FAQ
Category 1: Financing & Credit Flexibility
Can I get approved for a used car loan with bad credit in San Diego?
Yes. We work with multiple lenders that approve all credit situations. Good credit, Bad credit, No credit; no problem. Fill out our credit application by clicking this link. Our online application is secure and encrypted (SSL) so you don't have to worry about identity theft or malicious credit usage.
What documents do I need to bring to finance a used car at EpikSun Motors?
While every lender requirement is different. It is usually good practice to bring the following:
- Driver's license or any other form of ID (Identification card, passport, etc.)
- Proof of income (most recent paystub, Turbopass report or 3 months bank statements if self employed)
- Proof of residency (phone bill, utility bill, or bank statement with your name and current address)
- Current vehicle Insurance card (if you don't have a vehicle, then you don't need this)
What is Turbopass?
TurboPass is a digital verification platform used primarily by auto dealerships and lenders. It replaces slow, traditional paper documents (like printed pay stubs or bank statements) by letting customers securely connect their financial accounts or IDs via a mobile link to generate instant verification reports.
How much money do I need for a down payment on a used car in San Diego?
We have $0 downpayment for qualified buyers. Typically, our customers come in with between $1000 - $2000 downpayment. They may also have a trade-in that can cover the downpayment. As long as it's clean title and has no financing, we can use the trade-in directly towards the vehicle being purchased.
Can I buy a used car at EpikSun Motors if I am self-employed or have untraditional income?
Yes. We work with self-employed, 1099 contractors, fixed income, and cash income. We can get your loan approved. We can use Turbopass or 3 months bank statements to provide income.
What is the interest rate for a used car loan at a local dealership in San Diego County?
Rates vary based on credit history, loan terms, and the vehicle's age. Get a personalized quote via our online pre-approval tool here.
Can I finance a used car with a repossession or bankruptcy on my record in San Diego?
Yes. Our finance department partners with specialized subprime and non-prime lenders who look past repossessions or bankruptcies (whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13). Proof of steady income, a down payment, or a co-signer, can improve your odds of getting approved.
Category 2: Trade-Ins, Selling, & Valuations
How do I trade in my car or sell it directly to a dealership in San Diego?
Our appraisal process is quick and easy. 30 minutes or less. Our sales advisor and service technician will examine your trade-in and pull a Carfax report. They will then check your car visually and mechanically. This may include a short test drive. Once that is completed, they will provide you with a valuation. You can also use our online valuation tool here, and we can provide you with a trade-in value by e-mail. Make sure to include the VIN and mileage.
Can I sell my car to EpikSun Motors if I still owe money on the loan?
Yes. When you owe money (have a lien) on your car, our team will contact your lender to get the payoff amount and handle all the paperwork, removing all the complexity for you, “the buyer”. This process can take a day or two because your lender will need to be contacted and they would need to provide the payoff quote so we can payoff the car. Alternatively, if you've already paid off the car and have the title, the transaction can be completed instantaneously.
Does EpikSun Motors buy used cars if I am not buying a vehicle from you?
Absolutely. Yes. We buy all makes and models directly from the public with no obligation to purchase a replacement vehicle.
How long is a vehicle trade-in appraisal offer valid at EpikSun Motors?
Our written appraisal offers are guaranteed for 7 days or 300 miles. After that, we would just need to reappraise the vehicle.
What factors determine my car's trade-in value in the San Diego market?
Trade-in value is determined by mileage, condition, accident history, and current local market demand for that specific model. The better the service records and Carfax, the higher the trade-in value.
Category 3: Inventory, Vehicle History, & Quality Assurance
Do your used cars come with a warranty or a vehicle history report?
Every one of our vehicles includes a free CARFAX report advertised on our website. We also include all our vehicles with a 90 day warranty (when purchased at advertised price). Click here to see our hand selected inventory.
What identification documents do I need to bring to test drive a car?
You will need to bring a valid driver's license. You can also bring a California ID, preliminary driving license or a letter from the DMV indicating you have lost your license and are waiting for a replacement.
Can I put down a deposit on a car? Is the deposit refundable?
In most cases, No. We try to be fair to all our customers. We operate on a first come first serve basis. In some cases, where the customer has already signed the purchase order and is waiting for funds to clear or a third party loan to be finalized, a manager can make an exception as long as a non-refundable deposit is placed to hold the vehicle for 7 days.
Can I buy a used vehicle online and have it delivered to my home in San Diego?
Yes. You can buy your car using our remote buying process. And we can also deliver the car to you if you're within 30 miles of La Mesa, CA. We have high-definition photos and a full video walkaround of all our cars, so you can confidently complete the entire buying process remotely. We ship nationwide also for an additional fee. Contact us to get a quote.
How does EpikSun Motors inspect and recondition used cars before selling them?
We conduct a 150 multi-point service inspection, safety checks, and a professional detailing process, so you can be rest assured that your car is safe and reliable.
Can I take a used car to an independent mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection near San Diego?
Absolutely. Yes. Our policy welcomes independent inspections. We believe in complete transparency. Put our cars to the test with your mechanic. We know you will come back wanting to buy it for yourself or a loved one.
Do you sell used SUVs and trucks at EpikSun Motors, or just cars?
Yes. We have a diverse inventory. We focus on fuel efficient sedans, 3 row SUVs for families, and trucks for work or pleasure.
What is the difference between a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle and a standard used car at EpikSun Motors?
While all our used cars pass a rigorous safety check, CPO vehicles come with higher price tags (often $2000 or more) and with factory-backed or extended dealership warranties. We do sell extended warranties that provide the same or higher level of protection as CPO vehicles. Ask us about how you can protect your new investment with our top tier extended warranty coverages for all types of cars including electric vehicles.
Category 4: Local Credibility, Trust, & Logistics
Where is EpikSun Motors located, and what areas do you serve?
We are located at 7480 El Cajon Blvd, La Mesa CA 91942. We are located close to San Diego State University, El Cajon and Spring Valley. Click here for our Google Maps directions.
Why should I buy from a local independent used car dealer in San Diego vs. a national online retailer?
We are family-owned and have been operating in San Diego for many years. We support our local high school teams and recreational leagues. We have friendly staff that will welcome you in and work with you to find the right vehicle and the best financing terms. You can speak to our service staff about the vehicle you're looking to buy and they can explain what service and repairs they did to the vehicle. You can also take it for a test drive and make sure that you are in love with your new vehicle before you buy it.
Does EpikSun Motors charge hidden dealer fees?
No. You will only pay taxes, government fees, a DMV filing fee, and a documentation (doc) fee. You will see all these fees itemized up front before signing your purchase documents. We believe in "no surprises" pricing. All of our fees are itemized in the Disclaimer section of our website.
What are the sales and service department hours at EpikSun Motors?
We are open Monday through Friday between 10am to 6pm and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm. Our exact hours are on our website, please check our newest hours or call us ahead of time before coming in.
Can out-of-state buyers purchase a used car from EpikSun Motors in California?
Yes. We sell cars nationwide. You can purchase a car from us remotely (with $0 sales tax) and we can ship the car to your state and provide you with the title so you can register your car there. You can also pickup a used car from our lot and drive it to your state as well, saving on shipping cost. However, you will be required to pay the La Mesa sales tax since California requires all vehicles picked up in state must be charged sales tax.
Does EpikSun Motors offer any customer rewards or referral programs in San Diego?
We provide discounts for our repeat customer and first responders. We also offer a cash referral bonus when you recommend our dealership to your friends or family. It's our way of saying 'thank you' for supporting local businesses.
