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A car is one of the most exciting, extravagant gifts a person can give. If that's something you've been thinking about, we can help you make it happen. When customers come to Velocity Mazda staff to plan that kind of a surprise, we get as excited as they do. It takes some planning, but it's possible to surprise someone with a new Mazda for Christmas. Step 1 -- Choosing the Car A car is a huge commitment. If you're going to give a gift that big, you definitely want to make sure it's the perfect one for the recipient. This part takes the most undercover work. Hopefully, you've been listening to their wants and needs the past few months, and you already have an idea what they might like. Do they need to transport a lot of people or gear? If so, a CX-5 or CX-9 provides extra seating and carrying capacity. Have they always dreamed of a sporty two-seater? The 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata is the most fun-to-drive sports car you can buy. If they're a new driver or heading off to college, we wrote an article on Top Mazda Picks for Students. In terms of both versatility and class, a Mazda6 takes top honors for a mid-sized sedan. Step 2 -- Visit Velocity Mazda This can be a little tricky. It's always best to take a test drive before you choose a car. If you can, stop by with your loved one "just for fun." Get in touch with a Velocity Mazda staff member early in the game and we can help you evaluate what type of car will most delight your loved one. Let us know what your plan is and we can help when you bring your loved one by. We'll steer them toward test driving a selection and ask key questions to find out how they really feel without letting them know what you're up to. Step 3 -- Talk Financing You can fill out a credit application online so you don't have to make a separate trip to the dealership. It's possible to get pre-approved before you start looking at specific vehicles. Our financial services include the following: Competitive rates from both Mazda and local lenders Fast approval Additional services to help protect your investment Extended warranty financing Your credit doesn't have to be perfect to qualify for financing. Our team can overcome most credit problems and will tailor a loan package specifically for you. If you need your loved one's income to qualify for financing, keep in mind they'll know if you use their information to apply. We can work with you to complete the deal after Christmas day if necessary. Step 4 -- Plan Your Mazda for Christmas Surprise! We're closed Christmas Day, so you'll need somewhere to hide the car if you're planning a Christmas morning surprise. Consider enlisting a neighbor's help and hiding it in their garage until it's time for the big reveal. We'll help you get it there if you make arrangements by Saturday, December 22. Wrap the keys in a box or plan a scavenger hunt that leads to the vehicle's location. Make sure you ask your neighbor or another family member to have their camera ready to capture the surprise. You'll treasure the memory almost as much as your loved one will treasure their new Mazda.

Okay, we're going to be upfront with you. The title is a trick question. Choosing between a Mazda hatchback or Mazda sedan is a matter of personal preference. There are pros and cons to each. There are more sedans on the road, but hatchbacks are becoming increasingly popular. Let's look at each individually so you can decide which one is right for you. Mazda3 Sedan From the front, the Mazda3 Sedan and Mazda3 Hatchback look the same. Step to the side and you'll see the sedan is about five inches longer and much more tapered in the back. The exhaust pipes are tucked away for clean lines and a classic look. As far as passenger seating goes, the space is the same for both the sedan and hatchback. Here are some of the reasons people say they choose the sedan: It costs less, with MSRP on a 2018 Mazda3 4-door starting at $18,095 while the 5-door hatchback starts at $19,345. Not everyone needs the extra cargo space. Many customers tell us the Mazda3 trunk gives them plenty of room. The more aerodynamic vehicle gets extremely high fuel efficiency with an EPA-estimated 36 highway mpg. Some buyers say they like being able to lock valuables out of site in the trunk, which isn't possible if you're stowing large cargo in a hatchback. Mazda3 Sport Hatchback While the Mazda3 Sedan is sophisticated and refined, the Mazda3 Hatchback has a sporty European look. The dual exhaust and chrome finishes are showy. While seating in both options is the same, the Hatchback has significantly more (60 percent more in fact) cargo space. Not only can you stow more, but the opening is also much wider, which a lot of our customers love. Here are some of the things they say: The large opening makes it easy to get cargo in and out. The back seats fold down, giving even more room for hauling. They just like the overall styling better. They need more hauling capacity than the sedan provides but they don't want to have to struggle to find parking. People who travel with their pets or haul sports equipment say the extra carrying capacity is indispensable to their lifestyle. It's easy to switch from transporting a back seat full of passengers to driving home with that prize antique they found at Canton. The higher roofline means more window space for better visibility. That extra capacity costs a little in terms of fuel efficiency, but at 35 highway miles per gallon, most owners feel it's still extremely good. Compare Mazda3 Hatchback and Mazda3 Sedan Side by Side The best way to make the decision is to test drive both. Did you know you can set up your test drive online? Click here to schedule your test drive and we'll be in touch.

At Velocity Mazda in Tyler, Texas, our goal is to connect people with the car that's right for them. There are so many factors that go into making that choice. Buying a car is a big financial decision. It impacts your family's long-term comfort and safety and reflects your personal style. Meet the team that can help you find just the right fit. Jose Garcia -- Finance Manager Jose grew up in the car business and started working at Tyler dealerships from a young age. He's been working at Mazda since the dealership opened. Like everyone at the dealership, Jose is Mazda certified, and he also received Ethos Group training. He promotes a customer-focused approach to the sale, financing and servicing of every vehicle that passes through the dealership. Here are some of the things customers say about Jose: " Special thanks to Jose for the 'no hassle' buying experience! " - Monica Ballinger " Great experience start to finish. Really appreciate all the hard work Jose put into making a deal for me and I'm loving my new car! " - Alyssa Phillips " Jose was extremely helpful in getting me the financing I needed and also getting me a warranty that fit my needs. They didn't sell me stuff that wouldn't benefit me like I've experienced in other dealers... " - Justin Pike " Finance Mgr. Jose Garcia found me the very best lowest rate and was so nice to speak with. He handled the closing paperwork in a very expeditious and timely manner in under fifteen minutes. " - Michael Franks John Kummerfield -- Product Specialist John has been working at Velocity Mazda for more than seven months, and he describes it as a cool place to work. John served as infantry in the United States Marine Corps before coming to East Texas. The California native moved to Tyler to attend college. When you ask him what he likes about working at Velocity Mazda, he says he enjoys working for Camden and he's into racing. He's consistently impressed with Mazda vehicles. He recently bought a 1999 MX-5 because Miata is so fun to drive and its handling is amazing. Dana Phillips -- Product Specialist Dana came to Velocity Mazda from another dealership because she saw new challenges and an opportunity for professional growth. She had no idea Mazda vehicles were so solid and luxurious. "They're beautiful cars, now I want one," she laughed. She has her eye on a black CX-5 for its technology, dependability and safety, all of which are especially important to this mother of two children ages 5 and 7. To Dana, it's important to help people into their next vehicle with no pressure, just support. Like everyone else at the dealership, she describes the environment as calm, easygoing and positive for customers and employees alike. Brian Davis -- Product Specialist Brian just started working at Velocity Mazda, but he's already a fan of the vehicles. He says prior to starting his job he didn't realize how well made and technologically advanced Mazdas are. He says from the beginning the dealership emphasized customer service in training. He looks forward to developing one-on-one relationships with each person who walks through the door. Victor Ortiz -- Product Specialist This cheerful Tyler native worked in immigration law, but the work was monotonous and he was stuck behind a desk all day. Victor wanted a position where he could interact more with people and says he always wanted to work in the car business. He too believes in what he sells, confidently stating that "Mazda has the best product on the market." Behind the Scenes -- Owner Camden Jones Owner Camden Jones is always at work behind the scenes. If you talk to anyone who has bought a car at the dealership, they almost always mention Camden's involvement in reviews like the following: " Mr. Jones, the dealership owner has created a close-knit, family-like culture of which you truly become a member with the V on the back of your car... " - Michael Dixon " Camden went above and beyond, to sort out every issue we had to ensure we were able to get the perfect car. When an advertisement says a dealer is honest and reputable, this is one you can believe. He obviously sets an example for every employee at Velocity... " - Darlene Wagner "...The color my wife was interested in wasn't in stock; however, owner Camden Jones secured what she wanted and it was ready 24 hours later! Mr. Jones stayed personally in touch with me throughout the entire buying process and was 'hands on' to ensure my questions were answered timely and thoroughly, even going so far as to give me his personal cell # - what dealership owner does that? " - Michael Franks If you're looking for a car but you think dealing with a dealership is a headache, you haven't experienced Velocity Mazda. Shop our online inventory or get in touch with one of our staff members today.

Do you take labels at face value, or do you approach them with suspicion? Some advertising claims don't really mean anything. Fast food places say they have all natural choices when really they're full of things that aren't good for you. Retailers promise the lowest price, but often you can find a better one somewhere else. And what's up with grass-fed beef? Isn't that what cows prefer to eat? Mazda Certified Pre-Owned isn't like that. It's a designation that actually means something. When you buy a used car in East Texas, our pre-owned warranty program and inspection process lets you buy with confidence. What We Take in Trade We'll take any car as a trade-in, but we don't offer everything for resale on our lot. Frankly, not every car is good enough to be a Mazda Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. To start, vehicles must be less than six years old and have fewer than 80,000 miles. Before we offer a car on our lot it goes through a rigorous 160-point inspection by one of our factory-trained technicians. Here are just a few of the many things we check: Air conditioning and heating performance Interior seating function -- Does everything perform properly in all positions? Exterior -- Is the windshield unblemished and is the exterior free of large dings or improper repairs? Brake performance on hard stops Shifting quality and shift points of transmission Engine function We also run an Autocheck vehicle history report we pass on to the buyer. Biggest Benefit of Buying Mazda Certified Pre-Owned The whole program is great, but perhaps the most important benefit is the warranty. Where else can you buy a used car in East Texas and get seven year/100,000 mile powertrain protection? We also give buyers a full year or 12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and get this...that warranty starts when the original warranty expires. So if the car you buy still has some of its original bumper-to-bumper warranty left, you get an extra year once that ends. You'll probably never want to give up your Mazda, but if you do decide to sell during the warranty period it's transferrable. That could make your vehicle worth more in the eyes of prospective buyers. It doesn't cost a dime to transfer the warranty. It's automatic. So Much More The warranty is huge, but you'll also receive these benefits: Zero deductible on repairs. If you need work under warranty, you pay nothing. Free 24-hour roadside assistance. If your battery dies, you lock yourself out, you have a flat or any other emergency it doesn't matter where you are. We'll come help. For seven years. Free 3 months of SiriusXM. Because driving is even more fun with music. When you buy a used car in East Texas, start with us. We'll help you find the car you're looking for and make sure you feel good about your purchase. We don't just sell Mazda, click to check out our available used Ford, Ram, Nissan and more.

When you get the new car itch, you probably don't drive straight to an East Texas car lot. A whopping 86 percent of car shoppers do online research before they go to the dealership. Some consumers choose to complete the entire transaction from their living room without ever setting foot on a car lot. It sounds convenient but buying a car online could create some problems. How East Texas Car Buyers Search Most the time we find people start their search on their cell phones. A GeoMarketing article says first, 32 percent of car shoppers visit an aggregate site like Carvana or Auto Trader. Those sites show cars for sale from dealerships and private sellers all over the nation. Another 24 percent already have an idea what they want, so they go straight to a local dealership's website. We're fascinated with the stats, so here are a few more: At the beginning of the process, 6 out of 10 buyers are thinking about multiple types of vehicles. 71 percent of online shoppers spend their time comparing car prices. 68 percent do an online comparison of actual models for sale. Most people (63 percent) look up what their trade is worth online. More than half of shoppers prefer walking into the dealership over online first contact. Pros and Cons of Buying a Car Online Buying a car is a huge commitment. For most people, the payment is a significant percentage of their monthly income. The more you know, the better. The main benefit of online shopping is the ability to do extensive research. Compare car financing options. Read dealership reviews to see if people found sales staff helpful or pushy. Do a side-by-side comparison of different trim packages to evaluate what's really important to you. Online shopping is great, but online buying is not. Buying a car online has these cons: Buying out of state can complicate the registration and titling process. When you buy local, you can go back to the dealership you purchased from for service and maintenance. Completing the whole purchase process online from sites sounds convenient, but there's no replacement for a test drive. If you buy online, what happens with your trade? Carvana says they'll give you an online estimate, but what you actually get depends on final inspection after you drop it off at one of their "vending machines." There are only 15 across the nation, and none of them are in East Texas. Cars for Sale in East Texas If you're one of the six out of 10 buyers considering more than one type of car, a test drive makes all the difference. We'll let you test drive each of them with no pressure to buy any of them. In reality, you can spend days looking at cars online, but there's no other way to get a feel for them. All cars look shiny and luxurious in ads. You want the car that when you drive, it connects with your soul. We encourage online research, but we also have knowledgeable salespeople on hand. Not all online information comes from a trustworthy source. It's always a good idea to verify what you've read with someone who has credentials and proven expertise. If you haven't visited our site lately, why not start there? Check out our online inventory to start your online research. Or just come on in and check out our cars. See you soon.   Sources: V12Data article on how consumers shop for cars

The heat will be around a while longer, but East Texas families have already headed back to school. Get in that last escape with a quick Texas road trip or Mazda weekend away. Load up your Mazda and escape to one of these nearby destinations. Your Mazda and Jefferson Texas It’s only an hour and a half from Tyler, but if you visit Jefferson Texas, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Book your stay at the Excelsior House Hotel and sleep under the same roof that sheltered historical figures like Ulysses S. Grant, Lady Bird Johnson and Oscar Wilde. While you’re there, tour American Railroad developer Jay Gould’s private rail car with four staterooms, a lounge, a dining room and ballroom. Continue to experience romance and southern charm at the Gone With the Wind museum. Once darkness falls, take a carriage ride or go on a ghost walk through what is reportedly one of the most haunted small towns in Texas. Have a Mazda Weekend at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area If you prefer outdoor adventure and rugged beauty over historic charm, head to Central Texas. Just north of Fredericksburg, you’ll find this gigantic pink granite dome surrounded by enchanting scenery and rock formations. Hike 11 miles of hiking trails, pitch your tent at walk-in or primitive backpack campsites or go rock climbing along the trail. At night you’re far enough away from everything for some magnificent stargazing. Visit the San Antonio Riverwalk for Your Mazda Weekend For those who prefer a more urban getaway, the San Antonio Riverwalk is only about five hours from Tyler. The world-famous destination meanders by the Alamo and offers top-notch dining, shopping and riverboat rides. During your Mazda weekend, experience Riverwalk nightlife at Howl At The Moon, a high-energy setting with dancing and live music. Unwind at Jazz Texas at the historic Pearl Brewery. Shop unique boutiques or just sit by the water and people watch for an endless stream of entertainment. New Braunfels and Your Mazda This time of year, it helps when outdoor recreation involves water. Cold springs run through the city, enticing visitors to the cool waters of the Comal and Guadalupe rivers. Visit the original Schlitterbahn or just float the river on a tube. While you’re there, escape the heat with an underground tour of Natural Bridge Caverns. Landa Park also offers family friendly paddleboats and train rides. If you’re driving a Mazda, you can get to any of these destinations on one tank of gas. The 2018 CX-5 can travel as far as 458 miles on a tank of gas and a new Mazda6 could get you up to 574 miles from home. Check out our online inventory today.