[FunkyJunk]

Yeah, I noticed that Carmax tends to price pretty high and I was suprised that this particular car was priced pretty low compared to similar cars in this area. (options, age, mileage, etc.) I guess part of why it was low was the damage and their desire to get rid of it quick.

The guy I spoke to at Tysons was six months ago or more. From what you guys say, looks like I'll give Chad a shot if they get any cars in that I'm interested in. Personal recommendations mean a lot to me.

[BlackTalon]

Isn't Chad the service manager? I'm not sure he's in sales, although he can probably hook you up with a proper sales person.

[Potomac-Greg]

Originally Posted by markwemple

I was going to PPI a carmax 996 but they told me to purchase it and bring it back w/in 5 days if there was a problem. Liuckily I found a better car which flew through the PPI. I'd likely stay away from Carmax unless it was for some plain-vanilla product.

No doubt a PPI is better than a post-PI, but I understand their business model. They do not want to deal with the logistics and liability of having their inventory driven off the lot by joyriders, and wrenched-on by some unknown mechanic. So they offer the 5 day return. Seems just as good to me assuming you do get the Post-PI done.

They do buy cheap and sell high.

[Dr K]

Also consider talking with Omar at Intersport. Some on this board have complained, but most comments I've seen have been positive.

[smo]

I'm still dumbfounded that someone would purchase a Porsche from carmax. Not a 924 or 944, but a newer model.

Not sure how Carmax is at fault or to blame. They took it back it seems.

[John Clay]

Originally Posted by smo

I'm still dumbfounded that someone would purchase a Porsche from carmax. Not a 924 or 944, but a newer model.

Not sure how Carmax is at fault or to blame. They took it back it seems.

What's so special about a Porsche that you can't buy one at Carmax? I agree with your second statement - they give you 5 days to get it inspected, they took it back, what did they do wrong?

Clearly from the buyer's side having to buy it before you can get it inspected may not be the easiest way to do things, but everyone knows that going in.

[HoodPin]

AFAIK, Carmax has an interesting & workable business model. Since they're not invited to the auctions that OEM dealers can attend, where fleet, demo and other factory based cars are sold towards used inventory, Carmax has the purchase program where they give you a price; take it or leave it. From my experience with several vehicles, they seem to make an offer based upon how much of that inventory they already have. If they have many of your car, they offer low. If they have few, they offer higher.

I agree that most of their sales staff are boneheads, and don't know much useful info. But the 5-day return policy gives you enough time to do a P(ost)PI on a higher end vehicle.

If they have something you want, you can do your own due diligence. We bought our first Focus from them and it was fine car. Almost bought a Boxster from them, but someone beat us to it. Almost bought a Honda Accord until I determined the motor wasn't so good. Have sold them 3 vehicles, and rejected a couple of their offers.

They are what they are.

[racer]

Sorry about your experience.. On the plus side, if you bought the same car from the typical (shady?) "used car lot", they wouldn't have given your money back. Yes, your trust has been violated (but they did tell you there had been paint work) .. but they did make you whole again.

Enjoy the search for the next one!

[smo]

In my mind Carmax is like Walmart. There is only so much I would be willing to spend on a car there. On the other hand I have sold them a car and it was relatively painless.

Originally Posted by John Clay

What's so special about a Porsche that you can't buy one at Carmax? I agree with your second statement - they give you 5 days to get it inspected, they took it back, what did they do wrong?

Clearly from the buyer's side having to buy it before you can get it inspected may not be the easiest way to do things, but everyone knows that going in.

[BlackTalon]

Originally Posted by racer

Sorry about your experience.. On the plus side, if you bought the same car from the typical (shady?) "used car lot", they wouldn't have given your money back. Yes, your trust has been violated (but they did tell you there had been paint work) .. but they did make you whole again.

Enjoy the search for the next one!

x2. Not many used car dealers will tell you about past accident damage. Abd even some new car dealers have done body work and sold a cars as new without disclosure.

It's the American Way