What's the deal with CARMAX?

Hello Folks, I was wondering, is CarMax a credible place to buy? Is it a big dealership or more of an auction type place? How do they get their vehicles? I saw a pretty p-car there and was just wondering if it's worth looking into... Thanks, Alin

My understanding is that Carmax is just a large network of dealers similar to Autonation. The individual dealership will get their cars just like any other dealer.... auctions, trade ins, and outright purchases. Because of the typical Carmax vehicle I would believe a P-car would be a trade in, b/c of its high line status. Take a look at what other cars they have in stock, if they have other P-cars then disregard. I would recommend getting an evaluation from a p-dealer or independent svc center to make sure its a good car, b/c Carmax likely won't have the experience in their svc dept to evaluate the car as completely as a specialist. I hope this is helpful. If it's a nice car I definitley wouldn't shy away from it just b/c it's there. Even some good P-cars are sold through non P dealers. Best of luck.

I was wondering, is CarMax a credible place to buy? Generally, yes. They avoid cars that have problems they are aware of. Their inspection process is fairly thorough, with the understanding that a CARMAX mechanic (as twebb mentioned) probably has very little experience with Porsche. Is it a big dealership or more of an auction type place? It is a very well organized dealership focused on selling lots of cars with a profit margin that is small for the industry. Their prices are no-negotiation. How do they get their vehicles? All the usual places, including trade-ins and auctions. The buyers like to have a few higher end cars to drive traffic and break up the monotony of 5 acres of Accords and Camrys. I saw a pretty p-car there and was just wondering if it's worth looking into... If the price is competitive, probably yes. CARMAX will not allow a PPI. However, their very liberal return policy would allow you to buy the car and then return it if it has issues that come up during a PPI. Not the most desireable process, but reasonable if you schedule the PPI carefully. I would not skip this step! The individual CARMAX salesman will probably not know anything about the car. As options are a key component to used Porsche, you should do your homework to identify what the car has. Now the downside. I worked at CARMAX 12 years ago for about 6 months. They sell decent cars and they focus on volume (the store I worked at in Raleigh NC sold on average 800+ cars a month!). But their prices are high. You will most likely not get a 'deal' unless the car has been on the lot a long time and they have marked it down. So its just like any Porsche purchase: Do your research. Cast a wide net. Don't fall for the first car you see. And get a PPI done - in this case right after you bought the car. Good luck!

OH, I thought this was about cold sores and fever blisters -

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I think thats the "other" forum you visit.

I liked their return policy when we bought from them. I had a couple of issues with a truck I bought and they fixed them before the 30 day return limit expired. I didn't have to threaten, just reminded them that I would exercise the policy. I would certainly feel better buying from them than any used lot on the side of the highway or most individuals.

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Good info, but if as you say, "profit margin is small for the industry", and then say"but their prices are high"...how can that be?

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The trick to their model is making profit on every car. A regular dealer will make very little or no profit on some cars to move them off the lot, and on other cars gouge the crap out of unsophisticated buyers to make up the difference. CARMAX just averages the two out... but in order to do that their prices (in my opinion) are higher than what a sophisticated buyer can get with a little negotiation at a regular dealer. Quickly perusing the CARMAX site, there is a nice 03 Carrera with 41k miles in black and what looks like TechArt wheels for $33k. There is also an white 02 C4S with 44k miles for $37k and a very interesting green 03 Carrera for $32k. Do you see the pattern? None of them are a great deal, the kind of deal we know are out there for these cars today. But they all look like nice cars at a slightly high price. And those prices are firm.

why name your company after this stuff sorry I am bored - frickin' raining again

I bought my car there. Not a good experience They do not know anything about porches and after my ppi from porsche dealer turned up with multiple things wrong, they wouldn't correct any of them because "the problems were within carmax specifications". Two blown engine mounts, leaking coolant tank, leaking transmission, broken radio, non N spec tires. Also come to find out the soft top didn't work It wasn't until the coolant tank completely cracked and started leaking fluid was I able to get them to pay for it's repair at a Porsche dealer,but I had to pay and then get it reimbursed. And at the same time a warranty company checked the car and verified the other problems;carmax finally agreed to pay for those repairs as well. Horrible!! Pdealer told me carmax cars always come in with wrong tires, body work, wrong brakes, one time the sensor on a persons car was hanging out the wheel. The good: 5year warranty 60k offered, they don't know anything about options so got hardtop, all carbon fiber inside, premium wheels, and a bunch of other things that dealer who knew would have charged for.

Also, they want to do all the work themselves but they know nothing about the cars...I was told that I could get the ppi first though. And if you buy then decide to return you still have to choose a car from them.

If return within then month, but I think u can return within 24hours.

Also their interest rates aren't good, I saved $80 a month by going with my credit union, plus knocking off 6 months from the term carmax financed me at. So instead of 5.5 year I only had 5 years with my credit union and saved $80/month

Sorry for the late reply, I was in Sudbury and Windsor for work... Ya, I was looking at the white C4S... It's a bet expensive for what it is though.... I don't really like CARMAX. i don't think i'm no longer interested...