The bottom line: CarMax provides a quick way to sell your car with a straightforward process that usually takes just a few hours of your time.
They offer free car inspections at locations nationwide and pay you the same day you accept their offer.
However, there are some important things to remember before you sell to them. Their online quotes are often much higher than they’ll offer in person – sometimes up to $8,000 less.
Also, they pay by check, which your bank might hold for up to 10 business days before you can access all your money.
What We Like
- Free car checks with no pressure to buy
- Reasonable prices for newer cars
- Free ride home after selling
- Many locations nationwide
- You can sell your car without buying a new car
- Buys cars even with the loans
Things to Watch Out For
- In-person offers often lower than online quotes
- Must deposit their check (no cash option)
- You can sell car without buying a new car
- Wait times can stretch from 30 mins to 4 hours
- Service quality varies between locations
- Instant online quotes are not always available
How CarMax Works
1. Getting Your Online Quote
The process starts on CarMax’s website, where you’ll enter information about your car. This includes basics like the make, model, and year, plus details about its condition and features.
CarMax then shows you a price range that’s good for 7 days.
Sell Car Advisor Note
While this online quote is a good starting point, be prepared for a potentially much lower offer when you visit in person.
Our research shows that in-person offers frequently come in $1,000 to $8,000 below the online quote, even when cars are in excellent condition.
Also CarMax may provide an offer online, but this is not always guaranteed. If you are unable to get an immediate offer online, you may need to provide additional photos or visit a store for an in-person appraisal.
Click to see a step-by-step quote process with screenshots
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Details | Plate, VIN Number |
| Pickup Location | State, Zipcode for pickup |
| Contact Details | Email address |
| Ownership Information | Title and ownership |
| Vehicle Condition | Overall condition, Wheels and tires, Mechanical Condition, Odometer reading, Exterior damage, Exterior parts, Light and glass, Interior condition, Water and fire damage |
Your VIN or Plate number:
Car confirmation:
Details about your car:
Damages:
Additional Info:
Email address:
Offer:
2. Setting Up Your Visit
After getting your online quote, you can schedule a time to bring your car to a CarMax location. Most stores can see you the same day if you want to sell quickly.
You don’t technically need an appointment, but having one usually means less waiting around. It’s best to pick a morning slot if you can – afternoon visits tend to have longer wait times as the store gets busier.
3. The Inspection Process
When you arrive at CarMax, their team will do a thorough check of your car that usually takes about 30-45 minutes, though you might wait longer before they start.
They look at everything – how the car runs, how it looks inside and out, and whether it needs any repairs.
They’ll take it for a test drive and run a vehicle history check. If you’re visiting during a busy time, this whole process (including waiting) can take up to 4 hours.
Many customers report that the actual inspection is quite detailed, with the team checking things like tire tread depth and brake condition and even testing all the electronic features.
4. Getting Your Offer and Payment
After checking your car, CarMax will make you an offer that’s good for 7 days. This gives you time to consider it or check prices elsewhere. If you accept their offer, they’ll handle all the paperwork and give you a check the same day.
Sell Car Advisor Consideration
Here’s where you need to be careful – CarMax only pays by check, and these aren’t regular checks you can just cash. Your bank will probably put a hold on the money for several days, sometimes up to 10 business days.
Some customers have reported trouble paying off their existing car loans because of these payment delays.
How Much Money to Expect
What CarMax offers for your car depends a lot on what kind of car you’re selling. Their prices tend to be pretty competitive for newer cars (less than 3 years old) that don’t have any major problems.
For these vehicles, they often offer close to what you’d get from a private sale, minus the hassle of dealing with individual buyers. However, their offers drop significantly for older cars or ones with high mileage.
Here’s what customers typically see:
| Type of Car | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Newer cars (under 3 years) | Usually within 5-10% of private sale price |
| Middle-aged cars (4-7 years) | About 10-15% below private sale price |
| Older cars (8+ years) | Often 20-30% below private sale price |
| Hybrid cars | It varies a lot based on the current market |
Real Quotes from Recent Sales
| Offer | Year | Make | Model | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | 2020 | Acura | MDX | 52,000 |
| $24,000 | 2021 | Jeep | Wrangler | 50,355 |
| $2,000 | 2015 | Toyota | Corolla | 184,000 |
| $25,000 | 2018 | Land Rover | Range Rover | 70,000 |
| $3,500 | 2012 | Suzuki | SX4 | 42,903 |
| $18,600 | 2021 | Tesla | Model 3 | 54,000 |
| $9,000 | 2019 | Chevrolet | Blazer | 121,000 |
| $27,000 | 2020 | Lincoln | Aviator | 52,000 |
| $31,000 | 2015 | Lexus | LX 570 | 71,000 |
| $29,000 | 2023 | Ram | 1500 | 26,782 |
| $8,600 | 2018 | Kia | Optima | 112,800 |
What Other People Say?
| Platform | CarMax Rating | Main Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Better Business Bureau | A+ | Not BBB acredited |
| Trustpilot | 1.9 out of 5 stars | Mixed experiences, payment issues common |
| Google Reviews | Ratings vary greatly by location | Overall positive |
| Mixed | Easy process but lower offers than expected |
Sell Car Advisor Note
Reviews ratings include both car buyers and sellers, so the rating isn’t just about selling experiences.
What Reddit Users Say:
Trustpilot Experiences:
Google Reviews:
What CarMax Does Well
CarMax has built a system that takes much of the stress out of selling a car. You don’t have to deal with strangers coming to your house, haggling over price, or worrying about payment scams.
The staff generally don’t pressure you to buy another car, and they handle all the paperwork, including dealing with any existing loans on your car.
They’ll even give you a free ride home after you sell, which is especially helpful if you’re selling your only car.
Where CarMax Could Improve
The biggest issue with CarMax’s payment system is its insistence on using checks that require mandatory deposit and often face long bank holds. This can create real problems for sellers who need their money quickly.
Another major concern is the huge difference between online quotes and in-person offers—it feels like a bait-and-switch to many customers, even though the lower offers might be justified by their inspection findings.
The quality of service also varies too much between locations, making the experience unpredictable.
Who Should Sell to CarMax?
CarMax makes the most sense for specific types of sellers. CarMax could be a good choice if you have a newer car in good condition and value convenience over getting the absolute highest price.
They’re also a good option if you’re uncomfortable dealing with private buyers or don’t have time to show your car to multiple people.
However, if you’re selling an older car, need cash immediately, or want to get the highest possible price, you might want to look at other options.
Market Comparison
Let’s look at how CarMax compares to other popular ways to sell your car:
| Company | Main Advantage | Best For | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CarMax | Quick, in-person process | Newer cars | 85-95% of market value |
| Carvana | Fully online process | Selling from home | 85-95% of market value |
| Local Dealers | Room to negotiate | Trading in | 75-85% of market value |
| Private Sale | Best prices possible | Patient sellers | 100% of market value |
Common Questions About Selling to CarMax
How long does the whole process take?
Most people spend between 30 minutes and 2 hours at CarMax, though it can take up to 4 hours on busy days. The actual car check usually takes about 30-45 minutes, but you might wait longer before they start.
The rest of the time goes to paperwork and finalizing the sale if you accept their offer.
What happens if I still owe money on my car?
CarMax will buy cars that have loans on them, but the process takes longer. They’ll pay off your loan directly, but this can take up to 18 days.
Some customers have reported that these delays affected their credit scores, so keep making your loan payments until you confirm it’s paid off.
Will the final offer match my online quote?
Probably not. CarMax’s in-person offers are almost always lower than their online quotes, sometimes by as much as $8,000.
They say this is because they can spot problems during the in-person inspection that weren’t obvious from the online information.
How exactly does payment work?
CarMax pays with a company check that must be deposited in your bank account. You can’t cash it. Most banks put a hold on CarMax checks for 5-10 business days before you can access all the money.
Some banks might give you access to part of the money sooner.
How strict are they about car condition?
CarMax’s inspection process is pretty thorough, but they’re generally fair about normal wear and tear. They look closely at mechanical issues, body damage, and tire condition.
Minor problems usually lower the offer rather than completely disqualify the car.
Can I negotiate their offer?
CarMax presents their offers as “take it or leave it,” but some customers have successfully gotten better offers by showing competitor quotes or asking to speak with a manager.
Don’t expect huge increases, but an extra few hundred dollars might be possible.
What documents do I need to bring?
You’ll need your car’s title (or loan information), registration, all keys and key fobs, your driver’s license, and proof of insurance.
If the car has multiple owners, everyone listed on the title needs to be there to sign. Some situations, like selling a car from someone who passed away, need extra documentation.
Can I sell a modified car?
Yes, but modifications usually lower their offer. CarMax prefers cars close to their original condition.
Some modifications might make them decline to buy the car altogether, especially if they affect safety or emissions.
What if I change my mind?
Once you accept their offer and sign the paperwork, the sale is final. That’s why they give you 7 days to think about their offer before deciding.
Use this time to shop around and compare offers from other buyers.
Do they buy old or damaged cars?
CarMax will buy most cars, but they offer much less for older models or cars with significant damage.
If your car has serious mechanical problems or body damage, you might get a better price from a company that specializes in damaged vehicles like Peddle or Wheelzy.
