CarMax's internet aspect worked exactly as designed. After searching (CM & others) I found exactly the car I wanted. They provide excellent photos and complete and through descriptions. The car had to be transported for a $90. fee, credited back at purchase. I also "appraised" my trades via their site. All worked simply and correctly.
Arriving for pick-up the car was exactly as described, well detailed and waiting. Pricing for my trades was confirmed without any changes. I tell my "counselor" everything looks great, let's do it!
Below is a copy of what I returned to CarMax when they solicited my experience via email. NOTE: Below is minor compared to some traditional dealer nightmares. CarMax's concept has been proven successful, and I would shop and deal with them again. I'm over the time spent and not holding a grudge. They asked, I told them.
After a bunch of questions (how likely to recommend, etc.) below is what I wrote:
My initial contact re this purchase "turfed" me over to someone else after stating they would be my contact. Each contact made I dealt with a different person. Spoke with someone along the way that thought the car was in a different location which I had to advise and correct them. However, the day before the planned pick-up I spoke with someone that did stay consistent through the deal. However, considering both vehicles traded had been "internet" appraised and quickly confirmed as correct once on the property, and the fact this was a cash deal it still took many hours (about 5) to complete this transaction. Could have and should have been completed in two hours. Although all were helpful and "friendly" throughout, it seemed with each aspect of the transaction no one was sure what to do next and when. Once leaving both my wife and I asked ourselves "what the hell took so long?" Lastly, and I may have missed it (voicemail?) there was no next day or two follow-ups. I'm not looking to be pestered or be hand-held but a simple professional follow-up on a $40 grand plus transaction would be correct. read more