All the answers you need, right here.
We’re proud of the CarMax way of doing things when it comes to buying, selling, and financing your next used vehicle, but we know you’ve got questions.
We explored online forums to reveal the common questions shoppers have about
CarMax. You can find the definitive answers right here.
The car I want is being shipped to my local CarMax store. What happens if it's not right for me?
Can I finance a car through CarMax when I don’t have any credit history?
Does CarMax offer other financing through other lenders or just CarMax Auto Finance?
What’s covered in the 90-day/4,000 (whichever comes first) CarMax limited warranty?
How does CarMax work?
Shopping with CarMax is very straightforward. We’re customer-focused and want you to have a great car-buying experience. You can shop online, in-store, or a mix of both — whatever works best for you.
Every car we sell is CarMax Certified, which means no flood or frame damage and no salvage history. Each car undergoes a detailed 125+ point checklist by our trained technicians, and we’ll repair, replace, or detail anything necessary to meet our standards. (Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Here’s what you need to know about that.)
We’re known for being upfront on our pricing, too; we don’t haggle. For a stress-free and transparent customer experience, it’s the same price for everyone.
We understand that buying a vehicle is a big decision, and you want to feel confident about getting it right the first time. So, wherever you are in your car-buying journey, we’re here to provide expert guidance, knowledge, and exceptional customer service every step of the way.
Should I buy a used car from CarMax instead of a new one?
Buying used is a great choice if you’re looking for a specific model or the latest in-car features — especially if you have a budget to stick to. CarMax’s nationwide inventory is around 50,000 vehicles. This gives you plenty of choices, and you have the option on most cars to ship the vehicle you want to your local CarMax. Some transfers may require a non-refundable fee, depending on the distance.
Our online vehicle search also allows you to drill down into the specifics that matter to you. This includes vehicle class and trim comparisons, mileage, must-have tech features, and more.
Is CarMax a good way to buy a used car?
We think so, but based on real feedback, here are a few reasons why our customers like what we do too.
You choose how you buy
We sell online and in store, so you can enjoy the process that suits you best. In both cases, you’ll be able to access our nationwide inventory of vehicles. From researching models via the CarMax website to taking advantage of a test drive, finding the right vehicle for you is easier with CarMax.
No-pressure financing
When you're ready to begin the buying process, or to better understand your budget while shopping, you can request pre-qualification based on a specific vehicle or a set dollar amount. CarMax also offers flexible financing solutions for a range of credit profiles.
Warranties and returns
Every vehicle sold drives off the lot with a 90-day/4000-mile (whichever come first) limited warranty. We even offer a 10-day return window if the vehicle doesn't meet your expectations. Simply return it to the store where you made the purchase; we'll confirm the car's condition is consistent with when you purchased it and process the return for you.
I’m selling my car. How good are CarMax offers?
We apply the same price transparency for customers selling their cars as we do for buyers. Whether you visit us in store or online, we’ll provide a real, upfront offer based on your car details that's valid for seven days and measured against the same appraisal criteria each time.
When you are ready to redeem, simply visit your local store to verify your car’s condition and get paid. The offer is only ever adjusted if the information we initially receive differs from our in-store verification. And for clarity, the offer will be the same, whether you trade in and buy your next vehicle from us or not.
The car I want is being shipped to my local CarMax store. What happens if it's not right for me?
We understand the importance of looking at a car in person before buying it. If the vehicle you want is located farther away than your time or comfort constraints allow, we’re happy to ship it to your nearest CarMax. Some transfers may require a non-refundable fee, depending on the distance.
Once it arrives, you can inspect it thoroughly before making a final decision—no pressure. Any non-refundable fee simply covers the cost of moving and handling the vehicle, the choice to buy is still yours to make.
Can I reserve a car I like while I sell my current vehicle?
Yes, you can. We know it can take a few days to get your financial and practical affairs in order, so we’ve made it as simple as possible to reserve. This gives you peace of mind that you won't miss out on the vehicle you want.
Scroll to the vehicle’s detail page online and select one of the available reservation options. We’ll reserve your chosen vehicle for up to seven days ahead of your booked in-store appointment or test drive—with no obligation to buy.
Can I finance a car through CarMax when I don’t have any credit history?
CarMax has finance sources to accommodate most credit profiles — and yes, that includes first-time buyers. The same financial terms apply to online and in-store purchases, and we have a zero-pressure financing policy too. Whether you finance through us, another lender, or pay with cash, the choice is yours.
Does CarMax offer other financing through other lenders or just CarMax Auto Finance?
Once you’ve chosen your next vehicle, we make sure financing is easy to navigate, too. CarMax shoppers have several options to choose from. We accept cash and financing—through us or your own bank or credit union. CarMax has a range of zero-pressure finance sources, including CarMax Auto Finance. Most of our customers' financing decisions are available in 5 minutes or less.
What’s covered in the 90-day CarMax limited warranty?
Every vehicle we sell is CarMax Certified and is covered by a worry-free 90-day/4000-mile (whichever comes first) limited warranty—even if it's still covered under the manufacturer's warranty.
What does this mean for you? A worry-free start to ownership since we’ll guarantee coverage of parts and labor costs for systems included under the warranty.
For full written details, ask in store.
What does MaxCare actually cover, and is it worth it?
We don’t stop being CarMax once you drive off the lot. We can continue to support you throughout your ownership journey when you choose an optional MaxCare® extended service plan. Every service plan is tailored to you, but the foundations stay the same. This includes:
Hassle-free repairs—simply pay the plan’s deductible fee each time
Up to 60-months of inclusive MaxCare coverage
A definitive named exclusions list of non-covered components and losses
24/7 365 emergency roadside assistance from day one
Nationwide coverage throughout the USA and Canada
Up to seven days of rental reimbursement (up to $40 per day) for MaxCare-covered overnight repairs
Cancel at any time during your plan
Curious about what plan might suit you? Take a look at our MaxCare calculator to explore the options and see cost estimates for the one-off fee or additional monthly payment.
Does MaxCare cover routine maintenance?
MaxCare does not cover the regular maintenance and servicing for components such as batteries, brakes, trim details, and wiper blades. MaxCare also excludes corrosion, component failure, or vehicle breakdown caused by misuse or inadequate maintenance. Find out more about MaxCare.
For more about how CarMax works, look at these related articles:
Ready to get started? Start the search for your next vehicle here.
Rose Reid writes about the latest transport trends with a keen focus on trucks, SUVs, and the finer details that influence car buying decisions. An experienced travel writer with a fascination for cars, boats, and planes, she believes every journey matters.
