Im curious because buying a brand new 2002 may be a little on the payments and so i was checking out their web page and they have quite a few chocies. So has anyone had a Carmax expeirence?

 

I didn't know Carmax was directly affliated with Honda...anyway, try other places first since Carmax is no negotiable (price wise)

 

I actually bought a '00 Red/Black from Carmax for $29995 a few months ago thinking that I couldn't get a new '02 for less than MSRP + $5000, but when I got it I discovered this website, and found that I could get a used '01 with less miles and one owner for about $500 more, so I exercised their 3 day/350 mile return policy and returned it

I then found out that I could actually buy a brand new '02 for MSRP, so in the end I bought a brand new Spa Yellow, and couldn't be happier. Once I figured out the difference (about $50 a month) in monthly payment, there was no way I could live with the '00 or a used '01 for the peace of mind that comes with owning a brand new car. Especially with the improved features the '02 has.

I don't think I will ever buy a used performance car unless I personally know the previous owner.

My CarMax experience was a good one

 

Good info Moon P!

 

<raises hand>

Got mine last Feb. at Carmax when S2000's were just starting to become available at MSRP. Had 4000 miles on it when I got it. I haven't had any problems with the car that I could attrbute to the previous owner. My only problems are those that seem to be pervasive regarless of ownership (rattling roof latches and drivers window regulator).

With that said, knowing what I know about the S2000's now, I would not buy an S2000 from Carmax. Nothing against them as I certainly got a fair deal (several thousand less than MSRP), but I think you really should know the owner before you buy a used one.

I know there's at least one other person on this board that got his from Carmax.

 

all cars at carmax are certified by carmax, so they tend to be relatively pricy. personally, i would buy from a private party. it's usually less expensive and meeting the owner often gives hints about how the car was driven and cared.

 

Carmax will be pricey due to the larges facility cost, and the way they certify the cars, etc.

They are great if you need to get rid of a car fast though. For example they will usually pay more for your vehicle than a dealer will give you on a trade.

 

I think if you were to get a car from CarMax (any car) I'd think that you'd be making a safe bet. Yes, you may get a better price from a private party, but you are not getting anything warrantied extra from manufacture's warranty. If you buy from a traditional used car lot, you won't get a better deal.

CarMax offers their guarantee on the cars they certify and sell (at one low price, no haggling necessary), and honors any manufacturer's warranty and extended gaurantees.

As far as CarMax being pricey, I disagree. CarMax prices their cars accordingly to be lower than KBB value (which is usually lower than NADA) so that there is no need for haggling. They incorporate the managment of their costs into inventory sold. They don't make a higher percentage on certain cars vs. others. They make a predetermined percentage on each car to cover all their costs, maintain their business, increase market share over dealers, and boost Circuit City's share price.

 

Thanks for all of yall's input. I still dont know what i may do but, yall have given me some ideas.

 

Luder94:

Carmax was spun off from Circuit City. Ticker is KMAX if I'm not mistaken.