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johnguidry
09-09-2010, 05:45 AM
Has anyone had any experience with Carmax? Are their cars as good as they claim? Some sites on the internet claim that Carmax does the "inspection" but don't really fix anything, they just try to get you to buy their "MaxCare extended service program" and do any real repairs when you come in for the "maxcare" claims. Or are you just as good off buying a used from any regular dealer lot? I see that Carmax on the average is a couple of thousand more than a similar car at other lots.

Apocrypha
09-09-2010, 05:56 AM
Has anyone had any experience with Carmax? Are their cars as good as they claim? Some sites on the internet claim that Carmax does the "inspection" but don't really fix anything, they just try to get you to buy their "MaxCare extended service program" and do any real repairs when you come in for the "maxcare" claims. Or are you just as good off buying a used from any regular dealer lot? I see that Carmax on the average is a couple of thousand more than a similar car at other lots.

Try Enterprise Rentals, they almost always have a specialty car dealership in each area under the Enterprise name that sells their off lease commercial vehicles. They price them aggressively, the cars are only 2 years old at most, and they are maintained very well.

DAII
09-09-2010, 06:09 AM
Has anyone had any experience with Carmax? Are their cars as good as they claim? Some sites on the internet claim that Carmax does the "inspection" but don't really fix anything, they just try to get you to buy their "MaxCare extended service program" and do any real repairs when you come in for the "maxcare" claims. Or are you just as good off buying a used from any regular dealer lot? I see that Carmax on the average is a couple of thousand more than a similar car at other lots.

When I left NY in Feb of 2006 and before taking a teaching position in August 2006 ... I worked full-time at Car Max for as in sales then in their buyer's division ... stayed with them part time to Dec. of 2006.

A quality company. Period.

They are hands down a better bet than a local used car dealer

Their buyers have very stringent guidelines to the cars they will sell in their lots ... the trash goes to their auctions which other used car dealers buy from ... then turn around and sell in their lots.

johnguidry
09-09-2010, 06:28 AM
So, what do you think about all those posts on the internet, for example, one man bought a carmax car and even though his vehicle passed inspection, he said the headlights were not working. Another got a brake job not too long after purchasing the car, and even though it had passed the carmax inspection, the brakes were badly worn, some pins were missing, the rotors scratched, etc. Personally, I am leaning toward carmax, and realize that sometimes the "unhappy" people are faster about speaking up and you never hear about the millions who are "happy". I value your thoughts.

coadie
09-09-2010, 06:38 AM
When I left NY in Feb of 2006 and before taking a teaching position in August 2006 ... I worked full-time at Car Max for as in sales then in their buyer's division ... stayed with them to Dec. of 2006.

A quality company.

They are hands down a better bet than a local used car dealer

Their buyers have very stringent guidelines to the cars they will sell in their lots ... the trash goes to their auctions which other used car dealers buy from ... then turn around and sell in their lots.

What an impressive resume. Actually you are wrong. New dealerships have more factory trained mechanics and higher scores. Never do we see a used car at used car max lots that the used dealer sold new. Many dealers sell trade ins and they have all the service history in their files on the car that they sold new. Carmax hires inferior mechanics. Just enough to get the car down the road and rip them off on maintenance agreement sales.
Car max can rip you off on
Financing
Insurance on the loan
Maintenance insurance
Carmax also can't hire the top sales tallent. And they don't

coadie
09-09-2010, 06:41 AM
So, what do you think about all those posts on the internet, for example, one man bought a carmax car and even though his vehicle passed inspection, he said the headlights were not working. Another got a brake job not too long after purchasing the car, and even though it had passed the carmax inspection, the brakes were badly worn, some pins were missing, the rotors scratched, etc. Personally, I am leaning toward carmax, and realize that sometimes the "unhappy" people are faster about speaking up and you never hear about the millions who are "happy". I value your thoughts.

Carmax is over priced cars.

Bella1
09-09-2010, 06:42 AM
Has anyone had any experience with Carmax? Are their cars as good as they claim? Some sites on the internet claim that Carmax does the "inspection" but don't really fix anything, they just try to get you to buy their "MaxCare extended service program" and do any real repairs when you come in for the "maxcare" claims. Or are you just as good off buying a used from any regular dealer lot? I see that Carmax on the average is a couple of thousand more than a similar car at other lots.

Hey John! (Tell Vonda hello!)

CarMax has been good for me. My last 2 cars are from there and they were as good as new. Just sold my SUV and got me a Lincoln from a private owner. If I had not bought privately, I would have gone back to CarMax.

rgcraig
09-09-2010, 07:21 AM
What an impressive resume. Actually you are wrong. New dealerships have more factory trained mechanics and higher scores. Never do we see a used car at used car max lots that the used dealer sold new. Many dealers sell trade ins and they have all the service history in their files on the car that they sold new. Carmax hires inferior mechanics. Just enough to get the car down the road and rip them off on maintenance agreement sales.
Car max can rip you off on
Financing
Insurance on the loan
Maintenance insurance
Carmax also can't hire the top sales tallent. And they don't

You are just a jack of all trades, aren't you?

DAII
09-09-2010, 07:26 AM
You are just a jack of all trades, aren't you?
Yes, he's our resident psychologist and homophobe ... as well.

DAII
09-09-2010, 07:31 AM
Well, Coadie if my 13 years as a public school educator (9 years teaching general education Social Studies, ELA and Spanish and now entering my fifth year in special education) are unimpressive to you ... tuff noogies, hijo.

As teachers ,we are most definitely underpaid, under appreciated, under everything.

But I have quite a bit off hands-on training dealing with those with your "behavioral difficulty" ... and when your children come to my classroom I am their best hope even on my worst day.

coadie
09-09-2010, 07:33 AM
Try Enterprise Rentals, they almost always have a specialty car dealership in each area under the Enterprise name that sells their off lease commercial vehicles. They price them aggressively, the cars are only 2 years old at most, and they are maintained very well.

Great company. They buy the cars new at a great discount. They also carry the service history on each car.

DAII
09-09-2010, 07:36 AM
So, what do you think about all those posts on the internet, for example, one man bought a carmax car and even though his vehicle passed inspection, he said the headlights were not working. Another got a brake job not too long after purchasing the car, and even though it had passed the carmax inspection, the brakes were badly worn, some pins were missing, the rotors scratched, etc. Personally, I am leaning toward carmax, and realize that sometimes the "unhappy" people are faster about speaking up and you never hear about the millions who are "happy". I value your thoughts.

John,

Every major company that you trust or distrust has internet postings for and against them. Actually nowadays you can hire companies or purchase software to help bury those inevitable "horror" stories deep into a search engine queries.

That said ... human error is always a factor ... but there is a reason CarMax is an award-winning company:

In 2006 alone, CarMax was named one of
Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For,” in 2006, 2005 and again in 2007. CarMax was also honored as the No. 1 “Most Admired Company in Automotive Retailing Services,” in 2006 by Fortune Magazine, up from No. 4 in 2005. Forbes Magazine also named CarMax as a “Best Managed Company” in 2006

I personally would buy a car from them because their buyers are for the most part college grads and experts in more than just one make ...

I probably would not buy the auto care package only because I don't want to feel limited when something does go wrong ...

I'm the same way with my choice doctors, dentists ... you name the service.

DAII
09-09-2010, 07:38 AM
Great company. They buy the cars new at a great discount. They also carry the service history on each car.

You also may get to drive a car beat up on by many drivers.

That said, it is a very good option.

coadie
09-09-2010, 07:43 AM
Well, Coadie if my 13 years as a public school educator (9 years teaching general education Social Studies, ELA and Spanish and now entering my fifth year in special education) are unimpressive to you ... tuff noogies, hijo.

As teachers ,we are most definitely underpaid, under appreciated, under everything.

But I have quite a bit off hands-on training dealing with those with your "behavioral difficulty" ... and when your children come to my classroom I am their best hope even on my worst day.

BD kids. Too much sugar and tv at home.
My teaching experience was small classes at the University senior level.
I have opinions on education. Our kids are national Merit Scholar finalists. We were very involved with the teachers.
We were working with integrating learning styles and other methodologies into our company starting back in the 80's.

coadie
09-09-2010, 07:46 AM
You also may get to drive a car beat up on buy many drivers.

That said, it is a very good option.

Big word alert. Did you mean by?

Enterprise is lengthier leases. My company has a large Avis contract. Enterprise has a lot of rentals that average weeks and months as opposed to days.

coadie
09-09-2010, 07:51 AM
John,

Every major company that you trust or distrust has internet postings for and against them. Actually nowadays you can hire companies or purchase software to help bury those inevitable "horror" stories deep into a search engine queries.

That said ... human error is always a factor ... but there is a reason CarMax is an award-winning company:



I personally would buy a car from them because their buyers are for the most part college grads and experts in more than just one make ...

I probably would not buy the auto care package only because I don't want to feel limited when something does go wrong ...

I'm the same way with my choice doctors, dentists ... you name the service.

You can also have workers disguised as customers post favorable reviews.

rgcraig
09-09-2010, 07:52 AM
Big word alert. Did you mean by?

Enterprise is lengthier leases. My company has a large Avis contract. Enterprise has a lot of rentals that average weeks and months as opposed to days.

HAHAHAHA! OMW - - I could edit every one of your posts.

DAII
09-09-2010, 07:54 AM
HAHAHAHA! OMW - - I could edit every one of your posts.

Here's one.

It is called work. I actually spoke with my University advisor yesterday.
You take classes, do a reserch, write a dissertation and do an oral defense.
I did choose my oral defense panel. One I chose because we could speak in german together.
I had an employee from Nebraska. He was doing his doctorate and was also coaching in sports. He dropped out without a dissertation when the footbal team coach changed. Lost his job and doctorate in Psych.
An honorary doctorate is dishonoring to those that worked for theirs.

Big word alert. Reserch?

Coadie needs to research "netiquette" and his capitalization rules.

coadie
09-09-2010, 07:56 AM
Yes, he's our resident psychologist and homophobe ... as well.

In used car sales training, they say to not put down the competition. Homophilia proponents have to name call others as homophobes.

rgcraig
09-09-2010, 07:56 AM
BD kids. Too much sugar and tv at home.
My teaching experience was small classes at the University senior level.
I have opinions on education. Our kids are national Merit Scholar finalists. We were very involved with the teachers.
We were working with integrating learning styles and other methodologies into our company starting back in the 80's.under statement!

coadie
09-09-2010, 07:58 AM
HAHAHAHA! OMW - - I could edit everyone of your posts.

Engrish is my second language. I figgered you would catch dat.

rgcraig
09-09-2010, 07:59 AM
Engrish is my second language. I figgered you would catch dat.

Oh, we have, so you might not want to "correct" others.

coadie
09-09-2010, 08:03 AM
Here's one.



Big word alert. Reserch?

Coadie needs to research "netiquette" and his capitalization rules.

Are you an english teacher? Have perfectionism hangups? From the day I started grad school, I have always had a secretary. As a student and in industry. In every company I have had secretaries and an administrative assistant. We still send some formal business correspondence printed on paper and mailed in envelopes.

coadie
09-09-2010, 08:07 AM
Oh, we have, so you might not want to "correct" others.

But, that is what is so much fun.

Falla39
09-09-2010, 08:38 AM
Bro. John,
After hearing the pros and cons of these companies, I would recommend
going to my prayer closet and asking God for wisdom regarding this decision!
May He direct your path, in Jesus Name!:thumbsup

Tell Sis. Vonda hello from Texas!

Blessings,
Falla39

Esther
09-09-2010, 09:26 AM
Has anyone had any experience with Carmax? Are their cars as good as they claim? Some sites on the internet claim that Carmax does the "inspection" but don't really fix anything, they just try to get you to buy their "MaxCare extended service program" and do any real repairs when you come in for the "maxcare" claims. Or are you just as good off buying a used from any regular dealer lot? I see that Carmax on the average is a couple of thousand more than a similar car at other lots.

We bought a truck from Carmax years ago for my husband it was in great shape no problems with it.

Tried to sell a car we had bought from a rental company, and when they inspected it found it had had some damage done around a wheel mount or something like that and they would not buy it.

commonsense
09-09-2010, 10:46 AM
I've seen lots of their ads, but I've always purchased from a dealership.

coadie
09-09-2010, 04:42 PM
I've seen lots of their ads, but I've always purchased from a dealership.

In a few large cities, they have new car franchises. None with Ford.
At one point they were owned by Circuit City. Circuit City is also shriveled. This is a difficult business for a national chain.

canam
09-09-2010, 07:11 PM
Hey DA, you complained one time because someone called you a homo, now you are calling someone else a homophobe. I just dont get it. Whats worse?:spit

DAII
09-09-2010, 08:07 PM
Hey DA, you complained one time because someone called you a homo, now you are calling someone else a homophobe. I just dont get it. Whats worse?:spit

I complained about being called a homo? When did this happen, Skipper?

canam
09-09-2010, 08:21 PM
About a year or two ago and you were mad at admin. because they wouldnt do anything about it. before you ahem SABATTICAL.

DAII
09-09-2010, 08:27 PM
About a year or two ago and you were mad at admin. because they wouldnt do anything about it. before you ahem SABATTICAL.

Never took a sabbatical over the word homo ... you should be ashamed of yourself for having the memory of a 93 year old or for bearing false witness (code for you are a liar.)

canam
09-09-2010, 08:45 PM
Never took a sabbatical over the word homo ... you should be ashamed of yourself for having the memory of a 93 year old or for bearing false witness (code for you are a liar.)

Never said you took a sabbattical over that Dan, your smarter than that, that accusation is a red herring, but i stand by my original post, im sure someone can find it, if i knew how i would and id post it , but it happened.My memory is a lot better than yours apparently.

CC1
09-09-2010, 10:02 PM
In another life I spent about a decade in the car business in management. Last job as the sales manager at an Infiniti dealership.

I have never bought a car from Carmax but have looked there and checked them out a few years ago when I was in the market. My conclusion was that for the typical person who wants to buy a car in good shape at a fair price and does not want to spend a lot of time negotiating a deal, they are the ticket.

At the time my research showed their set price was usually lower than other independent used car lots or the used car lots at new car dealerships. However they usually were not as low as you could negotiate somewhere if you were willing to spend the time and effort and perhaps have to move to your second or third choice of cars.

One trick I do when car shopping for new or used is to use the internet to get prices from dealership in other nearby towns. They know you are not in their market and they probably have the one shot to get your business so many times they give great prices.

I bought my last car like this from the used car lot of a new car dealership about 40 miles away. The deal on the phone was contingent upon me coming to drive the car and it being to my satisfaction. It was a one year old car and I had seen a lot of pics on the internet before I got there.

Oh, one last tip. If shopping at a typical dealership where you are negotiating the price for a new or used car if you shop the last two or three days of the month you will most likely be able to get a better deal.

Because of sales pressure from the top down when I was a sales manager I would take deals the last few days of a month I would not take the first three weeks of a month.

johnguidry
09-10-2010, 01:09 AM
Carmax gives a 30 day warranty and 5 day return option. Enterprise gives a 12,000/12 month warranty and 7 day return. I haven't seen to many regular used car dealers give any kind of warranty. I am leaning toward Enterprise as a first choice.

Praxeas
09-10-2010, 02:35 AM
AAA can help you find a good car too. Visit their website if you are a member

canam
09-10-2010, 05:12 AM
I heard recently that because of the economy though, the days of" negotiating" with a new car dealer are over, you either take it at their price or not ? beats me,ive never owned a new,my current one is a loaded 05 bought 2 years ago xtra cab chevy truck,heated leather ,Bose ,the works i bought with 13,000 on it for 16,000, private sale.Best deal i have ever gotten !!

coadie
09-10-2010, 07:17 AM
Carmax 120 point check. Halogen headlight fluid, checking tires right vs left.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPff3LcCMfE

They install cigarette lighter for 75 dollars.