Steele Mazda Dartmouth

TLDR: buying experience was excellent (at least as of the initially writing of this post in 2020), services should be kept to recalls and purchasing genuine Mazda parts from the parts dept and install elsewhere.

Recently financed a used 2019 Mazda CX-5 from Steele Mazda. Absolutely the best dealership experience I’ve had in HRM.
I was shopping around between multiple brands and the customer service here won me over above all the rest. Between Colin handling the sales and Sheila handling the financing, I could not have been kept more up to date through the buying process.
As an added bonus, once everything was over, Colin himself noted that there were paints chips that he had not noticed before handing me the keys and wanted to have it all touched up (this gave me a good sense of his honesty and accountability in this situation). One appointment a week later and I couldn’t be happier with the vehicle and service so far. I look forward to a long relationship with Steele Mazda going forward.

End of 2023 update: having owned this vehicle, as well as added a second Mazda to the family, I have to say that I am fairly disappointed with the service side of things.

We all know that oil changes are expensive at dealerships, but what we don’t all know is what goes on during the oil changes. Steele Mazda does a fairly good job of sending videos and informing you of what’s happening as it’s happening. However, I am still fairly dissatisfied with certain aspects of the “complementary” portion (checking brake pad thickness, etc) of the oil change servicing.

Without being long winded about it, I noted when changing my wheels over from summer to winter that the wheel nuts were over tightened (over 200lbs-ft, more than double the recommended 90lbs-feet). I have professional experience in the automotive industry, but that isn’t required to know that this is straight up dangerous.

I requested the next time that the wheel nuts be tightened to the proper spec with a torque wrench. This did not happen. I check immediately after and found that all nuts were still over 150lbs-ft. I found a garage where I could do my own services.

The second and most recent instance that I encountered was I needed an MVI quickly and Steele happened to have an opening. No harm in doing that, I thought. Turned out that I needed a new rear spring (I already knew this before taking it in). I authorized them to replace the spring. Driving home, I noted that there was a VERY loud thrumming noise that increased in loudness an frequency with speed. I couldn’t detect anything visually just by checking a few areas. Returned to Mazda the following Monday to have the official MVI completed (car needed a windshield). I mentioned the noise. The service counter person insisted that “it must be out of round” despite it definitely not sounding like that when I originally brought it in.

Went home once more and this time happened to find a screw in the tire! I installed a spare and went for a test drive - no weird noises (got the tire fixed for free at Canadian Tire). Even once the punctured one was re-installed, there was no evidence of it being significantly “out of round. ”

That’s 2 fairly substantial (and easily avoidable) strikes. That’s enough for me.

If I could give 2.5 stars, I would. So I’ll be generous with 3.

My wife and I have owned 3 Mazdas over the past 13 years and have been largely satisfied with the vehicle itself. The maintenance service at Steele however, has been HORRIBLE. When scheduling routine maintenance appointments the attempted up-selling is regularly excessive and exhausting.

On one occasion my wife waited at the location long after the maintenance had been completed due to poor comminication between the technician and service counter.

Prior to another scheduled maintenance appointment we adamantly expressed that we would need to have the work completed in time to pick up our young daughter. The service center assured us the work would easily be completed in the time frame, but was not even close. The technicians completed about half of the work promised during the allotted time, and ended up having to reverse the process and reschedule the appointment.

Most recently, our appointment to have winter tires installed had to be rescheduled because it was in conflict with scheduled inventory. When we arrived for the rescheduled appointment, we were notified of a second appointment scheduling error.

It was amazing service from the time I walked in until I drove off the lot in my Cx-5 GT. Ask for Guri he’s your guy!

Brian Merriam was so helpful in finding us the right car, and it was a pleasure to have him as a our sales consultant from start to finish. Brian was extremely helpful and patient in explaining our new car's technology and features. It was the best buying experience we have ever had!

Had a 5 star experience from start to finish getting into my beautiful new CX-50 with help from Rebecca (and Craig on the finance team!). Rebecca was super professional, honest and informative throughout the entire process, I could not be happier with the service I received from these guys!

Will be coming back to make all future Mazda purchases from this fantastic team.

We found the exact pre-owned vehicle we were looking for. Guri, the Salesperson facilitated the transaction quickly and effortlessly within the budget we had in mind. Craig in finance took care of all the details and was great at getting us an excellent rate. Was nice that he took care of all that for us. Everyone was very friendly and accommodating. Had a very minor issue (wheel nut lock missing). Took it into the Service Dept and they were great too. We are really happy with our Mazda CX-5!

I was there few times and Tony bai was the sales person, he was super friendly and knowledgeable which helped me find the best vehicle for my family, highly recommended!

I had an amazing experience at Steele Mazda. Thanks to Gurwinder, very nice and helpful. And Sheila too. Overall, I got my car, and very satisfied!

Inept or malicious. The service department at Steele Mazda Dartmouth is one of those two. Over multiple visits, I've been scammed and lied to (either maliciously or through sheer incompetence).

I have paid for services never rendered (oil & fluid changes and that never happened).

I was given a quote of CAD900 to replace a 'broken' part that wasn't broken and required a 30 second fix via a YouTube video.

I brought my car in for alignment, and it came out of the garage with the steering wheel tilted by at least 15 degrees! After bringing it to a third party, we find 2 damaged and 1 broken component of the alignment system.

It's clear that this service center doesn't know how to fix cars. They don't even try to test drive them after any service.

They try to build trust by showing a video of the standard inspection checklist, but then quote you on things not shown in the video to nickel and dime you.

I still can't tell if they prey on people's lack of knowledge about cars or if they are just absolutely incompetent. Either way, I highly recommend you look elsewhere.

Took my 17 yr old daughter to see a used vehicle at this location, we were told by a friend to see Rebecca. This young lady did not disappoint! She knew her stuff and was incredibly easy to deal with. Rebecca helped my daughter feel comfortable and figure out what she was really looking for in a vehicle. She was pleasant, patient and funny!

I bought my cx-30 in may, Rebecca and Shiela made it so easy for me, they were both very personable and friendly. My experience making this big purchase couldn’t have went more smoothly. They were patient and kind. Very grateful for dealing with them both! Would definitely recommend this dealership!

Great Service, I was worried I had major issues with my car. Called them they asked me to bring car over. They looked at it right away. Assured me no issues advised what to look for in future. They went above and beyond. I will definitely be taking my CX 5 to them for any issues.a huge THANK YOU!

Got my first service done here today
It was fast and friendly also the short video was helpful with the service I will need in the future.
I use to deal with city mazda in Halifax mostly because I use to work there but now I will be continuing to have all of my services done with Steel Mazda
. Thanks everyone you earned a new life long customer!

Mike was amazing. Although I didn't end up buying a car from here but whatever interaction I had was professional. I would recommend others to check their inventory out.

Had a vey bad experience today when I went to showroom enquiring for pre owned cars. The lady was unwelcoming and didn't answer to our queries.

We had a great experience while buying our car. Collin is an excellent sales person who made sure we understand everything, no sales tactics and just pure customer service.

The only reason this dealership gets two stars, is one for a salesman and one for the actual mechanics who do the work, as the business being ran poorly is not their fault. I and my family have been buying and bringing cars here for approx 7 years. In that time we dealt with terrible service, being upsold and lied to when it comes to service, poor timeliness and readiness and overall being treated poorly as a customer making a big purchase. I suggest anyone who can, make the journey to Truro Mazda, as I didn't see how badly I had it with Steele until I visited a dealership who was happy to have our business and treated us accordingly. Will never return to this business even though it is a 2 hour inconvenience to go to Truro, We'll Worth It.

Love the service here. Our car randomly wouldn’t start. We brought it to two different mechanics and were without the car for a month. Neither mechanic could figure it out. Brought it to Steele Mazda at noon on Thursday and it was fixed by 8am the next day and for a very reasonable price. The guys were sooooo nice.

Great service and friendly service techs and friendly mangers
they need to add on caa menbership card for discount on servicing and senior discount watch out to make sure that car is done well the first time and manger does test driver sll customer cars before giving them to make sure that nothing falls of it on the test driver and customer does not have go back one more time at mazda service and mangers need double all service tech jobs and let the customer know that everything is done right the first time
love your service and love the mazda brand my next car will be a mazda

Good sales team, BUT the service team are terrible, the windshield wipers were getting frozen and wouldn't stay on the window, they keep the car inside before trying it and can't find anything wrong with it, a trim on a fender broke off, get it replaced and we pick up the car and half the trim isn't even clipped in and is sticking out an inch, zero quality control. A piece of bumper was also damaged which was missed and we had take take it back again, then bubbles in the chrome on the front, back again. They repaired a tire, not done properly at all, the repair wasn't sealed probably on the inside or grinded down and let go after a few weeks, safety of their customers obviously of no concern.

I had a great car buying experience. No pressure, they listened to what I wanted, what my budget was and worked to get me a good deal. They were super busy but still gave me their 100% attention as I asked questions and took my time to think over things. Brian in sales was amazing and so was Craig in finance. They arranged everything and it was a very smooth process.

Just financed a 2020 Mazda 3 Sport at Steele Mazda, it was an excellent buying experience. I was never pressured and the entire process was easy and convenient. Both Mike in sales and Sheila in financing provided great customer service, they certainly went above and beyond to ensure a positive experience. Would highly recommend this dealership.

Excellent experience with buying a used vehicle from Steele Mazda. Rebecca was absolutely patient with me while I waffled in indecision about which car I wanted, and got back to me straight away when I finally picked my car out! She's everything you want in a Sales person, warm, personable and knowledgeable about Mazda. It's a fine line to walk to be a supportive Sales person and not be pushy, and she walks it with ease.

I definitely recommend Steele Mazda and Rebecca if you're looking for a new or new to you car.

Just bought a 2018 Mazda 3 GT here, service was excellent! Cody and Craig are easy and great to deal with I highly recommend them!

The service department at Steele Mazda did in 3 hours what City Mazda couldn't do in an entire week.
I had a very negative experience with City Mazda (on the Halifax side) which left me without a car for 5 days - they could not tell me what was going on with my car and in the end they refused my Warranty work and cancelled my appointment on me with no explanation.
Without even knowing of my experience and with little notice - Steele Mazda was able to take my car in, diagnose the situation, explain to me what needed to be done AND even put me in a rental all on the same day. It is now day 2 of them having my car and they have already provided me with an update so I know exactly whats going on. Having a car is stressful and at times scary when you are given the runaround, but knowing that Steele Mazda is there for me takes all of the stress away.
Thank you for being so awesome!

I recently bought a car from Steele mazda in dartmouth
I lived in other side of canada.

But Sheila and Rebecca had helped me a lot even though i was away.
Excellent service, and Excellent Communication, Excellent deal. They are very kind.

I cant be happier than this.

I appreciate that Sheila and Rebbeca had helped me alot.

I definitely visit again!

Service department is fine. Finance department made buying a used car a traumatizing experience. They completely swindled me (a single woman) by performing and CHARGING me for services without my consent, consultation or approval. They told me when I showed up to buy the car, which then put me way over my budget. Very greasy, misogynistic attitude and sales-tactics from the finance guy - Craig Morrison - and I did tell him so to his face. Intending to contact the BBB, but it's taken me months to recover from the experience enough to even be able to leave a review.

Kudos to this dealership! I have to say that it was a pleasure to do do business with the staff at this Mazda dealership. Colin and Craig made the purchase of my vehicle simple and easy. No sales pressure received!
just straightforward, well informed answers to my questions. Happy to have bought my vehicle from Steele Mazda Dartmouth

Scheduled maintenance on our Mazda3 was fast. Pleasant conversations with staff while I waited with my 9mnth old daughter. Always a great experience at Steele Mazda!

I was very impressed with the excellent customer service I received today from a member of your Parts Department. I had a relatively minor request, but he was very efficient, courteous and friendly. Thank you!

Not impressed with the service department book a appointment on line to have my wiper motor replaced do to recall and received a call the next explaining that it would have to be ordered I told her I would like to keep the appointment because I need my front end check it was making alot a noise she told me I was unable to keep it due to short staff issues. I booked another apartment on line for Monday at 330 pm and took time off work to go when I get there I see a sign on the door saying closed no power funny thing is ever other business around there had power. I never received a call of email saying that my appointment was canceled. Completely wasted my time. I'm now going to have take more time off because my car still hasn't been look at and isn't fixed.

Former and current customer. I have delt with many different dealerships. Ignore the negitive reviews, you will not find quality of service better then here. No matter where you buy vehicles there will always be small issues, the important thing is that this dealer always does whatever is necessary to make things right. I will continue buying and servicing my vehicles here in the future.

Unhappy with my vehicle and the service Ive received here. My car failed its first MVI, and they will not cover the cost of worked required (two parts needing replacing, 900$) due to my warranty ending 1 week ago. My new car should not require this work, regardless of the warranty. I have already needed to have two other parts replaced since purchasing it brand new. Unacceptable.

Bought a used vehicle early June. Took almost 2 months to have all issues rectified after multiple trips. Was promised tank of gas and detailing for problems. Dash wasn't touched and still had same dust and finger prints. Seems to be poor communications between departments. But they seem good at telling you what you want to hear.

Such a family oriented business! Highly recommend if you are looking for a comfortable and non stressful vehicle purchase experience!

Do not use Steele Mazda for any service. Worst service ever! They are rip off artists! We used them to do the 2 year Nova Scotia vehicle inspection for my 2016 Mazda CX-5 GT and they said I needed new brakes and rotors for a vehicle with only 22,000 kms. My wife was the one that took the SUV in and just had the work done. I spoke to a brake specialist at Speedy and they said there is no way a new vehicle like that would need new rotors and brakes. I complained to the service manager, a woman and she said she would check with the mechanic who was away for a while. She never got back to me. I kept calling and she kept promising to return my call. Steele Mazda service department is a rip off shop. They apparently prey on women or anyone they think are vulnerable to their rip off tactics.

My wife just purchased her car here a few day back Aug 1 19. They took care of her and treated her really well. We're happy with their survive

Dropped by to look at purchasing a SUV after approx 10 minutes of looking at Cars no one in Showroom acknowledged my presence. Thanks for helping me make my decision)

An excellent dealership with incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff! We dealt with Colin Power. Professional, friendly and ALWAYS goes above and beyond for his customers. My husband and I are completely satisfied with our purchases and cannot thank you all enough! A fabulous team, and an amazing group of people! Highly recommend to anyone looking for an awesome deal and a beautiful vehicle. Thank you Steele Mazda! The Turriff's A+

Had a wonderful experience today! Rebecca Redden helped us through the process of potential getting our first Mazda. We asked a lot of questions and she was able to answer them all with no transparency. We gave her our budget and she worked hard to get us everything we wanted as well as a good deal!
Was able to take our time with a test drive with every vehicle we were interested in. Nothing was rushed, pushed or forced which is the best thing a dealership could do.
I truly recommend going to Steele Mazda to explore some great vehicles as well as some exceptional service. The people are energetic and with a beautiful building to welcome you!

Did a good job however made appointment for 9: 30 and at 10: 10 car was still in the drive in bay ended up taking an hour and half for a oil change which realistically was under 45 minutes.

Amazing service! Moved from a big city out west and brought my Mazda with me. I've never been shuttled to and from work while my car is being repaired! I really appreciated that!