KIESWETTER MAZDA, Kitchener, ON

[cobra]

4202 King St East
Kitchener ON N2P 2G5
519-653-2540
Web site (http://www.kieswettermazda.com)
Salesperson: KIM kim@kieswettermazda.com

I got tired of my 15 L/100 400 HP Ford F150 and decided to jump into a small and efficient car. I test-drove: a 2013 Toyota Corolla (awful), a 2012 Ford Focus (slow; too much computer involvement), a 2013 Hyundai Elantra with a 6 speed manual (not bad), and finally a 2012 Mazda 3. Kim the salesperson at Kieswetter was knowledgeable about the car and not pushy. She let me try the SkyActive model and when I said I didn't like how it picked up speed, she suggested I try the regular 148 HP Mazda 3 GX A/C with a 5 speed manual. She asked me what I hoped to get in terms of the contract term and payments and we agreed on a 4.5 yr term with payments similar to those I've had on the F150. She gave me good advice on colours and I went with ALUMINUM METALLIC. I then talked with the Finance manager who was pleasant and not pushy either. I said 'no' to all the financial options she suggested though ;) and we had a deal with a $1,000 down. Basically they take my Ford with all the upgrades staying on the vehicle, and I get the brand new GX this Wednesday, Oct-10th, 2012. We added the Convenience Package to the GX which added alloy rims, bluetooth, cruise control and audio/cruise controls on the steering wheel.

All in all I'm quite happy with my shopping experience at Kieswetter Mazda and would recommend them to anyone who plans to jump into a new or pre-owned Mazda.

Directions: 401 west to Hwy 8. First exit on the left - King St. Follow King St through 3 lights past the Chapters with Starbucks and they are on the right across the street from the TD Canada Trust.

COBRA
www.youtube.com/user/smd5231

[cobra]

I read a couple of threads here about how many KMs should be on the new car's odometer and checked my paperwork. The VEHICLE PURCHASE AGREEMENT signed when they didn't know yet the VIN of the car (I asked for a specific colour) has a spot where it says, "On delivery date, odometer reading will not exceed ..." and there was the number '250' typed in. I think it's in there by default. When they found the car with the colour I wanted, they gave me another sheet of paper. This one had the VIN and the actual mileage in KM: 118. Anyone thinks that's a bit too much? The model year is 2012 and it's already October. I'd buy a 2013 Mazda but the price was higher so I went with the 2012. Any advice?

[XTOTHEL]

I understand how you feel about the 118KM, but the reality is that one trip to Toronto will double that, it's going to reach 10k, 50k, 100k. I don't think it is a big deal. Maybe the car was transferred over from another dealership?

[cobra]

I understand how you feel about the 118KM, but the reality is that one trip to Toronto will double that, it's going to reach 10k, 50k, 100k. I don't think it is a big deal. Maybe the car was transferred over from another dealership?

Yes, they didn't have it here. But it probably went through a few test drives. I know I did maybe 15 km on my test drive with another Mazda 3.

[eSS]

Yes, they didn't have it here. But it probably went through a few test drives. I know I did maybe 15 km on my test drive with another Mazda 3.

Hmm I'd figure the dealership would set aside one car made specifically for test drives only then sell it as a used unit later on. When I was searching for my skyactiv 3, the dealership had one skyactiv model covered in skyactiv stickers used exclusively for test drives. Thought they would have done the same for regular ones. When I got mine is had 12kms on it

As someone else said it could have just been a dealer trade and they drove it from another dealership

[cobra]

Just called the dealership out of curiosity and asked them if the car I'm picking up tomorrow really has 112 KM on the odometer. The guys said, 'yes'. When I said it sounded like the car has been used for a while, the guy told me he had cars having 30 km, 150 km , and 200 km on them. "The car has to be driven from the plant to the train, and then from the train sometimes to the dealer," he said. Well, this is not the first vehicle I buy ... the 2011 Ford F150 I have now came directly from the factory (factory order) and when I saw it first in Cambridge ON, it had 25 or 30 km. Ford didn't give it to me right away saying they had to prepare it for sale (wash it ect), and when I finally took possession in a couple of days, the odometer showed ... 70 km. I wondered how they managed to add 40 km with a simple car wash, but didn't say anything. I think what they do when a new truck/car comes in, the boss or one of his favorites slaps the dealer's plate on it and takes it home...

This time this sales guy says my car was DRIVEN from the auto compound in Toronto. Since it's about a 100 km from TO to Kitchener, I guess that would explain it, but somehow I doubt it was driven. I saw a pickup truck at the dealer that was still hooked to a car-hauling trailer. To cut a long story short, they asked me if I wanted a different car. I said if they can find the same model and specs by tomorrow with lower mileage, that'd make me happier. The guy promised to talk to the owner and if they can find something different, they'd do it. If not, the silver car with 112 km is my car and I'm picking it up tomorrow, Wed, Oct-10.

[eSS]

Good to see you're not letting it damper your spirit on buying a new car. Hope you enjoy it!

[cobra]

They called me back and said they didn't have anything in the same spec on the lot and they'd have to start calling other dealers. The guy said, "It might be difficult to find a 2012 model in October 2012 but we want you to be happy with the car you buy from us." I said, "I just realized I've already used the silver car's VIN to get insurance. You know what - forget it. I'll take the silver car with 112K. It's not that big of a deal." The guy said, "Are you sure?" I said I was. He said he'd give me the first oil change for free. There you go! :)

[aris]

My car had 177km when i bought it and it was on the lot....4.5 year later and 165,000km later not one issue since i bought it.

[MattL]

Yeah, I picked up my car on the 24th of September. I signed the paperwork without checking the odometer, because I'm a trusting (stupid) person. My number was "no more than 100km" and when I fired it up, it had 243km on it. After all the wheeling and dealing I had done, I was exhausted and I wasn't willing to argue about it. It was probably used as a tester once or twice. It was driven from the lot to get tinting done, they told me that, and probably driven here and there, dealer trade, from the factory, etc.

I don't have any problems with it. It shouldn't be anything to worry about. Enjoy your car!

[Jeff-TheBiz]

"The car has to be driven from the plant to the train, and then from the train sometimes to the dealer," he said.

Well considering the plant is located in Japan and the Trainyard is in Vancouver I would have expected alot mor kms on the car based in his statement.

[m_bisson]

I worked at a car dealership once and we would often 'trade' cars between dealerships since the owner owned 3 different dealerships in southern ontario. If a customer ordered the car but lived in toronto we would drive it over there, even just for a test drive sometimes.

[rajin929]

my wife bought her Mazda 3 from Kim back in 2006 and was happy with the service.
IIRC the car had a few km's on it as well just from transport, but nothing crazy
car's been serviced at Kieswetter until the warrantly expired, Kim still sends the mrs. a birthday card every year lol

[113GT]

i had 5 km on my 11 3 GT when i picked it up. Dealer said it had 30 km but when i got inside, it only had 5 km.

i think they sometimes put an estimate if they are not sure.

[cobra]

kim is a good salesperson. she called me one week after i got the car asking how i liked it. i understand it was a courtesy call but it still felt good ;)

[cobra]

well, i just did a quick road trip to port huron, mi and back and the speedo already shows almost 600 km. the car drives great especially with the new muffler (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDDuM9rqYEk).

[cobra]

A bit disappointed in the Service Dept of the said Mazda dealer in Kitchener, ON. On my previous Ford F-150 I had the Hypertech tuner which allowed me to adjust shift points of the auto tranny, change axle ratios, tire size and so on. When my speedo on the truck was off after the axle ratio change and bigger tires install, I just used the tuner to fix that. So, now I notice the Mazda's speedo consistently shows THREE KM AN HOUR less than what the GPS shows. I checked it against 2 GPS devices I own and I know they correct, so the speedo IS off. When it shows 80 km/h, the gps says, 77. When the speedo says 100, I' actually doing only 97. I don't like this. I'd rather the speedo showed LESS KM than the actual.

Anyway, I show at the Service Desk of Kieswetter Mazda and Kitchener and start explaining things. The service guy says, "What goes GPS have to do with your speedometer?" I say, "I'm talking about speed. The speedo is off by 3 km/h." The guy says, "We cannot fix that. We cannot tamper (!) with the computer." WTF? I said, "What if I installed 17" wheels and came to you to adjust the speedometer? Would you do it then?" The guy says, "No. The speedo would have been off. Here's the card of the Manager. He'll be back next week. You might want to talk to him".

I felt like I was on Mars talking to aliens. ;)

[Jeff-TheBiz]

The service guy says, "What goes GPS have to do with your speedometer?" I say, "I'm talking about speed. The speedo is off by 3 km/h." The guy says, "We cannot fix that. We cannot tamper (!) with the computer." WTF? I said, "What if I installed 17" wheels and came to you to adjust the speedometer? Would you do it then?" The guy says, "No. The speedo would have been off. Here's the card of the Manager. He'll be back next week. You might want to talk to him".

I felt like I was on Mars talking to aliens. ;)

As far as I know, they don't adjust anything when you change the wheels even if you ask..

If the speedo is faulty it could be replaced, but I am pretty sure that nothing can be tweeked from the service side.

[peterm15]

My car has always shown a little of variance in speedo. When i had stock 15's and when I upgraded to 18's

My solution was to get a GPS without the speed on the screen. Problem solved.

[cobra]

CAT had no problem changing revs per mile of tires via the ECU port. Depending on their mood, they either did it for free or charged 1/2 hr labour. Ridgehill Ford hooked up to my computer too to check if the axle ratio was correct after the change. Why is this Mazda dealer so powerless when it comes to the computer settings?

[Johns 08 3 GT]

Why is this Mazda dealer so powerless when it comes to the computer settings?

There is a good chance it is a set calibration from the factory and can not be changed. Have you called Mazda head office to see if it can be done?

[surfguy17]

i know u said u tried it with 2 different gps devices but another good way to test it is to drive down a road that has a speed monitoring digital sign. that would confirm it 100%. just a thought

[cobra]

No, I'm waiting for the Service Manager to get back from his vacation. He's supposed to know more about the Mazda on-board computer than the guy I talked to in Service. RE: GPS I've been using both of the units (TomTom and Cobra 6000) in my transport truck and I verified their accuracy when passing those Construction Zone Radar Speed Displays. They are accurate.

[S.F.W.]

I have never heard of anyone having their Mazda speedometer calibrated. It is fairly common for members to change wheel sizes, or tire sizes, and as a result the speedometer is off by a few percent. People generally understand this, and accept it as fact.
I highly doubt they will be able to re-calibrate your speedometer, and most likely you are chasing your tale.
That said, if you do have success, it could open up some interesting discussions.

[cobra]

Well, if nothing else works, I'll just change tires from 205/55R16 to 215/55R16. Discount Tire in Port Huron MI sells Barum Bravuris 2 (Speed Rating: Z!) for 86 bucks ea.

Revs per mile stock tire: 836
Revs per mile new tire (215/55R16): 821
Stock diameter: 24.88"
New diameter: 25.31"
Difference: 0.43".

According to the Discount Tire rep I talked on the phone, the speedometer with these tires will be "off" by 2 to 3 miles. Just what the doctor ordered. I hate it when my car is not perfect ;)

[SomeGuy]

Hook up a scan gauge or dashhawk and see what is actually reported...the gauge itself is not 100% accurate (hell you can change a couple km/h by looking at it at a different angle) but the ECU probably has the right speed.

[Johns 08 3 GT]

Buying new tires for a 3 KM/H variance is stupid to me. I would just roll with it.

[kilo4321]

My old cobalt had its speedo off by a few, my Mazda has its speedo off by a few (on stock rims), and our 2013 jeep libertys at work are off by a few also (has redundant digital speedo and analog gage, digital would read 60 km/h analog would say about 57 or 58 km/h) it's completely normal

Some info I found.
http://discussions.tomtom.com/t5/LIVE-Services-HD-Traffic-and/Why-is-my-speed-always-4-5-MPH-out-of-sync/td-p/272539

More reliable source-
http://m.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/car-life/auto-therapy/whats-more-accurate-the-cars-speedo-or-the-gps/article1803107/?service=mobile

Quote from latter source "Typically, speedometers display readings that are slightly high. "If you thought you were going at the speed limit but were actually exceeding it - that would open car manufacturers to lawsuits. From what I've seen in reports, over 95 per cent of vehicles read high a few kilometres per hour," Langley says.

[cobra]

Buying new tires for a 3 KM/H variance is stupid to me. I would just roll with it.

I agree. If I were to get the new tires I wouldn't do it just to compensate for the speedo's error. I'd do it for the LOOKS (215 mm tires look better than 205 mm tires); HANDLING; LOWER RPM at cruising speeds; and slight improvement in gas mileage.

[standsideways]

Every speedo is off a tiny bit, hell even a brand new 12/32 tire will be off compared to the same tire at 2/32

Dont worry about Anything under 10kmh difference

EDIT FOR OP-just looked through the mazda 3 factory service manual, you cannot adjust the speedo or calibrate it or anything. if it is wrong it gets replaced, if your wheel/tire combo puts it off you are out of luck.

[kilo4321]

205 to 215 tire will not be better fuel economy. IIRC wider tires reduce fuel economy by adding drag

[standsideways]

205 to 215 tire will not be better fuel economy. IIRC wider tires reduce fuel economy by adding drag

While this should hold true for the EXACT same size/model tires, he has changed the ******outside diameter**** of his tire,and the brand/model, so he could very well get better milage on a wider tire...marginal at very best, most times people notice better milage is when they are trying to get better milage.

And with all the factors that contribute to fuel milage, most of the time it becomes a wash wether or not there was an actual improvement, or if it was just situational.

[kilo4321]

Yes but cost of new tires in comparison to fuel savings, how do you justify "saving" money on gas to spending hundreds on new tires, especially when the fuel savings will be incredibly marginal if any at all? Especially when the car is already geared to its current speedo. by increasing or decreasing your tire size, you're also marginally affecting your car's gearing as I believe Aich mentioned in a previous thread at one time

[Elusivellama]

A bit disappointed in the Service Dept of the said Mazda dealer in Kitchener, ON. On my previous Ford F-150 I had the Hypertech tuner which allowed me to adjust shift points of the auto tranny, change axle ratios, tire size and so on. When my speedo on the truck was off after the axle ratio change and bigger tires install, I just used the tuner to fix that. So, now I notice the Mazda's speedo consistently shows THREE KM AN HOUR less than what the GPS shows. I checked it against 2 GPS devices I own and I know they correct, so the speedo IS off. When it shows 80 km/h, the gps says, 77. When the speedo says 100, I' actually doing only 97. I don't like this. I'd rather the speedo showed LESS KM than the actual.

Anyway, I show at the Service Desk of Kieswetter Mazda and Kitchener and start explaining things. The service guy says, "What goes GPS have to do with your speedometer?" I say, "I'm talking about speed. The speedo is off by 3 km/h." The guy says, "We cannot fix that. We cannot tamper (!) with the computer." WTF? I said, "What if I installed 17" wheels and came to you to adjust the speedometer? Would you do it then?" The guy says, "No. The speedo would have been off. Here's the card of the Manager. He'll be back next week. You might want to talk to him".

I felt like I was on Mars talking to aliens. ;)

The service at Kieswetter Mazda is atrocious....they cannot understand basic concepts beyond oil changes and tire rotations. Start talking to them about anything technical or anything regarding warranty work of a more complicated nature, and you'll get "I don't have time to argue with you."

Actual words from a service advisor at Kieswetter.

[bubba1983]

Does that old man wayne still work there? He is the single reason why i never went back there again....

[cobra]

The only reason I want to do oil changes there is because their price with synthetic oil is cheaper than at a quick lube place. But evidently I won't be getting any great technical insights from them regarding my new Mazda 3. It's okay - that's why I'm a member of this forum ;)

[MS308-john-a]

4202 King St East
Kitchener ON N2P 2G5
519-653-2540
Web site (http://www.kieswettermazda.com)
Salesperson: KIM kim@kieswettermazda.com

I got tired of my 15 L/100 400 HP Ford F150 and decided to jump into a small and efficient car. I test-drove: a 2013 Toyota Corolla (awful), a 2012 Ford Focus (slow; too much computer involvement), a 2013 Hyundai Elantra with a 6 speed manual (not bad), and finally a 2012 Mazda 3. Kim the salesperson at Kieswetter was knowledgeable about the car and not pushy. She let me try the SkyActive model and when I said I didn't like how it picked up speed, she suggested I try the regular 148 HP Mazda 3 GX A/C with a 5 speed manual. She asked me what I hoped to get in terms of the contract term and payments and we agreed on a 4.5 yr term with payments similar to those I've had on the F150. She gave me good advice on colours and I went with ALUMINUM METALLIC. I then talked with the Finance manager who was pleasant and not pushy either. I said 'no' to all the financial options she suggested though ;) and we had a deal with a $1,000 down. Basically they take my Ford with all the upgrades staying on the vehicle, and I get the brand new GX this Wednesday, Oct-10th, 2012. We added the Convenience Package to the GX which added alloy rims, bluetooth, cruise control and audio/cruise controls on the steering wheel.

All in all I'm quite happy with my shopping experience at Kieswetter Mazda and would recommend them to anyone who plans to jump into a new or pre-owned Mazda.

Directions: 401 west to Hwy 8. First exit on the left - King St. Follow King St through 3 lights past the Chapters with Starbucks and they are on the right across the street from the TD Canada Trust.

COBRA
www.youtube.com/user/smd5231

Bought my car there also, I told them my budget and they made it happen. Unbelievable experience!

[m_bisson]

I leased my 06 Mazda 3 from them and 4 years later when I walked in the sales guy waves at me and says, "Hey mike!" So either he's extremely creepy, or he actually pays attention to customers.

The service department is another story.... I STILL get phone calls about my 06 that I returned to them at the end of the lease. There is a major disconnect somewhere along the line.
Also, I remember an issue with my 06 and I was asking if it would be covered by warranty and nobody there knew. It was "We'll have to wait and see." The Mazda dealer in Brantford, for the SAME issue (Seat coming lose) said regardless of whether the warranty covers it they'll fix it because it's a safety issue.

[MS308-john-a]

I leased my 06 Mazda 3 from them and 4 years later when I walked in the sales guy waves at me and says, "Hey mike!" So either he's extremely creepy, or he actually pays attention to customers.

The service department is another story.... I STILL get phone calls about my 06 that I returned to them at the end of the lease. There is a major disconnect somewhere along the line.
Also, I remember an issue with my 06 and I was asking if it would be covered by warranty and nobody there knew. It was "We'll have to wait and see." The Mazda dealer in Brantford, for the SAME issue (Seat coming lose) said regardless of whether the warranty covers it they'll fix it because it's a safety issue.

lol extremely creepy? hahahaha

[bubba1983]

Creepy is having ur sales guy find and add you to facebook......

[MS308-john-a]

Creepy is having ur sales guy find and add you to facebook......

NO WAYYY THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED? lollllll

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Creepy is having ur sales guy find and add you to facebook......

NO WAYYY THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED? lollllll


Hey... that doesn't count... I never sold him his car... so technically...

[peterm15]

Hey... that doesn't count... I never sold him his car... so technically...

Lol.

[bubba1983]

NO WAYYY THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED? lollllll

True story. And he is still on my list haha

[surfguy17]

LOL wow creepy indeed lol

[standsideways]

Stopped by kieswetter tonight WELL after parts AND service were closed, they re opened up shop and got me an oil filter when the parts dept was closed an hour earlier.

Awesome service, ESPECIALLY just for a $10 oil filter!!!!

AAA+ to the kieswetter on that one!!

[standsideways]

Had a not so great experience with Kieswetter parts...

They obviously got a new parts guy who should not be left alone to deal with customers, he does NOT know what he is doing.



Went in to grab wiper inserts(simple right?), took about 10 minutes for him to look up the part, and then he went in the back for a few minutes.

came back and proceeded to tell me "actually you cannot get inserts for the 2012 mazdaspeed3"...*FIRST STRIKE*

why?

"mazda does not list them for a 2012 speed3.." *SECOND STRIKE you newb parts guy*

okay so lets use the regular mazda 3 inserts?..makes sense that they may not list them for the speed..same thing tho...

"actually they dont list them for any of the 2012's...but what you can do is get mazda aftermarket blades or we have these bosch premium wiper blades also"

STRIKE THREEEEE

at this point i had realized this kid is clearly new, has no idea what he is talking about nor does he care at all, and is trying to up sell parts to the wrong customer.

i said okay thanks anyway.


then i went to FORBES Waterloo mazda and explained what i had just been told by the parts kid at Kieswetter.

Ken had a quick chuckle as he checked for the wiper inserts...15 seconds later he swings the monitor around and says:

"what do you know! wiper inserts for the 2012 speed3! well that wasnt hard!"

Ken was obviously much much more experienced with being a parts advisor, clearly likes working for the mazda brand, and enjoyed talking to me about my speed and finding those inserts for me, quite the opposite of what i experienced @ kieswetter.

he also gave me a discount on the inserts, and they HAVE ME ON FILE, where as kieswetter you pay full price every time and they do NOT keep you on file(not that it matters, just contributes to kieswetters "we dont care" attitude.)

Prior to now i have used Kieswetter because it is closer to my house, but after today i can safely say no more Kieswetter for me!

[Reddie1337]

Had a not so great experience with Kieswetter parts...

They obviously got a new parts guy who should not be left alone to deal with customers, he does NOT know what he is doing.



Went in to grab wiper inserts(simple right?), took about 10 minutes for him to look up the part, and then he went in the back for a few minutes.

came back and proceeded to tell me "actually you cannot get inserts for the 2012 mazdaspeed3"...*FIRST STRIKE*

why?

"mazda does not list them for a 2012 speed3.." *SECOND STRIKE you newb parts guy*

okay so lets use the regular mazda 3 inserts?..makes sense that they may not list them for the speed..same thing tho...

"actually they dont list them for any of the 2012's...but what you can do is get mazda aftermarket blades or we have these bosch premium wiper blades also"

STRIKE THREEEEE

at this point i had realized this kid is clearly new, has no idea what he is talking about nor does he care at all, and is trying to up sell parts to the wrong customer.

i said okay thanks anyway.


then i went to FORBES Waterloo mazda and explained what i had just been told by the parts kid at Kieswetter.

Ken had a quick chuckle as he checked for the wiper inserts...15 seconds later he swings the monitor around and says:

"what do you know! wiper inserts for the 2012 speed3! well that wasnt hard!"

Ken was obviously much much more experienced with being a parts advisor, clearly likes working for the mazda brand, and enjoyed talking to me about my speed and finding those inserts for me, quite the opposite of what i experienced @ kieswetter.

he also gave me a discount on the inserts, and they HAVE ME ON FILE, where as kieswetter you pay full price every time and they do NOT keep you on file(not that it matters, just contributes to kieswetters "we dont care" attitude.)

Prior to now i have used Kieswetter because it is closer to my house, but after today i can safely say no more Kieswetter for me!

Sounds like you were talking to Keaton. He is the new kid, but he is starting to learn his stuff. Sorry to hear he ruined your Kieswetter experience. (I don't work for them, I just deal with them on a daily basis)

[Mitchell3]

There really is no local mazda I feel too confident in around here. Forbes is the best of them in my opinion, still cant say I've had a perfect experience with them either..

[bubba1983]

forbes is awsome...
i walked into aprts one day with my matco tools jacket on, the parts guy was all heey, where you from....ill give you a discount today lol

[standsideways]

forbes is awsome...
i walked into aprts one day with my matco tools jacket on, the parts guy was all heey, where you from....ill give you a discount today lol

Went to grab my inserts today,and before i even got to the desk Ken had already said "wiper inserts!" and went off to get them promptly!

then when he got back we chattedfor a few minutes and i was shown a set of MT drag radials and a set of michelin pilot sport cup's they had in the lounge LOL

Strange going into a dealer and seeing more slick race tires than anything lol!

Chatted with ken a few more minutes about the track and tires and whatnot, then he showed me the pricing on all my inserts and showed me how much he was going to discount them, i didnt ask for a discount or anything, it was offered to me(great customer service, kieswetter take notes)

I payed and ken told me to have a great day and do not hesistate to give him a call if i ever need anything.

:) :) more than made up for the poor service at kieswetter!

[bubba1983]

Ya. Ill nvr pay full price anymore for anything llol

[SomeGuy]

Forbes > Kieswetter....made that decision many many years ago. Although the new team there (without matt/mathew) isn't nearly as good as they used to be but at least Jeff is still there who's pretty good.

[jwoods_24]

Kieswetter service is laughable. Here's an email to Dave Schleicher, the Service manager about my experience at Kieswetter. I have omitted names and some other private information...

Hello Dave,

I was given your email from ----, a co-worker of mine. Perhaps you’ve been expecting this email. As I’m sure you now know, I have been to your dealership a handful of times within the last few weeks. Sadly, I’ve had the worst service I have ever experienced. Awful, to be honest. I was shopping around for a new car and decide to pay your Sales Department a visit. Once I was able to find a sales associate, I began asking a few basic questions regarding warranty, options/packages and financing. (All while we were standing around the Velocity Red Speed3 in the show room). While speaking to the arrogant sales associate and looking at the car, I see he is on his phone, head down. While asking a warranty question, he turns his back and walks away. He literally walked away from me. “Money Talks, Nobody Walks”? .... Needless to say I was/am incredibly frustrated. This was the beginning.

So after that experience, I purchase a fully loaded Mazdaspeed 3, with Tech Package, rubber winter mats & tray, tint, block heater, and a 72 month/120,000km extended warranty, elsewhere.

After driving for a while I notice the headlights are “frosting” from the inside. After some quick research, I find this is a common issue. I grab the ownership and have my VIN ready. I debate as to if I should even try the Kieswetter Service Department; heck, maybe the experience I had in the Sales Department was a fluke. Maybe. I pick up the phone and call. Once I describe the issue, I receive a rather clever remark about how there is no such recall for the vehicle. After some time, I give up frustrated and thank the pompous employee for his time. I decide right then I’m going to Forbes Mazda. I work in Ayr, and your dealership is quite convenient for me. As I get off of the 401, I figure I may as well go in and see if I can resolve the issue since printing out some reference information about the frosting headlight issue (automotive & Mazda specific forums, Transport Canada, ect). I head in and speak to the same employee I did earlier. He looks up my VIN and informs me that there has not been a recall issued from Mazda Canada. I ask what (as I reference my print outs) this is referring too. The manager issues me a belittling response in a smart tone. I left and I made the trek into Waterloo. I was helped immediately, no questions asked and told it was a very common issue. Forbes is replacing the headlights free of charge, (aside from the extended warranty), but more importantly, they’re treating the customer with respect.

I am beyond frustrated with Kieswetter. I have never come into such poor service, let alone service worthy of a lengthy email. A very close friend of mine was looking at buying a new vehicle from you. The car and pricing was all sorted. I have advised him to head to Forbes Mazda. That’s 2 vehicles, and 2 lifetimes of service gone, within a few weeks. I will be sure to inform friends, family, co-workers of my experience, whether it be in person or digital social media.

If you have any questions or comments, I welcome them.

Regards,

Jeff Woods

This is a well covered topic, but I figured I'd post a specific example for reference. If anybody has any questions, don't hesitate to PM me for more information!

Jeff

[Mitchell3]

I'm glad Kieswetter didn't deter you away from Mazda. Forbes really is a lot better than Kieswetter, if you don't mind the drive go there.

[greyseason]

forbes really is a better shop. i went for a few oil changes at kieswetter, and was never impressed by them. I only take my car to forbes now. The customer service is amazing, the staff is friendly ( i swear i talked to one tech about MoM and mazdas and whatnot for my almost my entire service one time), they are mod friendly, and dont try and sell you something you dont need, and they dont talk to you like you're an idiot.

[SomeGuy]

I've got the same feelings about kieswetter as well...they are pretty bad.

Forbes I had a recent issue with the service done (was quite poorly done by the tech named Anthony) but the manager and service adviser stepped up and took care of it all, so good in the long run. Otherwise they are a great Mazda dealer, they're very cool about things including mods. I had to take one of their mechanics (Paul) for a drive to listen for a noise in my suspension, he drove for a bit and got the giggles and was loving the sound and how the car pulled and everything.

[The Wolf]

FWIW, I went into Kieswetter when I was shopping for a new vehicle a few years ago. The first time I stopped by after work (around 4:00pm) and waited for 30 minutes in the used vehicle area before I was approached. I inquired about a black 06 Mazda3 and was told to come back another day to test drive, as it was blocked in by other vehicles. I came back a few days later. I stood in the used stock section for 10-15 minutes before I was helped. Finally, two male salesmen emerge from the showroom building chatting up two females looking around at new vehicles.
I was approached and asked if I had been helped, to which I replied that I hadn't. The guy says "Ok, I'll find someone to come give you a hand" and goes back to talking to said females WITHOUT asking for another salesperson to give me a hand. By this time, they are not looking at vehicles. Rather, they are standing halfway back to the customer parking lot leaning against the building, obviously having a non-business conversation. Another minute or so hitting on the young females, the salesman finally peeks his head inside for a few seconds and then goes straight back to stalking his potential kills.
I finally received some "help" in the form of a pushy belittling salesman who was clearly communicating his "either shit or get off the pot" point of view. I took the Black 3 I had been eyeing around the block, and while I was gone decided I didn't like the treatment I had been receiving there. When I got back I told him thanks but I'm going to look around a little

Went to Forbes and bought a newer, pricier 3 the next afternoon and I couldn't be happier.

[Mitchell3]

I didn't realize their sales was bad too. That was the only non bad experience I had. Then again me and my dad were being helped by Mr. Kieswetter (don't recall first name) himself so I guess you'd expect that.

[standsideways]

It was funny, when my second family member bought a car from there this year, the guy asked me why i didn't buy from them if multiple family members have, and i explained the JEFF@MOT thing to him and he got defensive and showed me all his Mazda awards LOL.

Exactly why i dealt with Jeff, to avoid the sales staff altogether.

I have to also say Kim in service was a seriously uneducated "service advisor", her computer knows all and if its not here on my computer it is not possible, she does not like her job obviously, and just wants to get you out of there.

She was recently moved from service advisor to cashier, im guessing for those reasons above^ but her attitude transfers over to the cashier unfortunately.

And whenever i stop there i kill that lady with kindness, she hates it.

Also kieswetter service dept is run down, old, and awkward to be in compared to the other mazda service departments i have been in.

Maybe they will up there game one day, untill then, i think we should all use forbes lol.

[greyseason]

Amen brotha! Haha

[Mitchell3]

Their hiring for a sales position;) haha! I applied a while ago. I certainly wouldn't do any of this stuff you guys are reporting that they did lol!

[kenghk]

It's been hit and miss for me and Keiswetter, mostly hits but some misses. I've been in Mazdas since 04 and have had 5 of them, currently in a 10speed. Keiswetter replaced my lights and fixed pretty much everything I thought wasn't my responsibility...I don't buy parts there and when I need brakes or tires I'll get them at Forbes, they are always cheaper there.

[bubba1983]

For me. The only good thing to come out of keiswetter, was all halladay. When i was lookin for cars back then, he was the only sales guy amongst various dealers who let me test drive alone. That said, i still chat with him semi regularily and he had donated various things to the bubbaq over the years....

[Jeff-TheBiz]

It was funny, when my second family member bought a car from there this year, the guy asked me why i didn't buy from them if multiple family members have, and i explained the JEFF@MOT thing to him and he got defensive and showed me all his Mazda awards LOL.

Exactly why i dealt with Jeff, to avoid the sales staff altogether.

I can show you my awards if you like.. I have them in my desk drawer... never figured out why people put em on the wall...