When January 1 rolls around, East Texans vow to exercise more, lose weight and give up unhealthy habits. There’s another way to shape up in the New Year, and it involves your financial health. You may be thinking of making a major purchase, or you might just be tired of the struggles that come with debt.
If you’re shopping for a new car, we can help you get financing even if you have credit issues. Plus, check out these tips for improving your credit in the year ahead.
Use Technology
Making payments on time is one of the best ways to improve your credit. There are a few ways you can use technology to make that happen. First, set up reminders. If your bank or credit card company offers that feature, have them text or email when a payment is due.
Next, don’t rely on yourself to respond to those reminders. Automate every payment you possibly can. If that makes you nervous, set your card up to pay the minimum balance. When you want to pay more, you can always do it manually. If all you have that month is the minimum, at least you won’t forget and get hit with a late fee.
Reduce Your Debt
Improving your credit is a little like losing weight. Some parts just aren’t any fun. It takes self-discipline over time, but it’s so worth it.
Reducing the amount you owe will go a long way toward improving your credit score. Do these things to reach your goals:
- Stop using your credit cards. That puts the brakes on debt growth.
- Get a copy of your credit report to make sure you know what you owe and who you owe it to.
- Make a payment plan that covers the minimum on each account and pays the rest of your available debt reduction income on the accounts with the highest interest rates, not the highest balances.
- As soon as you pay off one balance, devote that amount to the next on your list until they’re all paid off.
Don’t Finance Small Purchases
It’s tempting to get a bigger TV, dazzling jewelry or new furniture when it comes with a low, low monthly payment. That’s how people get in trouble fast. Make a commitment to only financing large purchases. If you don’t have the money for a TV, start a savings account. It will cost you less to buy it outright than it will to finance and pay interest.
Make it your aim to only finance your home and your vehicle. Then you’ll have better credit and keep more of your hard-earned cash in your pocket.
Understand the Impact of Negative Information
Some information stays on your credit report longer. Here are a few of the time frames:
- Delinquent accounts show up for seven years.
- Car repos stay seven years.
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy follows you for 10 years, while Chapter 13 lasts for seven years.
- If you apply for credit, the inquiry lasts two years.
- Public record reports like liens against your property last seven years.
Buying a Mazda With Credit Issues
At Velocity Mazda, our finance managers work with people from Tyler, Longview and all of East Texas to give our customers the best financing fit and the most competitive rates. If you need a car, we can help you finance it, even if your credit isn’t perfect. Fill out our online finance application or get in touch with us today.
4 Road Safety Tips for Holiday Travel
From now until after New Year’s there are more drivers on the road driving long distances. For many East Texas drivers, the season means spending hours in the car as you travel to visit friends and family members you don’t see the rest of the year.
Unfortunately, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day and Christmas are the most dangerous days to be on the road. The American Safety Council reports those days see the highest number of traffic fatalities. It isn’t just drinking and driving that causes accidents. Holiday travel often involves little passengers that can cause distractions. Tyler traffic is bumper-to-bumper on Broadway all month, increasing driving stress and incidences of road rage. People sleep less during the busy season and drive drowsy.
We want every single one of our customers to stay safe throughout the season. We’ve put together these tips for safe holiday travel.
Schedule Vehicle Maintenance
Have your car and tires inspected before you leave town. Make sure your battery and charging system won’t leave you stranded in cold weather. Inspect belts for cracking and fraying. Visually inspect hoses, air filters, coolant levels and light operation. Replace windshield wiper blades if needed and fill your windshield washer fluid reservoir with a solution that contains antifreeze. Our service center provides maintenance for all vehicle makes and models.
Take Safety Seriously
Decide now you won’t drink and drive. Put your cell phone away when you’re in the car every single time. Insist all riders use a seat belt even if you’re just driving to the corner and back.
Anticipate Problems
Take time to think about what you’re driving into. In East Texas we have severe weather, but many Tyler drivers lack experience when it comes to driving in snow and ice. If travel to your destination takes you through areas where that’s a possibility, plan ahead.
Expect heavier traffic than normal and allow for extra time.
Don’t just plug in your destination as you leave the driveway and let your infotainment system or cell phone take over. Map your route a day or so ahead and look to see where you might encounter problems. If there’s road construction, can you see an alternate route?
If you’re on the road for more than an hour, plan for bathroom breaks and meal stops. In Tyler it’s easy to find a gas station, but that isn’t true everywhere.
If you’re driving to the airport, expect heavy traffic and packed parking garages. Again, allow yourself plenty of time to park your vehicle and get to your flight.
Teach Kids Safe Habits
Now is a good time to remind young passengers not to talk to strangers. When you stop, stick together for bathroom breaks.
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.
2019 Mazda CX-5 and the Seattle Auto Show
What’s New for the 2019 CX-5 Trim?
Mazda’s compact crossover is its best-selling vehicle worldwide, and it just keeps getting better. On November 9 Mazda North America Operations introduced the 2019 models at the Seattle Auto Show. Let’s look at some of the changes.
Unveiling Top-Tier Trim
CX-5 already offered premium features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-trimmed seats. For 2019, The Grand Touring Reserve comes standard with a technologically advanced heads-up display that recognizes traffic signs like posted speed limits. It also comes with the following:
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated rear seats
- Auto-fold door mirrors
- Heated steering wheel
- Ambient interior lighting
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 360-degree camera
- Sirius XM’s three-year Traffic and Travel Link Subscription
The interior provides top-of-the-line comfort with dreamy Caturra Brown Nappa leather-trimmed seats, unique badging and trim made of genuine layered wood. Plus, the infotainment system provides another upgrade with Apple Car Play and Android Auto and a BOSE 10-speaker sound system.
CX-5’s Turbocharged Engine
2019 Mazda CX-5 comes with expanded powertrain offerings that include a SKYACTIV-G 2.5 T 4-Cylinder engine that comes with Dynamic Pressure Turbo (DPT). DPT was first available in the CX-9, then recently added to the Mazda6 sedan. The new engine brings drivers exceptional performance when it comes to acceleration.
Basically, the turbocharger allows more air to enter the engine cylinders to ignite more fuel. It’s tied to the engine’s RPMs. When CX-5 operates at lower RPMs, the engine shuts off some of the valves to only burn as much fuel as necessary. In a regular vehicle, you typically experience a lag between when you hit the gas and feel the vehicle accelerate. Dynamic Pressure Technology decreases the time it takes for air to enter the turbocharger and the power to become available.
You get 310 lb-ft of torque at just under 2,000 RPM and 250 horsepower on 93-octane gasoline.
What you experience is just another example of Mazda’s Jinba Ittai characteristic. The connection between the driver and vehicle is instantaneous, organic, integral to every move. Your Mazda feels like an extension of yourself for a more pleasurable ride.
Test Drive 2019 CX-5
You really can’t understand it by reading about it. You have to feel and smell the leather trim, sit in the luxurious interior and feel the power of the turbocharged 2019 CX-5. At Velocity Mazda, we don’t pressure prospective buyers to make a sale. That’s not who we are. If you test drive 2019 CX-5 and it’s not the right fit, we’ll help you find the car that is or let you spend more time thinking about what you want. We have test drive appointments any time we’re open. Drop by or schedule online today.
Clear your calendar for the evening of Thursday, December 6. If you made plans to get a jump on your holiday shopping or bake your Christmas cookies, cancel them. The 2nd Annual Velocity Mazda Motorsports Night is the one event you don’t want to miss. Here’s why.
Pro Racing Driver Jonathan Bomarito
Jonathan Bomarito won the 2010 Rolex 24 at Daytona in the GT category driving a Mazda RX-8. Then, he went on the capture the 2010 Grand-Am Series Rookie of the Year.
Bomarito, who grew up in Monterey California, won the 2003 USF2000 open-wheel championship. He was a race winner in the Mazda-powered Atlantic Series, raced at Le Mans and nearly won the 2014 IMSA GTLM drivers’ championship before starting his current position in the Mazda Prototype program.
Jonathan is the consummate professional in and out of the race car. He has represented the brand perfectly during his nearly 10-year association with Mazda. See him in person at the 2nd Annual Velocity Mazda Motorsports Night.
John Doonan, Director of Motorsports at Mazda North America
John Doonan from Mazda USA
It’s possible no one on this planet knows more about professional Mazda racing in the U.S. than John Doonan. He joined Mazda as regional advertising manager in 2003 and quickly became integral to motorsports and team development. Mazda promoted him to Director of Motorsports in 2011. Now, he’s in charge of crafting overall strategy and administering Mazda Motorsports for the entire continent.
One of his responsibilities is the Mazda Road to 24, a driver development program for young people who want to go from grassroots to professional racing. The Mazda Road to Indy program provided support for those in open-wheel racing. Your chance to meet this key player in Mazda Motorsports is December 6.
Mazda RT24-P
When a coiled tiger leaps, that moment those powerful muscles become movement is poetry and music. When a cliff diver first leaps or horse surges from the gate, lines and angles go from solid to fluid. KODO Design embodies the moment energy becomes motion.
You’ll find it in every Mazda vehicle, including the prototype race car RT24-P. Mazda describes it as a 200-mile-per-hour rocket on wheels that’s as beautiful as it is fast.
Mazda named the car for their Road to 24 driver developmental program. It’s powered by a turbocharged 600-horsepower engine. Light dances across its Soul Red Crystal paint whether it’s moving or still. See it live at Velocity Mazda.
Mazda MX-5 Global Cup Car
MX-5 Cup race cars start as MX-5 road cars. Then they undergo more than 250 modifications and component changes before they hit the track. We’ll have one at the 2nd Annual Velocity Mazda Motorsports Night.
Mazda’s Racing Simulator
How do professional teams prepare for an upcoming race? Pro drivers get up to speed on tracks they’ve never been to by spending hours behind the wheel honing their craft. One of the best ways to do so is in a driver-in-the-loop simulator. The simulator coming to our event puts you in the driving position of an actual race car with the same steering wheel and pedals. It’s a mental and physical experience that lets you experience a taste of what the pros do.
Q & A Starts at 6:30
We’ll hold a question and answer time with Doonan and Bomarito starting at 6:30 p.m. The cars and simulator will be available until 8 p.m. If you have questions, call our dealership at (903) 361-6398 or message through our Facebook page.
Your dream Mazda might look like the above, but what about your actual car? Is it cluttered with empty cups, tangled cords, discarded sunglasses and food wrappers? If so, you’re not alone. It’s time for some Mazda organization.
School has been back in session for a few months and for many East Texas families, the pace has gotten pretty hectic. Many of them leave in the morning and don’t make it back home again until they’ve been to work, school, dance, soccer, a PTA meeting, the grocery store and what feels like a dozen other places.
When your car transports everything you need for a wide range of tasks, all the “stuff” you need starts to take over. Try these tips to take control of the clutter. Turn your Mazda into the mobile command center you need it to be.
Hang Purses, Umbrellas and Backpacks
Some women keep purses in their car and change on the go. Other individuals get sick of digging under the seats for an umbrella. Kids gripe about backpacks taking up floor space when they’re being transported to after-school activities. Hang backpacks, purses and similar items from large carabiners clipped to the telescoping rods on your headrests. Buy carabiners that coordinate with your car’s interior for organization that doesn’t add to the visual clutter.
Organize Small Odds and Ends
You use band-aids, pens, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, disposable toothbrushes, small scissors and dozens of other items on a regular basis. Every time you need one you find yourself rummaging through your cram-packed console. It always happens when you’re short on time and patience, and the item is always at the very bottom.
Buy an inexpensive makeup bag (again, look for colors that go with your car’s interior) with clear pockets and zipper containers. Stow items where you can see them and never get caught digging again.
Tame Kid Clutter for Mazda Organization
If you have kids, the back seat isn’t just for riding quietly from one place to the next. They use that space for snacking, coloring, doing homework and a number of other tasks. Organize colored pencils, notebooks, wipes, homework supplies and electronics cords with a remote control caddy attached to side seats. Line one pocket with a plastic bag and teach kids to empty it every time they get home.
Maximize Trunk Space
Most Mazdas have roomy trunks, but all that space lets items roll everywhere. Purchase collapsible cubes that match your trunk upholstery so the coats, blankets, cleats and tennis rackets you always carry have a designated space. Then when you need room for groceries you aren’t constantly rearranging.
If you have a hatchback or crossover SUV, double your trunk space with this super handy DIY trunk shelf from Instructables.
Buy a Bigger Car
Sometimes families outgrow their space. If you just don’t have the room you need, the 2019 Mazda CX-3 Sport is a must-see. For an even roomier sport utility vehicle, stop by and test drive the new CX-9 Grand Touring. Schedule your test drive online today.
The 2019 MX-5 Miata is Mazda’s most powerful two-seater ever, and it’s available now. Motortrend calls it “Driving Fun Distilled.” US News ranks it #1 in Sports Cars based on 29 pieces of research and data elements from various sources. There’s never been a better time to buy a legend. We’ll tell you why.
MX-5’s New Engine Delivers More Power
New for 2019, Miata has a better breathing 2.0 liter inline-four SKYACTIV engine with internal revisions that give it 700 more rpm than previous models.
That power comes from enlarging the throttle body, intake and exhaust valves and connecting parts. Mazda also made the pistons and connecting rods lighter and stiffened the crankshaft. The result is 26 more horses and three more lb-ft of torque.
All that extra power doesn’t cost owners in terms of gas mileage. The manual 2019 MX-5 Miata gets an impressive 26/34 mpg on the city/highway while the automatic gets 26/35.
Also New For 2019 MX-5 Miata
This year’s MX-5 Miata comes standard with a telescoping steering wheel, helpful for taller drivers who need to make adjustments. It also includes a rear backup camera to eliminate blind spots and make driving safer.
2019 MX-5 Soft Top or RF?
It’s an agonizing decision. We don’t envy customers trying to make it. Which should you choose, the striking new Dark Cherry or classic Black soft top or the clean, sleek lines of the RF’s Roof in place?
In East Texas, the weather changes in an instant. One minute you’re soaking up the Tyler sun, in your Miata and the next you might need to take shelter from a sudden shower. The 2019 MX-5 Miata RF roof opens and closes in just 13 seconds. The soft top goes from wide open sky to watertight with a single step you can complete with one hand.
What are the pros and cons of each? Really, it’s mostly pros. The RF roof gives a little more insulation against road noise, but you have to be completely stopped to open and close it. As far as looks go, it’s a matter of personal preference. This iconic roadster will turn heads which ever option you choose.
2019 MX-5 Miata in Tyler Texas
Check out available models on our website or get in touch with our team and they’ll find what you’re looking for. Or check out this 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring in Snowflake White Pearl Mica.
Which is Better, Mazda’s Hatchback or Sedan?
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.
Inside Velocity Mazda – Our Sales Team
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.
Who Provides Mazda Vehicle Service?
The exterior of our building is unconventional and our cars are 100 percent unique, but that’s not really what makes Velocity Mazda the best car dealership in East Texas. The staff makes all the difference. We’re a relatively new East Texas car dealership. We opened almost five years ago and broke ground on our new facility in January of 2016. Many of our staff has been with us from the very beginning, but we’ve added strong team members along the way. We’d like to introduce you to the people who make our Mazda vehicle service department great.
Jerry Land, Mazda Vehicle Service Manager
Every time you walk in the side door at Velocity Mazda you’ll see Jerry. He’s been with us from before the doors opened. He worked with Velocity Mazda owner Camden Jones at another car dealership years ago. Jerry was ready to retire, and when Camden said he was opening Velocity Mazda, Jerry said he’d help out “for a couple of months.” He liked it and stuck around.
Jerry says he enjoys working at Velocity Mazda because of the people. “Everyone’s friendly, everyone gets along,” he says. “And I’ve worked with the two guys in the back for years.” He says he’ll eventually retire again, but since he loves what he does, he’s not sure when that will be.
Craig Huddleston, Fixed Operations Director
I asked Craig what a Fixed Operations Director does and he replied, “Anything they ask me. Parts, service, sweeping the lot, I’m a jack of all trades.” He’s willing to do it all, but Craig is over the Service Department. He and Jerry are both Master Certified with Mazda Training, and have been for close to five years.
He and Jerry have been friends for a long time. He came to Velocity Mazda because he was looking for a new challenge. “One of the things I like most about Velocity Mazda is how the service department has gone back to the way it was when I grew up. We’re going back to the grassroots. We have updated technology, but our service department has a family feel.”
“We’re a single-point family-owned dealership,” Craig continued. “When you call with a question, you get the same person every time and we get you an answer. Our customers never feel like they get handed off.” He and Jerry man the service desk every day of the week, so customers always see a familiar face.
David Hale — Elite Master Technician
As Velocity Mazda’s blog writer, I try not to interrupt the staff when they’re working. When I caught up with David he was inside a Mazda installing Apple Play. I slid in the passenger seat and he kept working while we talked.
David has been with Mazda for 23 years and working on cars for 39 years. When I asked what he likes about his job he says he just enjoys working on the product. in June District Service Manager Jason Dockery presented David with one of Mazda’s top service awards. David says when he gets free time, which isn’t very often, he likes to hunt and fish.
Colton Curry — Mazda Certified Technician
This Tyler native was working on a battery test, on a mission to discover why this Mazda wasn’t holding a charge. Colton also received a Mazda service award in June.
He likes that every day is a different scenario, a learning experience. “Like with this car,” he said, “When I find out what’s a draw on the battery, it won’t be the same as the last car I worked on with battery problems.” He says it’s satisfying to spend his days solving problems.
When I asked him what he did in his free time he admitted he doesn’t have much, he works a lot. “But I’m a foodie,” he said, and his eyes lit up. In Tyler he recommends Villa Montez and Chuys.
Joseph Hawkins — Detailer
Joseph was hard at work washing a Mazda, but he didn’t look like he minded a bit. He had music in his ears and a twinkle in his eye while he worked. He says he’s been with Mazda for four years, but he’s been detailing for 32 years overall. He says he likes working at the dealership because he gets along with everybody. Whenever he gets a chance he goes fishing at Lake Tyler. He cooks the catfish he catches himself, breading and frying them.
Not Just Mazda Service
Our Mazda Certified employees work on any type of vehicle. Here are just a few of the services we perform for all makes and models:
- oil change
- brake repair
- tire rotation
- transmission service
- engine tune-up
We also provide Mazda vehicle service and warranty coverage with genuine Mazda auto parts. No matter what you need for your vehicle, we can help. Schedule your Mazda vehicle service online today.
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