Safford Brown Mazda Alexandria

I am generally very apprehensive of car dealers. I spent a couple weeks going back and fourth with multiple dealers via email, trying to work out the basics of a contract (price and exact model, although it a couple weeks going back and fourth with multiple dealers via email, trying to work out the basics of a contract (price and exact model, although it probably helped me that I knew what I wanted) before setting foot in the dealership, where I was very worried I would be subjected to confusing and/or high pressure tactics. Almost all of the dealers (seven or eight in total) either did not directly answer my questions about pricing or availability... or tried to pressure me to come in to the dealership to talk specifics... or were in other ways unpleasant... or were all of the above. Robert DeLaRouge at Browns was the exception. He confirmed the inventory and quoted me (in writing) an exact price (without hassling me about trade-in or financing), breaking it down as I requested, by options, freight, base cost, tax, and title/tags. He was to the point and no-pressure. For a while, I thought I was dealing with a support person at the dealership... not the car salesman. I don't know why more dealers don't take this approach. They might make less profit off each car, but it seems like the volume of customers they would get with a customer-friendly reputation would more than make up for it. When I got to the dealership, things went smoothly. Robert (an Army veteran) was polite but not overly friendly or patronizing, and seemed very genuine. He knew I was apprehensive, and maybe because of that treaded lightly, explaining things and answering my questions in a very patient way. He kept his word and I walked out of there paying what he quoted me (which judging by a variety of market value/invoice cost/certificate services online, was very fair). The finance guy and even the GM seemed like decent (and genuine) people. That's not to say that no one gave me a pitch to buy something else (like a service plan), but that was kept to a minimum and was pretty transparent. They immediately backed down when I said no... and all in all seemed pretty straightforward. More

Pretty much from the first phone call to the dealership I knew that I was going to enjoy my experience with Alexandria Mazda. I had the pleasure of working with Brian Bearce and who, spoiler alert!!, I ended knew that I was going to enjoy my experience with Alexandria Mazda. I had the pleasure of working with Brian Bearce and who, spoiler alert!!, I ended up confidently buying a car from. My phone call to Brian marked approximately 4 adventures/days/weekends of car shopping (not to mention all of the online shopping and tedious combing of the internet for quality cars that were not only within my budget but also had a reputation for reliability and somewhat of a uniqueness about it. On the second weekend of my actual search, I found a Scion xD I really liked at another dealership after I researched more about it, but sadly it had been sold when I took a day to think about the offer on the table. I found another almost exactly like it, a year newer, at a dealership much closer to home and at a better price. It was on my list of actual cars I would consider as I had finally narrowed down between this, a 2011 CPO Chevy Aveo, and an older, cheaper Nissan Sentra. I was pretty much at my wit's end with the car shopping because the process is just exhausting. I was fortunate to meet a lot of nice, helpful people, but I was just growing tired of putting all of this energy into researching, test driving, and then unsuccessfully negotiating prices for dud after dud. Brian was extremely personable over the phone, and let me know that he would have the car ready to be looked at and test driven when I arrived. This was also a car he knew more about as one of his previous customers had actually traded in this car for a new Mazda. The test drive with Brian was an absolute delight-- he allowed me to focus on the car but we were also able to have a nice conversation besides that. He was happy to answer any questions and was not uncomfortable acknowledging any flaws with the car, which gave me confidence about his honesty: 1. We both heard a strange noise which we later found was nothing, but he was diligent to find the answer and asked a mechanic he trusted and knew well at their shop to investigate instead of trying to cover up something that might have been wrong with the car, AND instead of alternatively brushing it off and treating me like I know nothing about cars. 2. Showing a work order for some mechanical parts in the doors that needed to be replaced; he was so upfront about it that we looked together online to find out how much the part would be to buy on my own since I have some handyman experience and we found I would save a BIG chunk of change buying the parts and doing it on my own or elsewhere. When we finally started negotiating price and he gave me the line that all salesmen do, "I can tell you this is a GOOD car. You are getting a good car!" I had to roll my eyes a little. But again, Brian's consistency was proven when I took the car for an inspection and was informed that all that needed to be done or considered was changing the battery size as it was incorrectly installed with the wrong size. I was happy that not only had I finally found a car that I had confidence in, but I had also come a long way in the process with someone who I considered now more a friend than just some salesman. He used NO pushy sales tactics, no bait and switch, no gimmicks, and ALWAYS talked to me and treated me with respect and courtesy throughout the process, as a buyer and perhaps more importantly a young female flying solo on her first attempt to buy her own vehicle. Even when I expressed hesitation in some areas about the car, Brian was very supportive of whatever decision I was going to make with it. I test drove the car on Saturday. By Thursday I was driving to work in my new-to-me 2010 Scion xD. And this is where it gets REALLY good! Brian knew I was renting cars to go out car shopping. When I told him that I was unsure of my travel time back to the dealership to buy since I'd be taking public transit, he offered to pick me up on his way in. And when I realized I had forgotten the coffee I made at home, he picked up a huge coffee for me from 7-11 nearby with a flavored creamer he thought I'd like (since we had previously talked about it) just before taking my car to be cleaned up and filled up with gas. Sean, the sales manager, was extremely personable and held to the same standards as Brian on sales tactics-- he didn't use any! They knew I wanted a car that would be as unique as I am without breaking my budget, and they did what they could to come to a number I was comfortable with. Jim finished up the process for me with all paperwork being signed and, again, very personable, professional, and ALL of them will make you laugh if you give them the chance! I hope I have as many opportunities as possible to recommend Brown's Alexandria Mazda to someone who is looking for a car. Whether it is new or pre-owned, I am confident that Brian and the rest of the team there would be able to make another driver as excited about his or her 4 wheels as he has made me. I LOVE the car, I am OK with the price (wish we could have gone a bit lower on, but wasn't unreasonable for the quality and reliability I received), and am grateful for a pleasant experience. As I mentioned before, by the end it was a bittersweet closing on the deal, as Brian was much more a friend now than a salesman-- we had the opportunity to discuss a lot of life things that gave him insight on my financial choices helping the process flow smoothly and openly. Thanks to Brown's Alexandria Mazda, and especially Brian for an awesome and refreshing experience-- not just for buying a car, but buying my FIRST car with MY hard earned money that I felt good about spending with them. I will be sending anyone I know, if I can, your way! More

Brian Bearce was by far the best sales rep I have worked with. He let me test drive 2 different cars and spent a lot of time answering all my questions, before deciding on the Mazda3. Great experience! You with. He let me test drive 2 different cars and spent a lot of time answering all my questions, before deciding on the Mazda3. Great experience! You won't be sorry dealing with Brian, very honest and straightforward. More

Robert made the car buying experience hassle-free for me. I ended up doing internet shopping for the 2014 Mazda 3S Grand Touring--dealing with 3 internet sales people and asking for their prices. At first I ended up doing internet shopping for the 2014 Mazda 3S Grand Touring--dealing with 3 internet sales people and asking for their prices. At first I had a lower price at another dealership and I told Robert and he immediately got me the price I wanted. There were no hidden fees, he didn't push me to buy more things than I needed. When I came to the dealership he showed me exactly what I'm paying for "out the door" which matched what we agreed online. Buying all had to do with just picking the right color, which Robert gave excellent advice! The color I wanted was not in stock so he got a delivery the next day. In the meantime, he got me into a loaner car since I did not own an automobile. If you want hassle-free, straight forward sales person, deal with Robert! More

The service at Browns Mazda was excellent!! I had nothing but the best experience when purchasing a second car. Brian was honest and straightforward in providing the pricing and information required and walk but the best experience when purchasing a second car. Brian was honest and straightforward in providing the pricing and information required and walked through the entire purchase of my car. I would highly recommend Browns Mazda and Brian Bearce for honest, straightforward help and purchase!! More

Bobby was professional, promt, and answered all of our questions before we even had to ask them! Couldn't be happier with the service (and with the Porsche)!! questions before we even had to ask them! Couldn't be happier with the service (and with the Porsche)!! More

I bought a brand new mazda at this dealership and it was a great first time buyer experience. There was no hassle or pressure to buy the vehicle. Our sales agent Bobby treated us like family and the other s a great first time buyer experience. There was no hassle or pressure to buy the vehicle. Our sales agent Bobby treated us like family and the other staff members were great too. I would definitely recommend Bobby and this dealership to family,friends, co-workers, and anybody just trying to buy a new car. Thanks Bobby and Thank you Mazda for making a great car. More

I would highly recommend Anthony Arthur as a salesman! Mr. Arthur has always been an excellent and cordial gentlemen. I truly felt secured in knowing that he genuinely cared about me as a person and he h Mr. Arthur has always been an excellent and cordial gentlemen. I truly felt secured in knowing that he genuinely cared about me as a person and he honestly wanted to assist me with purchasing a vehicle. I have recommended several people to Brown's and told them to speak with Mr. Arthur to get them into a vehicle that fits their budget. I pray that Anthony Arthur will be rewarded for all of his committed and dedicated work!!!! Thank you again, Anthony!!!! Be blessed! More

I went in looking for a used car but unfortunately there were none available in the style I wanted. Robert allowed me to test drive several cars and I found one that I really wanted but was a bit out of my were none available in the style I wanted. Robert allowed me to test drive several cars and I found one that I really wanted but was a bit out of my price range. I negotiated with the sales and finance people for several hours and Robert was very understanding and patient. I ended up with a great price and a new car that I love! More

The representatives were all highly professional and customer oriented. Robert DeLaRouge in an outstanding salesman and made the entire experience very pleasant. Thomas Steinitz ensured the financing customer oriented. Robert DeLaRouge in an outstanding salesman and made the entire experience very pleasant. Thomas Steinitz ensured the financing process went flawlessly. These persons reflected very highly on the quality of Brown's Mazda and ensured that I will continue to recommend Brown's to all my friends and associates. More