u/Public-Hospital-9491

Hey everyone,
I’m currently in the market for a reliable used car (looking mostly at compact sedans/crossovers like Honda Civics, Mazda3s, or Hyundai Konas) with a budget around $12k to $16k.
I’ve been browsing listings online (CARFAX, Autotrader, etc.), but I’ve noticed a lot of independent used car dealers around LA—especially spots like STG Auto Group—have pretty mixed or terrible reviews when it comes to hidden fees, forced add-ons (GPS, paint protection, dealer prep), and high-pressure sales tactics.
I'm hoping to get some real recommendations from locals:

1. Which dealerships in or around the LA area (including Valley, SGV, South Bay, or OC) have you had a genuinely good, hassle-free experience with?
2. Are there specific franchise dealers (e.g., specific Honda, Toyota, Mazda, or Hyundai locations) that stick to straightforward pricing and respect the state's $85 doc fee cap without throwing in thousands in surprise fees?
3. Are places like CarMax or Carvana worth paying slightly more for just to avoid the dealership games at this price point?
   Appreciate any advice, dealer callouts (good or bad), or tips on navigating used car buying around here! Thanks in advance.

Hey everyone,
I’m currently in the market for a reliable used car (looking mostly at compact sedans/crossovers like Honda Civics, Mazda3s, or Hyundai Konas) with a budget around $12k to $16k.
I’ve been browsing listings online (CARFAX, Autotrader, etc.), but I’ve noticed a lot of independent used car dealers around LA—especially spots like STG Auto Group—have pretty mixed or terrible reviews when it comes to hidden fees, forced add-ons (GPS, paint protection, dealer prep), and high-pressure sales tactics.
I'm hoping to get some real recommendations from locals:

1. Which dealerships in or around the LA area (including Valley, SGV, South Bay, or OC) have you had a genuinely good, hassle-free experience with?
2. Are there specific franchise dealers (e.g., specific Honda, Toyota, Mazda, or Hyundai locations) that stick to straightforward pricing and respect the state's $85 doc fee cap without throwing in thousands in surprise fees?
3. Are places like CarMax or Carvana worth paying slightly more for just to avoid the dealership games at this price point?
   Appreciate any advice, dealer callouts (good or bad), or tips on navigating used car buying around here! Thanks in advance.