Why I'm not buying a Mazda 2

[Mac]

Hi all

As I've posted previously I've been looking at the Mazda 2 as I'm in the market for a new supermini.

Short list of three in the end - new Seat Ibiza, Vauxhall Corsa or Mazda 2.  All great cars, but one let down for me on the Mazda - the interior isn't to my taste, it's a bit drab!

That aside it was still on my list as it looks good externally, is well kitted out and has good performance.

So, I popped into the local dealer to arrange the extended day long test drive that the sales guy had suggested.  However, when he went to clear this with his manager he soon came back looking red-faced.  He explained to me that his manager couldn't authorise the test drive - "I'm not suggesting you'd do it of course, I don't for one minute think you would - but we've had some drive offs lately"!  What!

The manager immiediately came over to explain further as he saw the sales guy wasn't handling it too well.  I did'nt kick up a fuss I have to say, but I did try to suggest that I'd need a good test of the car before deciding whether or not to buy it.  I then got the impression that these guys just didn't like the look of me - I don't know why!  Anyway, this pissed me off somewhat! 

Maybe they thought I looked a bit young (I'm 25 and do look like I'm in my early 20s) or maybe I looked like a criminal (I'll have to change my wardrobe!).  Anyway I wanted to test if this was simply company policy as they said or they just thought I was going to steal the car.  So I pulled out my ID card (public office holder) and said look I'm a decent guy I'm hardly going to nick a car!

Their reaction; Oh - ok then of course that's fine, take it for the day!!!!!!   

I was furious and told them to stick it!

Shame.  I hope all of the Mazda owners here have had a much better service and have come accross dealers with a better attitude!

[Murray]

I agree with you Mac, if that is the kind of service you are getting before you buy the car, just think of the bad service you will get afterwards. (Because dealers are worried about sales more than aftersales.)

I would expect a scenario like your, when a person wants to buy a Ferrari or a Aston - but for a Mazda 2  It is actually shocking. 

If this happened to me, I would also not buy a Mazda 2. I think the Seat might then be your best bet (they have good VW engines)

I know of to many people with problems on their Vauxhall's (called Opel) here in SA.

Service rules !!!! 

[angelos]

And I thought my dealer sucks!! An Ibiza with a TSI engine would be a nice idea

[cuke2u]

Mmmm, I've never met a dealer that would let me have a car on my own for a whole day, and I'm 53!!! The only extended test drives I've ever had is when I leave my own car with them, and its had to one that is less than fours years old...
Chris

[angelos]

Indeed here a test drive is a 10 minutes drive around the city! Extended test drive sounds interesting!

[Wades]

When we were looking at 2's originally our local dealer let us take a ts2 out for about half and hour or so on our own. Just wanted photocopies of our driving licenses in case of any speeding tickets etc. I made it clear we werent even intending to buy as well as it would be a company lease car we'd get and he was fine with it.

[cuke2u]

Hi, lucky you  perhaps it depends on the value of the vehicle. I know for one that Ford would never let me take a test drive on my own with a similar spec to my vehicle - £24k of car damaged or disappeared would leave the salesman with alot to answer for 
Chris

[angelos]

I would love to have an extended test drive with an F430 for a day

[cuke2u]

Naaa, why not go the whole hog and have a Bugatti 
Chris

[Mac]

It was the dealer who suggested - and tried to arrange several times - an extended test drive.  I thought it was a nice touch to the experience and showed they wanted a sale.  I got test drives of about an hour a piece with Seat and Vauxhall - which was enough for me, but Mazda said a day. 

Then when I go to arrange it - oh no!!!

I'm just disgusted by the attitude and manner of how they did it!

[angelos]

Really stupid! Imagine how many customers will this send away!!

[TheMinel]

I didn't get the best sales experience, not really bad but not great either, but tbh I've learnt not to expect a great deal of service from dealers. When I bought my 350Z brand new 4 years ago it wasn't the best experience either for a £30k car, so I wasn't expecting to be treated like royalty for a 9k car

One should expect good customer service regardless, but if it doesn't happen on more expensive cars, I personally don't expect it on cheaper ones either....

As long as I'm happy with the financial deal (which I count as the most important part for me), then anything else good and it's a bonus!

[cuke2u]

Hi, I think the attitude of the dealer is just another reflection of many within our society who just don't care, it's not "there problem"  I'll get off me soapbox now...
Chris

[pauluk]

OK Then if we are not happy, why not start to name and shame them. Maybe some dealers read this forum. I bought 2 MX5s from a local dealer, Jennings and after several tel calls and 2 visits I am still waiting for a call from the sales guy Mathew you know who you are. To invite me in to do the buiss. I think I was expected to do all the running. So I went elsewhere.

[angelos]

Actually mazda came 11th in the Autoexpress ™ survey about Best and worst dealers! It says here in the magazine that biggest complain is unanswerd calls and on our suprise it says that you are treated with respect by the staff :/ Of course it is talking after you bougth the car!!