CarMax review

CarMax is the safest choice for buyers who would rather pay a fixed price than negotiate. The company calls itself the nation's largest retailer of used cars, with 255 stores and a nationwide inventory of more than 45,000 cars shown with upfront, no-haggle prices. Every purchase comes with a 10-day Money Back Guarantee and a 30-day limited warranty with no mileage limit and no deductible, and state-specific terms apply in six states. You can buy online and pick up in store, take home delivery within 60 miles of select stores, or ship a car from another store to yours, which may carry a fee. MaxCare extended service plans are optional. CarMax ranks fourth because fixed retail prices are not always the lowest and its search covers only its own stock, while the marketplaces above show many sellers at once. CarMax also owns Edmunds.

Who it is for

Buyers who want a fixed price, a return window and a limited warranty from one retailer.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Nationwide inventory of more than 45,000 cars with upfront pricing
• 10-day Money Back Guarantee
• 30-day limited warranty with no mileage limit and no deductible
• Express pickup in store or home delivery within 60 miles of select stores
• Optional MaxCare extended service plans

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: No-haggle prices remove negotiation
• Strength: Return window and limited warranty come with the car
• Strength: Can ship cars from other stores to your local store
• Weakness: Fixed prices can sit above private party prices
• Weakness: Shipping to your store may carry a fee
• Weakness: Home delivery covers only a radius around select stores

Key facts

• Stores: 255 nationwide
• Inventory: More than 45,000 cars
• Return window: 10-day Money Back Guarantee
• Limited warranty: 30 days, no mileage limit, no deductible
• Home delivery: Within 60 miles of select stores

Where it ranks

CarMax is No. 4 in our Best Used Car Websites verdict.