Hi Guys,

Haven't been on in awhile, and forgot my original login. It's me, I ROTA8, from RCCAZ.

Just wanted to share my Service Department experience with you guys.

Background: For those that know me, I purchased my vehicle from Camelback Mazda. I took it for service there for the first 3 years I had the car. I posted back then, when I had experienced issues with the service department there. So I just went to another dealership based on one of the RCCAZ members recommendations. For the next 3 years, I had my car serviced by Avondale Mazda. This dealership did change hands at the time, and I know some people expressed concerns, but I never had an issue there. Then they closed down earlier this year. Well, they opened back up 8 weeks ago.

Since that time, I have returned to Camelback and I will not be returning again.

Here is my story:

In the overflow box attached to the radiator, there is a sensor, that is known to go bad. So, I'm driving down the road, and the coolant light comes on, but then goes off. Or cruising at highway speed, it comes on, I turn the a/c off, it goes off. But the coolant is not leaking and is full. Known issue. ok.

Camelback Mazda tells me that the sensor is attached to the overflow box and the whole thing has to be replaced. Approx. $500. ok.

Here is the kicker they tried to 'sell' me:
1. The box is molded to the radiator.
2. In removing the box, if they damage some 'clips' the radiator will be damaged, to the tune of another $1100 for parts and $240 for labor. Wait, what? If the service tech breaks my radiator, I have to pay an additional $1300??? So more or less, he told me their service techs are incompetent.

My radiator is 3 years old. Although it may be unrelated, I additionally find it HIGHLY coincidental that two weeks prior, Camelback replaced the water pump and hoses (cooling system) and then this sensor is 'broken'.

So I said no and went to the new Avondale store. And boy am I happy I went there. The new service person there is named Jody, and he has 20+ years with Mazda. Extremely knowledgeable. And...for those who have had their cars serviced there, TONY M. IS BACK!

I walk into this new dealership and ask if they can replace the overflow box. Jody states that since they have opened, 8 weeks ago, they have replaced 2 others. I specifically, after the BS story from Camelback, inquire if there is any issue with doing this work. He says no. 1.5 hours later..box replaced without the upsell. Then I told him my experience with Camelback and even he said that doesn't sound right.

I still recommend this service department. With both Jody and Tony there, it is a strong team. Also, in speaking with Jody, when you schedule service, he will ensure senior techs, like Tony will work on your vehicle (except for lube and oil changes unless requested).

I left camelback 4 years ago because their service department tried similar 'upsells' and/or they really messed something up. I always felt that they were trying to rip me off or that they had unqualified techs working on my vehicle. It is not a comfortable feeling.

Since Avondale closed earlier this year, and my 8 being 7 years old, I probably spent in excess of 2k of service work at Camelback since Jan. Being 7 years old, 116k miles, this car will need more servicing (120k is the next service interval). And I will do so at Avondale.

I still won't go to Bidduph because of stories from members. What are the best service departments in AZ?

TL;DR - Camelback Service is bad, Avondale Service is good.

 

I'm glad you had good luck with Avondale.