Avoid Mazda of Valencia at all costs…read more
I had a 1:00 p.m. appointment on 7/26 after multiple calls and texts with Romero regarding a Mazda CX-50 Preferred. Romero presented himself as though he were handling the sale, but upon arrival, I learned his role was apparently to call prospective customers, quote preliminary deals, and entice them into the dealership.
I drove from Los Angeles after confirming the pricing. Once there, the numbers were materially different, and the two vehicles I was told would be washed and ready were both dirty. We were also passed among several employees and repeatedly had to explain what had already been discussed. The entire process was disorganized and poorly managed.
Around 2:30 p.m., General Sales Manager JT Taylor, also known as John, entered the conversation with what he called the final offer. I showed him my text exchanges with Romero, and JT pulled out his phone and photographed my screen to capture the messages. Despite seeing what had been represented, he returned with numbers that were nowhere close.
At that point, I understood that no deal would be reached and was prepared to leave. I calmly stated that this was the classic dealership experience I intentionally avoid, which is why I used brokers for my last three vehicle leases.
I specifically explained that my frustration was with the overall experience and was not directed at JT personally. Nevertheless, he became defensive, raised his voice, and refused to de-escalate despite my repeatedly asking and gesturing for him to calm down. He then announced that he was "ex-military" and that he "doesn't get down like this."
I am still unsure whether that was intended to address the pricing discrepancy, intimidate me, or demonstrate a very large ego with very little managerial judgment. Whatever the intention, it was inappropriate and remarkably unprofessional.
The most absurd part came when I asked for his business card. JT repeatedly responded, "Nah, it's okay," because he believed I would leave a negative review. I requested it three times, and he only provided it after another employee intervened.
For context, I have worked in financial services for nearly two decades across retail, private, and investment banking, serving clients from all walks of life. I cannot imagine refusing to provide a client with my business card because I feared negative feedback--or one of the associates I lead doing so without serious repercussions.
This was not an inexperienced employee having an awkward moment. This was the General Sales Manager displaying hostility, poor judgment, and an apparent fear of accountability. A business card is not permission to leave a review, and hiding it does not prevent a customer from documenting an experience.
After his repeated refusals, I recorded the interaction, including him saying, "Nah, it's okay." I also have the text exchanges, call records, and supporting documentation. Mazda Corporate has opened a formal case, and I will provide them with the full record.
We also had an appointment at the neighboring Kia dealership, but two Mazda employees told us both locations were under the same ownership. After this experience, we skipped that appointment rather than risk encountering the same lack of training, professionalism, and accountability.
JT Taylor, respectfully, if you are comfortable invoking your military background during a disagreement but frightened by a Yelp review, customer-facing management may be the wrong profession. Reviews are not threats; they reflect the service provided.
I have leased two Mazdas over the past ten years, and this was easily my worst dealership experience. Save yourself the drive and aggravation. Professional management addresses concerns--it does not raise its voice, make intimidating remarks, and hide business cards.
