Mike Worthington | Page 7

Overall I had a great experience that took 9 months, visiting over 5 different times. Lew was friendly, remembered me, and courteous each time. He was not overbearing at any point and answered every q visiting over 5 different times. Lew was friendly, remembered me, and courteous each time. He was not overbearing at any point and answered every question fully. I considered 3 different models of Mazda (family and 2 dogs), and at the last time I went in (the purchase) he made a simple pro/con list that landed me on the Mazda 6. During the purchase he made suggestions to meet our price point, and we ended with an agreeable payment. The paperwork process was smooth and went quickly, even with a screaming baby! The delivery of the car was great as well and everything was clean inside and out. Lew went over all of the features one more time, set up my phone, and programmed the radio and navigation for me. I am a salesman by trade, and Lew exceeded all of my expectations and the dealership itself was clean, comfortable and the complementary drinks and snacks were nice amenities. I would recommend Germain and Lew in particular to any family member or friend. More

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EXTREMELY rude man. We really just wanted estimates for car payments and he just assumed we were buying right there and then. He put a ton of pressure on us and when he got the idea that maybe we weren't r car payments and he just assumed we were buying right there and then. He put a ton of pressure on us and when he got the idea that maybe we weren't ready to buy TODAY he got nasty with us. We said the payments were a little high and that we would like to go home and figure out our finances before we rushed into a deal. He wanted to force us to sit and "talk about it", which basically means, "let me put more pressure on you." He ended by saying, "so basically, the only way you'd be interested is if the car were free." I've never heard something so rude and disrespectful in my life. We were genuinely interested in the Mazda6, but we were quoted a different monthly payment on their website. You shouldn't be obligated to buy a car just because you step through the doors and indicate interest. We stated upfront that we were still weighing options, but he must have ignored this since he stated, "Oh I just assumed you were buying today." You never "just assume" ANYTHING in the world of retail, and you don't treat your customers like crap if they don't bow to your will. We could barely get a word in edgewise and he didn't seem willing to let us speak privately with each other (myself and my spouse). It's almost like he felt invincible because the place has such high ratings. I know it's not common practice to act like this because we've dealt with salespeople who were vet easygoing and low-pressure. He came off as extremely aggressive. When we get our Mazda, we will be going to Byers. If you're gung-ho about going to Germain, we won't try to convince you otherwise, but we do urge you to at least choose a different salesperson should Lew Karbler approach you. More

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After doing a substantial amount of internet research, I settled on looking at a new Mazda as my next vehicle after driving a pickup for the past 5 years. The more difficult decision was choosing a dealers settled on looking at a new Mazda as my next vehicle after driving a pickup for the past 5 years. The more difficult decision was choosing a dealership, but after reading the reviews on this site I decided to go to Germain (which of course I'm glad I did). Generally speaking the experience of buying a car one that causes anxiety and frustration, but at no point working with Sonny or Lew did I feel pressured to buy something I didn't want or need. Sonny was able to get a lower interest rate through the dealership than my bank could even offer, and he took the time to carefully explain each finance option as well as the warranty terms- even going so far as to draw charts detailing each provision. After the paper signing was complete, Lew took the time to help sync my new car to the Bluetooth functionality on the vehicle. This saved me the trouble of reading how to perform it so that I could get on the road and start enjoying the car sooner. When a product is good, it generally sells itself. Salesmen should be there to help walk through the features and answer questions, which is exactly what happened in this case. I have walked off lots before where a salesman asked me "how much can you afford a month" without even a consideration of what I wanted to buy. I was extremely relieved to find a dealership that let me make the decision, versus trying to make it for me. Again, a big thank you goes out to the Germain team for making this experience leaps and bounds better than my first car purchase! I love driving the car and look forward to having it for years to come. -John More

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I have owned a Mazda for 11 years and love it, so I knew my next car was probably going to be another Mazda. I searched the Mazda.com website and with the "build your own Mazda" feature, I found the car I my next car was probably going to be another Mazda. I searched the Mazda.com website and with the "build your own Mazda" feature, I found the car I knew I had to have. Unfortunately, there weren't any of this specific model within a couple hundred miles of Columbus. I contacted my nearest dealership, which happened to be Germain Mazda. Honestly, I wasn't looking forward to this because I have known several people who haven't had great experiences with other Germain dealerships in the past, but I proceeded with an email anyway since they were in close proximity. I AM SO GLAD I DID. They found the car I wanted in IL and arranged to have it shipped (no extra charge). They were not at all pushy or 'salesman-like'. They were nothing but professional and friendly and did not try to talk me into something I didn't want (which was my last experience with another large dealer in Columbus - I won't name names ["we're dealin!!"]). They stayed in contact with me via email pretty much daily, and even Paul Germain called me a couple of times to tell me the status of my new car that was being transported. I loved my experience with Germain Mazda and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone if they are looking for a new car. More

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This review is to affirm the information stated to me when purchased about the Mazda 3 Skyactiv is legitimate and true. After driving the vehicle nearly 12,000 miles I can say I have put to the test the when purchased about the Mazda 3 Skyactiv is legitimate and true. After driving the vehicle nearly 12,000 miles I can say I have put to the test the capabilities baked into the car. Perhaps overlooked or understated, if you check the record some Mazda 3's have a 14.5 gallon tank, others a 15.9 gallon tank. Mine has the latter. This makes all the difference in the world relative to miles per gallon if you fill up the car's "bladder" with fuel. Recently I experimented with using a mid grade gasoline and filling up the tank closer to the 15 gallon limit. Again, I cannot over state this makes a difference in mileage. Daily, I drive on back country roads to Mount Vernon, Centerburg, New Albany, Mount Gilead and other locations. I do have mixed city driving too. One thing I make sure of is that I don't let the car sit and idle long once I have reached my destination and I use cruise control at every opportunity. As a result, my gas mileage has improved since new. On a tank of gas I was getting 340 miles on a tank in the winter months. Since the weather has warmed up I am just now beginning to get 436 miles on a tank, this tank I am pushing the upper 400s lower 500 miles on a tank of gas. Considering Kia its dealerships had to re-state their car's overall gas mileage because of exaggerated facts from the top down. In comparison, I would have to say the Mazda brand and Germain Mazda are proving to be honest. The Mazda 3 SkyActiv is advertised to get 40 mpg highway, it looks that way to me. I anticipate the car's performance will improve and ultimately be maintained because Mazda continues to build an uncompromising product. I appreciate Germain Mazda because they reflect the values and conscientious attention to detail by getting the facts straight. They service my car, like we are both brand new. I cannot reasonably ask for more. I certainly hope you will consider this dealership, they will earn your business the old fashioned way. More

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Went to Germain Mazda to only window shop due to me still 18 months away from payoff, not having ANY type of down payment and really expecting to not qualify for credit on a new loan. I didn't even expect t 18 months away from payoff, not having ANY type of down payment and really expecting to not qualify for credit on a new loan. I didn't even expect to get a test drive to to the vehicle being the ONLY 1 at the dealership and being kept inside the dealership on a showcase. However I was blown away by the team's egarness for me to take it out for a spin and promptly opening the double doors for me and not takng no for an answer. So I jumped at the chance to drive the blacked out Mazdaspeed3. During the test drive with Lew, I painted the worst financial picture that I could, credit score, medical bills, amount of time left on my current loan, the fact that 2 cars were on the same loan, etc... But Lew was very confident that he and Sonny could definitely get a deal done if I gave them some time to try. Reluctantly I agreed, totally expecting to be turned down and asked to come back. To my surprise Lew came back and said he had good news...he and Sonny were able to payoff my current loan and got me approved to purchase the 2013 Mazdaspeed3 that I fell in love with at first sight. I brought my wife along who passed on coming with me on the test drive. Now she is a tougher critic about customer service than I am and she was amazed how she was treated as we left her at the dealership. Damon went out of his was to show her how the reference computer worked to find out more about the car I was driving. needless to say WE BOTH have been converted to a Germain customer for life. I would recommend anyone to go check out Germain Mazda. Never have I had a better experience purchasing a vehicle, the guys were AWESOME!! More

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I went to Germain Mazda looking specifically at the Mazda CX-5. I currently own an Audi A6 that was built shortly after the 2000 Presidential election was decided. Yeah, it's that old. I went to the deale CX-5. I currently own an Audi A6 that was built shortly after the 2000 Presidential election was decided. Yeah, it's that old. I went to the dealership the same night I put my third battery in three years in my Audi (free, thanks O'Reilly!). You can imagine my frustration. Lew, one of the sales associates, saw me in the lot 5 minutes before closing and asked if he could help. I told him what I was looking at and we exchanged information. Two days later, Lew gives me a call to tell me they are ready to make a good deal on their remaining 2013 CX-5's and invites me and my wife for a test drive. I tell him we'll be there and we meet him that evening. The car drove great and was exactly what I was looking for. Lew was a nice guy and wasn't always driving for the sale but actually took the time to get to know more about me and my wife. Back at the dealership, we begin to talk numbers and yes, Lew put a great deal together. After some more thought and some additional input from my wife, we decided that I just don't drive enough (I ride COTA downtown for work) to justify the new car yet. While I didn't want to admit it, my wife was right. Lew did everything he could to make the deal that night, but it just wasn't going to happen. I'm sure the majority of these reviews are from people who ended up purchasing. I did not. But when I am ready to do so, I'll come back to Germain and ask for Lew because I can't say enough about the deal and the professionalism Lew displayed. I highly recommend this dealership. More

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Our experience at Germain Mazda was fantastic. Lew was prompt in greeting us, we went out on the test drive, sat down at his desk and got things squared away quickly. Sonny was fantastic during the finan prompt in greeting us, we went out on the test drive, sat down at his desk and got things squared away quickly. Sonny was fantastic during the financial segment of the purchase. He very thoroughly explained the process and made sure that we understood absolutely everything that was presented and everything that we were signing. This was hands down our best dealership experience to date. Thanks, Germain Mazda and Team! More

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I would like to personalize my Mazda 3 SkyActiv by adding the accessories I feel are commensurate with my line of work and lifestyle. I provided a list of items I would like to add to my new Mazda 3 and all the accessories I feel are commensurate with my line of work and lifestyle. I provided a list of items I would like to add to my new Mazda 3 and all three professionals returned my call and followed through as time permits. Service is critical to me because I am busy and deliberate in what I ask. For me my car is a both a tool and a solution, therefore I can appreciate that I am treated no different now than when I was in the market to purchase the car. Owning a car and being aligned to a particular dealership as well as a car brand has everything to do with the buyer's experience. I am excited about owning another Mazda and working with this dealership because they have not been any less enthusiastic about getting me the necessary information to meet my goals in this area, than when I signed on the dotted line. I have reached out to others because of the experience from Germain Mazda is affirming and the products are outstanding with a great back story. Like most I depend on my transportation, the budding relationship with this dealer is a secure feeling out here. I will continue to update my experience with Germain Mazda because what they do is good solid work. I am sincere when I say that I believe how things should be, we should give credit where credit is due. Thank you for paying attention to me. More

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There's a lot to go into car shopping, I've learned. There's a lot to go into car shopping, I've learned. Make, model, fuel efficiency, style, budget, family size, average commutes, insurance policie There's a lot to go into car shopping, I've learned. Make, model, fuel efficiency, style, budget, family size, average commutes, insurance policies, tags, titles... I mean, the list can be daunting, intimidating, and frankly... overwhelming. You finally find the car of your dreams, right... and you feel as if the weight has been lifted...but NOW.... You've got to deal with "the dealership." The dreaded sales guy and the pushy sales manager. Are they going to beat me up? What if I don't know how to "haggle?" Are they going to give me a fair deal on my trade? Is the sales guy gonna pin me in a corner and force me to put pen to paper? Am I going to look dumb? I mean... I'm sure you ALL know/have experienced some horrific car-buying stories. So, lemme tell you about Germain Mazda (too much to read? Skip to the bottom!) I make an appointment (because Google tells me so). I get this guy named "Lew" on the phone. I immediately think... Short for Louis? Louie? Hmmm... I tell him I want a Mazda CX-5 AWD with a moonroof in black and I ask, "do you have one on the lot?" He says he does and it's parked right up front. Now, I know this as well, because I've already spent the last week casing out the dealership (because Google told me to). I won't be intimidated by some "Lew" so I take my mom for backup. Side note ladies... If you're going to take some muscle and support into a dealership with you...make sure they don't fall in love with the sales associate. When YOU'RE the one buying the car... And the sales guy and your mom gang up on YOU...it makes ya feel a certain way! :) So, we wait by the car while Lew grabs the keys. I've got a list of questions ready in a cheap black pleather notebook (cause Google told me to be prepared). You won't get over on me tricksy dealership guy!!! We hop in...and bless this dude's heart-- he has a cold. Coughing, sniffling, trying to keep his voice up. I'm glaring over at him suspiciously while my mom is trying to medicate him with musinex, Tylenol and any other home remedy she can think of. Hottie Tottie anyone? So, here I am... Off down Cherry Bottom. This baby SVU (SPOILER ALERT: as my friends now call it) drives like a dream. Better than a dream. Like... A dream inside of a dream. Like, seven levels deep, Inception type of dream. I'm whipping, I'm whirling...my mom is getting giddy, but you know, I'm a potential car buyer....gotta keep my composure...because if I appear to want it too much, the evil sales manager will bulldoze me during the final negotiations. Ya know... cause that's what Google said. How's Lew doing right now? Still sick... But super patient and calm. I'm not only having my way with the car, but I'm having my way with him as we'll. He's not pushy. He's not asking those annoying, pointed close questions. I don't feel entrapped. I feel confident. I feel in control. I feel...good. And lemme tell you... When Google has you geared up for a disaster, someone like Lew comes through and blows that search engine, "things to do when you're buying a new car" out of the water... It's a relief!!! I get back to the dealership. Uh-oh. I know what happens now. Lew asks me if I'd like some water or coffee. Nun-huh, Lew... I'm onto you, now! You won't wear me down with coffee and water! Offer me a steak dinner and I'll be impressed! We sit down... I ask him some more Google questions. He answers them openly and honestly. I tell him I'm also looking at a Jeep for x, y, z personal reasons. He agrees with my initial, and positive impression, of Jeep...but knows from the test drive that fuel efficiency is a major priority of mine. Lemme tell you... He looked up his competitors model, gave me a sheet of paper, and showed me the annual fuel cost difference in good ol' fashioned plain English. And he did it without berating a competitor, and without coming off as THAT "I know better than you do," guy. We talk some more... And eventually the evil sales manager approaches. Oh, yea baby.... I'm prepared. Google has me fully armed for this encounter. I'm ready! Who comes out but this cool, well dressed and phenomenally spoken guy named Sonny. NO! Remember! This is the ultimate bad guy! He just wants to make bank in the back office (finance department) off of the final deal. BEWARE. You know how movie theaters make nothing at the box, so they overcharge like crazy in the concessions to make business? No? You never wondered why popcorn was $50 a box? Well, now you do... My first job was at a Regal Cinemas. So anyways... according to google... this is the same thing. Dealerships make a "meh" amount on the car itself...but carry their bank though the financing. I look over some numbers, consider everything, and decide to leave... Cause let's face it... Google told me never to buy the car the first visit. I toss all night. I pray all night. How will tomorrow go? Will they give me a good deal on my trade (Saturn Vue btw: RIP Saturn... They really were a tremendous company and I miss them dearly.) Will they try to bet me up? Are they going to hold me hostage all day trying to make this deal? Oh, Google...what do I do? I come in the next morning... Lew's still sick, but is as friendly, accommodating and as sweet as ever. He has such a phenomenal sense of customer service and communication. He remembered random pieces of conversation from the night before, he didn't exert any pressure whatsoever... And though with his years of experience in this industry, he never once insulted by pride by acknowledging my ignorance, and he never...not once... Tried to "sell" me the car. I understand the illusion of sales, I work in sales now...but as a potential buyer, I never once felt pressured. Lew was a good guy. Google pegged him wrong. After we agree on something quite fair, I get ushered into the back room to deal with the dreaded sales manager. He promises "full disclosure." Yea, buddy... Whatever-- I'll put that statement to the test. Yeap-- he passed. With flying colors. Are you blessed enough to work a job you love? My mom always said, "work the job you love, and you never work a day in your life." Have you ever witnessed someone sincerely happy at work? Dude-- I was so overly impressed and humbled by this guy's dedication to this dealership, to his team and to the ominous "Mr. Germain." You can tell, ya know?. I was already in the box...and he made it a point to express his appreciation to both his supervisors and his staff. I mean, I hope y'all got him something for Boss' Day, today! Yeesh! So, I walk out, and Lew's waiting on me. They got my new baby polished, bright eyed and bushy tailed. I've got my keys. Lew gives me the new owner orientation. He hugs me and tell me "thank you." I could have cried on him...but I was running late for a wedding in Indiana... And lemme tell you, the car OWNED 70 West. The End Honest points though for those who hate fluffy narratives: 1. The Dealership has only been up 6 months or so. They're still in the process of staffing and making their mark. Service isn't open on Saturday's yet, but you get free car washes. The team is well organized, meshes well, and they seem to have a lot of fun. Between the Mazda owning college kid who will chat you up about Lost to the AWESOME receptionist who will tell you she's feeling "mean as a snake...," you're gonna have a good time. 2. When the sales manager tells you he's going to give you "full disclosure," take that to the bank. Ask questions. Lots of questions. Ask the same question twice and switch a word or two around. He's patient, informative and relatable. I left that room knowing EXACTLY what was going on. My only suggestion: know what type of warranty/coverage you're looking for prior! 3. This was my first car buying experience. Now, yes...I'm elated to be apart of the Mazda Family and the Zoom-Zoom clan...but lemme tell you... When I go to buy my next car (whereever/whatever it is)....if my experience, service and sense of value isn't executed in the EXACT same manner in which I received from Lew... They're not getting my business. End of story. The bar has been set too high. Thanks for reading! Disclosure: I still love Google!!!! More

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