Starting with a single Richmond, Virginia, location, which opened in 1993, CarMax has grown to over 240 locations across the U.S. Touting itself as the country’s largest used car retailer, the company is known for its no-haggle approach to selling cars and no-hassle way of buying vehicles. Over three decades, CarMax has sold over 11 million automobiles and purchased more than 12 million. So, it’s reasonable to assume that more than a few consumers appreciate what the firm offers, while there’s certainly a share of unhappy CarMax customers. For those considering selling elsewhere, it may also help to review these tips for getting your old car sold faster.

For anyone who’s ever had to arm wrestle their way to a better price at a traditional dealership, CarMax’s appeal is obvious. Yet, corporate promises and media reports only go so far. A more accurate reading of CarMax’s reputation comes from customer feedback about their experiences. A look at review sites and online forums uncovers a mix of positive feedback and cautionary tales. There’s a strong appreciation for CarMax’s return policy and no-pressure sales tactics, while some stress at higher prices and inconsistent inspections. It’s also not unusual for unhappy customers of any business to turn to the internet to vent their frustrations.

Is CarMax the best option for your next car transaction? The answer depends on whether you value convenience over saving money. And that applies if you’re buying or selling with CarMax. The following customer review highlights may help put the company’s business practices into perspective.

From the beginning, CarMax has banked on its no-haggle pricing and straightforward shopping experience to attract buyers. The firm’s 10-day return policy is often cited as a significant benefit. Redditor Historical-Bite-8606 remarked, “CarMax is a safe bet. Not the best prices, but less likely to get burned on a bad purchase. Can’t beat their return policy and MaxCare.”

Feedback is more mixed when it comes to CarMax inspections. Buyers report purchasing multiple cars without serious issues, while others stress the importance of using the 10-day return window to arrange an independent check. Still, rare but striking stories surface: “Took my ‘inspected’ Mercedes E400… they found the front bumper was held on by a series of tie-wraps! Returned! Never again,” said Redditor JeffIsHere2.

There’s also no shortage of comments about CarMax’s pricing, underscoring that the no-haggle model comes with a higher price tag. “Carmax sells vehicles at high prices. Supposedly their pricing is non-negotiable which rarely results in the best price. Carmax may be convenient but at a price,” stated Ken117 in an Edmunds forum post. Others note that offers aren’t always competitive compared with other lots, and the fixed-price structure leaves no room for bargaining. Regardless of where you buy, be sure to not make these common mistakes when buying a used car.

Convenience is also a factor when CarMax buys your car. Sellers can opt for an online offer that provides a preliminary quote verified by an on-site inspection. Alternatively, they can schedule an appointment at a CarMax location for an in-person offer. The quote is valid for seven days, and the company will handle things if the car hasn’t been paid off yet. However, the seller is still responsible for covering the difference between CarMax’s offer and the loan balance.

Some consumer feedback dings CarMax for its low buyout offers. “CarMax offered me less than both Carvana and KBB, by $1‑2k, ” stated Redditor PowerRanger. Another Reddit user piggybacked on this comment, saying, the “KBB instant cash offer is around 20k and CarMax is only 16k.” Meanwhile, other CarMax customers emphasize that while payouts aren’t the highest, the process is quick and straightforward; many report finishing the sale in under an hour.

Others point out that just getting an offer from CarMax is worth the effort because it enables better negotiating elsewhere. On Yelpone reviewer posted about a CarMax in Phoenix, Arizona, saying, “The Chevy dealer next door will give you $500 over the CarMax offer (there’s a big banner they have advertising such).” Others describe using a CarMax estimate as a bargaining chip at dealerships, which often results in higher trade-in values than they’d receive otherwise.