PASADENA, Texas – New state records recently released show a Pasadena used car lot is violating the law during dozens of vehicle sales.
Strawberry Road Auto Sales in Pasadena is the subject of dozens of formal complaints filed with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV).
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The TxDMV is the state agency that regulates auto dealers and provides their licenses.
KPRC 2 began investigating Strawberry Road Auto Sales late last year.
A young single mother paid a down payment, but never received a car. She reached out to KPRC 2 for help. In a matter of days, the dealership returned her money, but not before the manager, David Estrada, assaulted KPRC 2 Reporter Gage Goulding and KPRC 2 Photojournalist Oscar Chavez in December.
During that time, KPRC 2 filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the TxDMV. Months later, we received the complaints of 26 different people.
Within the more than 140 pages of complaint investigations, staff with the TxDMV found that Strawberry Road Auto Sales committed 46 violations of Texas laws, dating back to 2019.
The violations range from misusing a temporary tag to even selling a vehicle without having the title, according to state records.
State investigators also discovered deceptive sales practices, records show.
One investigative file outlines a promotion on the car lot’s website that says, “Each advertised vehicle photo contains a red banner that says, ‘Sell us your car for $1,000 more than CARMA! Pre-owned rated starting @ 1.9% instant credit approvals online! Excellent/bad credit ok! Ask for the CARFAX!!! All vehicles include a 3-month 3,000 mile warranty.’”
Investigators wrote, “These two claims imply a guaranteed additional amount for a trade-in and guaranteed trade-in amount of range of amounts is not allowed to be used in motor vehicle advertising.”
Here’s a breakdown of the violations outlined by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles:
| Violation | # of Violations |
|---|---|
| Misuse of Buyer E-Tag | 12 |
| Failed To Timely Transfer Title | 11 |
| Misuse of Dealer E-Tag | 6 |
| No Inspection Sticker When Using Buyer E-Tag | 6 |
| Failure To Comply With Request for Records - Dealer | 4 |
| Failure To Provide Title To Out Of State Customer | 2 |
| Selling Vehicle Without Having Title | 1 |
| Failure To Keep Records As Required By Dealer | 1 |
| False, Deceptive, Unfair or Misleading Advertising | 1 |
| Trade-In Allowances Advertising | 1 |
| Savings/Discount On A Used Motor Vehicle | 1 |
Other instances include not meeting timing criteria to transfer the vehicle’s title to the new owner, or filing the correct paperwork to obtain permanent plates, among other violations outlined in state records.
Between the two licenses assigned to Strawberry Road Auto Sales, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles has levied $5,500 in penalties, a state database outlined.
It’s a slap on the wrist, per se, compared to the stress and financial loss their customers endured.
According to the state, Strawberry Road Auto Sales just applied to renew its dealer license, which expired on February 28, 2025.
KPRC 2 asked the TxDMV if these complaints are taken into account when a decision is made to renew a license and how the state agency is working to hold dealers accountable for potential wrongdoing to customers.
A spokesperson for TxDMV acknowledged our request, but has not provided a response to our inquiry.
