r/carmax

Why do customers come in thinking CarMax, a multi billion dollar company, is going to pay what Kelley Bluebook says your vehicle is worth? Kelley Bluebook is providing a price based on algorithm and historical data. Carmax uses real time wholesale demand, local market and trends to put a price on a vehicle. No one is forcing you to take the offer. You don't have to like it either. It's what they're willing to pay for it. KBB has ico capabilities that links you to shops willing to pay that price IF everything checks out cosmetically and mechanically. You yelling that your car is worth at least 10k more doesn't make it true lol No company is in the business of buying based on sentimental value. I say this to say, if you don't like the offer, take it somewhere you think will give a better offer. You can't force a company to pay something they're not willing to.

Ok I paid for shipping and they are just sitting on it...

I've called and was given a standard line -

"It's in the process".

It shows online that the shipping request was received, processed, scheduled and approved days ago.

How can I find out what gives? Does it normally take 9 days to go 300 miles? The guy said it may take that long. Uugghhhh

Is it really that hard to move a vehicle?

I wish I was more patient and I was assured that this is still going to happen. Uugghhh

EDIT #4: We have to bring our loaner back today since we've had it, this time, for 30 days. But the service dept. said they're programming the new module right now and so the car should be ready this evening. But that would mean they aren't completing a drive cycle before we take possession. Part of me feels like they're trying to avoid the lemon law by getting us to take ownership on this 30th day. Our cumulative total is still at like forty days in the shop since we bought it on June 26th so I imagine we're still protected. Unless taking ownership resets the "reasonable number of attempts" part of the lemon law. I have a bad feeling. It was dealership fraud through and through. They reset a CEL in order to complete a sale without addressing the underlying issue. If it comes back on in the next couple days we'll have to ask for a contract unwinding/refund. If they say no we'll need to involve corporate, the DMV Investigation Unit, and the Air Resources Board. All not cool. Fingers crossed.

EDIT #5: They called while we were driving to return the loaner/pick up our vehicle and said the fix didn't work.... again. Check Engine light is still on. They said they're going to send it to a chevy dealership now. Dont those systems NEED to be flashed at chevy anyways? Shouldn't it have been there the whole time? Or does Carmax generally have the ability to flash new hardware on their own? Either way, the car is still not fixed and we have to pick up another loaner for some unknown amount of time.

ORIGINAL POST:

Traveled a couple hours to buy a 2023 Chevy Suburban. Before our test drive, we noticed a CEL was on. We went back in, told the guy, they checked/cleared the code saying it was a false code, we went on our test drive. When we got back, we did a walk around and found the bumper/headlight was bent or not aligned right. Our salesperson said that could be repaired by carmax at our closer/local carmax. We bought it. On the way home, the CEL came back on. So, that same day, we scheduled an appointment for the following week to get the bumper/headlight assembly replaced, the CEL addressed (again), and an engine oil leak we had noticed on our driveway when we got home sorted out. We brought it in that week and they had the car for 4 days during which they replaced the bumper/headlight, found that the engine oil filter was loose and leaking, and cleared the CEL again. However, on the way home, the CEL came back on again. We called the next day and scheduled an appointment to bring it back, again, to our nearby carmax. They have found the need to replace the entire module that is throwing the code. I dont know what code (my wifes been doing all of this) or what module. They've had the car this time for about two weeks. They gave us a loaner so its no biggie, and they're fixing the car for us at no charge so we are very grateful too. As long as it takes, no worries there. Especially because, I understand it, being in CA, California Civil Code 1795.6 says that every day they have the car in their shop/possession gets added to the end of our 30 day warranty period, too. So its not like, if that engine oil leak was perhaps something bigger (like the engine oil cooler lines directly above the filter), they could hold the vehicle long enough for our 30 day warranty to expire. Even then, I believe since the oil leak was documented/fixed, the repair has to be guaranteed for 30 days, though that repair was done just a week after our purchase so it isnt extremely helpful. Because we also purchased our last vehicle from carmax and have had good experiences with maxcare, and due to the service we continue to receive while getting this vehicle road ready, we feel very taken care of at carmax. But boy, what a whopper of a pain this vehicle has been for all parties. I suspect our nearby carmax is just billing this all to the carmax we purchased from who is likely very upset with the intake inspector. As the salesperson who sold us the vehicle walked us through the "thorough" carmax vehicle inspection report i found myself less trusting of that report, being that they missed a tweaked bumper, and a CEL. Then to find the oil leak on the driveway after having smelled burning oil while sitting in the cab, doesn't inspire confidence considering part of the inspection report highlighted "No Leaks". Who knows, maybe the intake inspector found these things and nobody thought the buyers would notice. I think i should have a third party inspection done when we finally get to take possession of the vehicle for more than a few days, before that 1795.6 extended warranty is up.

EDIT #1: Called today and was told that they replaced the module. I think they said it was the Telematics Communications Interface Module. They are still getting the Check Engine Light. They are facing some unknown electrical short and are tracing back all the wiring trying to find it. Another thought the mechanics had was that perhaps another module connected to the TCIM is failing and needs to be replaced.

EDIT #2: It has now been almost 4 weeks and they still have the vehicle. They (im assuming the actual chevy dealership) are pretty sure the short is somewhere in the dash. Though, they have not been able to locate it/effectively clear the Check Engine Light yet. I kind of forgot what the dang suburban even looks like at this point. Asside from the looming first payment, it feels like having the new car was allll just a dream I had once upon a time.

EDIT #3: Coming up on 5 total weeks in their shop. They still have it. They replaced the TCIM and then also replaced the Serial Data Gateway Module. Same result. Unknown electrical problem causing an illuminated CEL. Now they are pretty sure one of the modules they installed is faulty so they are replacing it again... when it arrives... in a week. This is crazy. We have made our first payment on a vehicle we have only had for a handful of days in our first almost 2 months of ownership.

Ideally would want low mileage in either car no older than 5 years. Just wanted to know what you guys all think about pros and cons of each vehicle. I currently own a 2016 chev spark. It was purchased 7 years ago and i am due to replace it with something similar and hopefully a little more modernized. The car will be driven in a northern climate, used as a daily commuter and for doing work. So cargo space is a big deal. Gas mileage is not as i get an allowance with work and everything else i can write off. Im also on the taller side about 6-1 so prefer to be less crammed. Which car would be a better long term investment? Which will cost more maintaining ? Any years to avoid? Thanks in advance

Been waiting 5 days for them to tell me a frontier I paid to have delivered is ready. 5 days beyond the "it will be here and ready to go" date, so I decided to call them.

There is no phone number for CarMax locations anymore, are you fucking kidding?

Hello everyone, I have a question. So Im officially 60 days late with my payment and today I called Carmax to tell them that I’ll have the full amount by Wednesday, and the lady told me that will still send it to collections, but that I can make the payment on Wednesday and the apply for a payment extension for the other months that I owe, but I’m scared, will my car get repossessed?

So last year my car was unfortunately hit by a driver not paying attention. My car was deemed totaled and I went through all the insurance bs. Insurance was great and everything but 2k was covered for my car. It was/is financed by CarMax. They lowered the monthly payments to $85 which I thought was nice. It’s down to 1.5K and I try to make the payments on time everytime.

Lately I’ve been a day behind payments because I got a new job and get paid on different days now. I try to make the payment as soon as I get paid. They still call over and over again the day after the payment is due. I’ve called them back and multiple times they’ve said “okay I’ll note on your account that you submitted a payment, it just hasn’t shown on our side yet.”

Now the issue is I have another car that I got due to my previous one being totaled. I went through CarMax again because I’ve never had issues with them. I’ve been more than 1-2 days late on payments with the new car no more than 3 though (no late fees for me lol). They’ve never called about that car and making a payment.

I’m just confused as to why they care so much about the car I don’t even have anymore?

Sorry for the wall of text thank you for reading!

Looking at a 2019 Audi A6 Prestige with 44,000 miles listed at $28,997.

The MaxCare price is $5,250 for the maximum length up to 119,000 miles with a $500 deductible. I was not expecting that!

Also I’m financing through my credit union so they also offer the option to add a Mechanic breakdown warranty top tier for $3,500.

Is the MaxCare worth that much! I’ve never done business with Carmax before but that’s almost 18% of the cars sale price.

Just wanted to post a heads-up for anyone currently navigating the Replace Your Ride program.

The program has put a temporary hold/freeze on processing due to high application volume. Case managers have been instructed to pause working on active applications, meaning dealerships currently cannot generate or apply the incentive voucher to your purchase order/MVPA if you are still in the process of buying.

Unless you already have your final physical payment voucher in hand and fully authorized, your file is likely on hold until South Coast AQMD officially lifts the freeze.

So if you haven’t placed an order on your car yet, I would definitely hold off or you’re gonna be like me placed an order got my finances in order and now potentially going to lose the car that I secured because they can’t get funding from the state, kind of a bummer 🥶

https://accesscleanca.org/program/replace-your-ride

I see a lot of people with the same concerns at carmax and the strong dislike for the company now as workers but very little do we ever take action. asking would people actually sign for unionizing if I took initiative to set it up

Hey! As the title says, I’m buying my first car at carmax (well, my first financed car), and I know I’m gonna be paying more than the car costs since my credit union only approved me for like 85% of the car cost since I’m a first time buyer and I’m 20 with a part time… But I already have the rest of the money I will put down (let’s say it’s around $6k) … So I need some tips since it’s my first time buying at carmax.. should I do maxcare?? I’m a female and I know a little to none about cars … are there any other stuff I need to know?

Also, I checked the car history report and it’s good, I don’t see any issues, but still I want to make sure since I want to keep this car as long as it lasts me. What should I do?

(for reference, it’s a 2021 honda civic ex hatchback, with 22k miles, no accidents reported, 1 owner, and I will go test drive it on monday, since I already paid for shipping!)

Hello everyone,

I am currently a business office associate but I'm feeling stuck without any upward movement or career trajectory. Being an MOD or BOM seems atrocious to me but I like working with other associates and limited interactions with customers. I also enjoy doing title work and f/u on them, or just using my brain and the satisfaction whenever I complete a title.

Does anyone have any job fields/career transition or advice for what I can move towards for career growth? I do not have a clear idea for my future but I like the corporate benefits that CarMax has. Just trying to expand my horizons and figure out what I want to do with my life.

Thank you guys!!

Looking to buy a 2021 rav4 xle hybrid with 49k. Price is pretty high at 30k but going new seems out of the question with lack of inventory and the added cost for insurance and excise tax etc. we keep vehicles typically to 150k to 250k. Currently driving a 2017 mkx TT with 117k on it that ive religiously maintained but we are tired of the fuel costs and assume the worse on upcoming repairs. Carmax is offering maxcare 5 yr 100k at $2789 with a $50 deductible. Being way up in Maine there doesn't seem to many shops that accept the insurance... Am i crazee?

https://www.carmax.com/car/70090628

Title basically. I just bought my first car through CarMax and also got MaxCare. I want to get a third party inspection done but I'm afraid it may cost some money at least, that I don't really have spare (I could borrow from my friends and family.)

Is everyone doing this? Could we just rely on CarMax's inspection and quality control? I also have the 90 day warranty to get critical issues fixed by CarMax, so I want to just trust that any major issues will show their heads by then.

Good morning everybody

So I just purchased a Honda HRV EX 2017 with 125,000 miles on it. I have not gone through all the paperwork and decided to take this Max care yet. With the high mileage on the vehicle I am wondering if I should keep the max Care Plus until it reaches 150,000 miles and then cancel.

Anybody with some experience on this issue would be appreciated. Starting to research other extended warranty programs also

Is anyone having trouble logging in to Workday this morning? I was in yesterday at work, now unable to log in to see paystub.

2015 Toyota Prius with 36k miles

I bought this car back in May of 2026 and opted for Maxcare Plus 5 year/120k miles (I think). After the purchase, I realized that the high voltage battery isn't covered, and I've been thinking about canceling the coverage since I haven't had any problems and these Priuses are so reliable. I really don't want to throw money away if I'm less likely to use the coverage. I'm still within my 90 days since purchase.

Should I cancel? What are your thoughts?

Frustrated rant, I've been stressed out for the past TWO WEEKS STRAIGHT trying and failing to find a vehicle that isn't a dud, finding bad car after bad car after bad car.

What kind of TERRIBLE business decision is it to effectively eliminate your most likely to buy a car customer base? The ones on a rental vehicle due to a totalled car? I need to be certain that I'm not buying a dud, but I can't afford a car outright so I need a loan. It takes WEEKS to discharge a loan, so if a car I buy from Carmax is a dud, then I'm out if both a personal vehicle AND a rental if it's bad, AND I gotta wait for the loan to discharge, and gotta wait for refund. Not to mention taking a ahrd credit check as well, for potentially, a fraud.

I get why they undid the 24hr test drive. People doing bad stuff to cars or stealing it. But what kind of bullshit is the "no PPI's" policy? Or even if not outright stated like that, it happens anyway due to limiting test drives to 20min. And right when I was about to go for a Carmax vehicle, too, but nevermind now!

As the title says!

Recently traded in my ‘18 Mustang GT for a ‘21 Bronco, which I had transferred from Modesto to the Torrance CarMax. Everything was completely flawless, all of the staff at Torrance treated me great and did not try to upsell me or do any of the stuff other than confirm all of the options I selected myself beforehand.

When the Bronco arrived at the Torrance location, my antsy self went immediately to go look at it even though it was still in the finalizing deep clean stage of the transfer. Sales person allowed me to test drive it and just told me to come back the next day so that all the paperwork was processed accordingly, as well as verified the info for my trade-in.

All in all, I think I spent a total of 1-hour between both days that I was in there. It was a much more smooth experience than even Carvana, which was where I purchased my Mustang during COVID. It was waaaay better of an experience than when I drove off a different Mustang off the lot at a dealer years ago (that was something like a 2-3 hour deal).