MoT vs Avante vs Prima - help to decide?

[rawbz]

Hey all

I have to go in for my first oil change and I wanted them to look at my brakes and explain a strange pulsating rumble during idle.

I purchased my car from Prima which isn't really the closest dealership but I find myself inbetween Prima, Avante, and MoT (which is technically the closest) but I'm willing to go a bit out of my way for consistent service.

I also remember someone telling me they're supposed to check on any service bulletins etc etc. are they obligated to do a thorough check or do they just do that for you if they're feeling nice?

Will a dealership treat me differently if I didn't buy my car from them?

Either way, any opinions on the dealerships or anyone to deal with directly would be greatly appreciated! Just looking for the best dealership I can stick with and always go to for the best service I can get!

[5P01L3D]

i would recommend prima mazda,
i'd contact dennis there and he'll take care of you.

[Cardinal Fang]

Hey all

I also remember someone telling me they're supposed to check on any service bulletins etc etc. are they obligated to do a thorough check or do they just do that for you if they're feeling nice?

Be proactive and ask them to check for any TSB that apply to your car.



Will a dealership treat me differently if I didn't buy my car from them?

They shouldn't. I purchased my car from Avante and had all my service done at M.O.T. without any complaints. Apart from the attitude from one service tech (Ali).



Either way, any opinions on the dealerships or anyone to deal with directly would be greatly appreciated! Just looking for the best dealership I can stick with and always go to for the best service I can get!

Have a look at our reviews sections for the different dealerships.

[rawbz]

thanks for the replies

I read a lot of bad experiences about Ali at MoT.. is there a way I can guarantee I won't have been servicing my car? or is it a luck of the draw at MoT?

[S.F.W.]

thanks for the replies

I read a lot of bad experiences about Ali at MoT.. is there a way I can guarantee I won't have been servicing my car? or is it a luck of the draw at MoT?

He's a service advisor, not a mechanic. When you go in, you can just wait for Vincent or Rob. If Ali asks to help you, say no thanks I'm waiting for Vincent/Rob.
That's what I've done since the one time I dealt with Ali.

[WhiteSpeed3]

go to prima tell them u want Aaron aka. Prima_tech on our forum to work on your car

he will make sure everything is fixed good the first time tell them vince sent you and they will know to take care of you forsure

[rawbz]

shoot, I'm getting so many referals to prima but I don't want to drive all the way out there :( I might head there next time if MoT fails me.

I think I'm going with MoT this first time and avoiding Ali the way S.W.F. suggested..


anyone know how much this first service is gonna cost? the appointment girl quoted me $39 for oil change? thats all I need right?

[Cardinal Fang]

There may be some tax on top of that so don't go there with exactly $39.00. Stick to the service recommended by the manual. They may offer to do other things while you're there.

Say hi to Jeff and Joe while your there.

[FLIPDADY]

Say hi to Jeff and Joe while your there.
I agree!:)

[QEWmazdaPrez]

anyone know how much this first service is gonna cost? the appointment girl quoted me $39 for oil change? thats all I need right?

Your first service is an 8,000km or 4 month service (whichever comes first). Although a dealer can charge whatever they want, most (all the dealers that I know) charge $39.95 for the basic service. Mazda Canada recommends a tire rotation as well. The dealer should measure your brakes for free when doing a tire rotation. This will help you spot brake problems before they become expensive. When you brake, 70% of the weight is transferred to the front tires and all the steering/cornering will wear your front tires faster than your rear tires. The tire rotations can vary, but are usually about $25.

Most Mazda dealers will provide you with an "Inspection Report" after every service (it's included). If they don't, you should ask for one, complete with tire tread measurements and brake measurements (if you had the tire rotation done). Also, some dealers will wash your car for you (like us), but it seems that fewer and fewer dealers are doing this for their customer. Personally, I like seeing nice and clean Mazda's driving around, but I understand that it costs money and it takes time to do.

Anyway, if you budget $65 for 2 services/year, and $180 one service/year, that's a good guideline.
If you have any questions about pricing or what's involved in the actual maintenance, I'm sure MoT, Prima, or Avante would be happy to answer them. (You can ask me too if you want!)

I know that's a little detailed, but hope that helps.
Oh yeah: Congratulations and Welcome!
J

[Scotticus]

My girlfriend had a nightmare experience with Prima, despite buying a brand new 3 there. Clauses in her contract were ignored, rebates were ignored, and they wouldn't even respond to her calls, e-mails, and visits. It was a classic example of a dealership thinking "We don't have to deal with this young female, she'll just go away."

Yes, she did go away - Right to another dealership, where she got much better service.

AVOID PRIMA MAZDA!!

[Jeff0]

Anyway, if you budget $65 for 2 services/year, and $180 one service/year, that's a good guideline.


Jason good day!

What do you mean about this $65 for 2 Services/yr & $180 one service/yr? I don't get it. Thanks!

jEFF

[QEWmazdaPrez]

Anyway, if you budget $65 for 2 services/year, and $180 one service/year, that's a good guideline.

J
YEAR 1:
8,000km/4months Service: $39.95 + Tire Rotation: $23.95 = $63.90
16,000km/8months Service: $39.95 + Tire Rotation: $23.96 = $63.90
24,000km/12months Service (includes Tire Rotation): Approx. $190

That's 2 services at approx. $63.90 and 1 service at approx. $190 in Year 1.

Mazda's service schedule is pretty similar through the rest of your ownership. ie.

YEAR 2:
32k/16months: $39.95 + Tire Rotation: $23.95 = $63.90
40k/20months: $39.95 + Tire Rotation: $23.95 = $63.90
48k/24months (includes Tire Rotation): Approx. $210

YEAR 3:
...

Repairs or other maintenance would be additional (ie. alignment inspections once/year, swapping winter/summer wheels, replacing brakes, transmission flushes, etc.)

[Jeff0]

Thanks for the details...

[rawbz]

I went in for my oil change at MoT on thursday around noon. I checked for Joe but he was out to lunch and Jeff wasn't at his desk! was looking to meet some members but I guess I came at a bad time.

either way, had a good experience with Rob and I was in and out without issue.

thanks for all the help guys!

[Jeff-TheBiz]

I find Joe is always out to lunch... :)

Myself, I am normally out of the office on Thursdays. Sorry I missed you.

Glad to hear that Rob took care of you.

[DARK3]

Just stay away from Prima.

[VWisTROUBLE]

I don't know anything about prima. I went to avante when I was originally looking into the mazda 3 and I basically walked in, took a test drive and walked out. No one seemed to want to help me,the salesman didn't even come on the test drive with me. I then went to mot and was helped immediately. Everyone there is friendly and extremely helpful with everything. If I were you I would deal with Jeff as I have heard many great things about him. Just wish I would have known about him when I was purchasing my 3.

[mazdas3sporte]

if u decide to go to M.o.T make sure u dont deal with Ali, ask for Vincent, or dont go there at all if ur gonna deal with Ali

[ng3]

+1 Not Prima