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mazmaz
11-19-2010, 02:09 AM
Last week (Wed.), I took my car in for a regular maintenance (96k) at Avante Mazda. While discussing over the services to be performed, the service advisor also recommended that I should have the gear box fluid changes as well, which I agreed. Left the vehicle there and went to work. Shortly after lunch, I received his phone call and a list of other things that they have found and will need to be addressed. Anyway, I agreed to have the brake fluid flush and the large engine mount to be replaced as per his recommendation but omit the AC belt and wiper which I said can wait till the next service. When I left work and went to pick up my car, he went over the services rendered and all looks good.

For the next couple of days, I drove to work and all seem normal. Only on Saturday when I went drove on the highway (given how our highways are) when I applied the brake, there were vibration on the pedal and also I can feel the steering wheel is shaking. I didn’t feel or notice any vibration when I was on local roads, but felt it at highway speed and only when the brake is been applied. Thought this was strange since I didn’t have this vibration problem prior to the services. I waited till Monday morning to call in and managed to speak with the same service guy that I had dealt with and explained to him about the vibration problem. Holy was I surprised to hear his explanation. “Well, we do have a lot of customers call in after the services with the same complain. It’s nothing to be worries about. Since, we had serviced your brake, clean and lubricated it. Now, everything is freed and the calipers are moving, you’re going to feel a little vibration.” I told him that this doesn’t make sense and I requested for them to take a look and see if everything is ok.

When I brought my car back in for them to check (Thursday). Moment later, he is now telling me that the rotors are warped, after they have checked of course. I told him that I don’t understand why is it now that I have warped rotors and after the services has been done. Mind you that I did not have this issue prior to the services. Our conversation went on for several minutes but nothing more can be done. His solution for me is to replace the rotors and pads if I don’t like the vibration.

I brought this car from them and have been servicing with them. I do notice that they service quality goes up and down over the years, some are pleased and some are disappointed, but this is the worst I’ve ever experienced. Funny, how they take pride in their services…”A rating other than Outstanding is a failing grade for us.” With over $900 bill and I’m still left with a shaking steering wheel. Outstanding Avante.

bman13
11-19-2010, 03:05 AM
Now that I'm past the 3 year mark, any non-regular oil change I'm not gonig back to dealer.

mazmaz
11-23-2010, 10:59 AM
After that terricfic experiences, I won't be returning to dealer either.

M&D Executive Auto
11-23-2010, 11:33 AM
The problem is when they service the brakes, they must be removing the brake pads out of the holders and sanding them down to service them, problem is when you put them back they are now not in the same groove to match the rotor as before and thus causes the brake vibration. When we service the brakes we service the caliper sliders that is all that is needed and apply the anti-sieze paste to the brake pad areas without removing them.

rayzeroo
11-23-2010, 12:35 PM
mazmaz,

First of all, I'd like to thank you for your patronage since day 1 of your Mazda3 purchase 5 years ago.

Looking at your service history, you have proven to be a faithful client.

It is unfortunate that your last couple visits were not satisfactory.

Our service advisors do their best to communicate to our customers of any issues or concerns on their vehicle. Mistakes happen and when it comes to wear and tear items such as brakes, there may always be a variable that can be missed. We try to inform customers of what is required now and what may be needed later and try to only recommend what is appropriate. Your brakes may have passed intitial inspection and were deemed good till the next service.

I can see that the explanation given could perhaps be better, but the main issue is it happened and was not caught the first time.

I hope you give us a chance in the future to take care of your servicing needs, your business is important to us and we do appreciate it.

I don't know if the service counter knew that you are a TM3 member, but I have added your membership info to your customer account. You are entitled to a 20% discount off MSRP of genuine mazda parts on your next service. There are other perks to being a TM3 member such as associate pricing on a new vehicle.

If you'd like to discuss any issues or concerns about your service with us please call me at 905-780-9999 x 245 or email rkwan@avante.mazda.ca.

Regards,

j-ski
11-24-2010, 02:14 PM
I would just like to say thanks to David.

I Got the parts I needed with the discount offered.

Although service was performed by a different dealer closer to my work, I wouldn't hesitate going back to Avante in the future.

Glad they are an affiliate :)

Olestra
11-24-2010, 06:53 PM
Is it possible you need to re-bed your brake bads?

mazmaz
12-04-2010, 12:01 AM
Well, I'm happy to say that my steering wheel vibration has been resolved. I'd like thank Ray of Avante Mazda for helping me in this matter. I had new rotors and pads installed, no charge labour compliments of Avante Mazda and also received 20 percent off for parts.

Thank you Ray for all your help.