Ottawa Dealership Experiences?

[Mr. T.]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the Forums (so sorry if this is supposed to be posted elsewhere) but have been following this site ever since I bought a used '04 Mazda 3 GT Sport back in '07 when I first moved to Ottawa. This site has served me well as has the 3, although the rust continues to eat away at it daily (the 3 that is). I'm now looking for a new car and have decided that the best bang for the buck in my price range is the 2012 Sport GT-E. I love hatchbacks and this one seems to have everything I want and need. I also have winter tires for my current 3 which I assume will fit the new 3 (?), that's not so big a part of my decision though.

I know there are threads on here and OMC about Ottawa dealers but they seem outdated (three or four yrs old).

I went to Performance Mazda in 2010 to check out the new model 3. The sales reps and manager seemed disinterested in dealing with me and they really lacked any knowledge of the vehicle. Plus, they wouldn't take anything off the price at all.

After that I decided I'd go to Bank Street since it was close to where I lived, it was a very poor experience to say the least and basically turned me off even wanting to look at buying a car for a couple years. Sleaze does not begin to describe what I witnessed there.

Anyway, now I'm thinking it's been long enough. I have heard ok things about Carling Mazda and Kanata Mazda. Nothing really definitive though, some people say one place is good, others have horror stories. I was just wondering if anyone has any opinions/advice/experiences lately they could share on their Mazda purchase in Ottawa and where they would recommend going.

Thanks in advance!

[S.F.W.]

Though I am not in Ottawa, I can tell you from my reading, the best option would be to head to Elite Mazda in Gatineau. I met a good portion of their team last year at an event, and was very impressed. They have a regular presence on OMC as well. A dealer willing to stay active on a club forum, to me means they do quality work.

[gabbygenier]

the threads on OMC are a bit old but they still stay the same. OMC is a small group and its mostly the same ppl that post.

ive been to bank street and the service was not great. i used to go there cause it was close to where i lived. service was really slow and not great. i went to get a part and they kept telling me i wouldn't be able to install it myself. went home and put in on in about 20 mins.

ive been to performance mazda to shop for a car and the sales guy just didn't give a shit what i told him about prices from other dealers. he was set on the price. also got a few pieces there with no issues from the service. although i gave them the part number and told them exactly what i wanted.

carling and kanata ive been inside but never dealt with anyone cause i just went to look at what cars they had on the lot.

i recommend elite mazda in gatineau like SFW said. we always get treated awesome there and the service department is awesome. the service manager is a member on OMC. he doesn't have too much time to post but when you go in and meet the guy youll see hes an awesome guy. talks to you even though hes crazy busy and has no time. if you need anything just email him and hell get back to you. ive even called him on his personal cell phone after hours for things and never had any issues. my car will always go there from now on. also if you are a donating member (10$) on OMC you get a discount there. i believe its 10$/hr off labor and 15% off parts. well worth the 10$.