MyCarMax  Register Now
Save searches and vehicles
Login    Forgot Password   FAQ
 Investor Info
 • Investor Information
 • Financial News
   
 Job Openings
 • Home Office and Regional Office Positions
 • Store Positions
Store Management Positions
 • College Recruiting
 • Benefits
 • Preparing For Your CarMax Interview
 • CarMax's Commitment to Diversity
   
 Questions?
 • Top 10 Questions
 • About Our Search Engine
 • About Our Cars
 • How To Reach Us
   
 CarMax Locations
 • View New & Used Stores By State
 • View New Car Locations By Make
   
 Pressroom
 • Latest Releases
   
Frequently Asked Questions

  
   About Our Online Vehicle Search
   About Financing
   About Trade-Ins & Selling Your Car To CarMax
   About Our Warranties/Service Plans
   About Service
   How To Reach Us
 
  
Our Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are your used cars inspected?
2. What are my payment options? Can I make my CarMax Auto Finance payment online?
3. How do I start a search?
4. How do I contact someone at CarMax?
5. Do you transfer cars between stores? What about new cars?
6. Can I buy a car online?
7. Can I be notified when a car I’m interested in is added to your inventory?
8. Do you provide warranty/service plan work?
9. What is the difference between CarMax and ValuMax cars?
10. Do you offer financing through CarMax? Through manufacturer finance companies?
 

About Our Online Vehicle Search
  Top


How do I start a search?
Searching for cars on our website is easier and faster than ever, thanks to a new design with more options and enhanced results.

To begin, just go to our home page and decide how you’d like to search. You can use the "Find by" buttons, you can specify several criteria at once, or you can search by keywords that you type in.


How do I search with the "Find by" buttons? The "Find by" buttons are the fastest way to start seeing search results, since they let you quickly pick just one search criterion—Make, Vehicle Type, Price Range, or Feature—and then immediately show you all the vehicles that match your selection. You can then refine your results, adding and removing criteria as you wish.

How do I specify several criteria at once for my search?
From the home page, click on "More Options." On the right side of the screen, you can then select multiple criteria to narrow your results before ever hitting the "Find Cars" button.

How do I search using keywords?
The new CarMax search has a "free text" option, allowing you to type any combination of words to start your search. To use this keyword search, go to our home page and click on "More Options." You’ll then see a field marked "Tell us what you’re looking for," where you can type anything you like. For example, you could type "camry, leather seats, red" and then immediately see all our red Camrys with leather seats.

How do I refine my search results?
The results page makes it easy to either add or eliminate search criteria, automatically updating your results as you go. To add criteria, use the list on the left of the page. Click on as many as you like: the more criteria you add, the more specific your search results will be. It’s also easy to eliminate search criteria. At the top left of the page is a list of all the criteria you selected to get your current results. Beside each of these is a red "x." When you click on the "x," the associated criterion will be eliminated and your search results will immediately update accordingly. For example, if your current search results are made up of red Camrys with leather seats, you will see at least three criteria at the top left: "camry," "leather seats," and "red." If you click on the red "x" next to "leather seats," the "leather seats" criterion will disappear, and the results will update to include all red Camrys, with or without leather seats.

Why do you ask for my zip code when I start a search?
Your zip code tells us which of our CarMax stores is nearest you, so that the search results page can start with the cars that are closest to your home. As for how far away you’d like to look, that’s up to you. You can easily set the distance within which you’d like to search—just click on the distance drop-down menu.

Can I see results from CarMax’s entire nationwide inventory? From just one store?
By setting the distance within which you’d like to search, you can control the range of your results, from local to nationwide. Just click on the distance drop-down menu and make your selection. You can choose to see only results from your nearest store or from your nearest city. You can also specify a distance radius, in miles. To search nationwide, select "any distance." And if you find a car across the state—or across the country—that you’d like to take for a spin, you’ll be glad to know that most of our used cars can be transferred from one store to another (a fee may apply). Find out about transferring vehicles.

Can I control the order in which my results are listed?
Yes, you can sort your results in a number of different ways. When you first see your results, they are automatically sorted by distance, from nearest to farthest. To change how the list is sorted, just click on the "sort by" drop-down menu. You can choose to sort by price (either highest to lowest or lowest to highest), make (A to Z), year (starting with newest), mileage (starting with lowest), color (A to Z), and recently added (most recent listed first).

Who do I contact to learn more about a car on my results page?
Regardless of where the car you’re interested in is located, you should contact the store nearest you. If the car is located elsewhere, someone from your nearest store can check into transferring it for you and setting up a test drive (find out about transferring vehicles). The phone number and address of your nearest store can be found at the bottom of every page in our website (once you’ve entered your zip code during your first search).

Some of the cars in my results are marked "ValuMax® Vehicle." What does this mean?
ValuMax vehicles are thoroughly inspected and reconditioned older vehicles, 6+ years old and/or 60,000+ miles. They all offer the CarMax 5-Day Money-Back Guarantee* and Limited 30-Day Warranty (60-Day in Connecticut)*, and are chosen for their exceptional value.

* See store for written details

Some of the cars in my results are marked "Feature of the Week." What does this mean?
We use this term to highlight used cars that offer exceptional value.

Some of the cars in my results are marked "Last Chance Vehicle." What does this mean?
"Last Chance Vehicles" have been greatly reduced in price, so we do not expect them to remain available for long.

Can I be notified when a car I’m interested in is added to your inventory?
Yes. All you have to do is click the “Create an Alert” button at the top of the search results page. You’ll then have the chance to specify exactly what type of car you’re searching for and give us your email address so we can notify you when one becomes available.

Can I find information about vehicle history on your site?
Each of our car information pages has a link to a Vehicle History Report by Autocheck. This summary title report is provided by Experian and includes a summary of a car's title history. You can also request a free full Vehicle History Report by directly contacting your nearest CarMax store.

Can I buy a car online?
Although you cannot complete a car-buying transaction online, you can begin the process. Each car page includes several links to help you get started, including "Request More Information," "Schedule a Test Drive," and "Request Finance Information." Clicking these links allows you to submit a request to one of the dedicated Internet Sales Consultants at your nearest store. Of course, you are also welcome to call your nearest store; the phone number and address will be listed at the bottom of every page in our website.

Can I set an appointment online to see a car?
If you click on the "Schedule Test Drive" link on the car information page, an Internet Sales Consultant will contact you to schedule an appointment. You can also call to set an appointment; the phone number of your nearest store will be at the bottom of every page in our website.

Can I reserve a car online until I can come in to see it?
In general, we are unable to reserve cars, online or otherwise. However, in special cases, our store management may allow a car to be held until the end of the business day. If you find a car in which you’re interested, you should call the store as soon as possible, since our vehicles sell very quickly.

Do you sell new cars at all of your stores?
We sell new cars at 5 of our stores. The available brands are Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Nissan, Scion, and Toyota. Learn more about CarMax new car stores.

What can I expect to pay for taxes, title, tags, and document processing fees?
The exact amount you can expect to pay for state-required tax, title, and tags will vary depending upon (1) the state in which you live, (2) the county where you will register your vehicle, (3) the weight of your vehicle, (4) whether you will have a trade-in vehicle, and (5) the type of license plate you select. Amounts charged as Document Processing Fees are not state-required and will vary.

To help you determine what your final cost and monthly payments might be, we have developed the CarMax Fee Estimate Chart that contains relevant fee information in those states where CarMax operates. To give you a general idea of what these costs might be for a particular vehicle, we have provided estimated fee ranges based on the price of the vehicle you select. For purposes of these estimates, we have assumed no trade-in vehicle is involved. In most cases a trade-in would lower these numbers. Try our CarMax Fee Estimate Chart.

If I buy a vehicle from a CarMax store in a different state from the one I live in, do I have to pay the state taxes for both states?
It depends on the states involved. Typically, purchasers of motor vehicles are only required to pay taxes in the state where the vehicle will be registered. For example, if you are a Virginia resident and you buy a car from one of our Maryland stores, you will pay the applicable state tax in Virginia when you register and title the vehicle in Virginia, but you will not have to pay Maryland state taxes. Other states do require that you pay the tax in the state where you purchase the vehicle. Our Sales Consultants will help you determine the taxes you will be required to pay.

Are all of your used cars inspected?
Yes. Every vehicle on our lot must pass a 125+ Point Certified Quality Inspection by one of our technicians. This comprehensive and detailed inspection includes an investigation to ensure that the car has not been in a flood or has frame damage. In addition, we back every one of our cars with a 5-Day Money-Back Guarantee* and a Limited 30-Day Warranty (60-Day in Connecticut).* Learn about our Certified Quality Inspection.

* See store for written details

What is the difference between CarMax and ValuMax cars?
ValuMax cars are actually CarMax cars, too, but unlike other CarMax vehicles, ValuMax vehicles are over 6 years old and/or have over 60,000 miles. In the case of older used cars, our customers have told us that minor cosmetic imperfections are acceptable if it means paying less, so our ValuMax cars may have minor dings, paint imperfections, or other cosmetic flaws that you won't find on other CarMax cars. However, ValuMax cars still go through the same rigorous inspection process as all CarMax cars.

Do you transfer used cars between stores? What about new cars?
Yes. We can transfer most used cars to the store nearest you from any other store. In some cases, a transfer fee will apply. We are unable to transfer new vehicles, Toyota Certified Used vehicles in Laurel, Maryland, and any used vehicle identified as nontransferable. Learn more about transferring vehicles.

Do your used cars come with warranties?
Every CarMax used car comes with a Limited 30-Day Warranty (60-Day in Connecticut). Please see your local CarMax store for written details. We also offer an optional MaxCare extended service plan for all our used vehicles.

*See store for written details

MaxCare Extended Service Plans

Can I return my used car?
For peace of mind, we offer a 5-Day Money-Back Guarantee* on every used car we sell. Simply bring back the car in the same condition in which it was purchased. You'll get a full refund, with no hassles. And with no pressure to buy another car.

*See store for written details

About Financing   Top

Do you offer financing?
Yes. We offer fast, fair financing through several finance companies. Most of our customers' financing is approved in 20 minutes or less. And, if you can find better financing elsewhere, you have three days to change it, penalty free.

Does CarMax offer financing through manufacturer finance companies?
Yes.  CarMax works with the finance companies of all new car brands we sell. You can also find out if a manufacturer’s finance company offers a special financing plan on a particular new vehicle by looking it up on carmax.com.

Can I apply for credit online?
To get the financing process started online, first find the vehicle you are interested in purchasing. Then request financing information by clicking the link found on the Vehicle Fact Sheet page. Or you can get started by calling your nearest CarMax store.

Click here for the CarMax store near you.

Can you finance people with credit problems?
In most cases, yes. We have several finance companies specializing in nearly every budget and credit history.

Can I qualify for financing if this is my first vehicle purchase?
Many customers qualify for financing without a prior vehicle purchase. Most of the finance companies that CarMax works with will look at your other credit history along with application information to make a credit decision. If a normal credit determination cannot be made based on your current credit history, you may still qualify for the following:
  • College graduate program: Most new car finance companies offer a college graduate program. The stipulations vary by finance companies, and may include the following: (1) Applicant has graduated from an accredited four-year university or college within the past year; (2) Applicant will graduate within the next six months and has an offer letter from an employer; (3) Applicant meets requirements for payment to income ratio; (4) Applicant must have no derogatory credit.
Check with your nearest CarMax location for more information.

How are financing decisions made?
Financing decisions are based on individual circumstances. CarMax is associated with several financing sources which finance customers with nearly every budget and credit history. You can call the nearest store and get a credit decision over the phone.

What finance rate can I get?
That depends on your past credit history, the type of car you're buying, and overall market conditions. However, we offer low, competitive rates from a variety of finance companies to fit nearly every budget and credit history.

What are my payment options? Can I make my CarMax Auto Finance payment online?
Yes, CarMax Auto Finance offers an online payment option. Our Payment Options page provides more information about online payments as well as the other payment options listed below:

1. Automated Payment Program – With our automated payment program, we’ll automatically deduct your monthly payment from your checking or savings account. Our Payment Options page provides you with the necessary form to submit.
2. Payments by Phone - Call us at 800-925-3612 to make a one-time payment on our automated system. You will be provided a confirmation number with your payment.
3. Western Union - You may go to any Western Union location to have your payment sent to us. Call 1-800-238-5772 to find the nearest location. You will need to reference our city code, "CarMax," along with the state code of "Georgia." Please be sure to reference your account number to ensure proper posting. We typically receive and post these payments to your account within one full business day. Our business days are Monday-Friday. Western Union may charge a fee for this service.
4. MoneyGram® ExpressPayments® Service - You may go to any MoneyGram retail agent location to have your payment sent to us. Call 1-800-MoneyGram to find the nearest location. At the agent location, please provide the clerk with the following; Receive Code "4645," company name "CarMax," city "Kennesaw," state "GA," and your account number to ensure proper posting. We typically receive and post these payments to your account within one full business day. Our business days are Monday-Friday. MoneyGram may charge a fee for this service.
5. Mailed Payments – You may mail payments to:

CarMax Auto Finance
P.O. Box 3174
Milwaukee, WI 53201-3174

We recommend mailing your payment 7-10 days before your due date to ensure that we receive it on time.

Please call us at 1-800-925-3612 and we can assist you with your payment options.


About Trade-Ins & Selling Your Car To CarMax
  Top

Do you accept trade-ins?
Yes. In fact, you don't even have to trade your car in to CarMax. We'll buy your car even if you don't buy one from us.

Will you buy my car?
Once your car has been appraised, we'll give you a written offer that's good for 7 days. And you are under no obligation to buy one of CarMax's cars once you've sold us yours.

How can I find out what my car is worth?
You can have your car professionally appraised at any location. This process usually takes 30 to 40 minutes. We will give you a written offer that's good for 7 days.

Can I get my car appraised online?
You must bring your car to any CarMax location to receive an appraisal. To determine your car's value, one of our appraisers will need to inspect and test drive your car. We'll give you a written offer good for 7 days. When you have a down payment for your new car, you'll have the upper hand if you decide to negotiate with a traditional dealer. If you want an approximate online estimate of your car's value, click on the Kelley Blue BookTM link below.

Click here for the Kelley Blue Book™ Trade-in estimator

How do you determine the value of my car?
First, we test drive your car to determine its mechanical condition. Then we check your car's interior, exterior, mileage, and age. Excessive mileage and wear and tear may lower your car's value and narrow its resale value. Lastly, we check the paint and body work for signs of previous body repair and frame or flood damage. At CarMax, we don't resell frame or flood-damaged vehicles to our customers. These vehicles are sold at auction.

What if I owe more on my car than the amount of your appraisal offer?
If your pay-off amount is more than the value of your car, the difference is called negative equity. In some cases, the negative equity can be included in your financing when you buy a CarMax car. If not, we'll calculate the difference between your pay-off and our offer to you. We'll accept a cashier's or certified check for the amount you owe and then pay off your finance company.

About Our Warranties/Service Plans  Top

Do you offer an extended service plan?
Yes. CarMax and ValuMax used cars and trucks can be further protected by the optional MaxCare Extended Service Plans.


What does the MaxCare Extended Service Plan cover?
The MaxCare Extended Service Plan is comprehensive coverage for your engine, transmission and drive axle, steering, front suspension, brakes, electrical system, electronic system, air conditioning, cooling system, interior, and assemblies and controls. MaxCare also includes rental reimbursement if your car is kept overnight for a covered repair and towing ($50 per occasion when the towing is required due to a covered failure).

Click here for more information about our warranties/service plans.

How much do you charge for the MaxCare Extended Service Plan?
Because of differences in makes, models, mileage, and class of vehicles, we do not publish extended service plan prices on the internet. Call the store nearest you for specific details.

Click here for the CarMax store near you.

Can I return my used car if something happens?
Yes. For peace of mind, we offer a 5-Day Money-Back Guarantee* on every used car we sell. Simply bring it back in the same condition in which it was purchased, and you'll get a full refund, with no hassles. And we won't pressure you into buying another car if you choose to return your vehicle.

    * See store for written details

Do you provide warranty/service plan work?
We offer a Limited 30-Day Warranty (60-Day in CT)* on all our used vehicles, and we can provide warranty work on all makes and models. MaxCare Extended Service Plans are also available for most of our vehicles. All warranty work covered by the Limited 30-Day Warranty (60-Day in CT)* or one of our MaxCare Extended Service Plans can be completed through the service department at any CarMax location. Our new-car locations can provide manufacturer's warranty work on the brands we sell. And our preventive maintenance packages can help maintain your manufacturer's warranty or MaxCare Extended Service Plans. For service hours or more information, call the CarMax nearest you.

    * See store for written details

About Service  Top

Do you have a service department?
Yes. Our technicians can provide most maintenance and repairs on any car, whether you bought it from us or not. We offer up-front pricing on our most popular services and complimentary shuttle rides within a five-mile radius of the store. Our preventive maintenance packages can also help you maintain your manufacturer's warranty or MaxCare Extended Service Plan. For service hours or more information, call the CarMax near you.

Click here for the CarMax store near you.

Do you provide warranty/service plan work?
We offer a Limited 30-Day Warranty (60-Day in CT)* on all our used vehicles, and we can provide warranty work on all makes and models. MaxCare Extended Service Plans are also available for most of our vehicles. All warranty work covered by the Limited 30-Day Warranty (60-Day in CT)* or one of our MaxCare Extended Service Plans can be completed through the service department at any CarMax location. Our new car locations can provide manufacturer's warranty work on the brands we sell. And our preventive maintenance packages can help maintain your manufacturer's warranty or MaxCare Extended Service Plans. For service hours or more information, call the CarMax nearest you.

    * See store for written details


How To Reach Us  Top

How do I contact someone at CarMax?
Most of your questions can be answered by your local CarMax store. Click Here For The CarMax Store Nearest You.

Corporate Address:

CarMax
12800 Tuckahoe Creek Parkway
Richmond, VA 23238
804-747-0422

For questions or customer concerns that need an immediate answer, the best place to start is at your nearest CarMax Superstore. If you are not able to get the answers you are looking for, or are not satisfied with the answers you receive, use the link below to email the Customer Relations Department at the corporate office, or call us at (800) 519-1511. We have Customer Service Representatives available to assist you Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 8:00 pm EST. Any written customer comments can be sent to: CarMax, Attn: Customer Relations Dept., 12800 Tuckahoe Creek Parkway Richmond, VA 23238

Contact A Customer Relations Representative

For existing CarMax Auto Finance customers with questions
If you are an existing customer with CarMax Auto Finance, your question may be answered at www.carmaxautofinance.com.

If you need to contact us, there are three ways to contact someone at CarMax Auto Finance:

Write:
CarMax Auto Finance
P.O. Box 440609
Kennesaw, GA 30160

Call:
(800) 925-3612
Customer Service Representatives are available to assist you Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 10:00 pm EST, Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm EST. You can also receive account information 24 hours a day through this toll-free number.

Email: Please note we are only able to address general questions about CarMax Auto Finance via email due to privacy restrictions. If you have specific questions about your account please call CarMax Auto Finance at the number listed above. Otherwise, please Submit Your CarMax Auto Finance Questions here.

**NOTE: If you are not currently a customer of CarMax Auto Finance, please contact your nearest CarMax store with your credit concerns or questions.

For questions or comments about carmax.com, click below to send us an email with your question. Please note, we can only answer technical questions related to the CarMax website through the following link. For information on specific vehicles or CarMax policies, please contact your local CarMax Superstore

Submit Your Website Specific Questions

For Marketing vendor inquiries - We appreciate your interest in doing business with CarMax and we prefer that all vendors mail their informational materials to the following address for further review. CarMax Attn: Marketing Solutions 12800 Tuckahoe Creek Parkway Richmond, VA 23238 or email to: marketing_carmax@carmax.com

Copyright © 2008 CarMax Business Services, LLC Privacy Policy and Legal Notice