Carmax

[DAN V]

Anyone ever buy from CARMAX? I have found a few nice looking cars on their website. The only problem is the car I like has to be transferred, which costs anywhere from $399 to $1k. This is a separate price and is non refundable. I would be out the money for the transfer if I decide I do not like the car. Just not too crazy about buying this way as they are not a real dealer.

 

[JR]

IMO, I'd never buy a vehicle site unseen. Too many dishonest salesmen/private sellers out there to take the chance. Even $400 is alot of money to lose out on should the car show up and not be as promised. I've bought a few dozen cars to flip in my lifetime as a side hobby/supplemental income and I can tell you even after giving a vehicle a good once over I've gotten it home to find things it needed I didn't initially notice. Buying used can be rewarding if you are patient and wait for the right deal but it also has its risks.

One thing you can do if your dead set on the vehicle is pay a third party to inspect the vehicle before you buy. I've personally never done this but know people that have and most were happy with the end result. Here is an example of a company that offers inspections.

http://homepage.aiminspections.com/services/at-home-customer-inspections/

I have no experience with the above so proceed at your own risk. If you choose to go this route I would find someone in the area of the vehicle that has good reviews and contact them.

Good luck!

 

[DAN V]

I was pretty much thinking the same thing. Don't trust CARMAX and really would rather buy from a dealer where I can get proper papers and warranty extended.

 

[jgillott]

A friend of mine purchased a Mini for his wife through Carmax. No better or worse than any other used vehicle I'd say. Since his was an off lease one owner car, he was able to extend the factory warranty through a Mini dealer after purchase for a fee. I don't think he ended up saving much over purchasing from the dealer in the beginning however.

 

[DAN V]

I'm still on the fence about CarMax. Still looking for the right car whether it will be a Chevy Cruze TD or a Passat TDI has yet to be seen. I kind of wish I would have never gotten rid of the '12 Passat I had. It got me great mileage. Those are hard to find as well.

 

[jgillott]

I have no experience with the Cruise diesel. How do they compare to the Passat?

 

[JR]

Keep in mind the only way a used TDI can be sold at the moment is if it is NOT through VW's certified pre owned (CPO) program. There's not too many shops with the knowledge of the new diesel tech outside the VW circle so that's a tough one. Rumor is there is no fix for the non SCR engines and they are all headed for the scrap yard so IMO the SCR engines are really the only viable option at this point if you don't already own one.