Curious to see how "fair" Carmax is for appraisal of a non trade-in car. I need to ditch the Focus as fast as possible, and I figure this is the best way to do it. What do they base their pricing on? Will I get a better deal if I go in saying I am considering a trade-in, then come back later just to sell the car?

Are there any other places that will buy a car outright at a fair price?

Just for reference, I am selling a 2000 Focus ZX3 with 59,300 miles. Good condition with no mechanical flaws or paint damage.

 

you'll probably get shit from them....when i took my 01 impreza there a while back, before it was modded, they said they'd give me 7 grand.....that's like almost 8 grand less than they go for everywhere else. but that's kinda a rare case with bb value and car rarity.

however they offered my friend 4 grand for his 99 v6 camaro that was almost absolutley flawless.

but since it's a free appraisal why not just go and see.

 

carmax won't give you shit for your trade-in. i purchased my neon from them in june '02, and they gave me $650 for my '94 mitsubishi pickup truck. you're better off trying to sell it yourself, or find a buy here pay here lot to consign it for you. last time i tried to consign a car, they wanted $1100.

 

Here is the "Deal"....

1. Carmax will appraise ANY CAR "fairly".

2. The price difference between a "trade-in" and "Straight sell it to them" is the same, minus a $99 paperwork fee (at least it used to be $99).

3. To get the best appraisal, the car should be BONE STOCK. That is what they want to see. Preferably NO ACCIDENTS, and Decent Mileage.

4. If the vehicle has "OVER" XX,XXX miles (I think 80k, but maybe 60k) they give you wholesale price....they don't intend on keeping it.

5. If the vehicle has damage or is questionable, they will probably give you wholesale....once again, they don't intend on keeping it.

6. If the car is "RARE".....DON"T EVEN GO TO CARMAX.....you will be SCREWED. They don't care.

I have bought 1 car from Carmax and sold 2 to them. They usually offer you a little bit more than you would get in a trade-in, but also consider the savings you would get on taxes if you just traded it in.

Charles

 

Go to the Carmax on US19 and Roosevelt and ask for Dave Wilson. Call there to make sure he's working when you intend to go down there. If you tell him that i sent you and what you would like to do, i promise, you will get the best possible amount that they can give for that car.

 

i should probably add that in spite of getting next to nothing for my worthless trade-in, i will definitely go back to carmax when it's time for another car. everyone i've spoken with about carmax had a great experience, their cars are clean, no accident damage, and have low miles. and for some reason, they all seem to have brand new batteries.

 

Thanks! Check your PM's.

Oh...I'm pretty illiterate when it comes to Pinellas County. What is the best way to get there from Gandy?