Anybody sell at car at CarMax?

[geojen]

I'm looking to sell our ford focus wagon to pay off that car debt and pay cash for a cheaper car. We need to get about 7000 for it. Has anyone used CarMax, or can recommend a good way to sell our car directly--no trade-ins?

[Pitman]

The best online site to buy, sell, or trade-in a car is autotrader.com.
I highly recommend you check out that site.

[poundwise]

CarMax usually gives, at most, the KBB trade-in value. I've looked into selling two cars to them. On one, they would give the trade-in value, on the other, less. Still, it is an easy and fast way to sell. Plus, they will give your car the once-over and give you a quote for the sale and then you can decide.

I also like AutoTrader but don't believe it is the best resource. I prefer Cars.com. You may also want to check out CarsDirect. For selling, however, I'd start with free listings, such as Craigslist. It won't hurt anything to try and you don't have to pay listing fees.

[gamecock43]

I sold a car through Craigslist (free) and was very happy with the responces (sold it in 2 days...3 people called the first day)

[sounderella]

I would def post it in AutoTrader or Craigslist. Try Craigslist first since it's free. I use to have a Focus and so I know it does not have a very high resale value. I don't know what year you have or how many miles but I highly doubt you'll get $7k from CarMax. You can always take it in and see though....you're not obligated to sell it to them.

[Brokemofo]

Definitely try Craigslist. I sold my Wife's MINI there. I have also sold a car on EBAY, but with EBAY you have to pay a listing fee. Either way would be better than Carmax or any dealer wanting to pay you wholesale.

[Exile]

Originally Posted by geojen

I'm looking to sell our ford focus wagon to pay off that car debt and pay cash for a cheaper car. We need to get about 7000 for it. Has anyone used CarMax, or can recommend a good way to sell our car directly--no trade-ins?

I sold my and my wife's cars to CarMax in 2005. I believe that we got a good deal with this company.

[MonkeyMama]

Craigslist. You'll get way more for the car selling to a private party. Plus, no listing fees.

When you sell to any company like that you'll usually get no better than trade-in.

[InDebtInDC]

Rules for selling cars to CarMax:

1) Always check KBB dealer trade-in before visiting CarMax. At most, they'll give you 10% over book.

2) Always try to sell the car privately on your own before resorting to Carmax.

3) Use Carmax as a last resort, and I mean only after you've exhausted all of your options.


Here's the most important part: once your vehicle is appraised, you have 1 week and 300 miles to decide. Should you come back 1 week + 1 day or 301 miles, they will give you a supplemental offer which will be significantly lower than the original offer.

That's why I said use Carmax as a last resort. Once you get an offer, either sell it on the spot or keep the car for a long time. If you come back for another offer, the second offer will be much lower.

Most people don't know this as they have not dealt directly with Carmax.


Otherwise, if you just want to get rid of a car quickly, then Carmax is a good way to go. Just realize you will take a hit in the value.

[geojen]

Sounds like before I try Carmax, I should try listing on Craigslist. I'll see what happens.