| REVIEWER | RATING & REVIEW |
 | loganinmiami (0)
07/14/2008 |  Carmax has the worst service and totally rips people off. I recently traded in my 2003 Saturn Ion which was in great condition and they would only give me 3,000 dollars for it. They claimed there was a rattle in the engine. I told them its a loose support on the exhaust and was a minor repair however they would not budge on the offer. The saleswoman was very nice, she took me on test runs for three different cars I was interested in and was able to sell me a car that same day. I choose a very nice looking Mazda rx8 which received great review. The same day I took the car home I began having problems with it. The brakes squeaked, the car wouldnt start periodically, the low coolant light kept coming on, there were parts of the interior missing, the center glove box was broken, the cd player wasn't working correctly, and there was a chip on the windshield and scratches on the door and front bumper. I addressed these issues and was told they would replace the broken and missing parts, the windshield was not chipped in my line of sight so they would not fix it, they said they would look at the brakes and resurface them if needed, they said they added coolant but there was no leak in the system, they said the scratches were there when I bought the car and that is how they sold it to me, they said they could not find anything wrong with the cd player and that maybe it just doesn't play burnt cds (hard to believe in this day and age), they claimed to not be able to reproduce the starting problem so they could not fix it. Upon returning my car to me they told me that they do not know anything about rotary engines and that if there were still problems they would need to take it to a Mazda dealer. I drove the car home and less than a week later I was having the same problems, I scheduled an appointment however the moron I spoke to didn't actually schedule anything. I called in Monday afternoon to make sure they had me in their schedule and they didn't. They let me come anyway and said they will check the car out and let me know that day whether or not it had to go to a Mazda dealer. On my there the check engine light went on and that became yet another issue for them to fix. As it turned out once the car went to Mazda they found a whole list of problems with the car. There was a computer programming issue which cause several problems I wasn't even aware of, the check engine light was due to a leaking gas vapor return, the starting problem was due to a bad starter and they didn't mention the brakes. When the car came back to Carmax they heard the brakes again and replaced the pad with new and upgraded ones. It took over a week for this all to happen and when they returned the car this time I found that they did indeed fix the starting problem and the check engine issue, they said the brakes would squeak for a few days as they are new. I have had the car back for about a week again and the cd player totally quit on me and the coolant level light is back and the brakes are still squeaking!!!! I called Thursday to set an appointment however the service rep never returned my call, I called Friday and the same, I finally spoke to a rep Friday around 4:50 after calling several time and being given the run around. I asked for the manager to call me first ting Monday and he hasn't called yet and it 12:00pm. I am so fed up with this worthless company and their lie of outstanding customer service. Not only have I been sold a lemon but I have wasted time and gas taking my car in for the same repairs time and time again. I want my old car back and a total refund for the POS I bought from them. I will post the results of todays Carmax fiasco! A WARING TO EVERYONE, DO NOT BUY FROM CARMAX THEY ARE THE WORST COMANY IN AMERICA AND THE MIAMI LAKES LOCATION ESPECIALLY.
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 1 agree) |
 | mississippidude (0)
07/12/2008 | I wish I could rate them even lower. I took a car friday for an apprasial. They offereed me 7000 dollars for my car. I took the same car to my local dealer a day later. The local dealer offered to buy my car today, only 18 hours later for 9000 dollars. Watch out for these folks. They will rip you off if you let em!
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | kiwimelon (0)
07/04/2008 | CarMax does not even deserve the one star. I'll break it down for you.
Did not have the greatest selection.
Over Taxed vehicle and had to send a refund check.
We asked about the tires and complained that they were too worn, but car max would not replace because they meet their "standards"
Gave me the wrong spare key.
Had trouble with the car starting only a few weeks after purchase.
Took in for service, but had to wait two days because of the wrong key.
I was in an accident trying to take them another key so the repairs could be completed sooner.
They replaced the battery, but didn't tighten the cables, so the next time I stopped someplace a stranger helped me hold them together to get it to start.
Took in for service yet again, replaced connection.
Still not sure if they had actually solved the initial problem.
Car tags arrived on same day I had been in for the repair, had asked if they were in and they said no. Called a few hours later saying they were in.
Hassled the co-owner when picking up the plates.
Totaled my car in an accident were new tires may have been able to prevent. Then lost my entire savings because we had over paid and the resale was much lower.
I'm not saying that this is all their fault, I as a consumer should of been more aware. I just needed a car fast and this is what I found, and I trusted CarMax, Something that I think no one should.
I now am once again searching for a car only this time I have no money left.
I suggest looking at every option, doing tons of research and going someplace other than CarMax. Also get gap insurance with any car you get. That is if you don't want to end up like me and loosing $4,500
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| wh00 (0)
07/04/2008 |  at 18, with no credit [and having been turned down by other dealerships ] my daughter bought her first car at carmax. the entire buying process was very simple and fast. the celica she found online was transferred and arrived within 2 days. she test drove it and fell in love! the interest rate was higher than we would have liked, but they kept her payments low and recommended that she double up when possible to pay off the loan sooner. because she couldn't afford any major repairs, she purchased the extended warranty, but hasn't needed a single mechanical repair in the 4+ years she's owned it. the car was immaculate when she took possession. her only quibble was that we were told it had its original floor mats and it didn't (they immediately purchased toyota mats for her) and that one of the speakers didn't sound quite right (they replaced the pair).
the downside of the financing is that her balance on the loan now is more than the car is worth, but she still loves the car and, as an underemployed student, the $160 per month payment is still attractive too.
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| teala1987 (0)
06/29/2008 | This business will do nothing but rip you off!!! I had a car transferred up there from another state, and they assured me it would go through a "125-point inspection" at both sites, but still arrived with dents and marks.
I decided to go ahead and by the car since everything was "physical" and could be fixed, and they assured me everything would be.
As soon as I drove off the lot, the brake light went out, and 2 days later, the CD player stopped working. I took the car back to them to have them fix it, and it took over a week, and the car still wasn't fixed the day I went to pick it up, as they pulled it up to me with overspray over the entire car and told me they couldn't wash it because it just got done. Needless to say, I tore them a new a$$hole and didn't keep the car.
None of the people there know what they're doing; I guess they just hire whatever dipsh!t comes in off the street. And the service department doesn't know a thing about cars. And sure, the salesmen are nice to you at first because, after all, they're not on commission. But once you buy the car, nobody has time to call you back about anything.
Oh, and I forgot to mention how they ran the transfer fee for the car through my bank account three times, then blamed it on a computer crash. Guess they just have dumba$$es in their financial department too.
There is so much more detail to what went on, but it only p!sses me off when I think about it, so I tried to keep it short and sweet.
The location I "survived" was Indianapolis, IN. Don't deal with Angie, Lynn, Andrew, or Randy. Or the entire service department there. So, which store screwed you over?
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 2 agree) |
 | Melas (0)
06/25/2008 |
What you don't pay for upfront with carmax, you will in the end. At first I liked the easy buying process, it was after that, that it became a problem. I paid the "transfer fee" to have the car I wanted transferred here in late March, early April. The car came in on May 1st in the mid-to late morning. I was told I could come and get it that day, so we did. The car Salesman and I went through the "110 inspection" together, so that isn't really an "inspection". So when I started the transfer process back at the end of March, they ran my credit and appraised my trade in. Well since my car came in over 30 days later, they had to run my credit again, and reappraise my vehicle. So I take the car home on May 1st and my sales tax was included in the loan, so when my car tags were getting close to expiring, I called to ask where my check for the sales tax was so I could go get my plates, they then informed me they were having a problem with the title. I got 3 different stories 1. the title was mixed in with other papers and was shredded. 2. Someone used white-out on it and it was no longer valid, and 3rd and final answer was they transfered title from another state was not accepted they way the did it. So needless to say they told me to drive on expired plates until this got corrected. I told them no, I would not do that. So after fighting with them, they gave me a loaner car. Now I purchased a Mercury Mariner (same class as Ford Escape, Jeep Liberty) and they gave me a Dodge Durango (much larger car, with a V8 versus a V6) that also came smelling like a fresh wet dog. So the first whole week or two I had it, I had to drive around with the windows down and the air cranked just to try and get rid of the smell. Not to mention I live an hour away from the dealership so I kept having to take time off of work and drive and hour to deal with this problem. So I had the loaner car for a month when I started raising a big stink because I had taken time off of work, put a lot more $ worth of gas into a gas-hog, all the while still paying on a car I couldn't drive. So I went back and had a heated discussion with the manager and all they told me was "they have already apologized, and they were going out of their way by giving me a loaner" I demanded one months car payment as I hadn't been able to drive it, I'm pouring more money into a car that is not mine, and I had to keep taking time off to deal with this, but they said "they do not have money just laying around to give me when I am unhappy and that this was a rare circumstance." However when I was sitting there waiting to talk with the manager, the person sitting next to me was having trouble with their car title and a girl in the business office was standing there holding a ripped in half title, but she kind of giggled and said "It'll be ok." So how rare can it be. So after month of having the loaner and the heated discussion they said my title was available. I said I still wasn't driving the vehicle on illegal plates, so they got the plates since they had to get the VIN verified. However when they gave me my paper work they had registered it as a Ford Escape, and I bought a Mercury Mariner. Even when they ATTEMPT to correct something (which they don't always even try) they still do it wrong. I have been having nothing but problems with this company and I would not recommend them to anyone!!!
(2 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 1 agree) |
 | rod2004 (0)
06/14/2008 | wow, good thing I stumble on this site. I am about to go tommorrow to a CarMax here in California to make a trade-in and then maybe buy a car from them. Not anymore!
(1 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 1 agree) |
 | Mitch70 (1)
05/31/2008 | I've heard only bad things about this company. Stay away as far as you can, lest you get screwed.
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 1 agree) |
| UsedToBetterService (0)
04/25/2008 |  I think you can get pretty good deals at CarMax. Their indifferent approach is certainly better than the usual bullying approach you often find on a used car lot. Read on to find out what kind of service we've been getting (it's an email I sent to CarMax Corporate a little while ago):
"We recently moved to the U.S. and needed to buy a car. CarMax was highly recommended, so we decided to purchase a car from you. We found a vehicle we liked and had it transferred to the Memphis location. Everything went fine until we went to the store to pick up the car. The "scratch- and dent-free" car actually had major scratches on the trunk and a minor dent on the side. A repair order was set up, for the scratches and a few other things that we noticed - vibrating steering wheel (very uncomfortable once it reaches 60 mph), alignment, malfunctioning outside mirror control, malfunctioning keyless entry/alarm - and we scheduled a service appointment for last Tuesday at 11 a.m. Once I got there, I was told it would be 1 1/2 to 2 hours before the car would even be pulled in. I had no way of getting home, so I rescheduled for today at 7:30 a.m., hoping to cut down the wait time. When I showed up today, this time accompanied by my husband in a second car, the service appointment had not been rescheduled in the system. At first it didn't seem certain that the car would even be serviced today, but I turned to the service rep whom I had talked to on Tuesday, and he shrugged his shoulders and mumbled that he didn't know why it was not in the system. Obviously, we could not be turned away, but the service rep could not tell us when the car would be pulled in. He said he would give us a call. When we hadn't heard anything from CarMax by about 12:30, we called to find out if we would have the car back today. The service rep did not know but said he'd check with the mechanic and then get back with us. That was more than 2 hours ago. We still haven't heard from him. CarMax has signs all over the place that state how great its customer service is. Unfortunately, if it's only printed and not provided, it doesn't impress me much, nor do I want to recommend a company that can't even do something as simple as call a customer back to let him or her know the status of their vehicle. By the way: When I mentioned that we were told the car was free of scratches and dents, the sales rep said that maybe it was raining in Jackson when the car was checked out. I don't see how anyone could overlook the scratches on inspecting the car, unless it was done very superficially or carelessly. On a general note: I've had the opportunity to compare the service (before and after-sales) with that of another car dealership where we purchased an older, much cheaper vehicle for my son. Despite the fact that the car was a little "beater", I was not kept waiting for long periods of time like we were at CarMax. There were wait times, too, but the sales rep made sure to come by the customer lounge to keep me up to date on what was going on. That place made me feel appreciated as a valuable customer. I'm sorry to say that CarMax hasn't done that yet."
Nope, not great service. But one of the better ones among a bad lot.
(1 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | BOJENSEN (0)
04/14/2008 | IN A PERFECT WORLD WOULDN'T WE ALL BUY A NEW CAR! CARMAX SELLS USED CARS. I TYPE IN CAPS BECAUSE OF A VISION PROBLEM. BEAMER SENT A MESSAGE TO ME SAYING I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT A NEW CAR. A LOT OF PEOPLE CAN'T AFFORD A NEW CAR! I GUESS THAT MEANS IT'S MY FAULT WE HAD TWO FLAT TIRES ON THE FREEWAY! BEAMER ALSO SAID I SHOULD DELETE MY POST. MAYBE BEAMER SHOULD DELETE THEIRS! HERE IS WHAT WAS SAID CUT AND PASTE
| Beamer (0) |
03/30/2008 |
Sounds like you should have bought a NEW car |
| Beamer (0) |
03/30/2008 |
You should probably have this one deleted also | I SEE NO EVIDENCE THAT BEAMER HAS ACTUALLY DEALT WITH CARMAX! I JUST CUT AND PASTE MY OLD REVIEW BECAUSE SOMEHOW MY NEW COMMENT DELETED IT LAST TIME. I MADE A COMPLAINT TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA ABOUT CARMAX AND IT GOES IN THEIR PERMANENT RECORD AND ANYONE CAN SEE IT. THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CARMAX ACTUALLY TOLD THE STATE THAT I TOLD THEM TO PUT TIRES ON THE CAR. THEY ALSO TOLD THE STATE THE TIRES WEREN'T CHEAP. BY MY STANDARDS THEY WERE CHEAP. I TOLD THEM TO TALK TO ME FIRST AND TELL ME WHAT TIRES THEY ARE PUTTING ON AND THEN PUT THEM ON. I DID NOT AUTHORIZE THEM TO PUT ANY TIRES ON . THEY CALLED ME UP AND I WAS TOLD THEY WERE IN THE PROCESS OF PUTTING TIRES ON. I ASKED WHAT KIND. I HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE BRAND AND DIDN'T WANT THEM AND TOLD THEM NO AND RETURNED THE CAR. WE DID SO WITHIN THEIR GRACE PERIOD AND I REFUSED TO PAY ANYTHING! I ALSO WROTE TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU SAID CARMAX COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHO I'AM WITHOUT THE VIN NUMBER OF THE CAR! THEY CAN'T LOOK UP MY NAME AND ADDRESS ON THEIR OWN COMPUTERS? I ALSO HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION. HOW IN THE HELL DO YOU GET THEIR CARMAX LOGO OFF YOUR CAR AND WHY IS IT THERE TO BEGIN WITH? HOW ARROGANT IT IS THAT THEY PUT IT THERE! IT'S PROBABLY PAINTED ON SO IT WON'T COME OFF! I SOMEHOW DELETED MY ORIGINAL POST THAT BROUGHT ME HERE BUT MY STORY IS MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING THE CAR WE BOUGHT AND THE DAY AFTER AND BOTH BACK TIRES WENT FLAT ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH. I DEMANDED NEW TIRES UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND WAS TOLD THE TIRES WERE FINE AND IT WAS JUST THE VALVE STEMS. THEY FINALLY BROKE DOWN AND OFFERED ME OTHER EQUALLY CHEAP TIRES AND I REFUSED AND WE RETURNED THE CAR THE NEXT DAY AND I REFUSED TO PAY THEM A PENNY!THEY OFFERED US ONLY $50 (YES 50) FOR A 90 LUMINA WHICH STILL RUNS PRETTY GOOD AND HAD ABOUT 120,000 MILES. WE DIDN'T TRADE OUR "$50" 90 LUMINA WHICH I COULD SELL FOR $1,000 ON MY OWN SO WE WEREN'T DESPARATE FOR A CAR. WE ENDED UP BUYING ANOTHER CAR AT A REPUTABLE DEALER. I'M GLAD TO SEE EMPLOYEES OF CARMAX ARE READING THIS. THAT SAYS SOMETHING AND WHY WOULD SOMEONE COME TO A SITE LIKE THIS TO JUST RAVE ABOUT THEM? I CAME TO THIS SITE BECAUSE MY HUSBAND AND I COULD'VE BEEN KILLED ON THE FREEWAY AND I THINK THE PUBLIC SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IT. I'M CONCERNED SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED BECAUSE OF THE CONDITION OF THEIR CARS AND WHEN I READ ABOUT SOMEONE WITH THEIR CHILD BREAKING DOWN IN THE CAR I'M DIGUSTED. IT SCARES ME TO THINK WHAT COULD'VE HAPPENED TO US ON THE FREEWAY WITH TWO BACK TIRES FLAT AND I'M GLAD MY 15 YEAR OLD AUTISTIC DAUGHTER WASN'T IN THE CAR THAT DAY. WE HAD TO EXIT THE FREEWAY IN A REMOTE AREA WHERE WE COULD'VE BEEN ROBBED!
(0 voted this helpful, 4 funny and 1 agree) |
| mustangrob (0)
04/13/2008 | I bought a 2007 mustang convertible gt from carmax a few months ago that booked out at 30k, and i payed 21599 for it. The sales rep didnt know a lot about cars, but what do you expect from someone that only makes $150 per car sold. I feel that I was treated very fair, they went out of their way for me, and never once tried to pressure me to buy a car. I loved the no haggle deal. you all seem very bitter, perhaps you should have bought a new car.
(1 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 1 agree) |
 | Beamer (0)
03/31/2008 | If you are at all educated in buying and selling cars this is the most up front and reputable dealer there is. If you are brainwashed and mislead by KELLY BLUE BOOK'S numbers and other dealers that can move numbers around that make you happy on your trade-in you probably got taken. Do you know where KBB gets their numbers from?? Probaly not!! Is a dealer going to sell you a car and not make money??? Let's not be in denial unless that is what makes you feel better now that you have bought a car from them. If you buy a car from a dealer they are making money LETS FACE IT most of the time lots of it. Carmax is a great place to buy a car and sell one UNLESS "YOU" were the one that was to uneducated that you got taken by another dealer a few years ago and now think you have to bitch and cry on here because your ego is too strong to admit it. Again if you don't know where Kelly blue book gets their numbers DONT REPLY.
(0 voted this helpful, 1 funny and 0 agree) |
| gary505 (0)
03/30/2008 | I went to Carmax to loo at a car but they wouldn't even let me drive it because I refused to let them copy my driver's license. I have a policy against letting people copy my license due to ID theft. Carmax lost a potential customer.
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| PrazDncr (0)
03/27/2008 | I just sent this email to Carmax Corporate--- This is CRAZY!!!!!
I purchased this vehicle on January 6, 2008. Since my purchase, I have had to take this car back to Carmax 5 times for various repairs. One and 1/2 weeks after purchase, my car cut off on me in the middle of a 5 lane road. I was told by the repair department that the battery cables were loose (they tightened them) and that the car was fine. In addition, the car was making a loud squeeling noise on the driver's side of the car...they could not determine the "source" of the problem.... Since that time, this car has been taken back to Carmax a total of 4 times (had to be towed in three times.) I have had the following repairs done: Fuel Pump replacement, Alternator replacement, Emissions Control Unit Replacement. In addition, I have been speaking with Randy (manager). He's been helpful throughout this situation, but as this point, I do not feel comfortable driving this vehicle! I do not TRUST this vehicle. I just got my car back yesterday, but even with the Repair department saying that it's fixed, they also told me that two weeks ago (the second time it was towed.) I was told that there was nothing wrong with my car...that they had someone test drive it for 30 minutes, had hooked it up to machine, let it run for two hours, etc. (To make matters worse, I was told in a "joking" way..."it'll probably start acting back up when you drive it off the lot."yet one week later (this past Saturday) my car shut down on me AGAIN with my son in the car.
I am not trying to be rude by NO means, but the reason I bought a new car was so that I wouldn't have the issues of my OLD car- if I wanted a car I couldn't trust would run from day to day, I would have kept my Passat. (***Please note, I have asked for a Carfax report twice, and have yet to receive or even view one on this car!!!!!****)
At this point my desire is to get another vehicle. I have been very patient and understanding in this process, but I cannot keep making monthly visits to Carmax to get my car towed AGAIN, pay another deductible on another repair, taking ANOTHER day off work to wait for a repair to be done and the list goes on. I have a family, I'm in school, I have my own business (which at times requires travel!) AND I work full time, so needless to say I cannot afford to go through this with a car that I haven't even had three months yet.
Not sure if this email is gonna get me results!!!!!!!!!
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| whattodo (0)
03/18/2008 | With Carmax the trick is the vehicles they have a sale price that is easy on the eyes, but the trade in value for your vehicle is insulting. The best way to get around this is to have cash in hand or pre-approved financing. I wasnt going to fall for this scam. I put a good down payment on the vehicle to purchase and sold my trade in a private party ad for $5,000.00 more then they were willing to give me.
When you buy a car from them, the sales person (who was very nice) has you look over your new vehicle top to bottom and they write down everything you find wrong. For example I noticed the inside hood light didnt work, the knob for the dimmer switch was missing and the drivers side speaker was blown. No problem they say, we will go to the service department where they will fix these problems or order you parts if needed. No problem you think, well after 7 hours of sales talk, walking through their facility, financing, blah blah blah, I just wanted my car and go home.
They were unable to fix my speaker the hood light and dimmer switch beacuse parts needed to be ordered. Ok I will come back, just call me when the parts come in. 2 months later after several phone calls I am scheduled an appointment for 10:00 a.m. 7 days later I am still without my car.
They informed me that they ordered the wrong dimmer switch knob & speaker and the light under my hood wont work because I have an electrical problem, which they must contact Chevrolet to see how to fix it.
This has been the worst service I have ever received and I've only had the car for 2 months. Now I have to wait for the re-ordered parts, bring my car back to them and wait for who knows how long.
P.S. When you call them, make sure you have your lunch with you, as you might have a long wait time and/or you will be disconnected or transferred to several persons before finding out what going on.
And don't use your cell phone as your minutes will be used up!!
Irvine, Carmax
(2 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| pz (0)
03/10/2008 | I can't comment on the car buying experience at Carmax, but I can comment on my attempt to sell them my car. So here goes:
Upon arrival, I was accosted by not one but two people as soon as I had come through the door. I was immediately subjected to the barrage of introductions and questions, so typical of a use car dealership. I know they were trying to be friendly, but instead of relaxing me, their chatter put me on guard right away.
After I had told them that I was looking to have my car appraised, the saleswoman's face became slightly sour and she asked "Are you also going to buy from us?" After I said "No," things went downhill, although their website states that "they will buy your car regardless of whether you buy one from them."
Then, having sat me down at her desk, the woman started to explain the appraisal process to me, slipping in there somewhere that they pay "auction" prices. Another red flag. After I had pointed out that their website did not mention auction prices, she said, "well, we also do not ask you to buy one of our cars, do we?". Not sure what the connection between the two facts is, but whatever...
Then came requests for personal information, including driver's license number, home address, phone number, and so on. When I asked why they need all this, she said, "What if your car is stolen?" Some trust in your clients.
She then rushed me through a dazzling series of computer screens, explaining what they will look at in the car and the "appraisal" began.
To make a long story short, the process lasted about 20 minutes. When she came back, she started by telling me that my car was in a near-perfect condition except for a scratch on the rear bumper. That was funny because just 3 days earlier I had been told that it needed new rear brake pads and new tires, plus a transmission fluid change. Of course, how can you know all this if you "inspect" the car for less than 20 minutes?!
She them gave me the price which was $7000 (that is, thousand) below blue book. Needless to say, I was not interested and left.
So, they can call themselves Carmax or anything else, but, in my eyes, they will always remain a user car place that rip people off.
(1 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| hunter46 (0)
03/07/2008 | My experience with Carmax is pretty much the same as everyone else on this site. I found it interesting that they base everything on the Kelly Blue Book value, this is the highest dealer price value of all other values, Edmonds, NADA. Then they really lowball your trade-in. If you step back and look at both prices, you are paying way above what you will pay at other lots with just a little work and travel. Case in point, we were looking for my daughter a car below $15,000 in Jacksonville, Florida. She fell in love with a 2004 Honda Accord V6 with 41,000 miles for $14,998. According to Edmonds, this car should retail around $15,200 so I felt I was getting a decent deal. When they came back with her appraisal on her car, I disagreed, talked to the appraisor and got the spill about why he appraised it for so little. I asked for more on trade in, they wouldn't budge. We walked out, found a 2006 Camry with 18,000 miles, paid $15,200 with her trade and felt so good. I guess I might go back to Carmax, but never with a trade, I think this is a place they try to make a bigger profit, and the no haggle can work for or against you. I would suggest that you not impulse shop there, get a firm price on a comparable car some where else, If their price is close buy, if not walk
(1 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| 123466 (0)
02/26/2008 | Carmax is a horrible place to sell your vehicle too. They are worst than going to a regular dealership. They gave us $5,000.00 for a 2001 Honda Accord with 82K miles in very good condition and put the vehicle on their lot for $12,000.00. They lie and take advantage of people. I would never purchase one of there vehicles, you can do better at a regular dealership. I can not believe they are so busy. What a rip-off
(2 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| Tripacer (0)
02/09/2008 | Carmax is a rip off. I have a 2007 Ford Ranger with 9000 miles. Anyone one want to give me more than $7,500 for a truck that gets 26 mpg in A+++ condition. What a rip off. While I was waiting the sale guy even said they wouldn't have it on the lot three or four days as it would be a great seller. They have the same truck in an extended cab on the lot for $14,000.00 with more miles. Las Vegas Carmax King of Rip offs.
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
| carmaxsucker (0)
02/03/2008 | I went to carmax because of the NO Hassle policy. The first car I bought I hated. So within the 5 day return policy I returned it with no questions asked. The car I decided to get I added on a alarm system with keyless entry. I drop my car off at 9am (appointment was for 9:30am) I was told the work would only take 3.5 hours. Well around 3pm I went back to pick up my car and WOW it wasn't done!! I was told an outside vendor does the work and they haven't showed up yet!! The service department said the vendor just called and said they were on their way. I talked to a sales manager and she said that should have never happened because the computer systems between both businesses are linked. My question is why didn't the service department realize my car was still sitting outside 5 hours after I dropped it off!! I was never told until after this incident an outside vendor does the installion on car alarms. So after another trip out to the Carmax at 6pm at night I finally got my car back. Bad thing is noone showed me how to use the remote start and I had to go home and read how to use it. The service department in Dublin, Ohio is HORRIBLE!!!!
(0 voted this helpful, 0 funny and 0 agree) |
 | KGrey (0)
01/31/2008 | BEWARE OF THEIR SERVICE DEPT!!!! Bought a Nissan 350Z. Took it home on 1/16. It was supposed to have had a broken rear tail light repaired (apparently not part of their 125+ point inspection). It wasn't taken care of...had to bring it back on 1/22. On 1/22 after keeping the car ALL DAY...they said 'YES...the tail light is broken. We'll have to order one to put in' 33 miles...each way plus 2 complete round trips for the person that drove me there. 198 miles on 2 cars for them to tell me it was broken!! Which they already knew. Back in on 1/28 when the part was in to fix it.....2 DAYS to fix it!! AND if that wasn't enough...when I got the car back it had a 3 FOOT GASH IN THE ROCKER MOLDING!!! $525 damage!!! 'Bring it back...we'll fix it'. ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? Like I would ever even get an oil change there. G-d only knows what damage they would cause then! STAY AWAY AT ALL COSTS...cuz more of the costs will be coming out of your pocket!
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| timx843 (0)
01/25/2008 | Man I can't believe all the low ratings! I was going to go there today in Lithia Springs, GA but NOT now! Thanks for all the reviews!
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| rawrkitty (0)
01/25/2008 | Um... well, I had a great experience at Carmax. I wanted to buy a used Honda Civic with low miles and a good price. After an endless search through various shady dealerships (one of which even claimed my credit was so good, they could not sell me a cheap car) I ended up at Carmax where I dealt with a kind, non-pushy saleswoman. She found the perfect Civic for me and I've had it for over a year now. Not a single problem. Granted, I have it looked at and maintenance it well, but it never exactly NEEDS servicing either. My only suggestion is to not take their financing, get a loan through a bank you trust.
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| JusticeforallandAllfo... (0)
01/18/2008 |  I have been employed at Carmax for over 10 years, and I have heard all of the complaints. The "car-buying process" is the 2nd most stressful purchase in your life, so I understand why some of you are upset. Here's how Carmax comes up with an appraisal value: each individual vehicle is researched and a value is reached based on CURRENT wholesale market value. Condition, mileage, options, as well as expected reconditioning costs are considered. The offer Carmax gives is based on that number. Now think about it, if Carmax can buy that car at an auction for $10,000...why would another dealer give you $12,000 for the same car? Because they are just moving the money around!! It's monopoly money to them....They will charge more for the car you are buying, pack profit into your "perceived" low interest rate (e.g. selling your loan at 7.00% when you really qualify for 6.0%). The Carmax appraisal is a contract to buy your car, even if you don't buy a car from Carmax. THAT IS NOT OFFERED ANYWHERE ELSE. Try taking your car to Tom Ripoff's Mega AutoMall and get a written appraisal. They will look at you like your fly is unzipped.
You might also like to know that the dealer down the street that is giving you such a great deal on that car might have bought it from Carmax. Carmax will not sell a car that has been in a major accident, has frame or flood damage, or has a branded title due to salvage history or possible odometer rollback. The dealer down the street loves coming to Carmax wholesale auctions and buying these cars to sell to unsuspecting shoppers like YOU who are only concerned with price or value of your trade-in and not the overall cost to the consumer. If you think your dealer is giving you more value for your trade in, see how much your monthly payment is. If the dealer is offering more money for your trade in on the same term loan for the same price car, your payment should be lower. I talk to customers everyday who finds out how the traditional dealer is playing with the numbers and they can't wait to come back to Carmax
Try financing car at Carmax and see how upfront the whole process is. Once your loan application is submitted, you will see the financing offers at the same time we do. You just pick which one suits you best. Try getting that at the Jack Shadys Flood and Frame Damage Outlet. The lenders decide what interest rate you qualify for, not Carmax. There are several other options offered other than Carmax Auto Financing. If you are unhappy with your rate, go ahead and buy the car using Carmax's financing.....you can come back in up to three business days and redo the deal with your financing at no charge. That is not offered anywhere else either.
You also get a five-day return policy and up-front pricing.
Cars are machines people....they do break. Our inspection process is second to none. I have seen cars fail the Carmax inspection for issues that 99% of the population would not notice. You can purchase an extended warranty at Carmax, and all repairs are covered for the first 30 days at no charge. Try to sell the big picture people!
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| dchain (0)
12/22/2007 | Buyer Beware! Carmax is a ripoff... especially the one located in Burbank on Flower Street. Their appraisers are dishonest. Before I went over then, I did a little research on the internet and the first two reviews I came across were very negative about the Carmax in Burbank. I thought maybe these people are exaggerating a bit so I'll go because I like to find things out for myself. Guess what?! They were not exaggerating at all. There is something really wrong with these people. They try and rip you off by telling you your car isn't worth anything. If you listen to them, you would believe a $50,000 car is worth only $25,000. I couldn't believe it when they underestimated my car. I couldn't leave their lot fast enough. I immediately took my car to another buyer who gave me an estimate $10,000 higher than what I'd gotten at Carmax! Who's in charge of these people over at Carmax anyway! You really need to revamp your entire system and STOP ripping people off!
A Disgruntled, but Truthful Customer
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| Mitzi1 (0)
11/28/2007 | Do not even bother with this place. They appraised my car while doing a sales pitch about how great they are and how fair and straightforward the company is. My same model & year & similar condition car with the firm no haggle price and 77,000 miles is avaiable through them for $24,900. They offered me $10,000 (more than $9,000 below blue book trade in value) for mine with 60,000 miles on it. The only faults they found were it needed tires and they said it had after market wheels. It is a sport version and has the sport wheels from that model year so I explained this and they had thier appraiser come over. She proceeded to tell me that BMW only makes the sport version in the 3 series and that the BMW dealer had to have taken the wheels and put them on a 7 series. Well every other 7 series BMW with the sport package from my model year I have ever seen has the same wheels mine has, so all BMW dealers must have been switching wheels that year from the smallest car they make to the largest car they make. She actually starting to argue with me and suggested I take it up with the BMW dealer who sold me the car and told me that these were factory wheels. So therefore the wheels and the fact it needs tires, my car is worth $14,900 less than one they are selling that has 17,000 more miles. Now mind you I did not expect them to offer me the retail price thay have on a car they are selling, but they offered me 40% of what they are asking for the same car with more miles. That my friend is called theft.
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| bizzyrosta (0)
11/23/2007 | After dealing with Carmax in Nashville, TN and trying to resolve at the management and then corporate level unsuccessfully, I did some research on the internet and found this website. I was not only happy to add my comments knowing that by now it has certainly deterred consumers from future purchases, but I inform everyone in person of my experience (it's great fun at car shows and other gatherings). After getting no satisfaction from Carmax corporate office, I decided to respond to one of their emails letting them know what people are saying about them; here and elsewhere. I signed up to get notification when I posted my comments on rateitall.com and everytime I click the link, a virus called "downloader" pops up, but never successfully infects. It seems the rats are also cowards. I'd close the 401k real quick if I were them.
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| kokjsdlfkjlsdkjflskjd... (0)
11/22/2007 | I use to work at carmax and i think all of you people who complain about the worth of your car are all morons. I know the quality at CarMax sucks. So why go twice or why buy twice. Just face it your vechicle isn't worth much. And that is that
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| kilodave (0)
11/22/2007 | I use to work at carmax and i think all of you people who complain about the worth of your car are all morons. I know the quality at CarMax sucks. So why go twice or why buy twice. Just face it your vechicle isn't worth much. And that is that
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 | carmaxchump (0)
11/14/2007 | I was a chump for buying 2 cars. Both were overpriced, but CarMax justifies the price by telling you how good their cars are. The 2004 Maxima I got had only 24000 miles when I got it six months ago. Now, at 29000, I went to a mechanic to have a clunking in the right front checked out. Turns out some of the suspension needed parts and service. At the same time he informed me that 3 or the 4 Goodyear Eagle tires had severe sidewall cracks. (Seems other people have had trouble with these tires, which seems to have been defective from the beginning. Should have been a recall from Goodyear.) So, now I have to replace tires. Many other indications that CarMax didn't really clean up and fix this car, or verify the condition of it. I hadn't checked the CD player when I bought the car, and found out after the initial 30 day warranty that it was not working on one channel. It's the worst experience I have had with buying a used car. Because I have another car that I would like to sell, I checked what CarMax would offer. It's a Lincoln Continental (97 with 80000 miles, excellent condition). They offered only $2000, even though they had same car on the lot with many more miles for nearly $9000. I decided to keep the car as an extra. It's worth much more to me. The story could be long, so the bottom line is: no more CarMax for me. I've gotten much better deals from "regular" dealers, and will shop there next time. Maybe CarMax is a good company to buy stock in. They seem to make a huge profit on both the buying and selling ends
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| torqued (0)
11/07/2007 | If you're planning to sell your car, call and ask a lot of pointed questions before bothering to go in for an appraisal. I did call, but didn't ask enough specific questions. I basically asked about the saleability of my F150 with V6 and manual trans as manual transmissions are not good sellers. I was told that that didn't matter as they would send it to one of their facilities where these are better sellers and that the appraisal would be based on the prevailing market value. I mistakenly assumed the market value would be based somewhat on blue book pricing. WRONG!!! Blue book value has nothing to do with it. Market value is apparently what they can pick up a similar vehicle for at auction, or buy from an individual who is hard up and will take anything he can get. Bottom line is I spent 4 hours and $40 in gas for 2 cars to find out I had been misinformed. I got a quote for my truck which the appraiser rated as "clean car, great miles" of about $3000 below wholesale blue book. The appraiser was a nice guy and was apologetic for the misinformation I got on the phone, but I still wasted half a day. I think Carmax is probably a good way to sell a car if you're in a jam and have to bail out immediately regardless of price. If you want to get anything close to what your car is worth and you're not in a hurry, I'd look elsewhere.
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| pinkcad (0)
10/30/2007 | I sold a car to carmax on 10-28-2007, they scammed me with the price, I originally purchased the car from them, I took the 6500.00, reluctantly, for the price of the car, but when you want to try and deposit the check in your account,, they put a hold on it and released some funds after 5 days and then some more funds in fourteen days. They have my entire vehicle, pink slip and all and I have a half-bogus check, a car company as big as that, holding on to your funds. Can you believe that. Do not do business with this company they are great Max Crooks.
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| Rahzie (0)
10/24/2007 | well it seems that everyone had their bad experience at carmax. well add me in. I bought a car, my first purchase. i noticed the wheel was shaking. So i brought it back 3 times for them to fix it and they never did. So i took it to the dealership where i work and the mechanic there did a road force test and showed me that 3 tires were bad. Carmax said they had 6 ppl drive it and said they never felt any shaking. I told the "Gerneral Manager" to contact goodyear for the tires because he didn't know what else to do. I'm glad that i came up with that idea!!! I went to the goodyear dealership to find that my tires were bad again so Carmax could just have me go through more bs. So goodyear recommanded that i get the eagle RS-A's for my ride it would be a better match for the suspension then the regatta 2. After pro-rating the tires i spent $270 dollars on all new tires the shaking in the wheel went away. I contacted carmax to tell them that the shaking in the wheel stopped i told them i spent $270 dollars and they were only going to be able to give me $81 back because i upgraded my tires. The GM says "I didn't design the tires so where does become my fault" Well obviously your window sticker didn't state that your vechile had bad tires! and your 125 Point inspection wasn't a 125 points.
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| mayor07 (0)
10/06/2007 | I sold my vehicle to CARMAX. The whole process was seemless except for there deceptive practice. I was advised that since my vehicle was over 100k it would go straight for auction. They do not sell cars over 100k. My fault that I had not looked at the site before. Anyway they have listed the vehicle for $4500 more than what they paid me and it is on there car lot and website. Nothing wrong, but downright dishonest business practice. I would never deal with them again. Better to just go straight to the dealer. I would rather they make the money and I can get the service I need for them. Buyer and seller beware.
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| lotsohassle (0)
09/29/2007 | Had my vehicle appraised and was told that it was an LX not EX trim based on the fact that it did not have a sunroof. A SUNROOF???? My ORIGINAL window sticker CLEARLY shows that the vehicle I had bought from the dealer was an EX!!! Brought this to the attention of the manager and he agreed with the appraiser. RIDICULOUS!!! No hassle, my A**!! Be Forewarned!!! If you are going to get an appraisal, make sure you know what trim line your vehicle is, because CARMAX doesn't have a clue!!!
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| jglusica (0)
09/14/2007 | So many issues to discuss, but after nine days got the vehicle back, they waived all repair cost because there was no estimate prepaired and no authorization given to them to do the repairs. Sometimes they are overwhelmed with work and the "mechanics" really are just part changers. Find a reputable dealer to repair your car, the labor rate for services are much higher at carmax. Dealer price for 45k is $100, carmax $140. This is our second vehicle from ther and there is no going back again.
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| mane (0)
09/08/2007 | I purchased several cars from CarMax and have to say that they have lost my business because they have gone downhill. I have friends on the inside and even they are disgusted at the changes from corporate which are turning the place into another run off the mill dealership where trash abounds. Two examples: a jaguar I purchased, within two months all of the cover-up work that CarMax did to sell the car went away revealing damaged paint work, leather and other issues!! a second car is a bmw which when I tried to trade it in it was determined at two separate places that the car had been in an accident but CarMax failed to tell me this.
truly disappointed I have to say to anyone run away from CarMax. their good days are gone!!
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| dregalado (0)
09/06/2007 | Went to carmax on 9/3/07, chose the vehicle I was interesed in(1st car for my 16yr old daughter) , and then had a manager come explain to me why their personal finance company was going to charge me 14.5% interest on a 60 mnth loan when my credit score is 740..according to him your interest rate is not just based on credit but on the year and mileage of the car. He was fast talking and had an answer for everything.Well at least his explanation gave the guys at the credit union a good laugh when they approved me at 6.69% the next day. Yeah I could have taken my 3rd party financing and purchased the car at carmax, but if it is their policy to use fast talk and BS to screw over hard working people like me I will (and did..thank you Sword's auto Peru Il) take my hard earned money elsewhere!!!Beware future carmax customers!!
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| vision (0)
09/04/2007 | CARMAX had a vehicle which was not the lowest, but mid-range of all dealers I had looked at, but did not want the hassle. Vehicle inside was unclean. My vehicle has high mileage, but newest thing in the car industry is to give you "auction results" price for your car, which is less than wholesale price, much lower than trade-in. get s****** without the kiss.
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| secretfile99 (0)
08/28/2007 | Man I just finished reading all the reviews its like Carmax is trained to cheat, lie, and deceive people. The manager's are so rude and unproffessional. I felt so bad after I lost $6K within 6 months. I couldn't afford to hire an attorney... I think we all should get together and step on the snake's (carmax) head.
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| seawortheee (0)
08/27/2007 | OH, how I wish I had found this site before purchasing a vehicle through CarMax. The past few weeks have been excruciating. CarMax managers appear to have had no training, especially in the area of customer service. The sales people are not knowledgeable about most of the vehicles on the lot. I traded in my vehicle, and felt backed into a corner...accepting $3,000 below bluebook. Due to several "associates" being on vacation, I was juggled between three sales people, and it took over 5 hours to complete the transaction. I just saw the car advertised on line today and they are asking $5,000 above what they gave me. What a deal -- for them! I purchased a car, which I took home at 5:00 PM, drove it the next day and it broke down on the freeway at noon (less than 24 hours of owning the car). It took them one hour to send someone out to pick me up, when their location is only 10 minutes away. They put me in a loaner which smelled as if wild animals partied hard in the vehicle. They kept my "new car" for a week, and could not fix it. I was then told by the service tech that he remembered the car. It seems someone else bought it, and promptly returned it due to the same malfunction. I finally selected another car, which I had for 3 days. I went to the grocery store on Sunday morning, came out and put all of the groceries in the vehicle (90+degrees outside). The car would not start. On and on the saga goes. Turns out it was merely a bad battery (or, so I have been told). I doubt this is the end of the story. Lesson Learned -- STAY CLEAR OF CARMAX!!!!!! Poor customer service, lack of quality mechanics, and overpriced.
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| ihatecarmax (0)
08/24/2007 | Let me start off by stating that carmax is good at one thing: Taking your money! I bought a 02 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 nine months ago in Louisville. The salesman would kill himself rather than fail at selling me the extended warranty. To spare his life, I did, thinking that I would be better off; I was wrong, however. The first problem I took it in for, a broken oil pressure sensor, was immediately denied coverage because reminents of mud were found in the skid plate. Wow, a 4x4 off the road?! No way! I know for a fact that the sensor was broken before the vehicle was even off the road, but I would have to prove it in court first. Whats a warrenty good for if everything will be blamed on "outside factors"?
Next, Their communication skills are less than lousy. When they had my vehicle in the shop and said they would call me by noon, I had to call at three, to find that no one could help me, they would call back! So I wait till four, and call them again, trying to find my diagnosis. Still nothing! I was merely trying to find out if my warranty would cover a car rental so I could get home from work! Finally at five fifty I receive a call and was told they would cover my rental, do it and they would pay for it. The next day they say that the warranty will not cover it! There's thirty bucks out the window!
Next is the clutch issue where I was screwed the most. When I bought the vehicle, I took it back for service several times within the thirty day 100% warranty period. One thing I asked them to check was a whining in the clutch, when it was released and at idle. This baffled them. They finally gave up and diagnosed it as "dry shifter forks", which they greased, but made no record of doing. That obviously did nothing to solve the problem, but after horrible experience with the service dept. and my thirty day warranty up, (much of that spent in their shop) I just lived with the whine. Eight months later, I took it back to check the A/C, the broken wire, and the whine. They still couldn't figure out the whine untill I spoke with the acutal mechanic and he checked again. This time it was diagnosed as a bad throwout bearing which they told me was replaced before I purchased. They said it would be $620 to replace. I said, I had it looked at when under warranty. They said, theres no record. I said thats not my fault. They said they'll pay half. I said why would I want to do business with someone who treats me like an idiot and charges $82 an hour to just listen for things that they should of fixed?
Don't ever trust carmax!
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| upsetbuyer (0)
08/13/2007 | Carmax was terrible, I was there t |