Carmax - What's Your Experience?

mojayokok · February 2010

I'm purchasing a vehicle from Carmax off of Independence Blvd located in Charlotte, NC. I've always sang the praises of Carmax and talked my dad into driving 4 hours to get his truck from there 5-6 years ago - that's how confident I was in them. Now it's time for me to purchase a car, my finances have already been ran, I'm just waiting on the transfer so I can pick it up. It kills me at this point to give them $12K. This was my $12K buying experience. I first got a call from Charlie Gates, he left a voice mail. I called him back and left a message but didn't hear back for 3-4 days so I just called back to Carmax, no big deal, these things happen. Then I spoke to John Moore who was very nice upon the initial call (but keep in mind that this was end of the month and numbers have to be met). I was suppose to go there last weekend but we had a snow storm and we were snowed in, Carmax was closed. I have an appointment for Saturday but woke up with my eye completely swollen shut (Pink Eye) and ended up at the Dr's office instead. I called on BOTH occasions to cancel. He asked me if I wanted to come in on Sunday but I said I'd wait until he was actually in the office, that it wouldn't be fair for him to come in on his day off.
I sent him 2 Corolla stock numbers I liked and he said, sarcastically, 'Are you sure you want a Corolla, it's not on recall you know' - I had asked about recall and apparently he didn't like the question. I then get a call from Charlie Gates who left a message of 'This is Charlie Gates, I need to know what you are coming to pick up your Camry' I don't know if this is the way he speaks in general but his voice was very commanding as if this Camry is weighing down the lot. I finally go today (eyes still swollen). I called FIRST and asked for Charlie Gates, the lady was extremely snippy and states he is off, do I want his cell phone number. I said no that I was just on my way in. She huffed and stated 'So do you want his cell phone number?!' I advise no again. I called John Moore and he states 'Oh, so you've finally decided to come' which dripped of sarcasm. I get to the facility and am advised by Mitch that John Moore is finishing up a sale and will be with us shortly but he'll take me out to the car. John Moore never made it over to us, he was having a smoke break so obviously he was busy. I don't think it really comes across in this review but everyone was so sarcastic and rude (minus Mitch but I haven't finished the buying from yet so who knows). I'm tempted just to go to a dealer. It's hard to give someone $12K when they act obnoxious. I realize that the end of the month is over and now my sale is unimportant and this will be my last Carmax buying experience and I'll be warning everyone else along the way. :confuse:

deltheking · February 2010

That` s pretty good..As I had said-Carmax usually gives a higher trade value than other local dealers-especially if it`s a relatively low mileage and if in decent shape.
Their offer is good only for a 7 day period.. After the 7 days--they may reassess your trade and the number may change..So hopefully you are aware of that ! Good Luck !! :shades:

taxesquire · February 2010

"Carmax usually gives a higher trade value than other local dealers"

I don't know about that. I brought my car to be appraised at CarMax becuase I know it's a quick, painless experience. They were very frank with me and told that even though my car was in excellent condition, they were offering me what they thought they could buy it at auction - well-below market.

It's understandable, but I was surprised they do not offer a higher amount, even if I were to buy one of their cars at the same time.

portia1 · February 2010

I've noticed that CarMax does reduce the prices on it's cars, but don't have a sense of how long it will sit on the lot before the price starts dropping. Does anyone have any idea of how/when CarMax determines to drop it's starting price? TIA.

mcguiver1000 · March 2010

Where can I start this nightmare???
First, I had the funds to purchase the vehicle I ALWAYS wanted, BRAND NEW, CASH MONEY...
I found the vehicle listed online at CarMax in Huston Tx. After about a dozen calls and three days of dealing with
that dealership to get pictures of the described vehicle with no luck, I asked for someone to go out and describe
the vehicle to me, I got two hang-ups from them. I guess they were to busy for a $40,000.00 cash sale. I finally
asked for the GM and DEMANDED the for him to go out to the vehicle and describe it to me since they were "TO
BUSY" to post the pictures.
I liked the vehicle so paid the $599.00 to have it transferred to California. I was told it would take 28 days, FIRM.
I said that was fine, for the funds for the sale were also 28 days out.
It arrived 14 days early and I was treated like I was lying about the funds and was asked for PROOF that the
funds were soon to be available.
I showed the deposit receipt for almost $94,000.00 and the funds would be available in 5 days. I was asked to
give a check and it would be held for the five days and then deposited for the sale of the vehicle. THEY LIED.....
The check was deposited the SAME DAY... and it BOUNCED TO THE MOON and completely RUINED my
vacations because my account was in a multi-thousand dollar NEGATIVE amount... PLUS the day I did pick the
vehicle up it looked like [non-permissible content removed], I asked for it to be detailed and it was nothing more than rinsed off and not even
vacuumed out.
I was then apologized to PROFUSLY and PROMISED it would never happen again and CarMax, I was then
asked to provide a cashiers check for the amount since the check bounced (CarMax's fault). I went to my bank
and acquired the cashiers check as requested.
In the infinite wisdom of CarMax, they REDEPOSITED the check when I had ALREADY taken the funds out in a
cashiers check... SO, this check has now bounced for a second time...
My checking account, for the second time, is now over $50,000.00 over drawn and checks are bouncing all
over the place.
I spent several hours on the phone and at my banks ATM doing damage repair for what CarMax had done to my
account and had to re- deposit the cashiers check to keep other checks from bouncing, namely checks written to
my daughter that they, employed by other banks, had any holds waived. Had these checkes bounced they would
have lost their jobs due to CarMax's stupidity.
CarMax Modesto PROMISES they will reimburse me ALL expenses... BUT what I am saying WHAT ABOUT THE
INCONVIENENCE AND THE DEFIMATION OF CHARACTURE AND THE REPEATED TRIPS TO MY BANK
AND THE "HOURS" SPENT ON THE PHONE WITH MY BANK AND CARMAX FOR THEIR SCEW-UPS?
PLUS, WHAT IF MY DAUGHTEERS HAD LOST THEIR JOBS BECAUSE OF THIS?
Total tally:
Pictures of the truck... three days
Arriving 14 days early and demanding proof of the money...
Received the vehicle looking like [non-permissible content removed]...
CarMax Deposited a check that was supposed to be HELD for five days....
Demanded a Cashiers Check THEN REDEPOSITED THE ORIGINAL CHECK...
Almost causing the termination of my 3 daughters from their jobs as bank tellers...
Can I express how angry I am with CarMax??????????????
Their incompetence is not measurable......
CarMax must start some MAJOR damage control RIGHT NOW!!!!

muttman · March 2010

This does like a crazy situation but you started out by saying that you had the funds to purchase the vehicle and then stated the funds wouldn't be available for 28 days??
And then you said you made about a dozen calls but got hung up on twice? What happened the other 10 times you called?
And then you decide you liked the vehicle from what someone described to you over the phone? Couldn't you have just found a different vehicle (same make/model) and looked at that?
You then state you were told the vehicle would be delivered in exactly 28 days.. no more, no less? that it would arrive on exactly the 28th day? I have two problems with this..1.) I doubt any salesperson would promise you an exact arrival date.. I am sure they said "It could take up to 28 days"...this seems more realistic. 2.) It seems like quite a coincidence that the vehicle would be delievered on the same day your fund would be available..

Even if I thought a company was trustworthy and knew they do business well, I would NEVER give someone a $40,000 check and trust them to wait 5 days to deposit it. and i am a little surprised they accepted a personal check for $40,000.
and if you are bringing them back certified funds and they cash the check, that is to the fault of your bank. Certified funds means the funds have been certified and they are made available.

Come on now Mcguiver, please dont take out your lack of sensibility on the public. but please ask yourself one question. Who are you crappin?

snakeweasel · March 2010

Somehow I feel that this story is just that a story. There are many things about this story that just doesn't pass the sniff test. How many dealerships are going to take a $40k personal check for a car?

Plus he said he was looking for new? Two questions 1.) are there no new car dealerships in his area and 2.) According to Carmax's website there are no new car sales in Texas (Ok thats 1 question and 1 statement).

Something just ain't right with the story.

deltheking · March 2010

Yup,doesn`t add up at all. Carmax has no new car stores in Houston or within 500 miles of Houston.. Probably , a guy with buyer`s remorse and then taking it out on carmax ! :sick:

roadburner · March 2010

Something just ain't right with the story.

I agree. It fails the smell test by a huge margin. Another one post wonder, perhaps?

mcguiver1000 · March 2010

It is said by someone that CarMax doesn't sell new cars. Well, if you want to consider a vehicle with 4600 miles as used then so be it. But, by my standards 4600 miles is considered new. Call it as you like, but CarMax is still screwing with me. There is NO buyers remorse... I want the truck and have the exact amout to pay for it but CarMax keeps screwqing it up and causing problems that are delaying the close of our transaction. Everytime I turn around CarMax screws something else up. :mad:

mcguiver1000 · March 2010

Tell me, is there some reason you are defending CarMax? Do you wish to see the sales contract for the vehicle with 4600 miles on it? Do you wish to SEE a picture of the truck, now in my possesion, taken at CarMax with "CarMax" plastic plates? Proof is something I have ALOT of. Instead of critiquing my post why do you not ask for the proof that I have. Sounds to me like you may be associated with CarMax in sort of way or am I just putting to much in your defense of CarMax?

deltheking · March 2010

Just a regular poster here who likes cars..No way related to carmax..And carmax does sell new cars -- not at all locations,only a few locations in the northeast.. Also,Carmax has a 5 day return policy if I am not mistaken. So if you were so unhappy with the deal-you should just have returned it to Carmax for a full refund.. :confuse:

Also any car once registered and titled is used. It can have 400 miles or 4000 miles-once titled it is used.. That is the law..And any unregistered car even with 5000 miles is technically new until titled.. :shades:

deltheking · March 2010

Also some inconsistencies in your post::

1. You say ""Brand New'' --a brand new is just that -a brand new unregistered /untitled car..4600 miles is irrelevant..It is sold as a used car ,so it`s used ,not new. Also what make and model was it?? :confuse:

2.Would take 28 days "FIRM" ..Well,no one can guarantee you get it on the 28th day..It is upto 28 days..So can be 1 day or can be 28 days...you assumed the 28th day as the delivery date..Not so. So if they deliver the car within that time frame they expect the payment too.They have a risk too-they send a 40k car and there is no proof of payment received and your check bounced.So naturally they were probably thinking a scam may have occured.Not sure if you informed carmax about the 28 days stop check.Also you should have informed your bank about this.

3.When the check bounced,you should have called the bank and immediately cancelled it.
4.Why would your daughters lose their jobs b`cos of this??

5. You say -"CarMax Deposited a check that was supposed to be HELD for five days.... ""- so did you inform carmax or the bank about this??

And now regarding how the vehicle was delivered--if it was not cleaned that is just not acceptable. And personally - I would never ever ever buy a used car at carmax!! :shades: Why?? B`cos they are outrageously overpriced.A 1 yr old car is more expensive than a new car sometimes..Just beats me why people pay outrageous prices there.Probably for the convenience of no haggle. Also their reconditioning of a used car is not upto scratch..

No one is bashing up you here. Your story was inconsistent and with inadequate details and that`s why folks here could not help you that much.So my advice now--if it is still within the 5 day period and you are unhappy-just return the car for a full refund..the only thing you lose is the shipping expense..But 40k buys lots of good cars !! :P

sinecure · March 2010

Before I share my experience, I want to comment on the Nightmare post. It is certainly possible that the series of unfortunate events - e.g., irresponsibly depositing the check notwithstanding clear notice from mcguiver1000 that the funds were not yet available, then re-depositing the already-bounced check after the funds had been received and withdrawn for the cashiers check given to CARMAX)  occurred. Most of us have at some time been the victim of someone elses incompetence and/or grossly irresponsible behavior. When this occurs in a place of business, the unfortunate customer is, understandably, tempted to (usually, erroneously) blame the entire organization. If these events happened as described, then CARMAX should make amends (within reason) and, if they dont, the courts are open.

That said, I suspect mcguiver1000s nightmare started long before he called CARMAX. A dozen calls? Im surprised that CARMAX even let him on the lot.

In December, 2007, I purchased a 2006 Lincoln Towncar from CARMAX. Later I noticed that all the windows and, to a lesser extent, the chrome and paint, had what appeared to be water spotting from mineral residue. However, my several efforts to remove the spotting were unsuccessful. Further investigation led me to conclude that the spotting was actually etching from volcanic vog (the car came from Hawaii). (Yeah, I know, I lost of few of you here  goodbye.) I explained my volcanic vog etching theory to the skeptical service manager (and resisted the temptation to posit other, perhaps fanciful, theories concerning how the car may have been exposed to hot, acidic mixtures of foul smelling gases)
who, while maintaining that the condition of the car met CARMAX standards, agreed to accept the car for service. They made a sincere effort that helped, but was partially successful. I appreciated their effort and left feeling that they had been reasonable and tried to be fair.

snakeweasel · March 2010

Well, if you want to consider a vehicle with 4600 miles as used then so be it.

Well 4,600 miles is used. Its 4-5 months worth of driving. If you want to call that "Brand New" so be it. The fact that it is being sold out of a used car dealer means that it is not "brand new". The fact that you used the term "brand new" led many to believe that it was a fake story seeing that Carmax does not sell "brand new" in Texas.

I want the truck and have the exact amout to pay for it but CarMax keeps screwqing it up and causing problems that are delaying the close of our transaction.

If the transaction isn't closed then just walk away, if you took delivery on the car then the deal is closed (you will have to pay). As others have said if it is within the return period that carmax has then just return the truck and get the you know what out of there.

Now to really make your day, in most states (maybe all) it is illegal to write a check on an account that does not have the funds to cover it. Regardless of any promises to hold a check or the date on the check the law states that that check can be cashed at anytime and its your responsibility if funds are not there.

roadburner · March 2010

Now to really make your day, in most states (maybe all) it is illegal to write a check on an account that does not have the funds to cover it. Regardless of any promises to hold a check or the date on the check the law states that that check can be cashed at anytime and its your responsibility if funds are not there.

Stop confusing everyone with facts...

snakeweasel · March 2010

Sorry, I won't let it happen again.

Kirstie_H · March 2010

I am sincerely sorry for the problems you experienced; however, as some have mentioned, it may not be legal to write a check for funds you know you do not yet have available. Even if it IS legal, it's a bad idea, especially when dealing with strangers.

For example, it's not specifically illegal to drive with your eyes half shut. But, if you get in a serious accident because you did so and couldn't see properly, you're going to pay the price anyway.

No one around here is defending Carmax, nor is anyone who's responded associated with Carmax. If you'd asked prior to purchase whether your purchasing plan was a good one, everyone here would've told you to wait, and that your best bet would've been to purchase locally as well, just because most of us are aware that problems like this can occur with complicated financial transactions that also involve shipping a vehicle - it's usually best avoided unless absolutely necessary.

muttman · March 2010

mcguiver, Paying for any kind of service or product is just as much about the Company you are buying it from as the actual product itself. If you are this unhappy with the process so far, I would walk away. Your relationship with the company doesn't end with you driving off the lot after the transaction is complete. So unless you can handle calling carmax if something is to go wrong with the car (and yes, certain parts on a vehicle may break or malfunction) without going off the deep end, I would seriously reconsider this purchase.

Although I feel majority of this issue is caused by you not accepting reality, it doesn't change the fact that you do not feel comfortable with Carmax. So hopefully you consider your current emotional state before continuting with the transaction.

In regards to new or used cars..even BRAND NEW cars have a few miles on them, but 4k+ miles is not brand new. 4k miles could be considered a relatively new car, a used car, a broken in car, a vehicle with very little wear and tear on it..umm yea..really anything but BRAND NEW.

and I am also confused by how your daughters were involved..

mcguiver1000 · March 2010

Well, if you had read my post you would see that my daughters work at banks and not to mention my own bank said it is leagal. What CarMAx I had was a VERBAL contract which is binding in California as if it were in paper format. Well, they broke that contract twice. Now, for the coup-degras, CarMax says they have been paid and sent me my title and registration and license plates and I STILL have the $40,585.69. So, I now have a vehicl listed thru DMV as legally mine and CarMax did not get a penny. Now, if CarMAx does the right thing and compensates me for their stupidity I will pay for the vehicle. So, hopefully, this is the end of the story.
********************************************************************************- ***************
DON'T BUY FROM CARMAX.
********************************************************************************- ***************

snakeweasel · March 2010

Well, if you had read my post you would see that my daughters work at banks

And that means what? They can get fired for something someone else does?

not to mention my own bank said it is leagal.

What was legal? Writing the check without funds to cover it? If so they are wrong.

What CarMAx I had was a VERBAL contract which is binding in California as if it were in paper format.

What are you considering a verbal contract?

So, I now have a vehicl listed thru DMV as legally mine and CarMax did not get a penny. Now, if CarMAx does the right thing and compensates me for their stupidity I will pay for the vehicle.

You might be getting yourself in trouble. Pay for the car you can always remedy things later. You don't want to get yourself in trouble to prove a point.

jipster · March 2010

Now, if CarMAx does the right thing and compensates me for their stupidity.

Oil change, floor mats,Car Max cap or cash?

roadburner · March 2010

Oil change, floor mats, Car Max cap or cash?

Maybe a few extra license plate frames... :P :P :P

muttman · March 2010

DON'T BUY FROM CARMAX.

It is one thing to be unhappy with your own buying experience because you choose to ignore facts and reality. But don't advise others to avoid an buying experience that any normal, sane person would enjoy.

Kirstie_H · March 2010

My son works at a shop that sells home decor. If I have a home decor deal that doesn't go as planned, it has no relationship to him whatsoever, unless he made the deal go bad. It is entirely unclear how your daughter's employment at a bank would be affected by YOUR Carmax transaction, unless they assisted you with that transaction in a way that violated the bank's policies.

As snakeweasel mentioned, it is not legal for you to withhold payment for the car and expect to get it for free because the transaction hasn't gone as you wanted it to. You are obligated to pay for the vehicle per the terms of the contract. Failing to do so will NOT "show" Carmax anything - it will only result in you landing in legal hot water. It is possible that Carmax would report the car as having been stolen if you do not pay for it. I doubt that you would consider fighting that legal battle worth the effort.

What is it that you seek by way of compensation for the vehicle's condition? Pay for the car, and then if they have failed to fulfill the terms of the contract, take them to small claims court. That seems to be your only LEGAL recourse, and I'm assuming that you're not prepared to go to jail over this deal.

muttman · March 2010

You are right, I am doing the complete opposite, because I am not an idiot. Let others make their own opinion.

Lets look at the numbers 1.)your new story about your daughters is more idiotic than the initial statement you made about it. 2.) Banks do not break policies for workers. Unless this bank doesn't really exist.. Which might actually make sense with the way your story is told. 3.) Why are your daughters spending money that isn't available?

Good luck to carmax. looks like they have their hands full..

dave2z · April 2010

I've only had great experiences at CarMax currently. When I purchased my vehicle, I paid a bit for it, (Probably around $1k - $2k over what I could have talked a traditional dealer down to) but the customer service greatly over shadowed that loss on paper. Let me explain:
I purchased my car and on the way home I received a chip in the windshield from an 18 wheeler. Yes I know, the dreaded "Chip before I could get insurance on it" line, but it actually happened to me. My former insurance agent refused to cover it, and shortly after (Within a week or so) the car started making a scratching/grinding sound every time I would shift into 5th gear. Now greatly displeased I called CarMax about my problems and this was the resolution I received. I was told to bring the car in and have it tested for defects. I followed instructions and there was literally NO HASSLE about anything. They were more than happy to help and apologized greatly for any inconvenience that this might have caused me. Also I was given a loaner car while they fixed my old one. I didn't pay a dime for this car and it was comparable to the car I had purchased. (So if you bring in a Camaro, they will most likely give you a Mustang as a loaner) I was without my car for 2 weeks while it was being fixed. After it was fixed I checked the paper work and the repairs totaled well over $5,000. All Paid For By Them. They admitted it was their mistake and that they should have caught it before selling me the car, etc. Overly apologetic and I never paid one dime for my troubles, oh and did I mention they also fixed my rock chip?

Even sent me home with a full tank of gas after the entire ordeal. One last thing, I did purchase the extended warranty with my car, but due to the 30 day (I think it's 30) warranty that basically explains "If anything breaks within 30 days of your car's purchase date we'll fix it" I would have still gotten my car repaired totally for free even without the additional warranty I purchased. Thanks for such a pleasant buying experience CarMax.

Just think about the fact that you might pay a tad more, or get a tad less for your vehicle when you purchase/sell to them, but that number is going to be very close to what any dealership with a realistic goal of the price they can get out of your car will be. In the end, even if you don't receive the absolute best price, the fact that they give no hassles on anything and treat you wonderful makes up for that in my mind. Ask yourself, would the dealer I purchased the above car from have made the necessary repairs for free? Even if it cost them 5k out of their pocket? Mine did. I have since referred family members to purchase their vehicles from CarMax as well and they have also only had great experiences from the professional sales staff and business office staff.

mcguiver1000 · April 2010

I think everybody has misunderstood my complaint. I NEVER said they were not accomodating and apologetic... THEY ARE STUPID and LIARS... They would say onething and do something totally different. When a company promises to hold a $40,000.00 check that they asked me for the least they should do is actually hold it as promised. In fact they deposited it twice when they PROMISED to hold it and return it to me. This caused a nightmare with my checking account. Oh, yes, they apologized profusly, but, that does not negate from their stupidity. The truck I purchased is a great vehicle, I LOVE IT... NO problems with it, the problem was dealing with idiots. Any issues I have with it I can take it to the dealership, for it has been transfered into my name and STILL has 30,000 miles left on the factory warranty, and they have already delt with 2 factory recalls at NO cost to me.

jipster · April 2010

I thought most dealerships wouldn't let you drive off their lot without insurance? What year and how much you pay for your Camaro?

Great Carmax took car of you, but many dealerships have the 30 day warranty on used cars. That's what came with my 5 year old Buick Regal when I bought it.... though I think it only covered 50% of any repair.

From what I've read here, typically Carmax will give you a bit more for your trade-in than what a dealership would, and as you stated, charge you a bit more for the cars they sell.

roadburner · April 2010

Good luck to carmax. looks like they have their hands full...

My thoughts exactly...

dave2z · April 2010

I was just using that Camaro as an example. I purchased an 03 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

dave2z · April 2010

Mcguiver1000, I could understand if we had numerous complains across the country dealing with CarMax actually saying one thing then doing another with payments/checks/etc., but to date your complaint has been the ONLY one of this nature that I have ever came across. You know, sometimes people do make mistakes and things are lost in delivery when you have one department talking to another. Especially in a large scale business. I'm not offering excuses for them, but realistically every company will make a mistake at one point and time. It just seems unfortunate that this time, you drew that straw. The fact that they just wanted to work with you the entire time to fix it is where the rubber meets the road. To say that they are full of LIARS and are STUPID... please. That is just showing your ignorance. Obviously they are not, or they wouldn't still be in business and they certainly wouldn't be doing as well as they are. Clark Howard's CarMax Review will show just how profitable they have been.

bsoslander · April 2010

When we moved to Las Vegas a dozen years ago we were shocked at how high the car prices were. There are a handful of companies that own most of the dealerships in town, and it's not uncommon to see a lot of extras tacked on--sometimes several thousand dollars' worth. When Car Max came to town we were suspicious, but have found them pleasant and hassle free to deal with. Their prices are also much less than anybody else in town. This sounds like it's unusual. We purchased a 2004 Volvo C70, paid about $4K less than what we had seen elsewhere in town. Their trade-in offers are also much less, predictably. We got an extended warranty through them, which has paid for itself about 3 times over. The CarMax dealer is very close to home, so it's a no-brainer for us.

hodag1 · April 2010

I recently purchased a Toyota FJ Cruiser at CarMax. I wouldn't typically go to a CarMax because I perceive them to be a dumping ground for used cars and auction vehicles with no questions asked. Anyway, against my better judgement, I bought the FJ because of the price and the options. While cleaning it up, I checked the cabin filter and found it to be in terrible shape. It looked like a rat's nest! I immediately replaced it and started checking the other filters. All the other filters appeared to be new. Seeing the condition of the cabin filter, made me wonder what else was not maintained or serviced.

I took the FJ to my trusted-neighborhood 4-wheel drive specialists and asked them to give it a used-car inspection. The inspection revealed that one of the front tire bearings was shot and the FJ's rear-end was shot! Fortunately, both items were covered under Toyota's 5 Year/60K mile powertrain warranty.

My Point: Don't believe car dealers' pitch that they do a multi-point inspection to assure that your vehicle will provide years of trouble free service. As I described, my FJ was "good enough" for CarMax even though it had a bad front wheel bearing and rear-end. I bought it in February 2010 and it already has about $2,500 in warranty repairs.

mcguiver1000 · April 2010

I agree that Carmax is far from reputable and trust worthy. I have been asked why I delt with them considering the anguish they put me thru and the answer is simple.... It was the vehicle I wanted that was no where else and the price was right AND it was still under 98% of the factory warranty. But, yes, don't believe a word they say. :shades:

explorerx4 · September 2010

Overall, the experience was pretty painless, the people were polite and the process was explained to my satisfaction.
Their offer came in lower that I wanted, but I might have been willing to modify my expectations based on the fact that they could buy 'right now'.
Based on their inventory, they would have asked about a 50% premium over what their offer was.
Is their offer negotiable or is the number 'the number'?
A 50% margin was just too much.

deltheking · September 2010

What were your car details? Year,make,model mileage ,options etc.
Also,their offer is non negotiable-- both the selling price or the trade in price. Their trade in price is a confirmed written offer valid for 7 days at any Carmax dealership.

mcguiver1000 · September 2010

The will NOT negotiate any price untill you start yelling foul because of a major screw up.

explorerx4 · September 2010

There was no reason to contest their offer as for as the car went.
They are looking sell cars, not buy them, so in this market I can see them offering under the real value.
They could then wholesale it and make money.
I just wasn't sure if that was their final answer.

dwynne · September 2010

I don't know if I would ever buy a car at Carmax - the prices are just too high and I don't mind negotiating a discount from a regular car dealer.

Carmax USED to a good place to sell a car as they would give you KBB / Edmunds trade in or even private party for your car. That was then they first opened around here - then they got smart and starting getting cars from the local auto auctions and would only give auction money offers for your car. So any time lately they have looked at a car of mine or a friend's car they would offer what they can get the same car for at auction - which is a pretty low-ball price and well below values shown online. Normally, you could "trade in" a car and get more for it - but it depends on the car and what you are trading for. If it is not something the dealer wants to put on their lot and sell, then they too will offer you auction money for it.

My wife was tired of filling up her guzzling Honda Pilot but we had a few months left on the lease. The online trade values showed more value than current lease payoff so I figured I would give Carmax a shot. I figured auction money would be close enough to payoff to let the car go so we could get something else w/o having to stay in the lease. I also did a Carmax nation-wide search for the year and model and found similar vehicles with similar miles and they were offered for sale at prices much higher than lease buyout.

Well, I guess Pilots are hot sellers as the offer came back nearly $2k more than payoff! We cleaned the car out and let them have it :surprise: . My wife misses the space of the 3 row SUV, but is getting 43-45 mpg in her new Prius and loves it.

Carmax offered her Pilot on their site about 2 weeks later (once the title came in from AHFC) for nearly $5,000 more than they gave us. They marked it down a couple of times and sold it (or auctioned it) in a few weeks. Last listed price was about $4k more than they paid us for it. I was happy with $2k over lease buyout, so more power to them if they made more off of the Pilot. I shopped it at a couple of Toyota dealers and the best offer was $750 or so less than Carmax paid. One note: they listed her Pilot as AWD when it as a FWD model. Could have been a mistake in the listing OR at appraisal time. So perhaps we made a profit due to them thinking incorrectly it was AWD? A quick check would show you it was not (I can tell w/o getting out of the vehicle) AND the original window sticker was in the glove box.

That worked out so well I let them appraise my G37. They did not offer me a $2k over lease buy out, but a price really close to buy out. So again I took them up on the offer and sold them the car so I could get me something new. They offered the G online in a couple of weeks for about $3,000 more than they paid me and later dropped the price to $2,500 over before they sold it (or auctioned it). I was surprised that the mark up on the Pilot was so much more than the G37, but again I got a fair price - my best other offer on a trade was $3k under the Carmax offer.

Both of the cars I sold them were under full warranty and were "like new". The Pilot had normal miles for a 3 year old car, the G37 was really low miles - both were clearly nice enough for them to sell (or try to sell) on their lot after purchasing them. Maybe that accounted for the "nice" appraisal prices I got?

The one dark cloud on the whole deal is the contract you have to sign when selling them a car. I never saw that until I did the first deal and if you read it (and you should) it is TOTALLY in Carmax's favor. For any reason and at any time they can call off the deal - even if they have paid off your loan / lease. If they do, then you have to pay them back the money they gave you (if any) AND repay the amount they paid out to pay off the car. I am sure the language is in place in case your title never comes in, or has more liens on it that you disclosed, or comes back salvage or rebuild even though Autocheck / Carfax say the VIN is clean. But it COULD be used for any reason to let Carmax unwind the deal. Ask them and they say "it never happens" unless the car turns out to be stolen or something. Also, they pay you with a bank draft, not a check. You have to deposit it and (depending on your account and bank) wait for Carmax to decide to honor it or not.

If you owe more than the offer you can pay Carmax to buy the car from you, but (get this) they only take CASH or certified funds. No personal checks (over $250) and no credit cards.

Ironic, isn't it? There is no way they would sell you a car under the terms they impose when they BUY your car.

In my case, both worked out just fine so I will change my Carmax "sell us your car" recommendation from "don't bother" to "worth a shot". If you go in during a slow time you can be in and out in under an hour, easy - so may be worth your time. Do a nationwide search on Carmax and find cars just like yours and what they are asking for them. Figure $3-5k UNDER that number is what they will be offering you - as long as your car is like new and clear Autocheck. If they make you an acceptable offer, have them give you a copy of the contract for you to read over and study at leisure to see if you can live with the terms - then decide if you want to sell to Carmax or not.

Keep in mind if you own or finance (rather than lease) your car there is a trade in tax credit in most states. Assuming you are not going to buy an overpriced Carmax car, take this into account when judging the offer. If taxes were 7%, for example, an offer from Carmax of $20,000 for your car would be the same a trading it toward your new car and getting $18,692 for it when counting the trade in tax savings. If leasing, it does not matter (most all states) so just take the best offer.

bronsonb · September 2010

Sounds like you got not one but TWO great deals on selling those cars to CarMax. I sold a Taurus wagon to them once. I was in a similar situation where I was going to do a trade in, but by going to Carmax, I got $2K more than the dealer was offering me.

I would normally sell a car via private sale, but in this case, the car had not been reliable, and I would have been hard pressed to tell someone that it was.

Like you, I got stuck with a bank draft. It took 10 full business days to clear it from my bank, and they said they HAD had cases where Carmax pulled the money back, so they wouldn't release it to me until the full 10 days had passed. I believe there was a Monday bank holiday in there someplace, so it felt like three weeks before I got my money.

As you've shown, it pays to see what they'll offer you for a car. Congrats!

dwynne · September 2010

With lease vehicles (in most states) the law says the title can only pass to the lessee or to a licensed car dealer. So I could not sell my cars direct to someone else, only to or through a dealer. I have done that in the past and after paying a dealer for the paperwork made a little money. In this case, the money they offered was "good enough" to avoid the hassles of trying to sell the cars myself.

I know Carmax customers want to have a pleasant, no haggle buying experience but surely they can operate a computer or pick up a paper and see the same cars selling for less elsewhere? Heck, often the CM price is about the same as a NEW car price. The they must be doing it right as they are still around and sell lots of cars to lots of folks. And I thank them for being able to sell for "too much" which let them pay me "enough" for mine...

jrcoppo · December 2010

I went to test drive a saab i was very interested in. when i got to carmax the car would not start. service dept. told me they had to put another battery in the car. i have seen this problem before. i told them that was not the problem that the ignition modual and the steer locking modual needed to be replaced and re programmed. (saab has had this problem since 2003) They called me 4 days later and told me that i was right and they were sending the car to saab. they could have done it in house, but i was like whatever. the following week i showed up test drove the car and the left headlamp was out. so they took it back to the service dep. and replaced the lamp. (thank god they can fix somthing on site) so i bought the car. one of the managers, ( not sure wich one theres like a hundred managers) asked me would i be interested in working there as a technician. so i put in my app. went to the interveiw, guess everything was ok. i am a L-1 master tech. a week later i get a letter that says "despite your impressive background we have chosen another canidate" i wasnt going to leave the audi dealership i have been at for 12 years anyway. i just thought it was funny and i hope whom ever they choose can at least read a wiring schematic and actually fix somthing besides head lamps. i must admit they have very impressive benifits. well anyway next time a customer goes to test drive a car and it wont start. just skip the B.S. from the service team and tell them to send it to the dealership so proffesional technicians can fix it right the first time. just thought it was funny the customer had to instruct them how to fix the car he was buying................ GO CARMAX.....................

jipster · December 2010

Not really that surprising. All cars have their problem areas that their owners can identify a lot quicker than an independant mechanic. I'm far from being mechanically inclined, but I could diagnoise about a half dozen Mazda MPV problems better than indie mechanic. Mainly because of the MPV club forum that I belong to, and the fact my MPV has experienced most of them. I've saved a lot of money by doing 3 of the repairs myself.

snakeweasel · December 2010

I wouldn't be to critical of Carmax over this. If a car simply won't start it is usually the battery, best to try testing the simple things first. Since they are not a saab dealership I am not surprised that they don't know some issues that only plague that model. Sending it to the dealer might be the best for two reasons. First if it was still under warranty why not have them fix it. Secondly if it is an issue affecting only Saabs they would be best serviced by mechanics who have experience in getting them fixed.

I really don't see it as a reason to distrust their mechanics.

Kirstie_H · December 2010

It actually makes me MORE inclined to trust them. A valuable trait is understanding when you're out of your depth - rather than trying to fix a problem that you're not confident you can fix, send it to someone who CAN fix it. Too often, pride gets in the way. I'd rather have someone give it to me straight - we don't know how to fix this, but we will send it to someone who can. Good.

virus002 · December 2010

Exactly, Never assume you know what the problem is off the bat before eliminating smaller possible problems that are less costly to fix.

jrcoppo · December 2010

there solution was to put a battery in the car. i objected told them what was wrong with it. the car was not under warranty, secondly the car should have never been put on the lot with a parasitic draw, the battery had to completely run down three times prior, basic trouble shooting skills

jrcoppo · December 2010

you are correct you never assume what a problem is. you run tests, you dont throw parts at a car untill you fix it. that is the difference between a technician and a mechanic. i find what is wrong with the car and repair the problem. any dealership has to have reputable technicians, not shade tree mechanics, i am not a saab technician, pulled a wiring scematic took me 1 hour to trace the problem and inform the service dept. what was wrong with the car. go carmax.......

rubysoho · January 2011

That's only $100 more...

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