CarMax Complaints & Scams To Be Aware Of
I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.
I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.
While CarMax [review] is a legitimate enterprise, it’s not one without considerations. When deciding where to buy or sell a car, getting an accurate picture of the provider is critical.
We’ve gone through CarMax reviews to identify the top CarMax scams and complaints that customers share.
Here’s what we’ve found. The biggest complaints are about service and communication, tag issues, and misleading information. Keep reading to hear exactly what customers have had to say.
Table of Contents
- CarMax BBB Accreditation
- CarMax Lawsuits: What It Means?
- Common Complaints When Buying a Car on CarMax
- Common Complaints When Selling a Car on CarMax
- Are There Really CarMax Scams? (And How To Avoid Them)
- How To Get a Resolution If You’ve Been Scammed on CarMax
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
CarMax BBB Accreditation
CarMax is not a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business. Although being BBB Accredited can hold weight with some consumers, companies apply and pay for accreditation. As of this writing, CarMax chooses not to take part in the program.
The Better Business Bureau has a CarMax profile that rates the vehicle retailer with an A+ rating.
CarMax Lawsuits: What It Means?
CarMax faced a class-action lawsuit in 2021. The plaintiff claims CarMax sold inventory to unlicensed dealers. The inventory consisted of vehicles that failed to meet California emissions standards.
A 2016 lawsuit found a plaintiff suing CarMax for fraud, negligence, and violation of the unfair competition law. Three months after the plaintiff's mother bought the car from the retailer, the plaintiff had an accident that was possibly caused by a faulty actuator and throttle body assembly. The plaintiff claims that CarMax passed the car through an inspection that never took place. The court dismissed the lawsuit.
Common Complaints When Buying a Car on CarMax
Poor Customer Service/Communication
One customer reviewed their experience on the Better Business Bureau’s CarMax profile. The customer paid to have a vehicle shipped to a particular CarMax location. They claimed they were not informed of any issues.
After waiting approximately two weeks, the customer inquired about the vehicle’s status. The state “nobody knew anything about it or where it even was.”
A few days later, the customer contacted the company again and was told that they were waiting for the title to arrive. The customer called again almost a week later and was told that CarMax did not receive the release of liability signature on the title when the vehicle was traded in. They had to wait until the seller signed it. The customer believes CarMax misled him when they said the vehicle was ready.
This is only one example of customer service complaints with CarMax. Several negative reviews across numerous sites outline similar stories exemplifying poor communication and lack of customer service.
Tag Problems
A customer claims CarMax lost their tag information, resulting in the customer having to go to the dealership every 30 days to pick up temporary tags. This issue began in October 2021 and as of the end of January 2022, still persists.
Another CarMax customer went through a similar, lengthy experience. They bought a used car in June 2021 and had to repeatedly go to their local CarMax location to pick up temporary tags. CarMax kept telling the customer that they were “working” on issuing permanent ones. By the beginning of October, CarMax still had not produced the promised documents. The customer cited their state law requiring dealers to provide titles within 30 days of purchase. The customer returned the vehicle and got a full refund.
One Google reviewer had a tag problem of a different sort. “Traded in a car almost a year ago,” they write. “Received a letter in the mail from NY police department that the car we traded in was still in my name and was involved in a crime.” Another reviewer associated with this incident writes, “Customer escalations have no answer for this. I am chasing them for answers daily. 5 unanswered emails and every time you try to call, you will be on hold for a minimum of 15 minutes before anyone even picks up the call.”
Misrepresentation
Several customers complain that CarMax did not disclose all of the details about the vehicles they sell. There are numerous complaints regarding misinformation.
For example, CarMax allegedly sold a car that could not pass an emissions test. The test occurred within the 7-day return window. The customer took it to the dealership, which reset a warning light.
One month later, the issue happened again. The customer claims they discovered the vehicle had been in a front-end collision before the purchase. CarMax allegedly did not disclose this information at the time of sale.
Another customer claims they had a series of vehicle issues starting the day after buying it.
One Google reviewer states CarMax misrepresented the price of a vehicle. They write, “My husband found a car on the CarMax app he wanted to purchase. He started the purchase and transfer process, only to have CarMax increase the price of the car an additional $2,000 on their website mid-transaction AFTER we'd already paid the transfer fee. They refused to honor the original list price, even when presented with screenshots showing the lower price currently showing on their app. They promised to have a manager call to discuss the matter within 24 hours. It never happened.”
Common Complaints When Selling a Car on CarMax
There are far fewer complaints from people selling their vehicles to CarMax. The few complaints concerned low-ball offers and that sellers might have to visit a physical location if their vehicle is not eligible for an online quote.
Are There Really CarMax Scams? (And How To Avoid Them)
Customers’ experiences with CarMax vary. Those who have negative encounters will claim the company is scamming them. With that said, there are no official CarMax scams that have been or are being investigated by authorities.
Scam Prevention Steps
While there aren’t official CarMax scams, we can take measures to protect ourselves from car scams in general or plain ol’ bad deals. Here are some practical steps you can take:
- Research Thoroughly: Before engaging with CarMax, research the company's history, customer reviews, and any reported scams.
- Understand the Terms: Read all documents carefully, including the fine print, before signing anything.
- Verify Vehicle History: Request a complete history report of any vehicle you're interested in.
- Seek Independent Appraisals: Get an independent appraisal of the vehicle's condition and value.
- Consult with Experts: Talk to a trusted mechanic or automotive expert before making a purchase.
How To Get a Resolution If You’ve Been Scammed on CarMax
If you believe CarMax is trying to rip you off, you can start with these steps to get things resolved.
- Report Issues Immediately: If you suspect a scam, report it to CarMax as soon as possible.
- Gather Documentation: Keep all records, emails, and documents related to your transaction.
- Contact Consumer Protection Agencies: File a complaint with protection agencies like:
- Seek Legal Advice: If necessary, consult a lawyer for guidance on how to proceed.
- Share Your Experience: Consider sharing your experience on review platforms to inform others.
