Sport Mazda North
by Kevin Fritz
Mazda has transformed its brand over the last few years, and Sport Mazda North in Longwood is enjoying a continued resurgence of buyers seeking superior service, quality, and sophistication in a car-buying experience.
“We offer a premium, aspirational experience for our customers,” explains Jay Mealey, owner and dealer principal.
The atmosphere is all new, but the location has been part of the Longwood landscape for decades. Sport Mazda North sits on the site of the old Cory Fairbanks Mazda, but when Jay took the helm of the dealership in January 2020, the building underwent a major renovation, transforming into a modern and clean yet approachable setting that gives off a comfortable, progressive vibe.
Jay comes from a family of car dealers serving Central Florida since 1974. His father, Don, moved his wife and kids from Maryland where he managed Sports Chevrolet to buy a Chevy dealership in the Orlando area (Don Mealey Chevrolet) when Jay was eight years old. Jay entered the family business to manage Sport Mitsubishi, a nod to the name of his father’s original dealership up north. A few years later, Jay added two new stores to the family’s roster of dealerships, Sport Mazda South and Sport Mazda North.
A few months after Jay opened Sport Mazda North, COVID hit, and he feared the worst. However, sales did not drop although subsequent supply-chain issues did disrupt business. But he persevered knowing to this day that what his business offers is more than just cars.
“We have had great success with Mazda,” Jay says, proud of what he and his team have built at Sport Mazda South. “I wanted to bring that culture to the north side. I believe in the brand and our customer service and reputation.”
Ready to Drive
Sport Mazda North offers an array of models from sedans and hatchbacks to SUVs and sports cars – all with an air of luxury that goes toe-to-toe with the major European brands.
If you are in the market for an SUV, the new Mazda CX-90 fits the bill offering exceptional value in a luxury vehicle. The full-size, third-row seat, rear-wheel-drive SUV features an in-line six-cylinder engine and is available as a plug-in hybrid or turbo.
“It’s a generation-seven SUV,” says Jay. “Every generation has been more premium than the previous one.”
The CX-5, Jay adds, continues to be Sport Mazda North’s best seller.
“The CX-5 is the best midsize SUV you can buy for the price,” Jay says.
Also at the dealership is the CX-50, Mazda’s answer to those who live a more adventurous lifestyle, as well as the formidable Miata, Mazda’s mainstay that has attracted sports-car enthusiasts since debuting at the Chicago auto show in 1989.
Sport Mazda North offers both new and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, of which there are more than 400 to choose from.
Giving Back
Dan Parker, Sport Mazda North’s general manager, says the dealership is currently running two programs to help local teachers and students.
Through September 30, they are offering free oil changes to all Seminole County teachers regardless of what kind of car, truck, or SUV they drive. And, Sport Mazda North is serving as a drop-off point through September for a teacher supply drive.
In addition, the dealership is a major supporter of events within the city of Longwood and a major contributor to One Heart for Women and Children, a charity organization that serves families facing homelessness and financial crisis throughout Central Florida.
“We are just trying to give back to the community,” explains Dan, who has worked with Jay for the past 14 years. “Community service is part of who we are.”