Ajax Mazda

On several occasions I have had to take my car back since the problem was not fixed the first time. On one occasion I specifically told them what I wanted done, as I knew what needed to be done - ie: replace the problem was not fixed the first time. On one occasion I specifically told them what I wanted done, as I knew what needed to be done - ie: replace the ignition keyway. Instead they replaced some switch or other which which left the problem unresolved. When I took the car back, they finally replaced the ignition keyway which fixed the problem and refused to either remove the unnecessary part and replace the original or deduct the cost of the unnecessary work and part from the second service. Instead I paid twice what was required to fix the problem. On another occasion I needed the gas gauge fixed as it was not functioning properly. Instead, of fixing or replacing the gauge, they kept the car for three days, dropped the gas tank, which required sandblasting for some reason ( more on this later ), replaced the float or something ( can't remember exactly now ) and still the gas gauge did not function properly nor was it replaced. The sandblasting ? that left the interior of the car covered in sand, which they didn't bother to clean and returned the car to me in an absolutely filthy state, both in an out. A third time, the car was returned after servicing, and upon driving it around, it began to emit a noise so loud that we could not talk to each other without shouting. I immediately returned to the dealership only to find that they had incorrectly remounted some plate of some sort. The service manager was rather vague and refused to elaborate. It makes me wonder what exactly would have happened if I had driven further from home than I did. When I asked for a print out of the service history of my car, I was told that they don't keep a history of the work. This was a bit of surprise as you would think they would want a history of a car's service history. On the other hand, without a service history, there would be no trace of the incompetency, so I guess that makes sense. My only positive experience there was when I bought my second Mazda. I obtained dealer invoice pricing and was given that dealership as the one to deal with. I actually considered not buying a Mazda just because I had to deal with them, however I resolved to "stick to my guns", called them, asked for the car for dealer invoice and dealt with Micky, an older gentleman. He put the deal together exactly as I requested and I drove away satisfied with the deal. Having said that, I returned the car for it's warranty checkup, was very firm in what was to be done, and I made it clear that if I did not want anything other than the warranty checkup. Having said that, the emergency brake malfunctioned a few weeks later and the nightmare resumed. First the wrong part was installed, then a delay of weeks, while the correct part was ordered. Once that was done, the rear brakes ( operated by the emergency brake ) would not release completely so that they basically would be burning as I drove. It's a good thing I recognized that burning brake smell. The service department said nothing was wrong, until I drove it around, took it back and told them to touch the rear rims, which they found to be burning hot, only then did they agree that something was wrong that needed to be fixed under warranty. They would not tell me what was wrong, however given the work done with the emergency brake, and the fact that they operate the rear brakes, I can only surmise that once again they screwed up. The long and the short of it ... In my opinion, this dealership exists to fleece customers by doing shoddy service work and charging several times to fix one problem. My advice ? Steer clear of this dealership all together, as the the only thing that they excel at is notifying you that your car is due for service. I have since found an independant mechanic who specializes in Mazdas. He is honest, works quickly, fixes the problem the first time, does not charge for little things ( he once tightened the drive belts for nothing ) and uses quality parts ( he replaced my front rotors with top notch ones and ceramic brake pads ). All this at a reasonable price which is no more, and sometimes less, than I would have paid at the dealership. The only down side is that he is always busy - small wonder - and getting the car into him sometimes means a day or two wait. More