Review
We wrote last month how we’d had an excellent experience when calling Donalds Mazda in Peterborough to book a service for the Mazda3 we’ve been testing for a year.
Having been handled so well over the phone, our expectations were set high.
And we weren’t disappointed.
The dealership is a city centre site, shared with an Alfa Romeo franchise, and with space at a premium.
Nevertheless, access and parking wasn’t a problem. Service reception was wel-coming, and the drop-off was done quick and efficient once service adviser Claire re-confirmed our requirements, contact number and double-checked whether there were any faults or issues.
A few hours later Claire phoned to say the car was in the workshop where the technician had completed a free vehicle health check, and she could reassure us there was nothing to report.
Then came a gentle and professional upsell, as she advised us that now the car was a year old it could benefit from a £29.99 air-con service.
A little later Donalds called again to inform us the service was complete and the car was ready – a full hour ahead of when we had said we’d need to collect it.
On arrival at service reception, Claire was busy so a colleague dealt with us.
We were again dealt with professionally, given the service checklist and copy of the digital service record, before being presented with the bill for £216.89.
The car was washed and leathered.
Overall, the experience was a demonstration of best practice.
As first time customers we felt respected, valued and kept well informed of progress – a fitting end to our year with the Mazda3.
An award-winning journalist and editor, with two decades of experience covering the motor retail industry, and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) plus the National Council for the Training of Journalist (NCTJ)
As editor of AM since 2016, Tim is responsible for its media content, planning and production across AM's multiple channels, including the website, digital reports, webinars, social media and the editorial content of AM's events, Automotive Management Live and the AM Awards. His focus is on interviewing senior leaders of franchised dealer groups and motor manufacturer national sales companies to examine latest developments in UK motor retail.
Factsheet
- Price
- Mazda
- Engine
- 3 Sport
- Performance
- Transmission
- 2.2
- Efficiency
- 148
- RV 3yr/30k
- Start mileage
- 9.2 sec
- Current mileage
- 52.3
- Key rivals
- 144g/km
- 0000000000000000000