CarMax...any experience with them?

[ibouncetoo]

Anybody have experience with buying a car through Car Max? Yes, I've got to get a replacement for my now totalled Toyota Rav4

So, how did it go for you? Did you finance through them also?



I won't know for a day or so how much $$ I'm getting on my car, so I've got a little time to do some research. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

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[pr surfer]

They're overpriced and lowball you on trade-ins, and thanks to their policies, it's not possible to try and haggle.

But their selection of used cars is generally quite good, and there's no pressure to buy.

 

[CherylDan]

I bought a vehicle from them about two years ago. It had under 9,000 miles and it was in perfect condition. Very good experience. I researched the retail value on blue book and some other places, and it was quite a bit higher than the CarMax price. I did not have a trade-in, nor did we finance thru them. The no haggle experience was wonderful, and I would not hesitate to do business there again.

 

[moon]

My family has purchased two cars through them, and we have been quite pleased with both the experience and the cars. Next time any of us needs a car, we'll get it from CarMax.

 

[pr surfer]

I researched the retail value on blue book and some other places, and it was quite a bit higher than the CarMax price.

Really? I had the complete opposite experience with them... twice.

Congrats!

 

[pppiglet]

We've had a great experience with Carmax also and I would buy from them again. Yes....my son did finance through them.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

We've bought two cars from CarMax. Both times we had researched what we wanted and found it at a good price at CarMax. We traded in vehicles both times. Once I was very happy with their offer; teh other time I thought their offer was a tad low but let them have it any way because I didn't feel like shopping it around and squeezing out the last dollar on the deal.

I financed a small amount both times (my car payments are less than $100). I got great competitive rates. Very easy to work with on that I guess. I just have it set up on auto-pay at my bank and don't even think about it from month to month.

I'll buy from CarMax again.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Thanks for the replies so far!

I won't be trading in a car, as mine was totalled by a red light running, DUI hit-and-run dude. Thankfully I walked away from the accident with only bumps and bruises.

I'll have the option of financing through my credit union if their terms aren't any better.

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[Zippa D Doodah]

Thanks for the replies so far!

I won't be trading in a car, as mine was totalled by a red light running, DUI hit-and-run dude. Thankfully I walked away from the accident with only bumps and bruises.

I'll have the option of financing through my credit union if their terms aren't any better.

.

Yikes! Glad you're OK.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Yikes! Glad you're OK.

Thanks! I am too We (my car and I) did a drop and roll and landed upright again. I'm so lucky we didn't bang into anyone else during that little maneuver.

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[Mickeyluver37]

We bought our van (Toyota Sienna) new from them in 2005. We sold our old van privately for thousands more than Carmax was offering. We also chose to finance with our credit union...I'm not sure how used financing works with them, but for new financing, it was whatever Toyota was offering at the time, and it was still a % higher than the credit union.

It was awesome to walk in with the pre-approved financing and sticker prices already on the vehicles. None of that haggling nonsense.

 

[mikehn]

I guess it depends if you are buying a new car or used car. I've never bought a used car through them, but my new car purchase was awesome. The transaction from start to finish was stress free. No haggling whatsoever. They dont even try to push extras on you. I doubt Carmax will be able to match the financing terms offered through your credit union. So just have the credit union cut you a check in advance.

Trade in's add a whole nother dimension to car buying. Since you dont have a trade, we wont even get into that.

 

[Stitchfans]

RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN!! If you do happen to find a car you like that they have at least secure a loan with someone else. DH and I went through a horrible nightmare with them when he bought his truck from them. Never again will I buy a car or anything from them.

 

[MainStMandy]

HATED buying my car from carmax. Luckily I purchased a warranty but in the first six months replaced the water pump, and the fuel pump. They wouldn't do ANYTHING for me. I had everything fixed at a local dealer and was reimbursed through the warranty. I hate my car.

 

[4greatboys]

We have dealt with them twice and both were good. We bought a car from them. No problems with them or the car.

We sold them our mini van when we moved up to the suburban. They offered us a much better price for it than any of the dealerships we went to and they gave us a fair price for it. Yes we could have sold it ourselves for a little more but we didn't want the hassle.

I would have no problems doing business with them again.

 

[DevilDuckie]

Not personally, but my BFF bought through them almost a year ago and is still very positive about the experience and recommends them. As I got monumentally screwed by the local Toyota dealer on MY used car, I will at least check out CarMax next time around.

 

[Barb D]

I bought my sweet little PT Cruiser from CarMax. I had a great experience with them. I temporarily financed it through them, but had 3 days to get a better deal elsewhere. I ended up financing through a credit union, and had no trouble paying off the CarMax loan.

DS17 is planning on buying a Ford Crown Victoria from them within the next few days.