Should You Sell Your Car to CarMax?

So you want to sell your car. Whether it’s because you want a new car or because you no longer need a vehicle, you’re probably wondering where you should get rid of your wheels. 

One popular place is CarMax, which is the largest used car retailer in the United States. If you’re buying a car at CarMax, trading one in through the retailer will likely be your most convenient option. So how does the process work when you sell your car at CarMax, and is it a good idea? We set out to find the answers. 

What is CarMax?

First a quick primer on what CarMax is. If you’ve looked for used cars, you’ve likely come across a CarMax used car dealership or visited its website. CarMax has over 230 locations across the country, and you can also buy a car through the retailer completely online. One advantage that CarMax has over completely online car retailers is that you can schedule a test drive at a vehicle’s CarMax location. 

If you want a contact-free alternative, CarMax can also deliver the car right to your door or you can pick up at the nearest location. CarMax has an inventory of over 50,000 vehicles that are all subject to a 125+ point inspection. The vehicles are generally 5 years old or newer though most of their cars are 3-year-old off-lease vehicles. CarMax also offers a 30-day return policy (up to 1,500 miles), and 90-day or 4,000-mile limited warranty on all vehicle purchases. All CarMax vehicles have no-haggle pricing, so if you are a shrewd negotiator, CarMax might not be the best place for you to use that skill.

Will CarMax Buy Any Vehicle?

CarMax will buy most cars, even old cars that don’t even run. CarMax will even buy cars that they don’t expect to sell, such as badly damaged vehicles, that they will sell to auction. 

There are exceptions to the vehicles that CarMax will buy. The retailer will not buy a salvage vehicle. It will also not buy one with frame damage or flood damage.

How Do I Sell My Car to CarMax?

If you’ve never traded in a vehicle, you might not be aware of how the process works. Or, you might wonder if trading your car in through CarMax is different than what happens at your local used car retailer. Here are the three basic steps to help you navigate the process.

Step 1: Do Your Research

Before you begin the process of selling your car to CarMax, you should do your research. There are a few online tools to help you estimate your car’s trade-in value like the iSeeCars Price my Car Tool, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), or Edmunds. These prices can give you a good starting point and help you understand the value of your car.

Step 2: Get an In-Person or Online Appraisal

Similar to online car dealers like Carvana that will give you an offer online without seeing your car (though they can change their offer if your vehicle is different from what you described), CarMax has the option for an instant online offer or you can bring your vehicle to one of their locations for an appraisal. You can schedule an appointment or you can just bring your car in to your nearest CarMax location. It is recommended that you clean your car beforehand. While a professional detailing is not necessary, you should do your best to remove all stains and make your car as presentable as possible.