[z28dreams]

[ QUOTE ]
z28,

i would not buy a car from carmax, nor would i purchase a warranty. i think i am different than most people on this forum. i also think you are too.

Carmax bad things...
-you are paying a higher price

Carmax good things...
-the car has been inspected, and i'm sure you will at least back me that the people who do the inspections know what they are talking about. no wrecked cars, bent frames, and they can spot external problems easily.
-you are ABLE to purchase a warranty. a good friend of mine got a killer deal on a Z06, and the motor blew up four days later. he bought it private party, and he knows the name of the game, but i think that most 2p2ers would like to purchase a warranty for peace of mind. plus a new Z06 motor is more than $1500-2000. i also don't think that most people here do their own maintenance, etc.
-your 10K price was after negotiations!!! i think you underestimate the number of people who are not good at this, or who want to avoid it at all costs.
-Carmax is a national company that has a reputation to uphold, and it has a good reputation at that. this is opposed to a local dealership, who may or may not be slimeballs.

you may think i'm crazy to recommend carmax, but not use it. i relate it to fashion, something that i have no idea about. someone who is good at it could probably pick out some sweet clothes at a thrift store, but i would rather go to a nice store, which only has nice things, and ask advice from someone as to what looks and fits good.

carmax is an effective shortcut for someone to use to buy a used car, and minimize their risk of totally getting screwed over.

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Million - I absolutely agree with everything you say here. To those who want no hassle, and are willing to be just-a-little ripped off, carmax is fine. They won't get totally raped on financing, etc.

However, as with any argument, I always try to argue for the best possible solution that is still realistic.

Can most people negotiate well with a few tips? Absolutely.

The warranty is a whole different option - for those that want the security, I'd suggest buying a car private party/from a regular dealer, and then getting the warranty. No need to double up on the warranty + recertification.

-Z