come to Fuller Ford-​Kia!

**READ FILTERED REVIEWS!!! There are plenty of 4 and 5 star reviews being filtered out by Unilocal***
From the looks of things people have said in the past, I’m surprised I haven’t had those type of experiences. The filtered users that have left 4 and 5 star ratings aren’t getting through to Kia’s front page.
I bought a Truck at Fuller Ford back in 2002. I was a first time buyer and they sold me the truck that was sticker priced at $ 30,000 and kept it around there with taxes. Could I have gotten a better deal? Probably. but it was my first time buying a car.
Fast forward to 2012, I ended up getting a new Kia Optima fully loaded. I didn’t intend to buy a Kia just for the fact that Kia was never been «up there» when it came to cars. Ever since Hyundai took over — they have came a long ways.
The dealership employees are pretty much your basic car sales man. I have had nothing but good customer service every time I have been here. They even throw in little deals here and there to get to buy the car. Whenever I come back, the maintenance people are always up to par as well.
Bottom line is — if you don’t want to buy a car where you feel pressured, or the price isn’t right for you, move on.
Fuller Kia, has been nothing but good service to me. I will recommend friends/​family to come back as well.