Community Forums

Wildbob52 · 08-21-2014, 02:13 AM

I'm still looking into buying a truck and wondering if Carmax is the best place on the internet to buy a truck?

CarMax - Browse used cars and new cars online

dabrooks · 08-21-2014, 05:26 AM

I use Yahoo Autos to research pricing in my area. If you go to Yahoo Autos you can enter a brand and model. You can then refine your search for year and mileage. You can also specify how wide a radius you wish to search, I think as much as 200 miles.

NewB2RV · 08-21-2014, 06:20 AM

My family has bought 3 vehicles from CarMax over the last 6 years and have been pleased with every one. We did find something interesting: High end vehicles will be priced better at Carmax than the surrounding dealers. But the middle and low end vehicles are priced higher (demand ?).

My current TV is a 2011 F250 that I found from Carmax. I looked for several months locally and through CM for a 250 in the config I wanted. I eventually found one in Columbus, OH that CM shipped to FL for me.

One last thing- If negotiating turns you on, or waiting at a dealership for hours trying to buy a car- don't go to CM.

Bamaman · 08-21-2014, 07:38 AM

AutoTraders.com and TruckTraders.com is a better place to purchase than CarMax.

If you buy from one of the big box chain used car operations, you can be assured that you've paid more for the vehicle than you should have.

I feel the same way about large dealership groups that have purchased many new car/truck dealerships in the larger cities. My business doesn't go to any dealership charging $699 documentation fees after advertising relatively low prices. These are high pressure, slam and jam operations.

On "Traders", you've got the choice of buying from a dealer or from an individual. And it's not that difficult to figure out which dealers are willing to sell their vehicles at fair prices.

(I worked for a major auto manufacturer for 24 years, and am well versed in every facet of the auto business.)

SKP Kirk · 08-23-2014, 05:59 PM

I don't know if CarMax is the best, but they do seem to be a good place. One really good feature of them is that they give you a price for your trade-that can be used to set as a limit when dealing elsewhere. The price of the trade and that of the new purchase are totally independent deals and that is as it should be. Car sales people (and RVs too) have for years massaged the numbers to make things appear very different from what is actually the case and many of them are very good at this.

From what I can see, those who are really good negotiators can often save a little at other sellers, but it will take a lot of time and work. For me, my time is worth something and I am so tired of the song and dance routine that nearly all dealers require you to go through in order to get even a reasonable price, let alone a good price!

I like the CarMax mode of business and very likely will buy whatever we get in the future from them.

toewsrus · 08-24-2014, 11:33 AM

We've used Carmax once and were happy. They have a nice hassle free system.

We usually use Craigslist and last week used EBay.

wildtoad · 08-24-2014, 11:46 AM

My only buying experience with CarMax was when I purchased my current Chevy Sonic. I found it online in Charlotte and had them transfer it to Columbia at no charge. I was under no obligation to buy it even after the transfer. The folks were friendly, not pushy and did a real nice job. If you want an inexpensive car versus a higher priced they don't care as the salesman gets paid the same amount.

It was a bit unusual that they separated the trade (their buy) and the sale but straight forward.

Do your homework on similar vehicles and if you don't like their price or offer go somewhere else as they don't dicker.

pagosajoe · 08-24-2014, 12:07 PM

Dave Smith Motors in Idaho offers some great prices as well.

Dave Smith Motors | World's Largest Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Dealer

okgc · 08-24-2014, 12:15 PM

Quote:

AutoTraders.com

X2

I enjoy shopping for vehicles.

chawkins99 · 08-24-2014, 12:42 PM

We have purchased six vehicles from CarMax over about 10 years.

The only negative experience was when I bought a 2011 Escape and decided I didn't like it after 2-3 weeks (was just underpowered). I lost about $1,500 on that deal when I traded it for my Impala. They have their 5-day money-back guarantee but we were outside that. No exceptions!

The last vehicle we bought from them was the Equinox and were trading an Expedition. They offered us $4,000 trade on the Expedition which we rejected. Sold it on Craigslist within a week for $7,000.

On another occasion, we bought a new Dodge Caliber and was able to use the trade offer from CarMax to get a better deal on the Caliber. They low-balled our trade until we showed them the CarMax offer which they then matched.

IdahoSRT10 · 08-24-2014, 05:24 PM

Car max has high prices imo and you don't know the history. What are you looking for? I have two garaged original owner pristine low mileage ones for sale (need to sale only one) 2010 Ram CC, 2008 Ford F-250 CC.

NewB2RV · 08-24-2014, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdahoSRT10

Car max has high prices imo and you don't know the history. What are you looking for? I have two garaged original owner pristine low mileage ones for sale (need to sale only one) 2010 Ram CC, 2008 Ford F-250 CC.

Really ? "CarMax has high prices, but I have a truck I will sell you".
Nice.

Wildbob52 · 08-25-2014, 01:07 AM

Good deal or not?

2010 Ford F-550 XL

Used 2010 Ford F-550 XL

IdahoSRT10 · 08-25-2014, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildbob52

Good deal or not?

2010 Ford F-550 XL

Used 2010 Ford F-550 XL

All depends on condition and how well it was cared for so ask for maintenance records. Beware that truck has the lower output E V-10. What the mileage? Over 200,000 I bet and likely salvaged title. Ask for a CarFax to start with.