Why is every single Mazda model a top IIHS Safety pick? Because Mazda prioritizes keeping drivers safe with the Jinba Ittai philosophy of creating oneness between car and driver. You probably knew your car came with i-ACTIVSENSE, but do you know how that technology works to protect you and your loved ones? Read on to appreciate your Mazda even more.
i-ACTIVSENSE Radar
Radar uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves to detect aircraft, weather patterns and ships. Your Mazda also uses radar to keep you safe. The Mazda radar adaptive cruise control helps keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Adjust the distance by using the up or down buttons on the steering wheel.
On long stretches of road, you probably switch on cruise control and relax. Sometimes drivers don’t notice when the traffic ahead slows or brakes quickly. Your car’s radar will brake automatically if needed and accelerate back to your set speed when it’s safe.
Your car also has a rear vehicle monitoring system that uses quasi-milliwave radar to monitor the area behind your vehicle. If there’s a person or object in your blind spot, your vehicle will alert you when you’re changing lanes or backing up.
Your Car’s Lasers
Laser beams aren’t just for sci-fi, they’re also for safety. Near-infrared laser on the windshield of your equipped sedan or SUV is constantly scanning the road ahead. If you accidentally hit the gas when there’s something in the way, your car will stop you from accelerating.
Depending on the model you drive and the speed at which you’re traveling, your vehicle will alert you of your need to brake. If you don’t respond, your car will apply the brakes for you.
i-ACTIVSENSE Lane Departure Warning
When you’re traveling above 65 mph, a camera on your wind screen scans the road ahead. If you drift out of your lane your car will signal you. However, when you use your turn signal before changing lanes, that tells your car the move is intentional, so no alert goes off.
Adaptive Front Lighting
Have you ever turned a curve at night and almost didn’t see something in the roadway until it was too late? Headlights illuminate in front of the car, but if your car isn’t facing straight ahead, they may not show you what you need to see.
Mazda’s adaptive front lighting actually adjusts the headlights when you turn so they shine on what’s around the curve. Night driving becomes safer for you and your passengers.
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.
No Matter What Color You Buy, Your Mazda is Green
Mazda’s are fun to drive, easy on your wallet and some of the best looking cars on the road. They’re also environmentally friendly. You love how far you can go on one tank of gas, but do you know how your car makes that happen?
How Mazda Evaluates
In order to reduce the amount of CO2 each vehicle emits, Mazda is gradually shifting from a “tank-to-wheel” evaluation system to a “wheel-to-wheel” assessment. It’s a higher standard.
Traditional CO2 emission evaluation measures efficiency from the moment drivers transfer gas to their vehicle. Wheel-to-wheel starts measuring at the oil well and includes CO2 emissions from refining the gas or producing electrical power.
Mazda intends to cut those numbers in half by 2030 with a long-term goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 90 percent in 2050.
Your Mazda’s Green Technology
When you drive a Mazda, you contribute to a healthier environment by using the following technology:
- Your brakes – The Mazda brake energy regeneration system transforms the energy created by your moving vehicle and turns that back into electricity. You stop safely and your car stores the electricity to be used later by your headlights, climate control, sound speakers or other electrical components.
- Your car’s SKYACTIV technology – Mazda’s team created a series of technologies that make every vehicle both more fuel efficient and powerful. If your car was made after 2011, your engine, transmission, body and chassis have SKYACTIV technology that makes your Zoom-Zoom more sustainable.
- Mazda’s Earth friendly plastics – Mazda worked with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation to make many of the plastics used in vehicles out of plant-derived materials. Less carbon dioxide is released creating those plastics. Bio-based materials can also be dyed instead of painted, which means fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released into the air.
Mazda’s Long Term Vision
Mazda thinks long-term, believing people will experience more driving pleasure if the future holds a healthy planet. Innovators seek to contribute to a more beautiful Earth by perfecting the internal combustion engine and start producing electric vehicles in 2019.
Mazda also focuses on improving society by adding safety technology that reduces the risk of accident. Most importantly, Mazda invests in people. Their Jinba-Ittai philosophy seeks to connect driver and vehicle, making each owner one with their environment. That connection creates a joy that enriches life at every level.
If you’ve never experienced that connection, you should. Browse our inventory or schedule a test drive today.
Sources:
http://www.mazda.com/en/innovation/technology/env/
http://www.mazda.com/en/innovation/technology/env/policy/
http://www.mazda.com/en/csr/environment/sustainable/
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard the controversy and conversation about tariffs and trade wars. Here at Velocity Mazda, we’re leaving the controversy to the politicians and focusing on what matters most to East Texans.
New car prices have already climbed steeply in the past decade, with Mazda being one of the few brands that still produces good looking, dependable, fun to drive vehicles for under $30,000. Recent trade wars could drive prices even higher.
Tariffs Already Causing Price Hikes
Back in February, the White House placed tariffs on washing machines and solar panels. If your washer and dryer goes out and you want a Samsung or LG, The Wall Street Journal says their cost has increased by 17 percent the last few months. Solar panels already cost between $500 and $1,000 more to install.
Tariffs on steel and aluminum kicked in June 1. That raises the cost of things you buy every day like soup and canned soda, but only marginally. However, cars contain much more steel and aluminum than your afternoon energy drink.
New Vehicle Prices Will Rise
The 25 percent tariff on steel and 10 percent tariff on aluminum drives up manufacturing costs. Even vehicles assembled in the US have parts made abroad.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says not a single 2018 vehicle sold in the US gets all of its parts from inside the country. That means the tariffs will impact every vehicle manufacturer from Ford to Jeep to Kia.
Currently most the news on tariffs concerns imports from China. There is also the threat of a 20 to 25 percent tax hike on imported vehicles across the board. USA Today said those tariffs could add $5,000 to the price of a new $32,000 vehicle.
What Mazda Says
At the end of June, Mazda issued a statement on the potential 25 percent tariff on imports that said, “A tariff is a tax and it will be paid by American consumers. It will significantly increase the cost of every new vehicle sold in America, regardless of where it is built.” Mazda filed its comments on behalf of the 32,000 American workers who work at Mazda dealerships across the U.S.
Most Mazda vehicles are currently built in Hiroshima, Japan. Mazda’s North American Operations is in Irvine, California.
Mazda and American Jobs
Last year Mazda and Toyota announced they were building a $1.6 billion car plant in Huntsville, Alabama. The two companies predict the plant will open in 2021, make around 300,000 cars a year and create 4,000 jobs for Americans.
The plant will produce the same superior value products, affordable luxury and jaw-dropping style you’ve come to expect. Because the cars are manufactured domestically, they will not be subject to import taxes.
What East Texans Should Do Now
At Velocity Mazda, we always offer the best available price on new Mazda and high quality used vehicles. That’s never going to change. We can’t predict what will happen in global trade, but in the year ahead, vehicle prices very well may increase across the board.
You may have missed the best price on washing machines, but you don’t have to miss out on currently low vehicle prices. Today is the best time to buy your new Mazda. Check out our online inventory or stop by today.
Sources:
https://jalopnik.com/gm-and-mazda-say-that-trumps-tariffs-are-going-to-cost-1827247669
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/07/03/car-prices-trump-auto-tariffs/745342002/
Drivers have always looked to Mazda to provide an exhilarating driving experience and affordable cars. What people in East Texas might not know is how many high end updates they’ll find in the 2018 Mazda 6. Whether you’re coming from Whitehouse, Bullard, Lindale or Tyler, once you experience this sedan, you won’t believe an automatic starts at under $24,000.
Exterior Changes to 2018 Mazda 6
The Mazda 6 has the same stunning exterior that made it a hit all along, but there are a few changes that make the 2018 even better looking. The new grille has a wing motif that stands out. It also comes with new LED headlights and subtle changes to the tailpipe. Nineteen-inch wheels are an option for a sophisticated style upgrade.
Interior Features for the 2018 Mazda 6
The exterior changes are subtle, but inside you’ll find a whole new car. The changes are too many to list, but here are a few of our favorites:
- Widened dashboard for a feeling of improved roominess
- Expanded front seats, with high density urethane to absorb vibration and an option for seat ventilation
- Butter-smooth Nappa leather seats
- Ultra-suede trim with a gold tint taken from kimono design
- Sen wood (often used for musical instruments) accents
- Optional windshield-projected heads up display
- 11-speaker Bose surround sound
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
Additional upgrades include auto-dimming mirrors, collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, a 360 degree camera, a turbo engine and more. If you max it out, your luxury car still won’t cost you much over $35,000.
Luxury Driving Experience
A Motortrend article says, “We almost take for gratned at this point that Mazdas will be more fun to drive than any of their direct competition,” citing the way it handles and Mazda’s focus on the relationship between car and driver.
The chassis is stiffer and an upgraded suspension provides an unbelievable blend of precise handling and smooth sailing. The 2018 model has improved soundproofing for less road noise and better interior acoustics. Corner securely and effortlessly in a car that diffuses the East Texas road bumps and eats up the miles.
Buy a 2018 Mazda 6 in East Texas
Whether you’re looking for a 2018 Mazda 6 Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve or Signature Trim, come see it in person. Check out our online inventory or stop by our dealership today.
Sources:
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/mazda/mazda6/2018/2018-mazda6-signature-25t-first-drive-review/
https://www.mazdaoflodi.com/blog/what-are-the-best-new-features-of-the-2018-mazda6/
Most Frequently Asked Car Buying Questions
How often do you buy a new car? If you’re like most East Texans, you go a while in between vehicle purchases. Here at Velocity Mazda, we help people through the process every day, and there are some car buying questions we hear pretty frequently. We’ve listed them here along with their answers.
Is it better to trade my car or sell it myself?
If you can sell your car to an individual, you may get more for it. Trading in your old car is easier, and Velocity Mazda works to give you top dollar for your trade.
When is the best time to buy a new car?
At the end of the month many dealerships are more motivated to meet sales goals. If a new year model is about to be released for the car you want, you can probably get a lower price on current year inventory.
Can I buy a new car with bad credit?
At Velocity Mazda, we can help you even if you’re new to the United States, have been turned down for a car loan or have poor credit. Fill out our free online application and we’ll tailor a loan package just for you.
Which is better – dealer financing or outside lenders?
Our dealership frequently offers special financing and lower than average interest rates. However, everyone’s financial situation is different. We always encourage car buyers to shop around find the best loan option for their purchase.
How much should I spend every month on a car payment?
Calculate all your basic living expenses (rent or mortgage payment, car insurance, groceries, utilities etc.) and see how much you have left over. A comfortable car payment will be up to 20 percent of that amount.
Should I buy an extended car warranty?
If you normally carry enough of a savings balance to cover the cost of repairs, you might not need it. However, many people prefer the peace of mind and hassle-free repairs that little bit extra provides. For a longer discussion on extended warranties see this article.
Is the price on cars negotiable?
Yes. While Velocity Mazda, like all dealerships, won’t typically go below what we paid for the car, we want to do whatever we can to help you afford the car you really want.
For how long should I finance my car?
Shorter terms are better on almost every loan, whether it’s for a vehicle, home or household appliance. Edmunds recommends keeping your car loan to 60 months or less.
What if I have other questions?
Send us your questions online or stop by our dealership. We have experts available almost every day of the week to answer your car buying questions.
Sources:
http://www.carinfo.com/carbuyingguide.html
https://jalopnik.com/5927368/ten-important-questions-to-ask-when-buying-a-new-car/
https://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/5-questions-to-ask-before-you-say-yes-to-a-new-car-deal.html
What to Do When You’re Upside Down on Your Trade
It’s a bad feeling when you want out of your current ride, but you owe more than it’s worth. Because all new vehicles drop in value when they’re no longer new, it happens a lot. Edmunds says 26 percent of trade-ins have negative equity that averages around $3,854. That’s a lot to roll into a new loan. If you’re upside down on your trade, here are a few tips.
Understand the Problem
When you buy a new car, most industry experts say they lose between 11 and 20 percent of their value as soon as you leave the dealership. It’s depressing, it’s not fair, but once a car is sold, it’s not a new car any more. It’s a used car, and the potential buyer pool for it is smaller. On average, five years later your car is worth 37 percent of the original purchase price.
Last year, the average purchase price for a new car was $35,000 and the average car loan was pretty close to that figure. Car buyers don’t put enough money down to make up for the inevitable first year depreciation, so they soon owe more than it’s worth.
The longer you finance for, the more likely you are to reach a point where you’re upside down on your trade. If you try to sell the car, the sales price won’t pay off your loan. If that’s your situation, identify what happened to start working toward a solution.
How to Calculate Negative Equity
First look up what your vehicle is currently worth. Check NADA, Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book, then average them to get a good idea of your car’s actual value. Then call your lender and ask what you owe. While you have them on the phone, ask if they offer any options for reducing your negative equity. Subtract your existing loan balance from your current vehicle value to find out what that negative equity number is.
Identify Your Choices
It’s frustrating to be upside down on your trade, but you have some choices. The most straightforward takes discipline but will be worth it in the end. Examine your budget to trim extras and pay more every month to reduce your principal. The more you pay each month, the faster you reduce the balance to a point where what you owe is even with your trade’s value.
If you want out of your vehicle now and you have some cash set aside, another option is to sell it privately and pay off the rest of the balance yourself. Refinancing with a lower interest rate also might help you save. Lenders tend to balk at loaning more than a vehicle is worth, but homeowners find lower interest rates on home equity loans. Community banks and credit unions also sometimes loan more than large banks.
Talk to Financing Experts
If you’re upside down on your trade, the situation might not be as bad as you think. At Velocity Mazda, we provide competitive rates and extensive financial services. We’re happy to answer your financing questions when you get in touch today.
Sources:
Mazda MX-5 vs. Toyota GT86 – Which is Better?
They’re both sporty affordable. They’re both crowd pleasers with a lot of flair, but when it comes to Mazda MX-5 vs. Toyota GT86, which is better? Here’s a side by side comparison with information pulled from sources like U.S. News and World Report and Car and Driver.
Price Comparison of MX-5 vs. GT86
The 2018 Mazda MX-5 and Toyota 86 of the same year have similar pricing. The Miata sport manual has an MSRP of $25,295 according to US News and World Report, while the Toyota is just over $1,000 more at $26,455.
For the Sport Auto, the same report puts Miata’s MSRP at $26,645 and the automatic Toyota has an MSRP of $27,175. If you’re wondering the difference between MSRP, invoice price and true market value, we covered that in part one of our East Texas Car Buying Guide.
Interior Features
The most obvious difference between the two is that the Toyota GT86 seats four, while the MX-5 is a two-seater. When it comes to convenience and comfort, these features come standard in both vehicles:
- Power windows and doors
- Cruise control
- Adjustable steering
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Trip computer
- Keyless entry
Miata has interior features that will cost you extra in the Toyota. Keyless start, a CD player, a hands-free communication system and Smart Device Integration come with every MX-5. Mazda’s car also has slightly more head room and more front leg room.
Handling and Performance
Here’s where critics start to notice a significant difference between the two cars. A Car Magazine article points out the difference, “when you crack open the throttle and the GT86 fades in the rear-view mirror like a water skier whose line has just snapped clean in two.” Ouch.
According to Toyota, the GT86 goes from zero to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds, with drivers often noticing a dip in the mid-range torque. Miata has a smooth torque curve, so the 7.4 second acceleration from zip to 62 feels much more precise and powerful. It also communicates when you’ve taken a corner too fast or need corrective steering, so you can enjoy winding roads at speed with confidence.
MX-5 has a turning diameter of 30.8 compared to Toyota’s 36.1. Both run on premium unleaded. Miata gets an estimated 26 city miles per gallon and 35 on East Texas highways. The Toyota averages 24 in town and 32 on the open road.
Overall Pros and Cons of Mazda MX-5 vs. Toyota GT86
US News praises Miata’s athletic handling, great fuel economy, effortlessly shifting manual transmission, luxurious interior and extreme reliability rating. The only drawback it lists is MX-5s small trunk, a criticism common to sporty two-seaters in general.
When it comes to the Toyota GT86, compared to other four-seaters it has supportive seats, and the automatic transmission provides good fuel economy. However, it has an “uninspiring engine” and less technology than others in its class. It also has cramped rear seating and very little trunk space.
The Best Way to Decide
Researching cars you’re considering is always a good idea. Then you need to experience them in person. Come by and test drive an MX-5 today. Click here to see your choices.
Sources:
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/compare?trims=13651-398118_13699-395827
Professional Car Racing For Beginners
At Velocity Mazda, we’re pretty proud of Team Joest, and we’ll be bringing you the latest updates on team news and competitive events. At Mazda, racing is in our DNA.
Almost since cars were invented there has been a group of individuals passionate about making them faster and more powerful. Since then several types of racing have developed. If you’re new to the sport, you may not know the difference between Formula One, IndyCar, NASCAR, World Endurance Championship and WeatherTech Championship races. We’re here to help.
Formula One
Formula One traces its roots to the first days of racing when cars competed on public streets. It’s the most political, the most well-known and the most prestigious form of racing. Events are international with this year’s 21 races happening around the world in places like Bahrain, China, Monaco, Singapore and Spain. The October 21 event takes place in Austin, Texas.
- The Cars — F1 cars look nothing like regular cars. Individual teams create them, so each chassis, internal component and aerodynamics element is unique. They’re pure race cars with one seat and an open cockpit. Most are made completely out of carbon fiber composites. Teams almost fanatically guard information about their engine’s power output, but according to technical regulations, a V-6 supplies somewhere around 600 horsepower and each vehicle’s drivetrain kicks in an extra 160 horses on demand.
- The Track — Formula One cars don’t race on ovals, they compete on specially built road courses or street circuits that are opened temporarily for the event. F1 cars can go in excess of 240 mph, but the twists and turns of the course often make drivers reduce their speed well below what they’re capable of.
Formula One teams have budgets in the hundreds of millions. Drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso are some of the highest paid professional athletes in the world.
IndyCar Racing
IndyCars are also formula cars. They are all open-wheel and made of carbon fiber racers that compete on road tracks, short-term street courses and permanent oval racetracks.
- The cars — IndyCars are heavier than F1 cars. They all run the same chassis and have 2.2-litre turbocharged engines from either Honda or Chevrolet. Power, brakes, aerodynamic kits all change depending on the course and the regulations. Like F1 cars, they have a push-to-pass system they can use up to 10 times during a race for a boost of speed while overtaking other drivers. Cars lap at an average of 230 miles an hour, but on street courses there’s a much wider variation depending on terrain.
- The track — While tracks vary, the most well-known race, the Indianapolis 500 takes place every year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s often called the Greatest Spectacle in Racing and along with the Monaco Grand Prix and 24 Hours of Le Mans is part of the Triple Crown of Motorsports. The track itself is 2.5 miles around, and drivers complete that distance 200 times for a total distance of 500 miles. It is may be the biggest one-day sporting event every year on the planet and is the most prestigious IndyCar event.
Legendary Mario Andretti won races in IndyCar, Formula One, Nascar and other races. His son and grandson Michael and Marco followed in his footsteps. Many count Brazilian Helio Castroneves as the greatest racecar driver of all time. American A.J. Foyt is also a pillar when it comes to open-wheel racing.
Mazda is committed to helping promising drivers develop their skills. We’ll cover the Mazda Road to Indy in an article coming soon.
NASCAR
Stock car racing uses vehicles that are customized for race track driving. There are three national series, each with different drivers and cars.
- The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is where you’ll find pros like Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Cars weigh 3,450 pounds and have up to 900 horses, with the ability to go 200 miles an hour.
- The NASCAR Nationwide series has slightly lighter, slightly slower cars and gives rivers a chance to develop their skills on their way to the Sprint Cup Series.
- The NASCAR Camping World Truck series is unique in that it has beefed-up pickups with high horsepower engines that can reach up to 180 mph.
World Endurance Championship
WEC races have different classes of cars that all compete on the same track. The governing body is the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). World championship goes to the manufacturers and drivers that score at the top over the course of the season.
- The cars – Advanced Le Mans prototypes are the fastest closed-wheel cars in circuit racing. They have different names depending on what series they participate in. Depending on the series, other cars could be based on anything from a Ferrari to a Maserati to a Mazda MX-5. Cars reach speeds as high as 250 mph.
- The track – Endurance races take from six to up to 24 hours. They occur on tracks in England, Belgium, France, Japan, China and the United States. Tracks have irregular shapes and are hilly and twisty. For each car, two or more drivers typically split the race in 40 minute shifts.
WeatherTech Sports Car Championship
Mazda Team Joest is racing Mazda RT24-P cars in the 10-race season of the 2018 WetherTech Sports Car Championship. It is based in the U.S. and Canada and governed by the International Motor Sports Association. It starts with the Rolex 24 at Daytona and culminates in the endurance race the Petit Le Mans.
- The cars – There is one flagship class prototype category and two grand tourer classes. Starting last year, the prototype class included LMP2 cars and Daytona Prototypes. Teams in that class must choose from a limited number of chassis and have to stay with the same basic car over the course of a season. Grand tourer classes match either the Automobile Club de l’Quests GTE specs or comply with FIA GT3 requirements.
- The track – Races might be as brief as an hour and 40 minutes or last up to a full 24 hours. Each track is different. For example, the Long Beach Street Circuit was inspired by the Monaco Grand Prix and takes place on a course built on city streets. The 24-hour road course at Daytona uses a combined road course that incorporates NASCAR’s tri-oval along with an infield road track.
This guide barely scrapes the surface. Drag racing, for example, happens on a straight track with a short distance with drivers seeking to accelerate as fast as possible. Off-road racing events are often point to point, with each event having unique rules.
Racing is such an exciting sport with passionate enthusiasts in every genre. Each draws its own type of participant and spectator.
Mazda participates in racing because it’s part of feeling the pure freedom of being one with the machine. Whether they’re building a family-friendly sedan, an MX-5 or a prototype Mazda’s goal is to create cars that are light, intuitive, powerful and fast. They invest in every level of racing from grassroots to IndyCar.
If reading about racing makes you want to be behind the wheel of a sleek, powerful machine, we can help. There’s nothing like the feel of a new Mazda, and we can put you behind the wheel of one today. Come by Velocity Mazda for a test drive or get in touch to find out more.
Sources:
https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/press-release/mazda-team-joest-tests-endurance-daytona/
https://sportscarchampionship.imsa.com/
https://www.formula1.com/en/championship/races/2018.html
https://www.carthrottle.com/post/here-s-the-difference-between-f1-and-indycar/
Getting the Most Out of Your Test Drive
Daniel Clark buys a new Mazda 3 Sport.
The test drive is one of the most exciting parts of purchasing a new vehicle. There are some things no amount of research can convey. When buyers come to Velocity Mazda, they tend to fall in love with their new car pretty quickly. We cover the research process in our Ultimate East Texas Car Buying Guide Part 1 and Part 2. Here are suggestions for when you get to our dealership.
Sit In Your Current Vehicle
Take some notes about what you like and what you wish you could change. Check out the following:
- What cords do you normally need to plug in? Is that working or are there things you wish you could change?
- What technology do you use regularly? Do you pair your phone with the vehicle? What navigation and entertainment options do you use most or wish you had? Where do you keep your sunglasses?
- How comfortable are you when you sit in the driver’s seat? Does your neck or back ache on long drives?
- What beverages do you typically take? Do you have enough room for them? Does your favorite mug fit in a standard cupholder?
- What else rides with you? What kind of space do you need for purses, backpacks, passengers and equipment?
- What screen illumination are you currently using? Do you get music from radio, satellite or an external device?
Test Drive Early
People are afraid once they test drive a car their emotions will take over. They fear they’ll fall in love and make bad or hasty financial decisions. When you test drive a Mazda, you probably will be amazed by what a great experience it is, but we aren’t going to push you into a sale.
Online research into features, pricing and fuel economy is helpful, but you just have to experience a car to know if it’s really the one for you. Visit our dealership when you’re in the consideration stage so you can weed out cars that are too large or small and figure out what trim best meets your needs. We’ll let you take time to think it over, find your best financing and come back when you’re ready.
Schedule Weekday Test Drives
All car dealerships are busier on weekends. If you can get away during the week, you avoid the crowds and there’s less likely to be someone else test driving the car you’re interested in.
However, if you try and squeeze in a test drive over your lunch break you’ll miss important details and forget some of your most pressing questions. Allow yourself plenty of time to do the following:
- Explore the interior. See if everything will fit. Evaluate comfort, climate control and technology.
- Mimic your daily driving. Don’t just drive to the next stoplight on Loop 323 and bring the car back. If you shop, drive it to the Broadway Square Mall. If you have a long commute, find an open road. If you do a lot of night driving, ask to borrow the car to see how you feel about it after dark.
- Talk to your salesman. If cruise control, back-up cameras, 12-volt power outlets or Bluetooth audio streaming are important to you, ask him or her to show you models with everything you want.
- Evaluate driving. How do you feel about the way the vehicle brakes? Is the instrumentation easy to read? Does the car feel like an extension of yourself during acceleration and turns?
Velocity Mazda has a full 2018 Mazda lineup and Mazda certified pre-owned vehicles. Whether you’re just starting your car buying journey or ready to take a Mazda home today, stop in for a test drive. View our hours and directions online.
Sources:
http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/985605/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-test-drive
https://mashable.com/2016/08/08/test-driving-cars-tips/#sCHTUoplvkq8
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Recent Blog Entries
- Brand New 2025 Hybrid CX-50 is now available at Velocity Mazda
- Velocity Mazda-Backed Drivers achieve huge success at 2024 Mazda MX-5 Cup
- MOVE AND BE MOVED. Mazda has a new creative brand slogan.
- Velocity Mazda is Diamond Sponsor for Discovery Science Place Fundraiser
- Inside The Mazda3 We’ve All Been Waiting For