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Even with our trained Mazda financial team, car financing can be complex and the many different terms and options can seem daunting. However, down payments are relatively simple and are a great way to lower the overall cost of your loan or lease. Learn about down payments, then come to Sentry West Mazda to start the purchasing process! more Why Make a Down Payment? Technically, you may not be required to make a down payment, but it’s always a good idea. Making a down payment cuts down on the overall cost of the car before the loan begins. This means that money doesn’t accrue interest, giving you a significantly lower payment and a more financially stable position. How Much Is Normal? A good rule of thumb is for a down payment to cover about 20% of the total cost, but a higher down payment is almost always better. If you need to increase your amount, you can trade in your current vehicle and put its value toward your down payment. Going Upside-Down Not making a down payment makes it much easier to end up upside-down on your loan. An “upside-down” loan is one where the owner owes more than the car is worth. Cars begin to depreciate in value the minute they drive off the lot, so without a down payment to offset it, you may end up with a car losing value faster than you can pay off your loan. Learn More About Down Payments with Our MAZDA Financial Team Making a down payment is a great way to make the car loan process smoother and easier. Come down to our Shrewsbury, MA, Mazda dealership and talk to our finance team to learn more, then apply for financing today!

At Sentry West Mazda, we love Mazda SUVs for their power, responsiveness, and smooth performance. The 2024 Mazda CX-30 features everything you love about Mazda design in a compact SUV, giving you more power behind the wheel and more control over the road ahead. more Powertrain Options The 2024 Mazda CX-30 features two powertrain options, each providing responsive, uncompromising performance. The standard powertrain features a 2.5-liter engine, giving it up to 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the available powertrain has a turbocharged engine to produce up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both options deliver the thrilling drive you expect from a Mazda SUV. Maneuverability With G-Vectoring Control Plus technology under the hood, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 is a crossover SUV like you’ve never driven before. G-Vectoring Control Plus tracks performance and shifts weight subtly to provide an even smoother driving experience. These subtle adjustments make turns, bends, and more just as relaxing as cruising down the highway—and just as easy, too. Conquer the Road Standard i-Activ AWD® gives every 2024 Mazda CX-30 the power and flexibility to conquer tough conditions. This system detects how conditions may be affecting your power distribution, like wheels slipping on snowy or icy roads. Power is automatically redistributed to give you equal force on all four wheels, giving you the performance to handle the roughest terrain. Test-Drive the 2024 MAZDA CX-30 at Sentry West MAZDA The 2024 Mazda CX-30 offers two powertrains and cutting-edge performance technology to keep you thrilled behind the wheel. Come down to Sentry West Mazda for a test drive, then talk to our team to find out more about applying for Mazda financing today!

Winter can be tough, and the cold weather in Shrewsbury, MA, can put a strain on your vehicle. Our Mazda service team at Sentry West Mazda is here to get you ready for the months to come, so start your preparation today! more Get a Check-Up When the weather turns cold, every part of your car has to work harder, pushing numerous components to their limits. If it’s been a while since your last tune-up, make an appointment with our Mazda service team. We’ll check batteries, belts, spark plugs, and more to make sure they’re ready to operate under extreme weather conditions. We can also check your tire pressure and tread depth, and swap out your current set for winter tires. Prepare an Emergency Kit If you end up stranded during a Massachusetts winter, you’ll be glad you prepared a kit for emergencies. Jumper cables, a flashlight, and a portable source of heat are all essential, as are a first aid kit and heavy-duty ice scraper. Extra batteries are also good, as is a portable battery bank for your phone, but make sure they’re properly insulated from the freezing temperatures. Check Your Wipers Your wipers never work harder than during the winter, as they push sheets of snow aside to keep your vision of the road ahead clear. Our service team can make sure they’re not worn and are up for the task ahead, and that your windshield wiper fluid is fully topped off. Schedule MAZDA Service at Sentry West MAZDA New England winters are famous for their intense weather, so be prepared for anything that could come up. Visit Sentry West Mazda and have our team prepare your vehicle for winter today!

Owning a car means that you care for multiple, vital systems simultaneously. At Sentry West Mazda, we can provide numerous services, like a Mazda oil change and oil filter change, so your car runs smoothly. Here’s what you need to know about the oil filter. more Oil Filter Function Your oil filter captures contaminants in your engine oil, helping keep the oil clean and preventing these particles from distributing through the engine. An oil filter is equally important whether you use traditional, synthetic, or blended oil types. Why Clean Oil Matters Your car’s engine oil lubricates its parts while in motion, preventing deformation due to heat from the friction of those parts rubbing against each other. Dirty oil is thicker than clean oil, so your engine expends more energy to drive the same distance. If too much debris clogs the oil filter, material may even accumulate in the engine, further harming its performance. Oil Filter Maintenance Usually, you will receive an oil filter change every other oil change. So, if you change your oil every 3,000 miles, you’d change your filter every 6,000 miles. However, the weather you drive in and your driving habits can influence how often you need to schedule a filter change. Some conditions will increase the frequency at which you’ll need to change your oil and oil filter: Heavy towing Frequent short trips Driving on uneven, dusty, or difficult terrain Driving in severe weather Track driving Schedule a MAZDA Oil Change in Shrewsbury, MA Oil and oil filter changes are important to keep your car in optimal condition. Schedule a Mazda oil change at Sentry West Mazda today.

When shopping for a car, some of the most important aspects are its safety features. The 2024 Mazda CX-5 is equipped with advanced and intuitive features that provide an extra pair of eyes on the road. The team at Sentry West Mazda reviews some of the highlights. more Standard Features All trims of the 2024 Mazda CX-5 are equipped with i-ACTIVSENSE® safety technology, which contains a complete suite of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward smart brake support. You’ll also get: Adaptive cruise control: Adjusts your speed and acceleration to help you maintain a safe following distance from drivers in front of you High Beam Control: Adjusts your high beams to match your current driving conditions, automatically turning them off if another vehicle is approaching Lane Departure Warning System: Gives audible and visual alerts when it detects that you are drifting over into the next lane Available Safety Features You can also opt for higher trim levels that offer more safety features for enhanced peace of mind. The available head-up display projects navigation data and vehicle notifications on the lower, back half of the windshield, keeping critical information directly in your line of vision. You can also get optional Traffic Jam Assist, which controls acceleration and braking during stop-and-go traffic under specific conditions. The top-tier Turbo Signature trim offers numerous extra driver-assistive features, including a 360-degree view monitor that offers a top-down view of your car with its onboard cameras. It also comes with a Driver Attention alert and front and rear parking sensors. Explore the 2024 MAZDA CX-5 at Sentry West MAZDA In addition to its comprehensive safety suite, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 has other thoughtfully designed features. To try them out for yourself, visit Sentry West Mazda for a test drive today.

At Sentry West Mazda, we carry a variety of SUVs to fulfill different drivers’ needs. The 2024 Mazda CX-50 combines thoughtful performance and interior features to create a standout vehicle for road trips and adventures. more Power and Towing By default, the 2024 Mazda CX-50 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 187 horsepower and 186 lb-feet of torque, allowing it to tow up to 2,000 lb. Turbo trims have a 256-horsepower engine that generates 320 lb-feet of torque, allowing this SUV to boast a 3,500-lb towing capacity. This means you can haul along small trailers, jet skis, boats, and more for your next big adventure. Off-Roading Every Mazda CX-50 model comes standard with i-ACTIV AWD®, which maximizes traction and stability on slick road surfaces and uneven trails. This pairs with G-Vectoring Control to improve stability on tricky terrain and when towing. Finally, Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) allows you to toggle between four drive modes to customize performance on your next big trip: Normal Mode: Balances power and efficiency Sport Mode: Enhances responsiveness for an agile driving experience Off-Road Mode: Adjusts brakes and torque to boost stability Available Towing Mode: Improves handling and control when towing Utility The Mazda CX-50 boasts an intuitive design that’s been built for transporting all of your gear. High-strength roof rails pair with a low roof line to support gear ranging from mountain bikes to a pop-up tent. An available Rear Power Liftgate allows you to easily access up to 56.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Plus, the trunk’s cargo floor is deeper than it is wide, in order to meet all of your road trip storage needs. Test-Drive the 2024 MAZDA CX-50 in Shrewsbury, MA The 2024 Mazda CX-50 makes a road trip exciting without sacrificing functionality. To experience these features for yourself, visit us at Sentry West Mazda.

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or PHEV, possesses unique benefits when compared to a purely gasoline-powered car. At the same time, owning a PHEV entails specialized precautions. At our Mazda service center, we can advise you on how to care for your PHEV so it runs optimally as long as possible. more What is a PHEV? A PHEV, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, draws power from both an electric battery and an internal combustion engine (ICE). Though you can charge the battery using a wall outlet, a dedicated 240-volt charging station will do it faster. You can install a station at home or use a publicly available one. PHEV Maintenance You must schedule regular maintenance to keep your vehicle in good condition. Because your PHEV has an engine, it receives very similar maintenance to a gas-only car. Your car’s maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual explains how often to get an oil change, and when you should replace parts such as spark plugs or brake pads. One benefit of PHEV vehicles with regenerative braking is that the brakes will need replacement parts less often. Battery Care While batteries don’t typically need maintenance, there are some care tips that will enhance the performance and lifespan of this critical part. Avoid letting your battery reach full capacity (100%) or full depletion (0%) Avoid charging during overly hot or cold weather. Extreme temperatures will also affect your all-electric driving range Drive your PHEV about once per week. Leaving the battery discharged any longer could harm it once you plug it in again Schedule MAZDA Service at Sentry West MAZDA There are many benefits to owning a PHEV vehicle, and regular service will keep your SUV running for many years to come. Schedule an appointment today at Sentry West Mazda.

The 2024 Mazda3 Hatchback has impressive performance, tech, and safety features that elevate every ride. Explore the highlights of this new model at Sentry West Mazda today. more Trim Options and Performance The 2024 Mazda3 Hatchback has five trims: 2.5 S Select Sport 2.5 S Preferred 2.5 S Carbon Edition 2.5 S Premium 2.5 S Turbo Premium Plus It has a standard naturally-aspirated SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter engine with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD). Upgrade to an available turbocharged engine to access up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-feet of torque. You can also opt for available i-ACTIV AWD® which adjusts each wheel’s torque as road surfaces change. Technology The 2024 Mazda3 Hatchback has an 8.8-inch display, controlled by a rotary knob and buttons, with the option to upgrade to a 10.25-inch full-color center display. All trims support Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®. Available upgrades include wireless charging, a Bose® 12-speaker audio system, and onboard Navigation. You can also get an aluminum speaker grille and a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. Safety The 2024 Mazda3 Hatchback utilizes the i-ACTIVSENSE® safety suite. Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection can prevent collisions, while lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist help you remain centered in your lane. The Turbo Premium Plus trim adds a 360-degree camera, traffic sign recognition, and a full-color heads-up display projected on the back of the windshield. Test-Drive the 2024 MAZDA3 Hatchback at Sentry West MAZDA The only way to know if the 2024 Mazda3 Hatchback is right for you is to try it in person. To do so, schedule a test-driving appointment at Sentry West Mazda.

You may think that once you buy a car, you only need to pay for expenses like gas and monthly car payments. Refraining from routine Mazda service seems like an easy way to save money. However, skipping it will accumulate greater costs in the long run. more Purpose of Regular Maintenance Regular maintenance ensures that your car runs at its best as long as possible. It also addresses minor problems before they affect multiple systems. While you may have to pay for regular service tasks, the cost will be much lower than the expense of repairing damages that result from skipping maintenance. Effects of Skipped Service Neglecting service will affect each part of your car differently. Skipping brake service, for instance, will lead to longer stopping time and may cause your vehicle to pull to one side when driving, harming your ability to drive safely on the road. Not changing engine oil will cause debris buildup in its oil filters. Your engine will run less efficiently, decreasing your fuel economy. Skipping maintenance can lead to broken components and a shorter lifespan for your vehicle. Additionally, it will lower your vehicle’s resale value. When to Complete Service Your car’s maintenance schedule, written in the owner’s manual, explains when to complete each maintenance task in intervals measured in months and thousands of miles. However, your personal habits and driving conditions will affect the frequency of certain tasks. Also, as your car ages, you may need to perform maintenance more often. Schedule MAZDA Service at Sentry West MAZDA Though regular maintenance seems intimidating, completing it will allow you to enjoy your car for years to come. Our staff at Sentry West Mazda can provide additional advice when you need it.

One of the most complex aspects of car buying is applying for a loan. When doing so, you may learn that your credit score enables you to receive, or prevents you from receiving, optimal loan terms. Raising your credit score will maximize the options given to you by our Mazda financial service center. more Credit Score Overview A credit score is a three-digit number between 300 and 850 which summarizes your reliability as a credit holder. Two types of credit scores exist: the FICO and VantageScore, which weigh your financial behaviors differently. The three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—calculate your credit score. Factors Affecting Your Credit Score Your ability to make payments on time and credit limit utilization are the most heavily weighted factors when calculating your credit score. Timely payments include bills, debt, and credit card payments. Your credit utilization refers to the percentage of your credit limit you use each month. Your age, marital status, and employment history do not affect your credit score. Credit Score and Car Buying When applying for an auto loan, lenders usually use your credit score to determine your creditworthiness. Your interest rate is largely influenced by your score; typically, the higher your score, the lower your interest rate. It can be a good idea to try to raise your credit score before applying for a loan. Here are some ways to do so: Pay bills on time by setting automatic payments, and pay off as much outstanding debt as possible without harming your finances Minimize the percentage of your credit limit utilization each month, capping it at 30 percent. It can help to request a credit limit increase. Dispute credit report errors Contact Our MAZDA Financial Team for More Advice Alongside the above advice, you may need additional steps to raise your credit score. The staff at Sentry West Mazda can provide guidance. Contact us today with any questions you may have!

Whether your car needs routine maintenance or repairs, you can count on our Mazda service department. However, if your mechanic lacks information about the problem or can’t access the broken system, then you must wait longer before your car returns to normal. Taking small steps can expedite your visit to Sentry West Mazda. more Clear Out Your Cabin Remove all personal belongings from your glove compartment before receiving service. This will allow your mechanic unimpeded access to your cabin air filter. Depending on your model, other systems may also have an access point through your glove compartment. If your car’s backseat or trunk is cluttered, we recommend clearing out large items out before the service visit. Your service job will take longer if our technicians have to move things around in order to access systems in your vehicle. Note Any Issues If you’re visiting our service department for repairs, it’s important to be detailed in your description so that our service technicians know what to look for. Taking detailed notes of how the car looks, feels, and smells can speed up your car’s diagnosis. Don’t forget to notify us of services or repairs you have recently received from any other service centers. Make An Appointment Before you visit, we recommend making an appointment by calling us or filling out the online form. This will expedite your visit and ensure you are back on the road in no time. Don’t forget to check out our rotating service specials! Visit Our MAZDA Service Department Our Mazda service center has state-of-the-art equipment and experienced Mazda technicians. Schedule an appointment today at Sentry West Mazda.

When you are purchasing a new car, you may come across the term “MSRP” and wonder what it means. Our Mazda financial team is reviewing everything you need to know about this important finance term. more What is MSRP? Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price, or MSRP, is typically displayed on a sticker on the car’s window or windshield. This is the list price recommended by the original manufacturer. It does factor in all visible features associated with that model, trim, and any packages, but not costs like delivery fees or paperwork processing. MSRP vs Invoice Price The invoice price refers to the amount that a dealership pays to purchase the car from the manufacturer and add it to our inventory. It typically includes the vehicle’s base price and additional advertising costs. Invoice prices may vary based on regional pricing differences and supply and demand. Market Value’s Relation to MSRP A car’s price is fluid, and the MSRP is not always the final price you will pay. For instance, certain specials or dealer incentives may lower the total cost of your car. Additionally, market value, which is different from MSRP, is the average cost fellow customers paid in a local area for a certain make, model, and trim level. The market value may influence the total amount you pay. Schedule a Test Drive at Sentry West MAZDA Now that you know what MSRP means, you can shop for a car more confidently. When you’re ready to discuss the details of your purchase, visit Sentry West Mazda.