I would like to start off stating this review is based off my second trip to CarMax. The first time I went to CarMax I was not treated well, but I like to give everything a second chance. My star rating is based off the second visit only.
About two weeks ago I was shopping around for a 2015 Jeep Patriot. After having been to several dealers and going through the back and forth, I was done. However, my dad suggest I just pop in to CarMax to see what they have.
Upon arriving we were greeted by Trip. I let him know that I was in the market for a 2015 Jeep Patriot and wanted to know if they had any in stock. He took us to one of the computer to check. Unfortunately they did not have any in Reno. I was about to thank him for his time and leave, however he let me know he could check a few other CarMax locations and have one shipped free of charge and no obligation to buy. He was able to find 3 in that I was interested in. I narrowed in down to one in Modesto, and he was able to have it shipped.
The same day we were also able to go over potential finance options. I qualified for CarMax financing at the rate I was looking for, which was nice. I had already done my research and been pre-approved elsewhere, however CarMax's rate was better. Trip also explained that I could opt to do the registration my self (assuming I purchase the jeep) and it would save me the interest on the registration. He showed me the final cost of the car, with no extras added and all the math checked out. So often other dealers try to sneak items in and I hate that. I will say that he did push the CarMax Warranty quite a few times over the course of the week and a half it took to purchase the vehicle, which has led to the reduced star rating. If I tell you I don't want the warranty, do not offer it over and over and over again.
Still on the same day, I had my truck appraised. While it was being appraised, Trip was honest and advised that I would probably get a better price private party. Which was true as the price offered was a huge low ball (this did not effect my star rating).
After all of this, Trip advised that the Jeep was being shipped form Modesto, it would generally take 3-7 days and that I would have 3 days to come and see it when it arrives before it would be made available to others. All of this is perfect.
I was sent an email in regards to the Jeep, it basically showed the photos, gave me access to Auto Check and the shipping estimate.
All of this happened on a Friday. The car did not ship until the following Friday. That seemed a long time for the shipping, but I still waited. Trip did call me once to let me know it hadn't shipped during that time.
It arrived on Sunday per an email notification I received. Trip called me that day as well. This is also where part of the star rating is reduced. When he called he told me the Jeep had arrived and that he hadn't heard from me in a while and wanted to know if I was still interested as there was someone there that wanted to test drive it. I was given a 3 day promise from the day it arrived that it was mine, so why would you allow someone else to test drive it? He also pushed the CarMax warranty on me again and I had to tell him no 3 times. We agreed to meet Monday morning to look at the Jeep.
Monday I went to CarMax to take a look at the Jeep. Trip was there to meet us and take us to the Jeep. It looked just like the pictures, and the VIN matched. So no bait and switch there 9that can happen at some places). Upon inspecting the interior I found a rip in the bench seat that was at least an inch long. I let Trip no and he did not hesitate in getting someone to approve getting it fixed for free if I decided to buy the jeep. Took it for a test drive and it went well. Down side to the test drive is that I didn't really get to test out the 4 wheel drive (so I made that one of the first things I did when I bought it).
After the test drive we went inside to do all the paper work. It went very quickly and was painless. With the exception of yet again being offered the CarMax Warranty. They took the car through a quick car wash and vacuumed it out (though Im pretty sure they also did that when it arrived on the lot) and put a full tank of gas in it for me. The gas was a great added bonus. We scheduled the interior fix for two weeks out as that is what worked with my schedule and I was on my way.
Fast forward the two weeks. No issues so far with the Jeep. Took it in to have the interior fixed. Took a few hours and if you didn't know there was a rip there before, you would never notice now. So great work there.
After the great experience I had, my dad is now considering buying from CarMax. The hassle free buying is very nice. read more