Forbes (Waterloo) Mazda

[kevcol74]

No reviews on Forbes, so I guess I'll be the first to put one out! This is for service, not sales.
Recently was driving my car, good hour plus highway drive to the London area. Halfway there is a service center near woodstock, stopped for my Timmies, and went through the drive through. Came back out on the highway, about a exit later, noticed my oil light was on. Immediately pulled off at the next exit to a gas station. Filled up with gas (needed to nayways) and let the oil settle so I could check it. Bought a liter just in case. Checked the oil, level was good. Out of fear though, I put more in. Started the car, light was out, checked for oil pressure, felt pressure (hand over the oil fill). Went on my way. Oil light comes on merging. Figure "What can I do, its sunday night" So I kept going, finished my trip with the light on. 2 days (was out of town) Start the car, no oil light. Doing the same trip, same coffee stop, and exact same time the light comes on. I figure its the sensor at this point, no leaks, no smoke, nowhere for oil to go.
Make an appointment with Forbes, emailed the service manager, Matt, about the issues. He gets me in, and agrees that its likely the sensor. Also mention that Guelph City Mazda replaced my tensioner and serp belt, but after looking around for any oil leaks, notice chunks out of my AC belt, the one they refused to replace. Also decide to get the oil changed.
Matt booked me in for today. Got in right away, very friendly staff. Matt always makes an effort to come see me, which is nice too!
So they check it out, find the sensor is toast. Replaced under MAP warranty, NC. Semi-synthetic oil and filter, inspect all fluids belts etc... And a free hand wash!
Come back - Air Filter is dirty, reccomend new (already knew this, still debating CAI or just a K&N replacement). Also, AC belt is worn and damaged. They can't do anything thanks to GCM, but they are going to try and work some MAP angle to reduce the costs of replacing it. Also, they noticed the engine mount has play, working on a replacement covered under MAP as well. Lastly noticed my under engine cover is cracked.... bummer.
They were quick and sat down with me to explain every issue point by point. Also had the opportunity for a courtesy shuttle if I needed it, was there first thing.
Was nice, no pressure and informative visit about my car. They will get back to me on MAP issues, and anything else. A pleasant experience for me, especially considering I am not a fan of dealerships and prefer doing my own work! lol

[achris]

I've got to agree so far. I bought my car there and just recently brought it in for the 8000km oil change and everything went smoothly. Got there a bit early but they still took my car right away and they let me bring my own oil (I dunno if that's the norm or not).

I also brought it in to their body shop (it's actually attached to their GM dealership) when I had some damage on my bumper and I was pretty impressed. After checking out the damage they sat down with me and went over the estimate line by line, explaining the work they were going to do and why they were going to do it. The rates were on par with what everyone else was quoting me. When I got my car back from them everything looked just like when I had first picked up the car, so needless to say I'm pretty happy with them.

[kevcol74]

I also got my warranty rust repair done with the Forbes group (same collision shop) And was very impressed and happy with the service over there. And the work was great, already posted about this in the "rust repair" sticky. So far, so good!

[thefish]

Very nice. I am looking forward to getting my services done at Forbes.

[KPao]

These guys are great. When under warrantee they replaced my sheild underneath the car even though I came in for something else, and it wasn't even that damaged.

Had an alternator replaced under warrantee. They didn't have one in stock and had it ordered in and it arrived the next day for a relatively quick install.

They even complimented me on my mods :chuckle.

Parts guy Paul is great to deal with. As well as Matt and other tall guy who's name escapes me are really good too.

10/10 service.

[vladimir]

I haven't done service there, but when I was going around to dealerships for my 2010 mazda 3, they seemed a little pushy. I first emailed them asking for a quote and I never got a response back. So a week later I asked again for a quote, they then sent me one buttheir response was very unprofessional.. A ton of spelling and grammar mistakes. The quote they sent me for base price of car was higher then MSRP.
I then said forget it I will just talk to Jeff.

For interests sake I did go back there with Jeff's quote and they thought I was joking saying the price I got was unrealistic. I said, there is no negotiating, either you give me this price or I am making my trip to TO. They said well, we can negotiate the price, but I don't think I can match that quote. So I walked out the door.

(I wasn't actually going to buy from them unless they gave me a better price then Jeff, I heard so many good things about Jeff just worth the trip to TO)

I will however be getting service at Forbes, so glad you guys are saying their service side is better.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

I then said forget it I will just talk to Jeff.

For interests sake I did go back there with Jeff's quote and they thought I was joking saying the price I got was unrealistic. I said, there is no negotiating, either you give me this price or I am making my trip to TO. They said well, we can negotiate the price, but I don't think I can match that quote. So I walked out the door.

(I wasn't actually going to buy from them unless they gave me a better price then Jeff, I heard so many good things about Jeff just worth the trip to TO)



:whoa

[thefish]

I haven't done service there, but when I was going around to dealerships for my 2010 mazda 3, they seemed a little pushy. I first emailed them asking for a quote and I never got a response back. So a week later I asked again for a quote, they then sent me one buttheir response was very unprofessional.. A ton of spelling and grammar mistakes. The quote they sent me for base price of car was higher then MSRP.
I then said forget it I will just talk to Jeff.

For interests sake I did go back there with Jeff's quote and they thought I was joking saying the price I got was unrealistic. I said, there is no negotiating, either you give me this price or I am making my trip to TO. They said well, we can negotiate the price, but I don't think I can match that quote. So I walked out the door.

(I wasn't actually going to buy from them unless they gave me a better price then Jeff, I heard so many good things about Jeff just worth the trip to TO)

I will however be getting service at Forbes, so glad you guys are saying their service side is better.

Most salespeople are like that. Jeff seems like he's just one of the few exceptions.

[vladimir]

:whoa

Well, I would of let you known about his better price for sure anyways to see if you could match, but if he gave me say $500 off more then you and you couldn't match.. well what do you expect :p
but of course I already knew they weren't going to...
I actually didn't go back there with numbers in mind, I just wanted to take another look at colours and the salesman wouldn't get off my back so I told him your quote and said to him either beat it or I walk... You obviously know the result

[EChid]

Recently had a bunch of service/checks done there. My mechanic (NOT mazda related) screwed a lot of things up and Mazda did a good job of offering solutions to all the new problems. I have to say that throughout the warranty rust work and my recent repairs, they have been totally patient, understand and nothing but professional the whole way through. I even went so far as to get them to put up on the hoist to have a look and potentially fix the issues, but then my mechanic decided to fix the issues himself (rather than pay Mazda to). I felt bad, but the guys were all good with just having a look and offering advice, and they didn't lose their patience. Honestly, the service at this dealership would be one of reasons I will try not leave the Mazda brand in the future.

[r4BBiT]

I bought my car there and also recently went there for my first service. Mixed feelings as usual, one side their are great by letting my bring my own oil and filter, but on the other hand I always feel like they don treat me, at least in service deparment, with enough respect because of my age and that I look young. I was waiting for my car almost an hour and nobody even explained to me that they did some warranty work; found out at home after reading all the prints out. Also they changed my tire pressure, without asking me what do I want it set to or letting me know about it and when I went back I believe it was Matt told me that next time I should tell them what I want (did they ask or tell me before hand??) and they didn't offer to change to what I had at. Maybe I have to spend big $ before they will start appreciating me there : |

[stormin84]

^^ that's funny i didn't have a problem with them when i went there for my first time.

[r4BBiT]

it's not that funny, if you are that person :P

[kevcol74]

^ First person I've heard complain about getting warranty work done without it even being in for it! Also, you'll have tpo be more specific on which Matt, there is Matt the Service Manager (Gallagher) and Matt the service advisor.... Where you ever out looking at new cars while waiting? Just want to make sure they didn't try and find you to let you know on the warranty work.... I know I'm guilty of wandering out in the lot to check out the Speeds.....

[3GFX]

I've been going to Waterloo Mazda since I bought the car. Kieswetter was where I bought the car but Forbes has great service and I have confidence in their mechanics and other staff. Heck by now when I call Matt or Jeff they know it's me just by the voice!

Routine maintanence has always been done well. They even replaced my engine mount under warantee before it became a problem.

I usually prefer they don't wash my car, only because I'm particular same goes for the tire pressures.

The only complaint I have isn't directly with the Forbes Mazda but Forbes Pontiac. Forbes Mazda being connected uses their body shop. Well Forbes Pontiac not only did a sloppy job on painting, it's already rusting, they broke my tail lights (over tightened the bolts) and they lost two of my bolts for my cargo net.

Summary Forbes Mazda great, love the dealership and the team. Will definitly keep going there.

Side note:

The original Canada's Next Top Model is now a saleswoman in the show room! :)


EDIT: Last time I was in I dealt with Danielle in service who's still fairly new. She was a pleasure to deal with.

[Dubcee]

I went twice, once for my 96k service/brake service and the second time for my transmission fluid flush.

Taking the car in I dealt with both Matts and Danielle. They were awesome to deal with, always polite. The shuttle driver, whose name I don't think I ever got, was friendly and a pleasure to ride with.

Matt Gallagher called me right after the inspection and explained everything that needed to be done, and why, in great detail. No surprises, no taking me for a ride, awesome.

The shuttle driver was right on time for picking me up.

After the 96k service, my brakes felt a little odd (due to the brake service) and was making strange gurgling noises (due to air bubbles after the coolant change), and not knowing what was going on, I brought it back in minutes later. Danielle took all my concerns very seriously and even got the mechanic (I think his name was Dan?) to take the car out to ensure everything was normal. Everything was explained, and I felt a little silly after, but I really appreciate how far Danielle and Dan went to make sure I was happy with the service. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

The second time I took the car in, my brakes felt a little off again (probably because the seat was major adjusted when I got the car back, and I hadn't quite gotten it to where it was, or maybe i'm just insanely paranoid :loco ). So again I went to see Danielle, and again she always took all my concerns completely serious, and again someone even took the car out to make sure.

So to Forbes Mazda's service department, I say both very well done, and thank you very kindly. I'll be the first to admit I can be paranoid, and that can make a pain in the rear to deal with sometimes. Regardless they treated me with courtesy and professionalism that was way beyond expectations.

And their names are easy to remember (Matt G, Matt G, Danielle, Dan... :chuckle )

[Dubcee]

Edit button, edit button, where art thou....

Forgot to mention that my brakes were fine by the way!

[RECREATIONAL_ANXIETY]

You get the edit when you hit 100 posts.

[Elusivellama]

Thanks to Matt and Danielle at Forbes Waterloo Mazda for performing a quick drain of my oil down to normal levels. I had checked my oil last night on a level surface and found that my oil was about half an inch above the full mark. A quick call and the appointment was set up, everything was handled quickly, efficiently and professionally. It is now sitting right at the full mark and I'll be keeping an eye on it once every couple nights to make sure everything is normal.

[-dougall-]

terrible dealership....... service manager is a useless dick...... i now remember why i bought my car at keiswetter

[XTOTHEL]

terrible dealership....... service manager is a useless dick...... i now remember why i bought my car at keiswetter

Care to share your story too? There is more value to your comment about that way.

[thehawk]

I've got my winter tires and recent 8000KM (done at around 7K) service done @ Forbes. No complaints.

[SomeGuy]

Been going to forbes for a while now for service (old car 3 anyway, haven't reached my first service on my MS3 yet) and they have been great! Not one complaint about the service department, they always accommidate timing, always do a good job, and don't harass over mods or anything. They've even gone the extra mile with warranty work before the problems ever become serious (had a water pump and rear trailing arms changed during regular scheduled service).

Also bought my MS3 there and Rebecca was superb! Got an amazing price on the car, was friendly, extremely prompt and on time with everything, and stayed late to take care of everything after work hours. Hahah I even uh might have drunk dialed her one night :) that was interesting but she just laughed it up and was cool about it all.

[sol_searchin]

Hopefully my occurrence with Forbes Waterloo was a hick up!

[smitty519]

I've been to Waterloo Forbes Mazda for all the regular maintenance work and they've always been really great. Friendly, informative, speedy. The shuttle is always a plus, and I've always had the same old man as the driver - he's super friendly, too.
My car was bought at a Windsor dealership, but bought the lease out up here and that went smoothly also. Really don't have anything bad to say about them!

[klspeed3]

Recently serviced there as well, and had them check a clunking noise i was hearing from my brakes. My first impression wasn't a good one - they charged me for looking at the brakes and told me nothing was wrong, yet two minutes after leaving i was hearing the noise again. On top of that, they didn't use the synthetic oil I had brought in myself, even though I mentioned it twice. I was pretty annoyed at having to bring it back to do pretty much everything all over again.

That being said, I went in and explained the situation to Andrew, and he was very understanding and willing to take the car back and get everything corrected at no additional cost. He even went so far as to recommend I use a different synthetic oil, directing me to a parts store across the road that carried it. Their mechanics didn't get it right the first time, but the service I received from Andrew upon my return was definitely way better than I was expecting. I really thought I would have to argue and end up paying more.

Kudos to Andrew and the rest of the service team! Thanks for looking out for your customers.

Kiel

[ForbesWaterlooMazda]

Hello TM3 members! 2012 brings a few new changes to Forbes Waterloo Mazda – most noticeably the new facility look and feel. We’re pretty excited and I’m sure you will be when you see it. I’d love to include you in our Grand Opening event that is in planning - so stay tuned.

I also wanted to mention we have made a few changes in the Service Department here – Jeff is still here as our Parts Manager, Andrew is our Service Manager and you can deal with Ken in parts who is an extension of Jeff when it comes to passion and knowledge of Mazda. As well we have hired a couple new Service Advisors – Chad and Jen. Both of them are newer to Mazda but I think you will find they are great to deal with on the phone or when you are here… and you can always chat with me if you ever have any concerns, questions or compliments (Sales or Service) :D

Looking forward to seeing you.
Jds.
What do you drive?
If it's not worth driving, it's not worth building.

[Sebele23]

Went There on Monday(?), Wanted to get a key fob i picked up programed (never had keyless entry), Dealt with Chad, he was very friendly and seemed interested in actually talking to me. This is more then i can say for the GM dealers i had dealt with in the past. They took the car for thirty minutes and came back to tell me they couldn't program it because my power locks didn't even work. Well, they certainly worked when i drove onto the lot that day. After 10 minutes of telling them it worked when i drove in they wanted to book me in for a full diagnostic in which i would have to leave the car for a day and have to pay. This pissed me off since it worked before i handed them my keys. This was my first experience with any Mazda dealer, needless to say, NOT IMPRESSED. They had one of the mechanics walk out to my car with me and show me they were not working. 5 more minutes of arguing and running through my limited trouble shooting skills with the car i told them to disconnect the battery thinking they left it in some sort of service mode or security lockout. this fixed it. I barely got any sort of apology for what had happened and them essentially calling me a liar that my locks worked before i gave them the keys.

I can honestly say i will only ever be dealing with kieswetter from now on (and i've never even met them). your first impression besides Chad really ruined that one.

[ForbesWaterlooMazda]

Hello Sebele23, my name is Jeff Yost, Parts manager at Forbes Mazda. First off were sorry that your visit to our facility on 03/30/12 did not fulfill your expectations in which we were not able to program the supplied remote to your vehicle. Upon further inspection regarding why the remote would not program, found that your vehicle was never equipped with keyless entry although has power locks....not uncommon in production vehicles these days. Essentially there is no module to accept the radio transmission from your remotes. Not sure where you attained the remote(s)? if it was part of a deal with a used car facility, then I would mention to them your concern and perhaps they can assist you in one way or another.

Why the power locks became inoperative during the attempted programming is strange....not common nor have we seen this before. Although dis-connecting the battery (as all of us BlackBerry owners know so well ;) ) can be a "cure all" when a module or ECU is in or partially through a mode in which cannot be completed, is not typically related to keyless entry being inoperative....but hey, we all just learned something!

What we can do is discuss other options in having a keyless entry system installed, and go from there. Please feel free to contact me directly at either 519-746-5148 or jyost@forbesmazda.com with any questions or concerns.

Thanks for the space TM3!!

Jeff

[ForbesWaterlooMazda]

Hello Sebele23, my name is Jeff Yost, Parts manager at Forbes Mazda. First off were sorry that your visit to our facility on 03/30/12 did not fulfill your expectations in which we were not able to program the supplied remote to your vehicle. Upon further inspection regarding why the remote would not program, found that your vehicle was never equipped with keyless entry although has power locks....not uncommon in production vehicles these days. Essentially there is no module to accept the radio transmission from your remotes. Not sure where you attained the remote(s)? if it was part of a deal with a used car facility, then I would mention to them your concern and perhaps they can assist you in one way or another.

Why the power locks became inoperative during the attempted programming is strange....not common nor have we seen this before. Although dis-connecting the battery (as all of us BlackBerry owners know so well ;) ) can be a "cure all" when a module or ECU is in or partially through a mode in which cannot be completed, is not typically related to keyless entry being inoperative....but hey, we all just learned something!

What we can do is discuss other options in having a keyless entry system installed, and go from there. Please feel free to contact me directly at either 519-746-5148 or jyost@forbesmazda.com with any questions or concerns.

Thanks for the space TM3!!

Jeff

[ForbesWaterlooMazda]

Hello Sebele23, my name is Jeff Yost, Parts manager at Forbes Mazda. First off were sorry that your visit to our facility on 03/30/12 did not fulfill your expectations in which we were not able to program the supplied remote to your vehicle. Upon further inspection regarding why the remote would not program, found that your vehicle was never equipped with keyless entry although has power locks....not uncommon in production vehicles these days. Essentially there is no module to accept the radio transmission from your remotes. Not sure where you attained the remote(s)? if it was part of a deal with a used car facility, then I would mention to them your concern and perhaps they can assist you in one way or another.

Why the power locks became inoperative during the attempted programming is strange....not common nor have we seen this before. Although dis-connecting the battery (as all of us BlackBerry owners know so well ;) ) can be a "cure all" when a module or ECU is in or partially through a mode in which cannot be completed, is not typically related to keyless entry being inoperative....but hey, we all just learned something!

What we can do is discuss other options in having a keyless entry system installed, and go from there. Please feel free to contact me directly at either 519-746-5148 or jyost@forbesmazda.com with any questions or concerns.

Thanks for the space TM3!!

Jeff

[ForbesWaterlooMazda]

Hello Sebele23, my name is Jeff Yost, Parts manager at Forbes Mazda. First off were sorry that your visit to our facility on 03/30/12 did not fulfill your expectations in which we were not able to program the supplied remote to your vehicle. Upon further inspection regarding why the remote would not program, found that your vehicle was never equipped with keyless entry although has power locks....not uncommon in production vehicles these days. Essentially there is no module to accept the radio transmission from your remotes. Not sure where you attained the remote(s)? if it was part of a deal with a used car facility, then I would mention to them your concern and perhaps they can assist you in one way or another.

Why the power locks became inoperative during the attempted programming is strange....not common nor have we seen this before. Although dis-connecting the battery (as all of us BlackBerry owners know so well ;) ) can be a "cure all" when a module or ECU is in or partially through a mode in which cannot be completed, is not typically related to keyless entry being inoperative....but hey, we all just learned something!

What we can do is discuss other options in having a keyless entry system installed, and go from there. Please feel free to contact me directly at either 519-746-5148 or jyost@forbesmazda.com with any questions or concerns.

Thanks for the space TM3!!

Jeff

[8nfinity]

Just thought i'd add my recent experience that I had with Forbes Waterloo Mazda today (June 5, 2012):

First time having my vehicle serviced by them. Met Chad there. He was a very easy-going guy, very knowledgeable and friendly. I took my car in for an oil change, which was done promptly. Also ended up having to replace one of my engine mounts as they discovered that it was broken - seems to be a common problem with the 1st gen MZ3. Chad kindly walked me through what needed to be replaced and put absolutely no pressure on me to have the work done there which I appreciated. I ended up approving the replacement to be done while I waited as well to kill two birds with one stone. They ended up replacing it promptly and washed my car too :) I think that was a nice touch. They also applied my TM3 discount :D

Overall, I had a very pleasant first visit with them. The facility was very new and accommodating. Their lounge was quite modern with leather couches, coffee, TV, internet, etc. I would recommend them for service! Chad was a pleasure to deal with and the whole staff there was very friendly to me. :)

[standsideways]

my only issue ive had is they washed my car :(

10K paint job, very thin mazda paint, best not to wash the vehicle unless you have okayed it with the customer first.

most people love a free wash, personally i DO NOT want anyone but myself washing my vehicle.

but jeff is awesome to deal with and usually asks a few questions about my car, and he clearly likes his job ;)

[The Wolf]

my only issue ive had is they washed my car :(

10K paint job, very thin mazda paint, best not to wash the vehicle unless you have okayed it with the customer first.

most people love a free wash, personally i DO NOT want anyone but myself washing my vehicle.

but jeff is awesome to deal with and usually asks a few questions about my car, and he clearly likes his job ;)

+1, Jeff is awesome, as is Chad.

I went in recently and spoke with Chad regarding my rust warranty. I had been in to Forbes in August of 2011 to try to get some rust repair done and was essentially sent away and told "come back in a year and we might do something". Chad was extremely apologetic with the way I was swept away prior. He was very helpful and understanding.
Thanks again guys!

[Burner]

I know it's not really the dealerships fault since they outsource the body work to their sister dealership, but I got brushed off last year for the rust warranty. Both sides were fixed by that shop already under warranty and last summer it was already coming back. The body shop told me they sent a request to Mazda Canada to get it fixed again but I couldn't get anymore info for months and I just gave up.

I'm glad I didn't end up having that shop fix it now. They did a piss poor job the first time. I'd suggest anyone doing rust repair go somewhere else for warranty work.

[Elusivellama]

Just wanted to add an experience of mine. First... Jeff Yost is an awesome service manager. He absolutely will take care of you. If you have a problem, talk to Jeff. He's a very down to earth kind of guy, honest and - yes as standsideways said - he clearly loves his job.

With that said, that's the service side. The sales side is a completely different story altogether - will never forget the entertaining experience! :rolleyes

[standsideways]

LOL i had a little sales girl approach me as i was sitting in a vehicle in the showroom waiting for my car in the shop.

Her-i see your looking at the new skyactiv
Myself-i have a 2012 speed, its in the shop
Her-oh...exit..

Cute tho.

[XTOTHEL]

LOL i had a little sales girl approach me as i was sitting in a vehicle in the showroom waiting for my car in the shop.

Her-i see your looking at the new skyactiv
Myself-i have a 2012 speed, its in the shop
Her-oh...exit..

Cute tho.

NICE PICKUP LINE