Southern States Mazda
Customer Reviews of Southern States Mazda
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Shady business practices
by monicas1 on 04/11/2017We buying a new Mazda and we were told by the manager that we could receive a $2000 rebate but only if we financed the car at a high interest rate with them at 5.99%. We asked to use our own financing at a nearby bank at 2.49%. Then we… were advised to take the high rate and just refinance after 3 payments ( which would be an extra cost of $300). Went to another dealership- got the same rebate and they financed at 2.49%. Sleazy place.Easy first time lease
by LeaseCustomer on 02/21/2016This was my first time leasing a car. What we needed was a good, honest sales person. We started with a few online quote requests through mazdausa.com, then we visited the mazda showroom . When Stephen from Southern states mazda helped us… and we were very impressed. He showed us the different options for the models and trims available and then explained the charges and best of all, no haggle- he went straight to the price that looked good(we did compare the competition and let me say there was no on close to this quote). We took a couple of days to decide and then agreed.Great Experience
by droswell on 06/14/2014I had a great experience at Southern States Mazda. Greg quoted me an honest, reasonable price, did not try to sell me on anything I didn't want, found the perfect car, and was accommodating with his time. Much better than my other option,… Sport Durst.Great Service. Great Price!
by MikeD27713 on 06/14/2014Great experience! Staff and Greg did everything they promised. Best car dealer I've experienced yet! Great price. Great Service. In 2011 I bought a Sonata from Sports Durst (terrible). Southern States puts them to shame in all categories!… Would do business with Southern States again and will recommend to my friends!Southern States Mazda Internet sales Mgr is "The Man" (Derek Quint)
by nickolai on 09/27/2010This is my best new car buying experience by far...From the get go, the quote I received from Derek Quint (the Mazda Internet Sales Mgr) was very reasonable, described all details of all sale scenarios (cash or finance) in detail, clear and… much to the point. No wasting of my time to "dance around and negotiate" - he knows that Internet shoppers are savvy and usually have done some extensive research and comparative pricing. After I had done some more homework on pricing , I felt that his quote was extremely fair from the very start (all other dealers initially inflated the price, which gave them more wiggle room in negotiations later). When I finally met with Derek and Sean (the Finance guy), I did not feel the need to "play games" as this time it was different - I was not in a see of sharks, but rather among knowlegeable professionals who sincerely wanted my business - not only to close this sale and make a quick buck, but it seems to keep me happy so I keep comming back for all my transportation needs in the future. Everything was very straight forward (as it should be) - there was no mistakes adding up the numbers, they answered every question I had on the vehicle, overall the sale experience was a breeze. Also consider this - I had closed the deal late in the evening, all docs were signed (sale was final)and I came back on the following day to pick up the car (after being detailed) only to have my wife notice a very small scratch on one of the fenders....Derek arranged to swap the car for another one, to get all new docs prepared & signed (all in about 2 hours time), so that me and my wife could drive away as happy as we could ever be. Now, that's what I call good custmer service !! It seems to me that Southern States does not operate under the "cookie cutter" platform (possibly because they are privately held), instead they really focus individually on each customer and adhere to their needs on a one by one basis. I would gladly reccomend this dealership and especially the guys at Mazda - Derek Quint and Sean.Southern States Satisfied Sales & Service Customer
by tearlach on 08/09/2010First car purchased from this dealer and I'm writing this after 7 months and 7000 miles on a new vehcile. As a professional sales engineer I believe a good deal is a fair deal where both parties win and Mike & Alex gave us a good deal after… XMAS 2009 on a 2010 CX-9 GT AWD after a little haggling. They had no problem giving me a fair price on changing out the OEM 20" Bridgestones for the much better Michelin Latitudes and found a white AWD to my specs in short order (not an easy task when most AWD's are sold north of NC). I had been researching this purchase for over 6 months and knew the vehicle spec's inside out after settling on the CX-9. The SS sales crew was very knowledgeable and even pulled in Crosby from Service to help answer my technical questions on Mazda's AWD system. All in all - an efficient, professional satisfactory sales and service experience from a dealer I'm sure to continue with as long as they maintain quality staff like Mike, Alex, Crosby and others. It's only my second Mazda in 20 vehicles I've owned or have been provided by work, but both Mazda and Southern States are buidling a great relationship with this customer.Great transaction!
by rjordn9 on 07/28/2010On July 26th I purchased a new Mazda3iT from Derek Quint in Internet Sales Dept of Southern States Mazda in Raleigh, NC. The experience was both "painless" and actually enjoyable! Derek's personable approach to his job so impressed me.… It's unfortunate that most of the salesmen I've met over the years aren't more like him. When my husband and I were at the dealership and had the opportunity to privately discuss our purchase decision, we both agreed that we would buy my car from Derek even if we didn't end up getting the exact terms we wanted. However, we actually got a better deal than we had anticipated prior to going to the dealership. I've always believed that, within reason, the salesman is more important than the "bottom line" in most major financail transactions. I think Southern States has a real jewel in Derek and I will certainly recommend him to anyone I know who's considering a new car purchase. My experience purchasing my car from Southern States was rather unique for me, and probably, for most consumers. My "gut instincts" about Derek, combined with the extensive research I had done on the Mazda3 prior to going to dealership. led me to do something I have never done--I purchased my car without even seeing or test driving it. I don't have any regrets about doing this--I absolutely love my new car! It drives beautifully and has many features I wouldn't expect for a car in its price category. I totally agree with all of the positive comments of consumers and professinal reviewers that I read on the internet prior to my purchase. The Mazda3 is a zippy car that is actually a lot of fun to drive!Have bought 2 cars from them
by 08_miata on 05/21/2009My wife and I have purchased both a 2007 Mazda 3 and a 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata from Southern States Mazda. Both experiences were very good, they were upfront with the pricing (even advertised $6,500 off on the Miata when Mazda had only a… $5,000 rebate at the time). Finance department never pressured us to get extended warranties or gap insurance. It was more of a take it or leave it offer. I even had a lease turn in on my previous car that got messed up somewhere along the line (either the post office or Nissan Finance, not sure which). I was worried because I didn't have any official paperwork on the final lease payments that they were going to pay for me. However, when I went to the dealership and mentioned the problem, they were more than willing to figure out what happened and get it cleared up for me, even though in the end it really wasn't their screw up. Overall, they've made a consistent customer out of me and I will continue to use them for service and sales in the future.Bought 3 vehicles from them
by kayzee on 09/13/2008The first two experiences were just okay, but the third was awful. I bought a used Hyundai Santa Fe and they neglected to tell me that a couple weeks after buying the car that I would need to put about $2,000 in maintenance expenses. I was… less than thrilled with them because of this. Then after I paid for this very expensive maintenance, then they offered to buy the car back, at a substantially lower amount than I just paid for it. I wasn't going to go back to them but I did. This experience was equally as bad. I went based on an advertised price (offer), but then they denied that this price was advertised. Then they increased the sales price substantially. I walked away from this deal. Later that night I saw the ad again; they just straight out lied. Bate and switch, at least on the price. Don't go there!Very nice experience at Southern States Mazda
by nsbio1 on 01/05/2008What brought me to buy a car at that dealership was the fact that they quoted me the final, out of the door price in an e-mail straight away. Another local dealer had made me come in and gave me all sorts of pressure tactics before… producing a sheet with the final price. Southern States Mazda e-mailed me a price, and that's how much I wrote the check for. The price of the car was reasonable, by a couple of hundred dollars less than I had been prepared to pay. The salesman was also fairly pleasant and knowledgeable during the test-drive. In my case, this did not matter much because I knew exactly what car and options I wanted, but it might for other people. This is my first new car purchase and I am happy.Nice Purchase Experience
by bonslu on 01/12/2014updated 08/05/2025I bought a 2013 Nissan Altima from John B at Southern States Preowned. I will admit, I was nervous as I have not bought a car in quite a few years. John was great to work with and set me at ease. My husband liked him and felt he was a good… honest salesman. Must be true as he went back and saw John a few days later and bought one for himself as well. Now we are a two Altima family. Thanks John we enjoyed doing business with you.Hello Bonslu and family! Thank you for your honest feedback regarding your purchase with our awesome Preowned sales consultant John B. We are so pleased that we were able to bring a welcome addition to your family-another Altima! Congratulations
Unethical
by schiffyliffer on 09/01/2012updated 08/05/20251. I was quoted an internet price that I was very good. In an email response I told the internet sales associate I didn't qualify for the incentives they were offering. He responded "I have gone to battle with my manager for you, and we can… meet your desired price." Once I came in and started discussing price, I was told I didn't qualify for any of the incentives and instead of $2000 below MSRP, it was only $500 off. 2. I sat there waiting for 3.5 hours while they tried to work out a deal for my trade and the purchase price. 3. This I still cannot believe happened.....While I was waiting for a final price and monthly payment after 3.5 hours, I was told that they SOLD THE CAR TO ANOTHER CUSTOMER!! At least they provided pricing for a similar vehicle in a different color and acted like it was not an issue. I walked out of the dealership and for the bit of extra money Im sure they made off of the other customer, they will lose by me sharing my story. Buyer beware.Fantastic experience
by tml37 on 05/11/2014updated 08/05/2025Mike and Chad did a fantastic job. Not only did they give us great customer service, but they were able to work with us on price. I was able to get a 2015 Mazda CX-5 and trade in my 2005 Mazda 3. Both were very knowledgeable about the cars… and also made the process extremely easy. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a new car.Very unhappy
by anniemae on 07/08/2011updated 08/05/2025I do not want to go into details, but I was very unhappy that what we asked them not to do, they said okay and did it anyway. It was something very important to us. When I called back to let them know how upset I was, I did not get a very… good response. I will just say, I won't be going back anytime soon. I had to give one star, but would have checked none if it would let me.Worth the upgrade!
by Melodee on 03/15/2014updated 08/05/2025I've been a Hyundai owner since 1999, mainly because my first Hyundai lasted me 12 years, and Hyundai has a great warranty. I received a call from Alex in finance regarding a current promotion. I owned a 2013 Hyundai Accent, and had the… possibility of upgrading for close to my current payment. I decided to check it out. When I got to the dealership, Alex, and my sales consultant Napoleon, made my decision easy. I saw several different models, and test drove a 2014 Sonata. Although I loved my Accent, I loved the Sonata just as much. Napoleon not only went over the features of the car that I was unfamiliar with, but he also reiterated the ones I was quite familiar with. When it was all said & done, I got a great deal on a really nice upgrade. Napoleon and Alex made the experience effortless and painless.Really good experience
by Sriram_S on 03/09/2014updated 08/05/2025We were looking to buy a new mazda 3 and started the process like everyone else, reaching out to different dealers online. Out of all the dealers, Mike Y from southern states was the only one who made us want to call him back. He was very… helpful and made us feel comfortable right away. We took the car for a test drive and he directed us to a route where we can see the car's capabilities to its fullest. Of course, this being a major purchase, me and my wife decided to take some time to decide and Mike was great about it. He followed up with us at regular intervals but at the same time was not too pushy. The following week we went to a different dealer in Durham who's indifferent attitude made us decide to come right back to southern states and we closed the deal. We got a great price and everyone at southern states made sure that the process was smooth for us. We are completely satisfied with our car and with southern states.Good Deal
by rxb3 on 01/18/2012updated 08/05/2025I bought a Mazda3 skyactive sedan 2012 and I got the price I wanted 17800 and the price I wanted from my trade in. What can I say? Perhaps I should have haggled more? Actually, I am happy with the purchase. The people there were good and I… got a good car for a good price. Had I know a spare key cost $400, yes $400!!!! I would have negotiated it in the deal. I'd buy another car from them, however, I would have them throw in another key.Go See John B for your next car
by Sludad on 01/12/2014updated 08/05/2025Well, I have returned to buy another car from John B. A couple of weeks ago My wife and I purchased a 2013 Altima 2.5 SV from John B. As I mentioned in my previous review we had a really nice experience. This prompted me to stop by and see… John again to inquire about a 2013 Altima 3.5 S that they had on the lot. John answered all of my questions and we took it for a spin. Needless to say I am now driving a nice Altima to complement my wife's. Hey..at least mines faster. But seriously, John was great to work with and I enjoyed my time spent with him. He is honest and a no-pressure kinda guy which is refreshing. When I am in the market again I will definitely give John a call first before going anywhere else.Thank you Sludad for your great recommendation of John B of our Preowned Dept. We are happy you and your wife are enjoying your new Altima. We look forward to your business in the future!
Great experience
by Chris on 01/31/2014updated 08/05/2025Matt T was a pleasure to work with and was very knowledgeable and friendly. I would highly recommend anyone looking for a car to call Matt.Very Good Purchasing Experience
by anonymous63 on 01/18/2014updated 08/05/2025My wife and I purchased a car today and worked with Napolean from the Hyndai sales team. I would recommend that anyone interested in searching for or purchasing a car, request to work with Napolean. He was extremely knowledgeable, was very… organized, and made the entire purchasing process very easy. In addition, we found him to be very upbeat and positive person to work with and someone who went the extra distance to make sure everything was done correctly. Our overall experience was very positive. I would certainly look to contact Napolean again in the future when we decide to purchase another car.Anonymous63, thank you so much to you and your wife for giving Napoleon and Southern States the opportunity to assist you in purchasing your vehicle. We do not take your business for granted and we thank you for taking the additional time to let others know of you good experience with us. We look forward to a long great partnership with you!
About our dealership
Did you buy new or used from them? Surely they are using different salespeople for either. I bought a new Mazda from them and I dealt with their internet sales person, though the e-mail. Ended up writing a check for the exact amount that I was promised in an e-mail prior to coming in for a test drive. Could not have been smoother. I have no idea what would have happened had I just walked in into a "regular" salesperson.
by nsbio1 on 12/06/2010