RotoRooter

I got my car last night:

I had a wonderful pick up with Jim Ellis Mazda - a great deal too!

I will post the full interection a bit later as this is a busy day for us. Suffice it to say, go to Jim Ellis in Marietta if you live anywhere within a 100 miles (it is worth it)

I have already told them that "a forum" on the internet has posts citing Jim Ellis as a great dealer for the rx8. Simply tell them you are a forum member. I am getting nothing from them for this post, I swear (not even an oil change or floor mats). When you read the full version of what happened at the dealership, you will run to work with them.

Ask for General Manager: Dave Richardson
Sales Manager: Dave Evans

truck

Roto - contgrats, glad they were able to come thru for you!!

Agree - with your statement about Jim Ellis. I took your advice and went there earlier this week. I now have a VIN and a much higher degree of confidence that my car will be here soon.

Pam

Congratulations Roto!!!
Bet you can't get your butt out of it!

Kawi

Also congrats Roto. Glad your experience went well for you. Dave Evans was the sales manager that helped me out.

So, what did you end up getting?

RotoRooter

Here is the Jim Ellis Interaction I had:

I got a deal at Hennessy Mazda. No dealer fees, $100 off MSRP for a 6spGT. This was in late Jan. I tried to beat it. I called around and Performance Mazda said, "Go next door and buy an Altima if you want a DEAL, come back when you can afford the whole sports car!" I don't see the guy who said this to me working there as their manager anyomore so I might actually given them a try for service (brand new facility, 6miles from my home)

Anyway, Rick Case was and still is a joke. I ended up calling all the way over to Marietta --- the fabled Jim Ellis. I spoke to Ryan, the Sales Manager back then. He first filled up my HUMMER full of gas just for driving over to speak with him. Then I got $400 off with no dealer fees at all. We did the deal, $500 credit card deposit, everything (including the actual placed order on the Mazda website) was copied and given to me.

Bad news was he quit and I thought I was screwed. I kept my mouth shut, and did not talk to anybody at Jim Ellis for like three months.

Then out of nowhere, I get a call from Dave Richardson, the long-time General Manager of Jim Ellis back in March. He tells me he can get me into the Autoshow and I can actually sit in the Rx8 they will display on the risers. We went and he came through. Then he calls in May, and gets me and my wife VIP passes for Mazda Rev-it-UP. We got books, brochures, food everything -- even a quick test drive after hours in the blue one that was there. I was so far very impressed.

Finally, I was getting pissed about the wait. I told them on 7/19 that the car has been made since 5/30 and if I do not get it by 8/6 I want my money back. I am going out of town, and I trust no dealer with my car. They said sorry for something that we all know was not their fault -- even the Sales Manager and General Manager took my tongue lashing with a "customer is always right" attitude. That day I stormed off to Rick Case and Performance to buy a lot 8 and I would get my $ back. No luck, they all suck. The salesguys at both places were very nice, but neither knew anything about the car at all and nobody could get it faster than Jim Ellis. The guy from Rick Case actuaally calls be back a few days ago saying he has great news -- that only Rick Case can get a "special order" red and black interior if I wanted to get in on it. Does he think I live in Zimbabwe? What the hell is he triying to pull. Obviously, I decided to be patient and stick with Jim Ellis. All of a sudden, we are at port, then a call that the truck left, then a personal call from the Manager saying that he himself ensured that my 8 would be on the truck as a "MANAGER OWNED VEHICLE" with top priority. He did not lie. It showed up the next day . . . they PDI'ed it in 2hours and had it an the side of the dealership away from site of any customers when I got there.

I was worried. Would my deal from January from an ex-employee stand up now? I already had probs with allocation (i was first, then 2nd) and I thought I had two cars reserved (w and w/o NAV for me to decide - but they sold the other one). I left my copies of the old deal in the car, so I could blow a gasket and storm out to the car in disbelief if (I mean WHEN) they try to screw me. I walked in and they handed me the original 6month-old paper and said, is this price okay with you before I give it to the Business Manager? The rest of time time was spent prepping the car, charming my wife, playing with my kid, taking pics, congratulating me, etc. Even other sales people came over to me like it was a freakin' warm fussy Saturn Dealership. I took 1.5hours for EVERYTHING. I was offerred 3.9% financing and the tire/rim warranty i have posted elsewhere. I rejected both. Paid cash and left. Two probs. Noticed the tank was 1/4 when we left. Drove back. They then escorted my wife to the gas station and pumped the gas for her. Very cool. Problem two, my fault I just noticed today 2 cracks in my headlight lens. Let's see if they will be cool with me and help me out on this part. They don't have to at all -- but I think they are the type of guys to believe me and help me out. You all heard that the college grad rebate is not applicable to the 8 right? Well he said, it most likely will soon be available. The General Manager told me not to sign the "no rebate waiver." He would "se what he can do" Cool Huh

BTW: I posted my deal to be cool to the forum members since I promised it, Jim Ellis might do better or worse for you guys -- all based on how much you buy and availability of what you want. He promised me that every forum-member who identifies themselves as such will get a "deal" and a "car" fast. I believe him so far They are 4/4 on this forum

Crazy-4-my-8

I've just joined this forum..been monitoring for weeks but after reading similar experiences I decided to respond. I'm with you Rotorooter and Truck..Rick Case is a JOKE!!! Here's my experience:

I woke one Sunday with a strange urge to seek out the RX-8. I don't know where I saw/heard of it but I was determined to seek it out. I went to Roswell Mazda, they were closed. So I went home, and ordered the Consumers Reports price guide and went to Rick Case Mazda. Met a new salesman(no longer there) and the finance manager. Joked around and let them know that I knew how much they'd payed, hoping to get a good deal. He replied "How much do want me to make 3 or 4%?" and I said 3's good, and he said "how about $1000 over their cost. I said fine, signed the papers, choose my options, and left a deposit. He said that they had 22 coming in June/1st July, that 15 were presold and that mine would be included in that 22. I left happy and spent the next 2 days re-reading the catalog until their new sales manager(a-h*le) Jeff Townsend calls me(tuesday) and says that that deal was a mistake and they would be selling the cars at MSRP and would be happy to refund my deposit or sell me the car at that price. I told him that I needed to speak to someone else that it wasn't my fault they didn't have anyone "qualified" to sell cars on the weekend and perhaps they should close. He gave me the GM's # and i called and left messages but no reply. I even faxed him an envelope with the CBS Atlanta return with a note about my dissatisfaction. I didn't get a reply until Thursday and by that time I was very Pissed. I had already e'mailed Clark Howard and had plans to picket in front with my kids that Mem. Day weekend. But he finally called and said don't worry, that a deal is a deal and didn't understand why someone would call me...gave me his personal #'s and said call if I had any problems..Weeks passed, and I made a few visits with the intent of getting something on paper showing me in fact that one of the 22 was mine. They always responded "don't worry" your car's coming mid July. Well, on one of my recent visits, I arrived to find 2 guys (father/son 40ish) returning from a test drive. I wanted to test so I requested someone to go...while I waited I talked with the father and told him my story but basically said " I came, sat down, made a deal, left a deposit and have been waiting ever since...nothing with figures and nothing negative about Rick Case. I returned from my test drive and was talking to the salesman when Jeff comes out and says " I don't appreciate you telling other customers how much you paid " etc. Well of course I defended myself but that left me with an even worse opinion of their staff. A few days later, I called to see if any had arrived and a new salesman tells me that a red GT with appearance is in ( everthing that I had ordered except no spoiler) so I drive straight there to see what the deal was and why weren't they filling the pre-orders or at least give me that one and I'll come back for the spoiler. I told the fin. manager that and he says that mine was one we "negotiated" the price on and that that one was not mine, to not worry, mine was coming "soon" but then he says "I'm not sure if yours is one of the 22 coming or if yours is in the shipment coming in September". What the hell is that?!!! Well, needless to say, I called Adam (GM) and told him my troubles and that all I ever wanted was a straight answer- show me a paper with my VIN # and why has it been so difficult to get that. He said it was a "simple question with a simple answer" and that he would look in to it and get me my answer. Well that was Weds. 7/30 8:30 am and it's 7/31 7:30 pm with still no answer.

Sorry so long but I had to get it off my chest and hopefully warn people to go elsewhere. I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I say let's take our RX-8s( if we ever get them) and rally in front of this dealership.

truck

Crazy -

Sorry you had a similar experience. I understand that some car dealers are slimey but in my opinion Rick Case is the worst I've ever dealt with. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE! I took Roto's advise and went over to Jim Ellis in Marrietta. I feel like they were straight forward with me so far.

BTW - we must have been separated at birth. If you would have been picketing in front of Rick Case on Memorial day, we would probably have been fighting for the same spot right in front of the main entrance. And if el-slime-ball Jeff Townsend hadn't given me my deposit back, I would be going to visit Clark Howard.

You know, if you treat most of your customers this way, and you end up daily having to deal with customers that are rightfully outraged, what kind of job satisfaction can that be? Common sense tells me to just be honest with people and they would have so fewer problems with unhappy customers.

Hopefully they won't be in business long enough to learn that lesson.

RotoRooter

Thanks for the reply regarding Rick Case. I am really not getting ANYTHING from Jim Ellis, but seriously with these kind of stories, who would go to these other Atlanta dealers? I may use a different one for service/warranty as many are closer to me, but if I can advise anyone -- Go to Jim Ellis, Sit with Dave Evans (SM), introduce yourself to Dave Richardson (GM), and wait a few weeks and there you go. Based on avail. and options you can even get below MSRP.

I have to go back to take care of a missed PDI issue this weekend, hope to buy some parts while I am there.

Crazy-4-my-8

Thanks rotorooter/truck for your reply....Today past without a reply from the GM....I left a message....I think they just wish I would go away...I guess I'm going to have to complain to Rick Case's grandma to get any satisfaction:D . I approached my complaint with the GM as if they were a restaurant serving rotten chicken and that he was the chef and wouldn't it be better to advise him of the problem rather than letting other customers continue to eat bad food and he seemed to appreciate my effort but just like the first time I tried to get a response, he apparently doesn't put much weight towards the dissatisfaction of his customers?? Well, I'm going to hold out because I'm happy with the price, but I guess I'm going to have to stay on their *** until they really get tired of seeing me...it's like I turned into the enemy when they decided that the profit wasn't enough. I agree with you Truck, it has also been the worst experience I've ever had buying a CAR...Jeff T. let it go, it's just a car...let's don't involve the SWAT team:D ....I'll let you know what happens guys, Thanks........

RotoRooter

Take the deal to Jim Ellis and see if they may match it . . . you never know.

1SICKLEX

Rick Case, IMO and experience and in reading countless boards, are one of the worst dealers in history. Buying the car is only 1/2 the problem, dealing with them AFTERWARDS is even worse, HELLA WORSE.


I do know that when ya'll GET your RX-8s, we at www.seloc.net are interested in a joint mini-meet.

Good luck with your deals and cars.

TNRED8

It's a real shame that a fine automobile like the RX8 has disreputable dealers like Case. It seems it would be in Mazda's favor to look into all these problems. I centainly would come away maybe to point of looking at another brand, if I didn't have other options. The dealer I used in the Knoxville area )Twin City Mazda) were first rate. It really irritates me when I go talk to salesman and they don't know what they are selling , NOT the case here, the salesman prided himself on knowing the car inside and out, How refreshing!! Their first car in was a not for sale demo only car. Test drives were not a problem they even encourged running the car. My car came in 7/30, was contacted as it was coming off of the trailer. I didn't even have to pre-order. It is sad car dealers like Case are in existance, even worse when they sell the Mazda product line.

spinnerhead

It's crazy how two people can have different experiences...

Rick Case Mazda took care of me just fine. I guess it's a question of who you talk too and how you treat them. I had no issues - got my RX8 at a great price and no problems (went through the internet department - talk with Kellie and/or Kirk).

Also, Kirk (& Rick Case Mazda) was the only dealership that took the time and consideration to host the RX-7 rotary club meeting (last week). They took the time to have service techs, food, and RX-8 demo drives for all of us rotorheads! I was very impressed. I know Holly and Kevin tried to have something like this with other dealers (like Jim Ellis) but they wouldn't give them the time of day. GOOD JOB RICK CASE MAZDA!

It's because of this extra effort that I choose to purchase from Rick Case Mazda. I got my RX8 at a great price. Sorry to disagree with you rotorooter/truck/crazy-4-my-8, but I had a great experience at Rick Case Mazda.

Crazy-4-my-8

Spinnerhead, I finally did have some communication w/Kelly and she is about the only one to go out of her way( there are a few other guys who have helped also). She called about two weeks ago to give me my VIN and she called again this weekend to tell me the car was at port and I should expect it soon!! Like I said before, my main problem was the feeling that I was being jerked around on the delivery date...led to believe that mine was in the first batch, etc. as well as the insult by trying to back out of THEIR deal. I can wait just like anybody else, I just wanted a straight answer. I guess now, I can worry about the other "problems" the car may or may not have?.........

truck

My issue was honesty as well. And it starts with the folks at the top. I haven't talked to Kelly so hopefully she's not part of the mold that their leadership is building over there.

Hopefully you'll have a lot better luck that most of us did with Rick Case.

hej08

I picked up my RX8 from Rick Case Mazda today. I had such a great experience from the start. I live in Marietta and the local dealer is Jim Ellis, well when I went to the dealership to look at the RX8 nobody helped me! I even went inside and I had one gentleman come up to me and tell me that the vehicle is unlocked if I am interested in looking at it, but test drives are not allowed. So I spent about 5-10 minutes looking at it expecting that the saleman would come back to see if I had any questions, but he never came back to me. He passed by a few times, but never said another word to me. Maybe because I am a younger female they didn't think that I could afford it, but I was really insulted and disturbed by this.

A few days later I was up in Gwinnett and I stopped by Rick Case. I was probably looking at the RX8 for about a minute when Fritz Pattison came up to me and introduced himself. He spent probably 15 minutes talking to me about the vehicle and then he offered to take me out for a test drive. By the time that we got back I had fallen in love with the RX8. I picked out the one I wanted from the units that they had coming in and left my $500 deposit. He called me as soon as it came in and I picked it up this morning! Not only did I get a beautiful car, but they gave me a free trip to Orlando and when I was ready to leave they gave me a stainless steel mug set. I was very pleased with my experience at Rick Case. I recommend them to anybody that is looking at getting a new 8, or any vehicle for that matter! :D

Pam

Congratulations hej08!!!
Sorry you had to go through a bad experience with Ellis, but it sounds like it worked out in the end. Have fun!

Pam

spinnerhead

"Crazy"; glad to hear that you are making progress with you RX8 - I love mine!

I hate to go to a dealership because of the horror stories & troubles that always seem to come with them. Like I said before, I guess it's all in who you talk too - I'm happy to see that Kellie/Internet department can get the job done!

Truck; I agree. My dad always told me "honesty is the best policy".

C ya'
spin-er

tripwire

Now I didn't get a coffee mug from Rick Case with my RX-8!!

Let us know how the Orlando Vacation package works out - I'm sceptical myself. I'd much rather have the value of the vacation package converted into accessories money. :D

Crazy-4-my-8

Got mine yesterday...Tuesday...Got thermal gift from Rick Case, Kellie helped finish up contract, fairly painless..Expect to get "rewards points" and Orlando vacation and $500/service from Mazda...Didn't have car cover in stock so I ordered one/called Roswell Mazda to see if they had any in stock but no...but he said it was about $291.00 ? not exactly sure but in that area....I thought I had seen in the forum or maybe in the mazda site around $100.00... anybody know anything?

Crazy-4-my-8

Got mine yesterday...Tuesday...Got thermal gift from Rick Case, Kellie helped finish up contract, fairly painless..Expect to get "rewards points" and Orlando vacation and $500/service from Mazda...Didn't have car cover in stock so I ordered one/called Roswell Mazda to see if they had any in stock but no...but he said it was about $291.00 ? not exactly sure but in that area....I thought I had seen in the forum or maybe in the mazda site around $100.00... anybody know anything? BTW I filled up at 150 miles...11 gallons....13.6 mpg. but I was in a lot of stop and go and shifting around 4/5000 rpm. Also, I have the smoot on the exhaust. A/C so, so, radio also so, so. Ride good, I like the feel/sound of the car...I've read other people make suggestions on how to get better mileage, but my feeling is that I bought this car so that I could here the motor, going through its gears not to jump from 1st to 3rd to 6th/whatever...I would like my mileage to be where I expected it to be in the 20 or so area...My Navigator gets about the same, that doesn't make sense to me...WHAT'S UP?!!!

Kurt Bob

Hi Crazy,

The car cover you are looking for is $162 through Mazdaspeed. That's a lot cheaper than the dealer.

tripwire

Woohoo! Kellie Rocks! she's getting my my mug -- along with the mysteriously missing bolt for my car (where's it at Kellie!?! {jk - I know you've been busy}).

ps: I did have a great experience with Rick Case - given they weren't sure when the car was coming in, they were extremely patient with me -- I called probably 2Xs/day for 3 weeks stratight.

And concerning the accessories - I'm finding that most of the dealers have considerable markups - they are in the business to make money I suppose. Search around online to save some money. And let us know how that car cover works out, the inside felt quite abrasive to me, I was worried about it spidering the paint job - then again, it is "designed" for the car, it just felt strange.

Crazy-4-my-8

Thanks Kurt Bob, I think I'll cancel my order? Rick case said today it was $250. Also, has anybody put the Zaino on a red one? I saw a black one somewhere in this forum. I actually ordered online some Zaino products this morning while getting my other car washed( started pouring rain 2 minutes after I got there but quit quickly). Anyway, the black car looked awesome.

Mazda Family

Been seeing a few drive around the Suwanee area, any of them you guys? I drive a red miata with aftermarket rims and seats (other goodies but you'll just have to wait to see those) so if you see me and you have some free time flag me down and I'll be glad to stop and talk to you. See ya later.

Also check www.atlantastreets.com Im on that board and would like to see some 8's on there.