3 years ago
I went there July 2nd to test drive a Mazda3. I ha...
I went there July 2nd to test drive a Mazda3. I had read nothing but positives about the 3rd generation model, but needed to get a "feel" for it, since the vehicle has moved from sub-compact up to compact size over the years since the 323/Protege5 versions.
I was greeted by Greg Villeneuve, and we took one out for a drive. After 25 years of driving sub-compact hatchbacks (Suzuki Swift, Ford Escort, Toyota Matrix, Honda Fit), this car is quite a bit more refined, but still has the fun driving experience I'm used to--especially good with the 1st gen Matrix and 2nd gen Fit. So, it was just a matter of making the deal.
Signature does post online pricing that is in line with MSRP, unlike a few other dealers who pad the price to appear they have more negotiating room. Since the Mazda3 has the lowest margin of the product line, the back and forth was fairly brief and painless. They didn't have a GX Auto in dark blue in online inventory, but Greg was able to get one for delivery by 3 days later.
My dealings with Lily Xu (who handled the credit application), Joe Brar (who called me the next day to say my 0% 48 months financing was approved), and Patrick Lui (who handled finalizing the deal on delivery day), was all very respectful and pleasant. Much better than I got at Richmond Honda for my previous 2 purchases. Looking back, that was a case of wanting the product and putting up with negatives to get it. Open Road Toyota was the only other dealership where I was as happy with the people there, but unfortunately they stopped producing a vehicle I liked (The 2nd gen Matrix was terrible. I also gave up on Honda after the hideous 3rd gen Fit came out).
I have yet to experience the service dept at Signature, but so far the staff have been everything I'd expect to get from a dealer that wants my business (and it shows.)
If I could give one trivial bit of advice, they need to update the graphic in their Richmond News ads--the only vehicle that still has the unfortunate "grin" is the Mazda5. All the rest of the 2013+ product line has become grown-up, yet they still use the old pic of two "grinning" pre-2013 cars.