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I would dare to guess that this may really vary from one area/region to the next.
My current truck I got through CarMax and I had nothing but an amazing experience.
I had an old truck ('99 Dodge Dakota) that blew a head gasket. I was supposed to be headed to a race (motorcycle) that weekend - my truck is my only "cage" vehicle, and I had less than a week to find a truck, get financed, and be on the road. I didn't have money for a big downpayment, and knew I'd be looking used since, if I needed to buy, I was going to get a truck that would better serve my needs.
Friend recommended CarMax (who his family has used several times), went online, found a few trucks - all the prices for used trucks were pretty in line with market prices around here, even on Craigslist (which, talk about a risky endeavor). Maybe slightly above, but they went through the vehicles and fixed/replaced/changed/etc all the "routine" maintenance stuff (tires, brakes, fluids, etc) - which can add up pretty quick!
Worked with one of their associates, got the truck I decided on shipped from their other location, got the financing approved, I chose to get their extended warranty, limped my old truck over there, and they gave me $1,000 for my old truck (which was worth maybe 2K in good running condition) towards my $2K downpayment on the new truck, leaving me some extra money in my pocket.
It's been over a year since I bought my truck. I had one of the plastic pieces on a door handle break, just replaced that myself ($50 part - not their fault, it was fine for 8 months), and at this point in time and numerous hauls all over the state, no other issues. Still have lots of meat on the tires they had put on the truck, brakes are still excellent (just had that all checked during a brake fluid flush and tire rotation), truck has ran great. Still have miles on their warranty, too.
Payments have been easy and painless, and the entire process from shopping, approval, getting the truck, test drive, and being able to "sell" them my old truck was awesome for me!
Not saying they're all like that, but honestly, I was pretty happy with the entire experience where I went.
Which benefits the dealer and not the consumer. They market it as a friendly, trouble free no hassle buying experience. Reminds me of the easy credit used car lot commercials. "We understand. Even good people make mistakes. Come on in and we'll get you taken care of, regardless. You can drive a car home today"
I didn’t say I shop there. I just said they have a no haggle policy.
I go back to car shows too. They let me sit in cars I otherwise wouldn't be able to, all in one place.
Huh? You said you don’t like Carmax but keep going back? So, are you suggesting you don’t like car shows either? Because if you like car shows, what is the comparison???
Huh? You said you don’t like Carmax but keep going back? So, are you suggesting you don’t like car shows either? Because if you like car shows, what is the comparison???
He’s basically what’s called a lookieloo. It’s like going to a car show or window shopping at the mall. About the only time a dealer would see me is if I need a part or I’m actively car shopping to buy.
carmax way overprices their cars, and way under pays for their inventory.
All used car dealers fit that profile. Most of their inventory comes from dealer auctions. Someone has to pay their business expenses and their staff as well as the college tuition for the owner's kids. I pay cash for my cars and never buy from a dealer. Seems to me the only reason to buy from a used car lot is if you need to finance because you don't have the money to pay in full. Unfortunately that is most Americans these days.
Plus where I live you have to pay sales tax on dealer bought cars and private party cars are exempt.
Not listed on their website. Also it doesn't match up to pricing on any fiat they have listed. They have several newer then 2011 with less miles that are in the $7500-8500 range. So OP is either wrong or exaggerating.
Carmax sells everything based on Edmunds pricing adjusted for the local market.
I bought a 2 cars from Carmax and they were in excellent condition and priced below what any other used car dealer locally was selling for and slightly more then private sellers. Carmax is generally priced very competitively which is how they move so many cars with no haggle prices
The thing is what someone asks private party and what they actually get are usually very different. I can knock of 30% or more with a motivated seller.
I just looked at a local carmax, typed in 2011 and it showed 114 2011 model cars within 250 miles.
67 2010 model cars too!
How many 2011 Fiat 500s did they show, which is what the OP said he looked at, duh. When I made that post, I had looked for myself, and they did NOT show a 2011 Fiat 500.
I bought this identical truck BRAND NEW in 2013 for 18,300! 2 years newer model, brand new/zero miles for $1400 more.
Also note CM is offering 6-9% financing if you have a good score (670 up to a 739!). If you have a 739 you should be a the new car dealership buying something brand new not 8 yr old stuff from CM!
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