Carmax - What's Your Experience?

joel0622 · August 2007

Ya Snake is right, if I am considering you for employment I can ask any question I want as long as it does not pertain to the taboo questions, it is your current employer who is under the gun as to what they can answer.

When I did the hiring here the one question that I would always get an answer to if I was calling previous employer was "Would you re-hire Billy Bob if he was to apply with your company again?" Other then that all they would do is verify that you actually worked there. if it was a small company though you could always tell by the tone of the persons voice when you mentioned the candidates name if they did a good job or not.

andeet · August 2007

I do have major case of learning disability with mixture of ADD which never been serious case until recently. My learning disabilities require me to challenge myself to keep me on my toes. When I'm nervous it really shows like during job interviews: I've been known struggle to understand questions cause I need more detail to understand. Like "Andrea, meet me at a McDonald's" for me to understand clearly; "Andrea, meet me at the McDonald's on Liberty Street next door to Best Buy." I have problems explaining answer. I did pick up the interviewer was wondering why I was stumbling on my words. But what ever happened to "Carmax is very diverse company?"

I don't know? Hell, it might even be problem like they don't want me to work with these employees I already know. My statement on that is; "Yeah it's one of the reasons. But it's minor one. I would be there to work and I would work. If I saw one of them in the cafeteria during break and they wanted to talk. That's when I would chat with them. I wouldn't go over to them while they are with customers unless it's work related." If that's the reason: Straight out say it to me; I wouldn't hold it against them. It's good reason.

socalfem · August 2007

I just took my car in to get appraised and they seemed awfully low, $9,500 is what they offered, compared to trade in on Edmonds $13,300 and private $15,575......I don't get it ! :mad:

bolivar · August 2007

What don't you get?

Carmax is in business to make money.

socalfem · August 2007

I know but thats a big difference

snakeweasel · August 2007

A couple of things to consider, First of all many people in the business on these forums claim that prices reported on places like Edmunds and Kelly are a little on the high side.

Secondly how honest were you in putting in the condition of the car when you checked it on Edmunds? Many people tend to think their car is in better condition that it really is.

roisney · August 2007

I have been planning to sell my car to carmax when a couple of months ago, a truck sideswiped the driver door and put some lugnut scratches to the door sheet as well some minor damage to the left fender. The damage is around $1000 and to make it worse, this was ahit and run so I have to pay for the repair from my pocket!
This incident threw a wrench of my original plans, so do you think it is best to sell the car as it is to carmax (do they even take it?) or repair the car at a body shop, and then sell it to carmax? I have a 2002 Accord with 130K miles on it. Car is in great shape mechanically.

Thanks in advance for your time and help,

joel0622 · August 2007

Get a estimate from a body shop. Go to Carmax with the car as is. Ask them the value, then ask them what it would be with the car fixed. Compare the difference in the two values to the estimate you have from the body shop. If it makes sense fix it, if it does not sell it to them as is

driveright · August 2007

I agree with Joel. Do some research. You could also try to sell this privately to a family with a new driver. I did this, calling it "pre-dinged".

dderuy · August 2007

Hello. I was wondering how you liked working for Carmax. I'm thinking about aplying there as a sales associate. Do you know about how much the sales associates make? Anything you can tell me or any advice for the interview is greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

andeet · August 2007

If you least make $30k a year doing any else than Sales....Don't even show up! You're wasting your time. I've noticed they want early 20's people so they can pay less than someone with good experience. I tried three times: Sales, Detailer, and Parts positions.

I'm 23 years old and straight out stated I was willing to make the pay cut. After my statement they treated me like crap.

Heck (I could say worst but don't want to get kicked off)with Carmax!!!

roisney · August 2007

This sounds like a good idea. The thing I was wondering about is that they might eye ball the selling number to something lower since the car is "dinged" and with high mileage. In other words, they know that they will not make as much money on the car assuming the condition and mileage. I guess it is worth a shot though. Thanks!

1racefan · August 2007

For those of you that have worked at Carmax, what is an "Inventory Specialist"? I saw an ad for this position, and it peaked my curiosity, as the ad was very vague.

jipster · August 2007

Sounds like you need to know every single detail about every single car on the lot. Run away!

1racefan · August 2007

I am not looking for a job, I just saw an ad where they were taking applications for the position. It just made me curious.

snakeweasel · August 2007

Its the guys (or gals) that simply move the cars around. So a car needs to be taken from the lot to the shop or vise versa thats the inventory specialist who drives it between the two. Or if the car is to be brought up to the buyer after its prepped thats the inventory specialist. Basically its just a car jockey.

1racefan · August 2007

"Basically its just a car jockey."

I'm not so sure. The ad said they were looking for Sales People, Inventory Specialists, and Porters. I would assume a Porter would do what you are describing.

british_rover · August 2007

CarMax experience yesterday.

Customer comes in with 2005 Sienna. An overall decent car with about 30,000 miles, but it needed tires, had the normal kiddy interior, bit of a crease on the driver's door and would probably need brakes too.

Carmax put an insane 19,000 dollars for it which was 3,000 dollars more then we could touch. He is taking it back to them today to try and sell it outright. It will be interesting to see if that happens or not.

joel0622 · August 2007

According to there web site

Description:
Would you enjoy a job that has you working outside more than in? Do you want a professional opportunity that doesn't have you dressing in a suit every day? As an Inventory Associate, you can enjoy a casual work environment in a team oriented, fast paced environment!

Inventory Associate responsibilities include computerized tracking of inventory, receiving, staging and prepping inventory, quality control checks and facility and ground maintenance.

Experience in a fast paced environment as well as previous inventory tracking responsibilities are a plus. Applicants must be open to work some nights and weekends as well as in all types of weather.
If you are a motivated self starter who likes to stay busy and would enjoy a team atmosphere, you may be right for this position.

jipster · August 2007

Sounds like I was a lot closer than snake. It's knowing where every car is on the lot,keeping inventory updated daily, checking every option and making sure ever light switch works, and then a full wash and wax detail, picking up lot trash, and then unclogging the toilets. I repeat... RUN AWAY!

nortsr1 · August 2007

You left out cutting the grass.

snakeweasel · August 2007

Not sure what the porter position would be except those that clean and prep the cars. However when I asked about the inventory specialist thats is what they told me it was for.

snakeweasel · August 2007

Well you better show that to the carmax in Schaumburg, IL because they told me what I told you.

jipster · August 2007

they told me what I told you.

The guy probably didn't know what he was talking about. It doesn't make sense that an inventory specialist would do nothing but "move cars around." That be a porter.

snakeweasel · August 2007

I hope he knew what he was talking about since he was the hiring manager for the position.

andeet · August 2007

And if you apply, you must sign a contract about your past driving record. Each applicant is given 15 points (I think if I can remember correctly.) Like if you have 2 speeding tickets: That's 5 points each. If you have accident..it's 10 points. So that's 20 points total...which means you're denied automatically.

I applied for that job and got denied. LOL I only applied for that position cause my sales consultant straight out stated she could picture me as IA. At the Kenosha location, IA's get to gas up and drive lot cars on a local highway. In fact, I drove by two IA's while they were in blue Corvette on Memorial Day; having fun in a company car with the top down.

jipster- Sounds like I.A.'s are Carmax's "company gophers" LOL

nthe · August 2007

how does carmax say you will get a "great" price up front with haggling, even though they want more than new MSRP on some of their USED cars? just look at their 07 civics, they want MSRP or more on almost every single one. Now that should prove carmax is just nuts and anyone looking to buy from them should seriously reconsider, cause they don't give you a great price as they claim.

im_brentwood · August 2007

Because I have seen 07 Civics do within $1,000-1,500 of their original sticker price at auction.

joel0622 · August 2007

That does not speak very well for the average import buyer to pay those prices for a used car.

If you are paying within $1500 of original MSRP then that means you would have to sell a used car for at least $1000 over original MSRP.

I need to start selling to import buyers.

im_brentwood · August 2007

Joel,

Try selling some used F430s... you can get well over original sticker for em

joel0622 · August 2007

I was just trying to get a rise out of the import faithful here at Edmond's.

im_brentwood · August 2007

:P

Camry/Pris/Accord/etc

Yeah I know... maybe I'm nuts, but if the domestics make a quality product, wouldn't you rather keep your money here? Wait.. I'm making sense...

kyfdx · August 2007

I don't know... My neighbor is an engineer working at Toyota Motor NA headquarters...

If I buy a Camry (built about 70 miles away), I'm pretty sure some of that money is staying right in my neighborhood!!

british_rover · August 2007

My client with the Pair of F430s could have picked up a quick 30 grand six weeks after he bought his red one.

The dealership called him back asking if he would sell it back to them. He paid over sticker for it to begin with of course so now it is WAAYYY over sticker.

im_brentwood · August 2007

Some vs Most

kyfdx · September 2007

Well... I can always buy stock in Honda or Toyota through ADRs.. I'm assuming the Japanese have a lot of money in U.S. stocks, as well..

My point is: Stockholders own the company... they can be anywhere in the world. If all of the money that goes to buy GM cars went back to Detroit, then why is that city going to hell in a handbasket? (No offense intended to Detroit residents.. insert your own rust belt city here: ____)

Most buyers will be best served by buying the best car for their needs. That will foster true competition. The people who make the best cars should reap the rewards, no matter where they are from, or where they live. That is the American way (even if you live in Tokyo or Munich..lol).

regards,
kyfdx
visiting host

im_brentwood · September 2007

Because Detroit is a poophole?

Seriously.. Detroit has lost TONS of Manufacturing jobs.. and when you lose your middle class... things get nasty in a hurry. One of my mother's best friends is from there.. she said it was wonderful back in the 50s and 60s compared to today.

IMO it's a combination of apathy and stupidity from the Big 3 and their inability to compete with foreign competition, but that's a WHOLE other can of worms.

joel0622 · September 2007

It is also the fact that we allow them to sell there product here yet we are not allowed to offer our product there. Let us open Factories in Japan and start pushing our product on there soil and you will never here me [non-permissible content removed] about the imports again.

british_rover · September 2007

There aren't very many cars that domestics make that would do well in the JDM anyway though. The cheaper ones are two bigs and the more expensive ones don't have the brand power. I think Caddy is having some success in Japan but not much. Buick is huge in China not sure about Japan.

Yes, there are barriers to trade for US automakers in Japan but would Japanese consumers buy American products if they were offered?

jason7613 · October 2007

Has anyone here gone through the buyer in training program for carmax? i am looking for some tips about the interview, as well as the position and how it is working for the company? any help would be appreciated. thanks

bondfletch · October 2007

I am in the same boat. Doing some reasearch on them. Looks like a great position. I dont believe I will blow the interview process, however it is best to be prepared.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.

****I found this on a Vault.com**
Job title: Buyer in Training
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Dates of Employment: 1/2006 to Present
Submitted on: MAY 09, 2007
Carmax is really a great company to work for as a manager especially.
Currently, I work as a Buyer in Training and will be becoming a buyer
within the next couple of months. I love Carmax, and the way that they
care about their employees. As a management-type associate (all buyers
are considered managers) you get UNLIMITED sick days, two weeks
vacation (14 days) for the first year, great benefits, stock options,
401K as well as pension! Hours for the buyer position are flexible and
it's very easy to request time off. You do have to work some weekends,
but the atmosphere is very relaxing. You get to wear shorts and Carmax
polo shirt pretty much all the time. As a buyer, you will have to
travel a bit (about twice a month overnight), all travel is reimbursed
and you carry a company credit card as well as a company phone. They
don't really care if you use the phone for your own use, in fact, they
encourage it. After becoming a senior buyer (usually within 4-5 years),
you will get a company car that you get to choose from the lot--you can
demo pretty much anything--from H2 to Corvette, from RX hybrid to Camry
and older vehicles. Carmax is really great and cares about its
employees. During the interview you will be tested in intelligence
testing (both analytical reasoning and english understanding vocabulary
etc.) you will also be given an extensive personality quizes. You will
have at least 5 interviews, but if you are selected, then you are
definitely a great candidate and therefore your co-workers will always
be competent. Even if you don't like your co-workers personality, you
will feel like he (there are barely any 'she's' in the buyer
department, mainly because job requires appraising vehicles, getting
under the car on occasion and it's pretty physical, but we do have one
female working in our department and she does a great job, admittedly
she is not the 'girly girl' type of a person and does not mind to get
dirty on occasion) is doing his job at all times.

Opportunities for advancement are pretty much limitless. Once you
become a Buyer in Training, then you can move to buyer (within 6 to 12
months, depending on how well you are doing as there is no competition
for this job, they want to promote everyone as it is less work for the
upper management then), then to Senior Buyer, then to Purchasing
manager, and then to VP of Merchandising. Basically, it's all up to you
how fast you move up, but once you are a senior buyer, it is a bit more
difficult to become a purchasing manager, but definitely not impossible.

This is not an easy job. You will have to price vehicles, know
everything about cars, study for advancement interviews and quizes, be
responsible for how the front car lot looks like, train and hire
employees (Carmax does not use human resources, you hire), learn and
interpret reports and analyst suggested information, deal with other
people in the store like the sales consultants whose boss you are,
technically.

But, if you are willinig to learn, have high energy and management
experience, this job is a great carreer.

Salary: As a Buyer in Training you will get hired between $40,000 and
$50,000 a year salary depending on your previous education and
management experience. Senior buyers get anywhere between $50,000 and
$65,000 with additional bonuses if sales and appraisals are doing well
for the company. Senior Buyers get in between $65,000 and $85,000, of
course you get raises every year and it is possible to get high bonuses.

Overall, Carmax is a great company to work for. Relaxed, but not
irresponsible. The purchasing department position of buyer in training
is a great position with good salary and benefits. However, you need
not be lazy and be a fast learner. Carmax is not known for firing
people, they just move you to a different department. In our
department, there is 0% turnover. Everyone seems to be at least
marginally enjoying the job. We do work around 45 to 50 hours a week,
but the hours are pretty flexible. I personally hate working Saturdays,
but it comes with working in automotive business and retail.

Either way, Carmax is a great option for those who like everything that
they have read above.

Good luck in your job search!

andeet · October 2007

Thanks for finding that!!

See here's the thing, I've been trying to get hired into the company for the past two years (been through about three interviews and put apps about five times) and I seem to be more nervous at more interviews I've been at. I don't know if my current company is to blame (by lying: to make me stay) or Carmax doesn't believe I work were I currently work?

Anyway, I am customer and thinking that might be the issue. So I kind of want to test them; by not doing any type of business during those months. I want to try for Buyer's Assistant for part time hours. For the past month; I've been working least 100 hours each pay period with two different jobs. I know for sure I'm not going to slow down because I enjoy seeing extra cash flowing into my account and keeps me out of trouble. I think telling the Carmax interviewer that I work two jobs would have them realize I REALLY enjoy working & have good work ethics: which I do! It's not everyday; you see a 23 year old woman who wants to put in extra elbow grease and offer to work extra hours when company asks.

rts3 · October 2007

I just bought a 3 year old BMW form Carmax. The car originally had 4 years / 50k miles BMW warranty. Out of that, it has 1 year / 14 k warranty still left. Over the phone, the Carmax sales person told me that they offer 5 year 60k extended warranty. However, when I bought the car, they applied the warranty from "Today", and hence there will be one year overlap with the dealer. This looks strange as it does not even fit the definition of extended warranty! Is it usual? Seems like I loosing 1 year warranty (Now I have 5 year / 36+60=96k instead of 5+1=6 years / 50+60=110k warranty)

bolivar · October 2007

That's how most extended warranties work.

joel0622 · October 2007

No, no, no. This is the most common misconception when it comes to a EW, and it is all due to the F&I guy being unable/unwilling to explain it.

What it normally means is that they are turning your 3/36 into a 5/60. We are extending your 3/36 out to 5/60. So in stead of the warranty expiring 3 years or 36K miles form the inservice date it will expire 5 years or 60K miles from the in service date, which ever comes first.

greanpea68 · October 2007

What it normally means is that they are turning your 3/36 into a 5/60. We are extending your 3/36 out to 5/60. So in stead of the warranty expiring 3 years or 36K miles form the inservice date it will expire 5 years or 60K miles from the in service date, which ever comes first.

I was about to say the same thing but I saw your name there and figured you would straiten them out.

Bottom line there warranty is up to 60,000 miles only.

I would suggest to the person to cancel the warranty because they will probably be out of in a year. Should have a bought a CPO.

bolivar · October 2007

Well, I would not actually call it a 'misconception', it's usually more like a 'misdirection' by the saleman of the extended warranty.

If the person doesn't know how they actually work, I feel many F&I people selling these things aren't going to give a through explaination of how they truly work before making the sale.

rts3 · October 2007

No, the warranty will not run out in a year. Only the manufacturer warranty will run out in a year. The CarMax warranty will run out in 5 years (October 2012) and it starts from "today" (the day you purchase the pre-owned car and warranty from carmax). Thus the warranty expiration is neither five years from the day the car was first sold, nor five years from the day when the the manufacturer's warranty expires. It's in the middle! The CarMax and Manufacturer warranty simply overlap for 1 year in this specific case.

greanpea68 · October 2007

The CarMax warranty will run out in 5 years (October 2012) and it starts from "today" (the day you purchase the pre-owned car and warranty from carmax

Maybe I stand corrected. Just curious does it say that on your extended warranty contract? also who is the warranty under?If it is on the paper work it will list it when it starts and when it ends with the milage. I would be curious to know those numbers.

joel0622 · October 2007

I don't know how that would work but like you say we don't have a contract to read. I will call my buddy at Carmax and ask him in the morning.

Carmax - What's Your Experience?

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