University Kia
Waco, TX
By Type
6 Reviews of University Kia
Do yourself a favor and stay far away from the finance and management team at University Kia Waco, especially Finance Manager Brandon Burnell and New Car Director Tanner Connot. I bought a new 2027 Kia and management team at University Kia Waco, especially Finance Manager Brandon Burnell and New Car Director Tanner Connot. I bought a new 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid X-Line SX-Prestige AWD here. My sales rep, Tony, did a great job and gave a very thorough presentation of the car, and he was the only positive part of the experience. Everything went downhill the second I stepped into the finance office. I specifically asked only for GAP coverage and a direct Kia extended warranty, not third-party plans. I did my research pre-visit and knew it should have been around 2k for a 100k miles/10yr service contract. While negotiating the sale, I was told my payment was right on target with my requested amount, including the two contracts. Instead, I found there was a large jump in my monthly payment when I got to the finance office. It was presented to me as the bank coming back with a higher interest rate, rather than four separate third-party add-on plans being packed into my loan. When I asked for details in person, Brandon barely flashed the iPad screen at me and acted like me asking questions was a problem. Turns out, he got me for a 6 yr/100k plan for $4.5k (on a car that already comes with a 5 yr/60k basic and 10 yr/100k powertrain warranty from Kia), plus three other plans I never asked for. It's laughable! I also wasn't given paper copies of my documents when I left, or even offered printed copies. Brandon promised to email all of my paperwork that day, but he only sent the bank loan contract and left out all of the warranty agreements. When I emailed him asking a basic question about where the coverage could be used and how to get copies of the full agreements, he replied to me in all caps, tried to make excuses when I called him out for being rude, and sent an email with nothing attached before eventually sending the documents over after I had to ask multiple times. Once I understood and was able to fully read the finance docs, I immediately sent written notice cancelling the third-party add-on plans well within the 30-day window. New Car Director, Tanner, falsely gave me the runaround and told me I had to come into the dealership in person to cancel. When I pointed out that neither the contract nor Texas law requires an in-person visit, he pivoted to claiming in writing that he refused to process the cancellations until he verified my miles. Even after I sent a photo of my odometer, they kept stalling until I contacted the warranty company directly and escalated to the General Manager, Ty Bullard, who finally admitted in writing that an in-person visit is NOT required to cancel. On top of the finance experience, their service department lazily "denied" a cosmetic factory warranty issue on my brand-new Telluride without even properly investigating it, forcing me to call Kia Corporate myself, who approved and covered it. Once they have your money, you are nothing to this dealership. I will happily drive an hour out of my way to another Kia dealer for service before I ever let University Kia Waco touch my vehicle again. If you do decide to buy here, ask for Tony on the sales floor, demand printed copies of every single page before you sign anything in finance, and double-check your loan breakdown so they don't pack thousands of dollars of unwanted add-ons into your payment. More
I visited University Kia for what should have been a simple oil change, but I left with serious concerns about the integrity of this dealership. While they claim to value a "sense of urgency," that ener simple oil change, but I left with serious concerns about the integrity of this dealership. While they claim to value a "sense of urgency," that energy is clearly reserved for harassing customers about sales, not for actually taking care of vehicles. Despite me explicitly stating I was not interested in purchasing a car—that I was only there for service—the sales pressure continued. When a customer says "no," that should be the end of it. It seems respect for boundaries is not part of their training. However, the most alarming part of my visit was a conversation with an employee. I was informed that there is a company vehicle with multiple serious issues, including two tires losing air, being 12,000 miles overdue for an oil change, a shattered windshield, and multiple dashboard warning lights illuminated. According to the employee, neither the Mazda nor Kia side of the business wanted to do anything about it. They allegedly refused to service or repair a Kia vehicle that is clearly a liability. This raises a terrifying question for anyone considering bringing their car here: If the dealership won't perform essential maintenance or safety repairs on a vehicle the dealership uses for everyday operations —a vehicle that is a danger to drive—why would they treat a paying customer's car any differently? If University Kia refuses to help a vehicle that is part of their own internal ecosystem, they have no interest in helping the public. I will be taking my business to a shop that actually believes in maintaining the Kia brand, not just collecting checks. More
This Kia location has taken a drastic turn for the worst over the past years. Any time you try to file a claim for warranty coverage, the employees act like it is coming out of their personal accounts. It t over the past years. Any time you try to file a claim for warranty coverage, the employees act like it is coming out of their personal accounts. It took me months to even get them to look at my car to see if it was eligible. No one acted like they were knowledgeable on the coverage they sold me. You no longer get a courtesy vacuum or wash when your car is serviced. I was told my car had a recall, but the part was not in stock and I would receive a call when it came in. I never received a call and have been trying to reach someone regarding the recall as it has been over 3 months approximately. They told me they did not know why someone would tell me I’d receive a call, because it is usually an automated text. Nevertheless, I never received a call or text. When I try to speak to someone they just keep transferring me to parts who hangs up on me. I have been patient and friendly, but it is baffling how unprofessional and uninformed they are at this point. The staff’s overall customer service and knowledge is subpar and needs serious evaluation. Manager called and scheduled me a service appointment to get the recall done as the part had been in. I took my car to get serviced and was called 2 hours later and told it could not be done that day because they did not know it was a blower motor replacement. How do you not know it is a blower motor replacement when you literally scheduled the appointment and knew how much time it would take to complete the service? Absolutely ridiculous and a waste of time. Dropped my car off at my new appointment and was called 1 hour and half later and told my part was given away, to come pick up my car, & reschedule for another 1 1/2 weeks. It’s actually insane how unorganized this place is. Dropped my car off again for new appointment this time I was told it might take until the next day which is not what was previously quoted. Therefore, I made no preparations to be carless for this long. No response after asking for update on number provided. More
Great sales team. Refugio was very good and took the time to explain any questions we had about the car or pricing. The sales manager was very good as well. He went ov Refugio was very good and took the time to explain any questions we had about the car or pricing. The sales manager was very good as well. He went over the numbers with us and worked with us to find the best deal possible. The biggest plus was they did not have any hidden fees and the finance guy Danny was not pushy and did not try and guilt us into buying anything we did not want. If you are looking for a reputable dealership then University is it. Ask for Refugio he was great to work with. More
They treated me very very well! I would highly recommend. Not pushy. Very straightforward and honest. Very friendly. The car is excellent! I worked with Trey, Bobby, and Oz and they I would highly recommend. Not pushy. Very straightforward and honest. Very friendly. The car is excellent! I worked with Trey, Bobby, and Oz and they were all great guys. I am sending my daughter there when she has a down payment saved because I feel that I can trust them to give her the same level of service and care that they showed me. More
No drama, no hassles, No Problems...A refreshing Experience Dannie Williams was knowledgeable, intelligent, and businesslike and did not waste my time. We reached a price we could both agree on in just a few m Dannie Williams was knowledgeable, intelligent, and businesslike and did not waste my time. We reached a price we could both agree on in just a few minutes with no drama. We were treated with respect and courtesy throughout the entire purchase experience by Dannie. I'm looking forward to purchasing our next car from him. More

