FAQ — Straight Talk | Pacific Autohaus Skip to main content

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Straight Talk

Real answers to the questions every car buyer has.

How do I buy a car from Pacific Autohaus?

Pick a car from our inventory, text or call us at (805) 904-0010, and we'll set up a no-pressure test drive. If you love it, we handle the paperwork in about an hour and you drive home. Out-of-area buyers — we ship anywhere in California and beyond. We can do most of the deal by text and email so you only show up to sign and pick up.

Do you take trade-ins?

Yes — every day. Text or email a few photos plus the VIN (we send you a quick form) and we'll give you a real number, usually same day. We pay off the loan on your trade if you have one. You don't have to buy a car from us to trade in; we buy cars outright too.

Can I see the CARFAX before I come in?

Yes. Every car on our site has a free CARFAX one click away on the vehicle page — no sign-up, no email capture. We'd rather you see the history before you drive out than after.

Do you offer test drives?

Always. Take it on Highway 1, take it to Pismo and back, take it as long as you need. We don't sit in the passenger seat unless you want company. Bring a friend, bring your mechanic, bring your kids.

Can I get a pre-purchase inspection?

Yes — strongly recommended. Take the car to your own mechanic (we'll let you take it for a couple hours), or we can refer you to a local independent shop. We're not afraid of inspections because we already buy our cars from auctions where we get to inspect them ourselves first.

Is the price on your website the final price?

The price you see is the selling price. On top of that you'll pay an $85 documentation fee, California sales tax (rate depends on where you register), and DMV registration fees. No hidden dealer add-ons, no mandatory warranties, no "market adjustments." If you finance, your bank may have origination fees — that's between you and them.

Why is your doc fee only $85?

California caps doc fees at $85 and we don't add anything on top. Most dealers charge the maximum or push "dealer prep" / "VIN etch" fees that net them hundreds more. We don't. The $85 covers what it costs us to process your registration paperwork.

Do you negotiate?

We price our cars fairly the first time using live auction data and CarGurus comps — so the room to negotiate is usually small. That said, we're humans. Make us an offer. If it's reasonable, we'll work with you. If it isn't, we'll tell you straight up.

Do you charge a dealer fee or "market adjustment"?

No. The only fee we charge is the $85 California-capped documentation fee. No prep fees, no etching fees, no advertising fees, no "market adjustments."

Do you offer financing?

Yes. We work with multiple lenders — credit unions, banks, and specialty lenders — so we can shop your application across the board for the best rate and terms. Apply on our website and we usually have answers within a few hours during business days.

Can I get approved with bad credit?

Often, yes. We work with subprime lenders who specialize in rebuilding-credit situations. The interest rate will be higher, the down payment will be larger, and we'll be honest with you about what's realistic. We'd rather tell you "not yet" than put you in a car you can't afford.

What's the minimum down payment?

It depends on the lender, the vehicle, and your credit profile — there's no single number, and anyone who quotes you one before looking at your situation is guessing. Cash deals don't require any down payment beyond the full purchase price plus fees and tax. Tell us what you're working with and we'll get you a real answer from a real lender.

Do you offer in-house financing or buy-here-pay-here?

No. We use traditional bank and credit union financing — your loan is with a real lender, not us, which means your payments build credit normally.

Can I get pre-approved before I shop?

Yes — and we recommend it. Use the credit application link on our site. We'll run it once and shop it to multiple lenders (not 10 separate hard pulls). You'll know your budget and rate before you fall in love with a car you can't afford.

Where are you located?

We're at 933 South 4th Street in Grover Beach, California — right between Pismo Beach and Arroyo Grande, just off Highway 1. Easy 5-minute drive from the freeway. Plenty of parking.

What areas do you serve?

Locally: Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, Oceano, Nipomo, San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach, Shell Beach, Santa Maria, Atascadero, Paso Robles, Morro Bay, Los Osos — the whole Central Coast. We also ship cars statewide and have sold to customers in Fresno, Bakersfield, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles.

Do you deliver?

Yes. We can deliver locally for free within ~30 miles. For longer distances we use trusted enclosed and open transport partners. We've shipped cars to every corner of California.

What are your hours?

Monday through Friday: 10am to 6:30pm. Saturday: 10am to 6:30pm. Sunday: 11am to 6pm. We're also reachable by text outside hours — we usually answer within minutes.

Who owns Pacific Autohaus?

Pacific Autohaus is co-owned by James Permenter and Jakob — two enthusiasts who got tired of how soulless the used-car experience had become. We hand-pick every car, drive every car, and stand behind every car. No commissioned salesfloor — when you text us, you're texting an owner.

How long have you been in business?

We've been on Grover Beach's 4th Street since 2022, but James and Jakob have been buying, fixing, and selling cars to friends and family for years before that. Our California Dealer License is #70919.

What's your California dealer license number?

DL #70919. You can verify us on the California DMV Occupational Licensing Status Information System.

What kind of cars do you specialize in?

Honest mid-range used cars — mostly $8k to $25k, with a sweet spot in low-mileage Toyotas, Hondas, BMWs, and Mercedes-Benz. We avoid salvage titles and accident cars. We chase one-owner, well-maintained, low-mile examples we'd let our own family drive.

Do your cars come with a warranty?

Most of our cars are sold AS-IS, which is standard for the under-$25k market. But we offer extended warranty options through reputable third-party providers at any price point — ask us for a quote. We'll never push one on you.

What if something goes wrong after I buy?

Call or text us first. If it's something we missed during reconditioning, we'll make it right. If it's a separate issue, we know good mechanics across the Central Coast and we'll point you to one who won't rip you off.

What do I need to bring to pick up my car?

Driver's license, proof of insurance (we can introduce you to a local agent if you need one), and your form of payment (cashier's check, wire, or financing paperwork from your bank). Trade-in: bring the title, all keys, and any loan payoff info.

Can I buy a car from out of state?

Yes — we ship nationwide. We handle the California paperwork; you handle the registration in your home state. We'll provide all temp tags and documentation. On sales tax: if we ship the car to you out of state, California sales tax generally doesn't apply and your home state collects it instead. If you pick the car up here in California, CA sales tax usually does apply. Tell us which you're planning and we'll walk you through exactly what you'll owe.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, cashier's check, wire transfer, or financing through one of our lender partners. We don't take personal checks or credit cards for the full purchase price (card processing fees would eat any savings we built into the price).

Still have questions?

Text us directly — no bots, no phone trees, no runaround.

Text us — (805) 904-0010