Mazda Dealers in Atlanta
08-25-2003, 07:23 AM
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Mazda Dealers in Atlanta
Can we get a sound off here for anyone who bought, or tried to buy an RX-8 in Atlanta? Which dealerships are ripping people off, providing crappy service, etc etc? Likewise who is doing an excellent job?
Also if your salesman was particularly good or bad - honest, liar, etc etc, please post a name and dealership so we can look for/avoid them!
Looking to buy in the next month or so, and really don't want to get screwed
Also if your salesman was particularly good or bad - honest, liar, etc etc, please post a name and dealership so we can look for/avoid them!
Looking to buy in the next month or so, and really don't want to get screwed
08-25-2003, 07:29 PM
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I ordered mine through my credit union who ordered the car from Hennessy Mazda in Morrow. The salesman they assigned to me was ignorant about the RX-8, he had only been with Mazda for a year. He was, however, always cordial and would return my calls promptly. He never knew what was going on with the car and relied on me (using the info I would get from this forum) to keep him informed. When I sent the dealer a detailed letter advising them how I wanted the car to be handled upon delivery they said they would comply. They followed all instructions and would call if they had any questions. I doubt you would have found any dealers (except maybe out west) who were informed when the car first came out so I think Hennessy was probably better than most as far as customer service is concerned (at least from what I have read on this board). Let me know if you want any more details.
08-26-2003, 07:59 AM
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Well, I can only share my pre-buying experience so far from shopping around. I've physically been to two Mazda dealerships - Rick Case Mazda out by Gwinnett Place Mall, and Jim Ellis Mazda of Atlanta (the one on Peachtree Industrial Blvd).
I got in contact with both dealerships via carsdirect.com, so I was dealing with the internet sales manager in both cases. Both salesmen who contacted me offered MSRP without trying to talk the price up at all, but with a little gentle probing neither seemed interested in budging downwards either.
Rick Case in Gwinnett was alright. I'd recommend it as a *great* place to go and test-drive as they have a good little loop of back roads out there that you can really let the car out a little bit and get a feel for the handling, roll and accelleration. The sales guy, Matt Glenn was nice enough, and at least his enthusiasm for the car seemed real - he was decently well informed. He took his time with us (me and my wife), including a test drive of a Mazda 6 for my wife. When we said we weren't buying today he didn't try to pressure us or pull any bull$ tricks to create a sense of urgency for us to buy right then and there.
A week later (this past weekend) I went to Jim Ellis of Atlanta and it was also a good experience. The salesman I dealt with there, Clevelin Clay was relaxed and friendly. We went on a test drive, and he really didn't give us any pressure at all. Again on saying we weren't buying right then he let us go with a smile and was helpful. Also very informed about the car in general - he alerted me to the hp issue and Mazda's offer before I read about it on here.
I got in contact with both dealerships via carsdirect.com, so I was dealing with the internet sales manager in both cases. Both salesmen who contacted me offered MSRP without trying to talk the price up at all, but with a little gentle probing neither seemed interested in budging downwards either.
Rick Case in Gwinnett was alright. I'd recommend it as a *great* place to go and test-drive as they have a good little loop of back roads out there that you can really let the car out a little bit and get a feel for the handling, roll and accelleration. The sales guy, Matt Glenn was nice enough, and at least his enthusiasm for the car seemed real - he was decently well informed. He took his time with us (me and my wife), including a test drive of a Mazda 6 for my wife. When we said we weren't buying today he didn't try to pressure us or pull any bull$ tricks to create a sense of urgency for us to buy right then and there.
A week later (this past weekend) I went to Jim Ellis of Atlanta and it was also a good experience. The salesman I dealt with there, Clevelin Clay was relaxed and friendly. We went on a test drive, and he really didn't give us any pressure at all. Again on saying we weren't buying right then he let us go with a smile and was helpful. Also very informed about the car in general - he alerted me to the hp issue and Mazda's offer before I read about it on here.
Last edited by aussie77; 08-29-2003 at 09:50 AM.
08-26-2003, 09:42 PM
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Wanted to add an addendum to my earlier comments.
Due to having to pay for our wedding entirely ourselves last year, my wife's and my credit aren't at their peak right now :P That said, we weren't getting financing that was desirable so had pretty much decided to wait until december or so before buying.
Well, the people from Performance Mazda contacted me and I figured we'd give them a shot and let them have a go at setting up a better loan. So far it looks as though they have come through with the goods! I went down there tonight, and sadly I missed the finance manager so couldn't check the entire validity of the loan paperwork. I did however give them a deposit and order my car, just in time for the special incentives resulting from the hp issue. Well, to cover my bases I had the sales guy write and *sign* a statement that if the financing wasn't what he'd promised, then we'd get our deposit back, no questions asked.
The sales guy there was great, as was the general manager. It's 10pm at night, and the general manager is walking us all around his lot to find us another car that has paint that looks similar to the titanium so my wife can get an idea of what it looks like! Very impressed. Of course, that's assuming they come through on everything. I'll keep you all posted as to how it turns out, but if all goes well I will be picking my car up in about 2 weeks. I understand it is about to hit port!
Due to having to pay for our wedding entirely ourselves last year, my wife's and my credit aren't at their peak right now :P That said, we weren't getting financing that was desirable so had pretty much decided to wait until december or so before buying.
Well, the people from Performance Mazda contacted me and I figured we'd give them a shot and let them have a go at setting up a better loan. So far it looks as though they have come through with the goods! I went down there tonight, and sadly I missed the finance manager so couldn't check the entire validity of the loan paperwork. I did however give them a deposit and order my car, just in time for the special incentives resulting from the hp issue. Well, to cover my bases I had the sales guy write and *sign* a statement that if the financing wasn't what he'd promised, then we'd get our deposit back, no questions asked.
The sales guy there was great, as was the general manager. It's 10pm at night, and the general manager is walking us all around his lot to find us another car that has paint that looks similar to the titanium so my wife can get an idea of what it looks like! Very impressed. Of course, that's assuming they come through on everything. I'll keep you all posted as to how it turns out, but if all goes well I will be picking my car up in about 2 weeks. I understand it is about to hit port!
08-27-2003, 03:32 PM
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I got mine from Jim Ellis in Marietta. The service wasn't crappy, but I knew more about the car than they did. I did my homework, and was getting the car whether they were nice or not. :D
I paid the sticker price. If it was marked up, I would have laughed and walked away.
I paid the sticker price. If it was marked up, I would have laughed and walked away.
09-01-2003, 07:32 PM
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Well, I've happily been driving around in my brand new black GT for the past two days now 
200 miles later I have to say it is a pure pleasure to drive.
I was originally going to wait about 2 weeks for a titanium GT to arrive, but when I went in to Performance Mazda on Saturday there was a black there with the appearance package that looked great. As it turned out we could get a slightly better financing if we bought before the end of the month, so rather than wait...
A few notes about Performance Mazda. Overall very happy with the service we got there. From the word go we were always treated with respect. Nobody pressured us, nor did they try any of the usual 'tricks' you come across at a lot of places. I only dealt really with two people there - our sales guy was James Gardner, and the General Sales Manager Johnnie Andrawos. Both of them were great, and you could tell they were interested in building some customer satisfaction, not just 'closing the deal'.
Also managed to get financing through them at a *much* better rate than I could even get from the internet sites like PeopleFirst and eloan. That isn't to say the same would be true of everyone, but they truly did go to bat for me with the banks (and given that I already had three other loans approved I know this is true). As always I'd recommend get alternate financing first, and then see if they can beat that.
Anyways, just wanted to update for everyone. Performance Mazda may be a little out of the way out 78 (I live in Decatur so it was a pretty short drive for me), but definitely worth a trip if you haven't bought yet. I'll have some pictures of my shiny new car up in the multimedia forum tomorrow hopefully. Assuming I can stop driving long enough to post there!
200 miles later I have to say it is a pure pleasure to drive.I was originally going to wait about 2 weeks for a titanium GT to arrive, but when I went in to Performance Mazda on Saturday there was a black there with the appearance package that looked great. As it turned out we could get a slightly better financing if we bought before the end of the month, so rather than wait...
A few notes about Performance Mazda. Overall very happy with the service we got there. From the word go we were always treated with respect. Nobody pressured us, nor did they try any of the usual 'tricks' you come across at a lot of places. I only dealt really with two people there - our sales guy was James Gardner, and the General Sales Manager Johnnie Andrawos. Both of them were great, and you could tell they were interested in building some customer satisfaction, not just 'closing the deal'.
Also managed to get financing through them at a *much* better rate than I could even get from the internet sites like PeopleFirst and eloan. That isn't to say the same would be true of everyone, but they truly did go to bat for me with the banks (and given that I already had three other loans approved I know this is true). As always I'd recommend get alternate financing first, and then see if they can beat that.
Anyways, just wanted to update for everyone. Performance Mazda may be a little out of the way out 78 (I live in Decatur so it was a pretty short drive for me), but definitely worth a trip if you haven't bought yet. I'll have some pictures of my shiny new car up in the multimedia forum tomorrow hopefully. Assuming I can stop driving long enough to post there!
09-02-2003, 08:13 PM
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Jim Ellis Marietta - Excellent!
Jim Ellis Marietta is the best in my book. No pressure. Don't seem to mind lots of calls to check on status. Took an interest when I brought up RX8 Forum and HP issue. Best test drive - tossed me the keys 2nd time I came in with fiancee!
Haven't picked mine up yet - but, I am sure it will be a pleasant experience. Talked with the GM tonight - he loves the car and wanted to chat about it. Dave Evans is Sales Manager.
Others:
I checked out Jim Ellis Atlanta - not much of an experience - had take it or leave it attitude and no test drive car.
Roswell Mazda - the Sales Manager was a JERK. Wouldn't buy from them if they had the last RX8.
Haven't picked mine up yet - but, I am sure it will be a pleasant experience. Talked with the GM tonight - he loves the car and wanted to chat about it. Dave Evans is Sales Manager.
Others:
I checked out Jim Ellis Atlanta - not much of an experience - had take it or leave it attitude and no test drive car.
Roswell Mazda - the Sales Manager was a JERK. Wouldn't buy from them if they had the last RX8.
09-05-2003, 01:14 PM
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Moss Robertson
Bought mine at Moss Robertson in Gainesville. Small dealership. No BS during the purchase. Gave them my price and we did Kelly BlueBook on my trade.
They even gave me a hardback book on the history of the Rotary and the develoment of the 8!
They even gave me a hardback book on the history of the Rotary and the develoment of the 8!
09-06-2003, 10:44 AM
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I started at Rick Case. They totally jerked me around. Lied about the delivery date, lied about the delay. Finally when the delivery date arrived that they had "guaranteed", the finally realized that the car hadn't been built yet, and it would be another 3 months. They were real friendly before I put my deposit down, but after that, they treated me like I had a plague.
Went to Jim Ellis in Marrieta next. They have been pretty good to deal with. They have kept in contact, answered my questions, and have been honest with me.
I wouldn't say they have fallen over themselves to make me happy, but I've been treated fairly.
Agree also that Moss Robertson seems to be a good dealership. I talked to them, and they definately play up the "we a small town dealership". I decided to stay with a larger dealer with a bit more volume, but if they have what you're looking for, I'd give them a definate chance.
Went to Jim Ellis in Marrieta next. They have been pretty good to deal with. They have kept in contact, answered my questions, and have been honest with me.
I wouldn't say they have fallen over themselves to make me happy, but I've been treated fairly.
Agree also that Moss Robertson seems to be a good dealership. I talked to them, and they definately play up the "we a small town dealership". I decided to stay with a larger dealer with a bit more volume, but if they have what you're looking for, I'd give them a definate chance.
09-06-2003, 03:54 PM
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I wasn't looking to buy an RX-8 anytime soon, but I went to Jim Ellis on Peachtree Industrial just to get a closer look at one.
When I walked in the showroom, I was greated by Jeremy Breibert. He's a younger guy (like me) and he was very friendly, chatting about the car and all the cool features. When I told him that I wasn't looking to buy anytime soon, he kept on talking to me and didn't seem to mind. I left with a couple of slick-looking brochures and a good impression of the dealership.
My 2cents.
When I walked in the showroom, I was greated by Jeremy Breibert. He's a younger guy (like me) and he was very friendly, chatting about the car and all the cool features. When I told him that I wasn't looking to buy anytime soon, he kept on talking to me and didn't seem to mind. I left with a couple of slick-looking brochures and a good impression of the dealership.
My 2cents.
10-06-2003, 11:34 PM
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I also had a good experience with the dealership on Peachtree Industrial. Of course I went in expecting the worst.
Salespeople were friendly and helpful. My salesman new all the specs/features of the car, but didnt have a whole lot of technical info on a rotary engine. I didn't mind, I'm just learning myself.
Anyway, had a nice test drive on both curvy back roads, and open highway. It was a blast. I haven't driven a manual in years, and it was very easy to pick up. Love that short shift.
Salespeople were friendly and helpful. My salesman new all the specs/features of the car, but didnt have a whole lot of technical info on a rotary engine. I didn't mind, I'm just learning myself.
Anyway, had a nice test drive on both curvy back roads, and open highway. It was a blast. I haven't driven a manual in years, and it was very easy to pick up. Love that short shift.
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