Rotator

I know this has been brought up before, and I don't believe there has ever been a unanimous consensus on which dealer is best for service in the GTA.

So with this in mind, I'd like to post one of my experiences (there are a few)

Lesson Learned - Buyer beware when being told you need service, don't trust everything (or anything?).

Downtown Mazda says I need new brakes - "Just Because"

A TSB is available for replacement front pads to resolve the squealing issue.
Great.
Had to fight hard to get this covered under warranty.
Won the fight.
Installation of the pads was included. Didn't want this, would rather do it myself.
Whatever - Great. Things are looking good.
Sir - we recommend you replace your front rotors.
Not so Great.
My Response - Why?
Dealer Response - Because.
I don't like the because reason as a sufficient explanation as to why I should part with $600 for new rotors.

When I brought the car in for service I had asked the service advisor to get the tech to record the rotor thickness and runout measurements as I suspected with the current mileage that they were close to their limit. It's one of these - while you are there. Measurements should always be done anyway before doing just a pad replacement.

I never did get this information despite repeated requests.

Being a skeptic - I tell them NOT to replace the rotors, and just install the pads.

Later, I get the car back and measure the rotors myself as per the service manual.
Rotors are well within spec - fronts - 60% worn after 62K km's. Rears - 5% worn. Brake bias anyone? Thickness and Runout is well within spec.

Summary.

This dealer is telling me I need new front rotors, yet they are unable to provide me with the measurements as required to determine that they require replacement.
Actions like this cause a loss of trust.
Another Kicker?
With the car being at the dealer for 19 days for a 3 hr job - there is still an outstanding heat-shield recall.

When it comes to servicing your mazda vehicle - dealer knows best right?

Too bad these types of experiences are what scare people from purchasing a Mazda.
Mazda has some great product.
It's amazing the power of a testimonial like mine. I know of many people in the market for a new car and will not consider Mazda as a possible choice due to my dealer experience.
I'd love to get a CX-9, but....
I'd love to get an RX-8, but...
I'd love to get a miata, but...

And we aren't talking about just one dealer here.

I am not all about the negative - I have had a couple surprisingly great MAZDA experiences. Too bad they are so far away.

I wonder what happens when I try to get new engine mounts covered under warranty? I would like to argue they are part of the powertrain - but I'm not holding my breath.

My Advice? If you can turn a wrench - try to do as much possible yourself.

If you haven't had any bad experiences, then you are one of the lucky ones, or you don't own a mazda

DarkBrew

I hear you.
My dealer has exceeded my mistake tolerance.

GoesLikeStink

There seems to be mixed reports from Downtown Mazda, but then again I think that can be said for practically any Mazda dealer in the GTA (and beyond too ha ha).

Even just by searching this forum you can find people who've had a bad time at one dealer, while someone else would recommend them....it's a shame as it makes it very difficult for us to know where to go.
And even if you think you've had a good experience, there's always something in the back of your mind asking "are you sure?".

nate340

i purchased my 8 from downtown mazda i despise them.

DarkBrew

At MOTM Matt Zacharczuk (district manager - central region) asked us to keep him informed of dealer issues.
905-787-7003
MZacharc@mazda.ca

Railton

Thanks. I'll keep it someplace handy.
Railton

Big M

Hey Guys

I always Servive My Car at Oakville Mazda
the service guys are great
and there done when they say there going to be done
where i work we have other mazda models....miata,3,6
never a probelm
best part about it
there's three guys there and it doesn't matter who you talk to
there ready to help

rotten42

This is the exact crap that has me so pissed off at Mazda. It’s not the multiple engine changes or 3 set of brake pads. It’s the bullshit attitude of their dealers. They tried to charge me $20 to inspect the fact that one of my license plate nuts had fallen off. I hate their "what did you do this time" attitude and the fact that you feel like you are on the defense stand in court when discussing any problem with them. Mazda dealers suck *****!

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ghlight=kramer

GoesLikeStink

Not worthy of a new thread - just got the 8 serviced at downtown mazda(regular maintenance), I've never had a problem with them.
They did a good job, even detailed the car for me which was a pleasant surprise.

So kudos to them so far in my 1.3 years of ownership

Just goes to show what I said in an earlier post in this thread - there's not consistency within the same mazda dealer (i.e. some people have bad experience, others all good) never mind between different deealer.

One sore point though, is it too much to expect them to at least top up the window fluid reservoir while they are doing an oil change? It's a "$45,000" sports car!

Happy otherwise.

samyv2

Guys the best dealer in the GTA is by far Avanta Mazda in Richmond Hill. Great Service and they really no what there is to know about Rotary engines. Also they will always go to bat for you with Mazda Canada. They fixed my mounts, chnaged my starter and all the other TBS I needed with no hassles. I live in Sacraborough but will always take my ride there when it needs something major looked at.

Smokin_LaLa

I agree samyv2 i have had great service from avante with that being said i have heard of a few gripes about that dealership too but no one can be perfect