Checking CarMax Makes Sense: Even Buying Elsewhere Can Start Here, Jalopnik Says

A different kind of used-car search

Car prices are high, and buying used does not always deliver the savings shoppers once expected. Used vehicles can also lack the reassurance of a new car with a warranty.

CarMax sells used vehicles inspected by SAE-certified technicians, who check over 125 components. Buyers can also pay for an extended warranty, though the retailer’s prices tend to exceed those of other dealerships and private sellers.

What shoppers get at CarMax

CarMax does not allow haggling over its prices. That can be a drawback for shoppers focused on finding the lowest possible price, but it may appeal to people who want to avoid negotiating.

The company says every vehicle in its national inventory has no flood or frame damage, salvage history, or odometer discrepancies. Purchases include a 10-day money-back guarantee and at least a 30-day limited warranty; the limited warranty may last longer depending on where the buyer lives.

Extended coverage in practice

CarMax offers MaxCare for an additional cost, with coverage that can extend up to five years after purchase on most cars. Whether that expense makes sense depends on a buyer’s priorities and willingness to take on repair costs.

A buyer who purchased a 2017 Mini Cooper S in 2020 said the price was higher than at a typical dealership or from a private seller. The buyer chose the five-year extended warranty to help manage potential European-car repair costs.

A comparison point, not a must-buy

That buyer said the warranty covered several repairs over its five-year term, including an engine mount, a water pump, and a loose sunroof switch, without trouble getting the work covered. CarMax may not suit shoppers whose top goal is the cheapest car available. But its inventory can still offer a useful comparison for people seeking inspected vehicles, set prices, and warranty options before deciding where to buy.