Avante mazda- wow!!!

[DESTROYER]

Let me try to be as brief as possible and still detail my level of amazement and satisfaction with my experience with Mazda and specifically with Lorrie at Avante Mazda.
From the moment I walked in a couple of weeks ago (not decided on Mazda yet) we were welcomed by a very courteous, professional and knowledgeable sales person named Lorrie. Having been to other competitor dealerships I can tell you that dealing with someone that knew what they were doing and listening to what our needs were was so refreshing. Having almost a decade of experience in the hospitality industry I can tell you that I was not only impressed but actually surprised. I went in there telling my wife the game plan; "no matter what, do not seem interested, don't make too much eye contact, don't let them drag us into the closed office to get our personal info and squeeze us into a deal etc."
Everything from the moment we walked in was opposite to my expectations. I actually feel sorry for reputable sales people and establishments because unfortunately there are so many negative stories that seem to overwhelm a new car buyer at times.
At any rate every detail was covered without any pressure, just pure professionalism and genuine knowledge of the product (after all it's a lot easier to sell something you believe in when you drive one yourself). One thing I noticed was the amount of employee driven vehicles in the back that were Mazda's, imagine that! Lorrie listened to all of our questions and not only found the car that matched exactly what we were looking for but did not ignore our questions and we test drove a Mazda 3 sedan that matched the trim level we were looking for (base GX). She recommended a route that would best demonstrate the vehicles highlights (including bumps, railroad tracks and even where we could pick up some speed to test the engine). She simply let us know that when we were done that she would be happy to answer any questions we had. What? She wasn't coming with us to tell us where to go and where to turn? I did not get this level of comfort with a dealership even when dealing with my BMW and Audi purchases with vehicles 3 times the value!
I will be honest, we were so impressed with everything thus far that upon our return when we were not "suckered" into the supposed negotiation room (which doesn't exist BTW) we had decided that Mazda was the way to go and that it would definately be at this dealership as customer service like this is what will make us happy after the sale was final. In the end I really wanted a Sport 3 and ended up with a 2009 3 Sport GT with lux package and picked it up this morning. Lorrie arranged for us to be picked up in the shuttle at 9 am sharp and then once we got settled in (after coffee and bottled water in the leather lounge chairs by the plasma) she went over all the details of the vehicle with us. She was very thorough and we were not at any point rushed. Everything from how to operate the trip computer to MP3 hookup to trunk configurations. Then went over to the finance guy (Victor) to hand over a cheque and he also answered any questions we had in a very calm and professional manner. I rate this dealership and our experience buying this car a 10 out of 10 no hesitation whatsoever.
I could go on and on but do not want to lose anyone on the thread but I just wanted to say that I am brand new to Mazda as well as forums and could not finish the day without posting my satisfaction with Lorrie and Avante Mazda. I think in these troubling economic times that only the best will survive. That being the case I know that Avante will be around to service my vehicle as well as sell me my next toy, I mean car.
Negatives: YES only 1...... I have to wait 8,000 km's before I can have a valid excuse to go back to Avante! Maybe I will find a squeek or a rattle so that I can visit before my first oil change (LOL).

I know, I know.... you want pics...... It asks for URL of my image... how do I insert photo's???? Yes I am a NOOB!
:bang

[DESTROYER]

Ok I think I have figured this out....kind of. Sorry. (had to open another window to copy and paste URL's, is there an easier way to post pics?)

Did I mention that I picked up my baby this morning at 9am and just got back an hour ago to post this? I wonder if my wife will call Dr. Phil if I sleep in the car tonight. Just kidding, he doesn't do house calls in TO. Anyway if Dr. Phil is cool he will tell her it's completely normal to sleep in the car as part of the bonding process. :chuckle

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/picture.php?albumid=146&pictureid=696
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/picture.php?albumid=146&pictureid=697
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/picture.php?albumid=146&pictureid=692
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/picture.php?albumid=146&pictureid=690
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/picture.php?albumid=146&pictureid=689
Definately getting calipers painted!!!
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/picture.php?albumid=146&pictureid=686
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/picture.php?albumid=146&pictureid=698

[xjusticex]

I recently purchased my 10' MZ3 GT at avente too.
Excellent service, no pressure whats so ever.
Up front, fast and smooth business deals.
Unlike some dealership, where they offer me a deal and tells me if I leave and change my mind, it might not be the same deal they can offer me if i do go back.

[Cardinal Fang]

Congrats! Love the centre consol in the rear seats.

[omalak]

Congrats! Love the centre consol in the rear seats.

Does the console not come in older models lol, or did i miss a joke haha

Congrats Destroyer! You picked the sexiest color money can buy :chuckle

[jonjon72]

Does the console not come in older models lol, or did i miss a joke haha

Congrats Destroyer! You picked the sexiest color money can buy :chuckle


No joke, unfortunately the older model's didn't come with the rear centre arm rest. My poor 2006! :(

And no, Destroyer picked the second sexiest color! :chuckle

Congrats on the ride Destroyer!

[tweak_s]

Congrats on the purchase destroyer!

I too was very happy with Avante for my 07. Still am happy with them when I come back for service.

[DESTROYER]

Yes great experience. Thanks all for your responses. I have been following for weeks as you all welcome newbies to the club and I this this is such a great forum. I hope to go to one of the meets soon to see, what I believe, not a single stock car in the lot. LOL.

By the way with respects to the centre console, I even got the option where you can lift it up and add a 5th passenger seat. Only comes with the Luxury package.

JJ. Couldn't resist.

Take it easy all.:)

[seelsy]

glad to hear you had a good experience, especially with all the people who say their dealership experiences were so terrible, its nice when the sales people seem to actually have interest in what you want, a lot seem to wanna throw u into a deal and not really care about what you specifically want they just want to sell you whats on the lot, as fast as possible. Congrats!

[DESTROYER]

glad to hear you had a good experience, especially with all the people who say their dealership experiences were so terrible, its nice when the sales people seem to actually have interest in what you want, a lot seem to wanna throw u into a deal and not really care about what you specifically want they just want to sell you whats on the lot, as fast as possible. Congrats!
Thanks. So very true. I actually mentioned to sales rep (Lorrie) what I wanted and when she found it she would give me a call. If I liked it then great if not she would keep looking. It was tough because 2009 Sports were sold out a while ago so I was anxiously waiting for her to find me what I wanted. In the end got exactly what I wanted (except I wanted manual instead of automatic, but surprisingly great pickup especially with the sport mode and manual shifting). Man this site is addictive. Love getting responses on my crackberry. Thanks again. I look forward to picking members brains on suggestions for some mods including legal tints (20%? I think) and caliper painting (black or red). I would love to get some recommendations on the best places to get them done as well.

[FLIPDADY]

Make sure you get your dealer survey.

[AskClaudio.com]

Avante is awesome, they are the only dealership I trust to do any maintenance to my car aside from Jimmy of course.

[DESTROYER]

Avante is awesome, they are the only dealership I trust to do any maintenance to my car aside from Jimmy of course.
Funny, I went in today to pick up a set of Rear Bumper Step Plates and passed by sales area to say hi. So polite. I'm waiting for them to crack, can they really be this nice and professional? Looks like it because when I was personally escorted to the parts department they were just as courteous. Anyway I feel so great having purchased my car there. I hope they don't get a restraining order against me for passing by so often. LOL! :chuckle

[undftd]

I went to Avante earlier this week to test drive the 2010 Mazda 3, Lorrie helped me and she was very friendly although I totally look like I'm not ready to buy the car and I really just wanted to try the car before I bring my mom to see, so she totally understood I wasn't going to be buying that day but she was still very friendly and helpful.
BTW, how was negotiating with her? assuming yours was an 09 model, you probably got a decent deal? did it take long to get your ideal price?

[DESTROYER]

I mentioned in a PM (but thought it beneficial to share) to undftd that my 09 was a demo so I took advantage of a vehicle that was completely loaded (GT with LP) with some km's on it and was a very easy buy for me because it was exactly what I wanted. No BS and Lorrie at Avante was an absolute pleasure to deal with (and continues to be). Many are worried when purchasing a car if they got the best deal and if someone could have paid less for the same car. I can honestly say that very little negotiating took place and there was no back and forth (as I mentioned in my original review) games of price talk. It was a "real deal" that makes it fair for everyone. I can only hope that Mazda Canada will use this rule of thumb and apply it to all licensed dealerships. The last thing you want to hear on this forum or at a mini meet is that you got ripped off. :bang

[JadeButterfly]

congrats on the new car!

its great that there are many local Mazda dealers with great feedback...!

[DESTROYER]

Thanks very much. I think it's easy to be consumed about the negative aspects of the car but I think if everyone posted every day that they are happy with their car it would be a boring thread right? I also think people are forgetting at times that these are not 40, 50+ thousand dollar cars and are great value for their money at @ $20K. My opinion.

[sunkist4338]

Make sure you get your dealer survey.

how do yo get one

[b.rabbit]

Wow you went from a base GX sedan to a fully loaded Sport GT with Luxury Package! You must've got a great deal!

I'm glad you had such a positive buying experience!! :)

[DESTROYER]

I know. lol. Basically I set a budget (I went over but with great value) and was looking at a 2010 but was able to pick up a 2009 Demo loaded for a little more. Easy decision. And yes a very positive experience. Without hesitation I would recommend Lorrie from Avante to my closest of family and friends.

[Silv3r]

Congrats on the purchase. Car looks sweet. Next Mazda for me will definitely be luxury pack.

I hope you didn't actually get it for 20K or very close to it out the door because that would mean I got hosed!!!! :)

Enjoy the car.

[DESTROYER]

Thanks man. No you didn't get hosed unless you paid $25K for a 2006 3 with 150K on it. LOL. You can PM me and I will tell you exactly what I paid. I initially as I mentioned previsouly in this thread was looking for a base but am so glad I went for the GT LP. Even my family that all drive german vehicles couldn't believe the trim level and quality of the leather seats and instrumentation. It does not look, feel or drive like anything even close to what we pay for these cars. Hopefully no surpises down the road :chuckle.

[Sae]

I too agree about the superb service from Avante Sales team.

I just recently got my car, a 2010 Mazda3 5door and I must say that my experience with Avante remains the best! I leased a 2005 Mazda3 5door from them four years ago and was treated with top quality service. Four years later, to my surprise I was treated with even better service.

I already knew what I wanted, a 2010 Mazda 3 5door and just wanted to know the pricing. Since my lease was up, might as well go back and check things out. I was greeted by a very professional sales, and even tough I look extremely young… yes the kind of young that I still get ID to the point that the LCBO clerks will try to scrape my photo to see if it comes off kind of young and NO I am not 19 or 22, I am much older! I usually have to go into car dealers bringing my parents or sisters just to get some attention. Lorrie respected me like a customer and gave me full attention and patiently explained the options and pricing of the car. I mean it, she spent a full hour explaining everything to me on her computer and calculator and showing me the different options on my original plan of leasing another Mazda3. She never gave me a sense of pressuring me into buying from her and she wrote everything clearly on a piece of form.

Since my lease wasn’t up during that time, I wasn’t in a hurry in getting a new car. I took my time and shopped around. Whenever I don’t understand something I went back to Lorrie, she was really helpful in explaining the process and adjusting pricing. She showed me other options that can match what is comfortable for me in a monthly leasing to finance. Abraham was also very helpful. I mean it, Avante sales team really is one of its’ kind. Sales help each other out! They were both very informative!

After a month of shopping around I was sweet deal by another dealer. My parents agreed to go with the other AbeepGinbeepCourtbeep Dearler, their sweet lie bought assurance when they falsely promised to cover the hail dents. Long story short, I respected my parents’ decision and I went with the other guy… a really painful to stressful experience at the other dealer. See other threads where I had posted, you’ll understand why it’s always a must to get a car from dealers like Avante and not shady dealers….. I don’t want to post it here where I only want to say great things about my experience at Avante. I must thank Ann Marie, the GM of Avante for taking a good care of me when I was going through a very stressful time with the shady dealer. She kept it very professional and she was very caring and hears me out when I was most stressed. She even calls me when it was her busiest time!

Fast forward fast forward, I finally got my deposit back from that shady dealer after basically sending warning e-mails to each and everyone at that shady dealer. I went straight to Avante and Lorrie once again took care of me and made sure that I get the car that I wanted. She searched everywhere and I mean everywhere for the car that I wanted! She made sure that the car was on the lot and in stock before I need to sign anything. Since when I bought the car it was already almost at the end of the month. She suggested that if I would be happy to wait a little and take advantage of a program where if the rate goes down at the beginning of a new month I would be able to get that rate. This is top notch service. A dealer who would take care of me and even acts like a friend who would try to help me save! Where can you find that? No seriously, where?

I finally got my car last Thursday and Lorrie made sure everything was perfect. She showed me how to operate the Bluetooth options and explained to me inside and out what the features are in my 2010 Mazda3 sport. Didn’t feel like I was rushed at all, we sat and talked like friends. Before I left, Lorrie even gave me a little gift to celebrate my new purchase!

Anyway, I must end, because I know I can write a novel dedicated to the top notch service that Avante sales team can give! It is one of a kind and none other can match!

By the way, did I mention that .. when they mean NEW car, they really do give you a NEW car! I must emphasize this point! Because I think every dealer should value this point too! My last least had 4 km when I picked it up and this time it was 6 km!! I have never seen a double digit on my dash from Avante!

I got spoiled by Avante. ^_^

[joghia]

Lorrie is awesome. Avante has ALWAYS been super chill when it comes to test drives. I've test driven 2 Speed3s, 1 Speed6, 3 mazda 3s and two mazda 5s over the past 3 years. Awesome.