buying used cars - CarMax?

Post by **pru** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 10:22 am

has anyone ever bought a used vehicle from CarMax or heard anything good or bad about doing so?

Post by **DriskellHR** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:13 am

trade in rates suck!! thats about all I know.

Post by KD » Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:13 am

no haggeling is a kind of weird thing for me buying a car. I dont know- they're probably able to do what every other dealership does - ya know? A lot depends on the car you want. get a good deal on a benz or a lexus or get screwed on a saturn or kia

Post by **pru** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:25 am

well I have been comparing prices to those offered used at Dealerships and also private sellers and CarMax is actually lower most of the time for equivalent vehicles. They also have a 5 day return policy which I find interesting.

I am the queen of negotiating dealers down on price, and I enjoy it, but on the particular vehicle I'm looking at, the demand is far too high and it's unfortunately a seller's market.

Post by KD » Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:27 am

The return policy is a right you have as a consumer according to the lemon laws. what kind of car you looking for anyway?

Post by **hotkarl** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 12:52 pm

Bought a used truck at Carmax in November. probably the best car buying experience I have had. I even got more for my trade-in than I thought I would get. I also paid less for a truck with less miles on it than similar trucks at other dealers or individuals.

Post by **pru** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 1:15 pm

Karl, did you haggle or pay their no-haggle price? Was there a transfer fee on your truck? Is that negotiable?

I actually like the idea of not haggling on a certain level, especially since they seem to be super competitive.

KD, the car is a Mini Cooper, and I'm looking for one with under 30k miles. Not the most practical choice I could make, so it may not happen. I really like the Cooper S convertible 6 speed.. but I don't have $30k laying around so I'll probably get a base model if I get one at all. I won't be trading in my other car, we need 2 vehicles now. These little suckers really hold their value, though, and for the base model I can actually get a brand new one for just a tad more than a used one.

The other options I'm considering are a motorcycle or scooter, clearly less expensive, but I really dig being alive, so I dunno.

Post by KD » Thu Jul 03, 2008 1:56 pm

mini's are nice. Coworker has one and she likes it a lot. id get a motorcycle before id get one of those scooters - at least you have the hp to keep up with traffic. Have you tried any mechanics? I would call smith imports and ask if they know of anybody selling one - mini coop that is.

Post by **pru** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 2:25 pm

I've talked to bunches of Mini owners and they just love those cars. My mechanic has given glowing reports of their reliability, too. And they are so farkin' cute and fun to drive I may not be able to control myself.

That's a good idea, to check with mechanics for people looking to sell. Thanks, KD.

Post by **hotkarl** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 3:02 pm

No haggling and I did not pay a transfer fee on the truck but it was on their lot.

I test drove the mini clubman S last month. About a foot longer than the cooper and a really, really fun to drive. One of my co-workers has one being built right now. Doubt you could find a used one yet.