About Us
Used Car Dealership in Kailua-Kona, HI
Pre-Owned Motor Cars has been a labor of love since John and Hiromi founded it in 1995. After selling both of their personal cars, the couple used the funds to purchase five vehicles that John proceeded to fix up to perfection. Next, he had to find a place to sell them! He reached out to a friend from the Kiwana’s Club where they could set up shop with a tent, a phone, and low rent to allow their dream to flourish. After some devastating set-backs in their first decade of growth, John consistently moved past each obstacle with innovation and tenacity to get them to their retail location in town, away from the industrial area they started in. In 2004, Pre-Owned Motors found its forever home in Kona where they grew organically to where they are today. In their over 25 years in operation, Pre-Owned Motors has grown from two lovebirds with a dream to employing over 16 individuals and providing top-notch auto sales and auto maintenance and repair services to the islands of Hawaii.
John and Hiromi run Pre-Owned Motors to fill the automotive needs of the local community in Kailua-Kona, Waimea, and Hilo. When The Big Island lost its automotive locksmith in 2013, John learned the trade to be able to provide that service to the residents of Hawaii. Aside from business endeavors, John is passionate about serving others. John was an organ transplant recipient in 2008. In a show of gratitude, he served on the board of directors of Legacy of Life Hawaii, the organ donation organization that facilitates organ donation throughout the state, for the last nine years. He served as a leader in the used car industry by serving as president or director of the Hawaii Independent Automobile Dealer’s Association for over fourteen years.
John was appointed by The Governor, confirmed by the Senate to the DCCA State Licensing Board, one of two dealers that serve on it. He has helped numerous dealers obtain their license, guiding and directing them, often by example, to receive higher dealer education through the NIADA and other sources to hopefully become better corporate citizens as independent car dealerships. His peers and fellow association members nominated him to receive the HIIADA State Quality Dealer Award and was also a candidate for the NIADA’S National Quality Dealer award in 2020 and 2021.He is also an NIADA Certified Master Dealer.
Today, Hiromi and John are handing over the day to day operation to Paul Hatfield, a seasoned automotive veteran who ran a Chevrolet Sales Department in Central California. They look forward to semi-retirement and travel knowing their “baby” is in good hands. Paul is an awesome addition and has already made many decisions to make the workplace and experience better for all of the workers. We truly believe to start with happy employees and customer satisfaction will follow.
