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I haven't dealt with them but my ex g/f did while we were dating....she bought her truck at the one in Raleigh, NC.
When the engine blew up in her truck, and it was still under warranty, they refused to honor said warranty, insisting she somehow was responsible for the damage, albeit she had regular maintenance done on it when it was required and she didn't drive it like a bat out of hell either.
So that right there, tells me to steer clear of them.
I have known a couple of people who have dealt with Carmax, and both of their transactions were nothing but pleasant. A matter of fact, one of them had a problem with the vehicle they purchaed from Carmax, and the issue required Carmax sending the car to the maker of the car, and they did this with no hesitation and no charge to the buyer.
OP, your story is interesting. I own an 02 Explorer XLT w/70,000 miles and in excellent condition and in our area dealers are offering me cash of $6500 outright. There seems to be a demand for them out West. I wouldn't sell it for $10,000 as it still looks new and runs in perfect condition, so I'm not going to waste money trading it in.
At worst you should get $5000 if it's in just decent shape. Did you check KBB for values?
Carmax is for people who are willing to pay a premium -- a fairly steep one IMO -- to walk into the sales office knowing exactly how much they're going to pay for a car without having to dicker. Bringing a potential trade-in introduces an element of uncertainty, but that uncertainty goes away with a simple "this is what we'll pay for your car, take it or leave it" offer.
I think with carmax scenarios change. We were offered more money then trade in on a car at carmax vs dealer, got appraisel and the dealer matched and beat by $500.
I wouldn't call the cars they sell bad deals overall, some I think are inflated, but some are decent deals. You could fight for a better deal but if you like the one particular car, options and color. It can be easier to deal with them then searching dealers and haggling.
As for selling used cars to them, some are good prices some are ****. No matter what if looking at newer used cars ALWAYS go there first if you have one nearby, allows you to see dozans of models at once.
Car Max will buy any car, but they only sell the cream of the crop. If cars don't meet their strict standards, they wholesale them off..
Even the good ones they keep get a complete going through. They have a complete service center including body and paint, so the car you get will be in excellent condition. Premium price, but guaranteed quality car. It is a first class organization..
^Are you Mr. Carmax? Almost read like an advertisement.
I think his description is fair. Like I said before it may not be a deal, bit its fair. You get a quality product at a fair price. Few are a little off, but I think that is more a local economy vs. National economy of cars.
Don't get me wrong they make money, but wouldn't call them a full ripoff.
Carmax is for people who don't mind paying a premium price for a quality used car in great shape. Personally, I don't like paying a premium price but those who do seem to be happy with the deal and their car.
My opinion of Carmax is they have ok selection nothing special in terms of pricing but more like the Walmart of used cars!
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Carmax is the Walmart of used cars
