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CarMax is one of the options car owners have for selling used cars. The resale market has become so large, that multiple companies have tapped into it in order to capitalize on the needs of buyers and sellers.

CarMax is a popular used car buyer and reseller. Their goal is to make the used-car sales process low-hassle and comfortable for customers. This is great for drivers because both buying and selling a used car can be difficult and tedious.

CarMax accepts all kinds of vehicles. This also includes those that are damaged, have mechanical issues, and cosmetic defects.

Continue reading below to learn more about whether CarMax.com or another avenue is the best option for selling your car with mechanical problems.

What is CarMax?

CarMax is a used car retailer. This means that they both buy and sell used cars. They even allow drivers to trade-in their vehicles. Essentially, CarMax is a one-stop-shop for used vehicles.

They are both an online and in-person retailer. So, you can look for your next vehicle in their nationwide online inventory or visit a location in-person to get a CarMax trade in estimate or learn abut the CarMax trade in policy.

Moreover, CarMax focuses on selling used cars that are less than six years old. They inspect more than 125 points when examining vehicles to make sure they meet CarMax standards before reselling to other drivers.

Does CarMax Buy Cars With Mechanical Problems?

CarMax purchases vehicles in all types of conditions. The cars don’t have to be in pristine condition and can have suffered wear-and-tear. CarMax will make offers for them.

CarMax even makes offers on cars with minor mechanical damage.

Before making an offer on your vehicle, CarMax will take an appraisal of it. The appraiser will assess your car’s basic functions, mechanical condition, and its exterior condition and then determine its value afterwards.

Factors that weigh into the appraisal value include:

  • The car’s make, year, and model.

  • The vehicle history report.

  • Mileage.

  • Current market conditions.

In addition, the appraiser will typically take the car for a test drive to examine important functions such as turning, braking, and signaling.

Does Carmax Buy Rebuilt Title Cars?

CarMax may be able to purchase vehicles with rebuilt titles, but they are unlikely to resell those vehicles. This is because their CarMax Quality Certification assures buyers that a vehicle has no flood damage, frame damage, or salvage history. If CarMax does make an offer for a rebuilt title vehicle, it would most likely be significantly lower than an offer for a vehicle they can resell. It is important to keep this in mind when considering selling a car with a rebuilt title to CarMax.

Will CarMax Accept My Car?

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Although CarMax is willing to appraise any vehicle, owners with particularly damaged cars may be skeptical about whether their vehicle in particular will get an offer.

If you still have questions about whether CarMax will buy your car, it’s a good idea to do research about the offers specifically available for your vehicle.

Does CarMax Buy Old Cars?

CarMax buys cars of any age or mileage, so it should not be difficult to get an offer if you have an old car. CarMax will provide offers that take into account a car’s age, but they should be able to provide an offer for an older car. This is great news for owners of older cars who may have been concerned about finding a buyer for their vehicle. CarMax's willingness to purchase older cars is just one of the many reasons why they are a popular option for those looking to sell their used vehicles.

Does CarMax Buy Salvage Title Cars?

CarMax may be able to purchase vehicles with salvage titles. However, they are unlikely to resell those vehicles, as their CarMax Quality Certification assures buyers that a vehicle has no flood damage, frame damage or salvage history.

If CarMax does make an offer for a salvage vehicle, it would most likely be significantly lower than an offer for a vehicle they can resell.

Will CarMax Buy A Car With A Bad Transmission?

Yes, CarMax can buy a car with a bad transmission. Of course, damage of any kind will affect a vehicle’s offer, as CarMax does perform a thorough appraisal before generating an offer for a vehicle.

Does CarMax Buy Rebuilt Title Cars?

CarMax may be able to purchase vehicles with rebuilt titles, but they are unlikely to resell those vehicles. This is because their CarMax Quality Certification assures buyers that a vehicle has no flood damage, frame damage, or salvage history. If CarMax does make an offer for a rebuilt title vehicle, it would most likely be significantly lower than an offer for a vehicle they can resell. It is important to keep this in mind when considering selling a car with a rebuilt title to CarMax.

Should I Fix My Vehicle Before Selling It To CarMax?

Fixing your car before selling it to CarMax is unnecessary. As mentioned earlier, CarMax gives offers to vehicles in any condition.

On top of that, putting money into repairing your vehicle won’t increase its value significantly. You’ll just be cutting into the profits you take away from the sale to CarMax.

Will CarMax Pick Up Your Car?

If you want your vehicle to be picked up from your house, you’re better off choosing a different service — according to CarMax’s FAQs, they do not currently offer pick up service.

If you have a non-driving vehicle, you’ll need to arrange for a tow service to bring the car to a CarMax location yourself. Otherwise, you will need to find a different service for your vehicle.

Considering CarMax To Sell Your Car? DamagedCars Is Different

DamagedCars.com and CarMax.com are similar in several ways: they both offer online services and purchase used vehicles.

However, they are more different than they are alike.

First, unlike CarMax, DamagedCars is completely online. There is no need to make an appointment with an appraiser or drive your car to a retailer.

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DamagedCars completes the entire evaluation remotely. All you have to do is provide certain details and, in some cases, pictures to get an accurate quote.

Additionally, DamagedCars specializes in less-than-perfect, damaged, and non-running vehicles. CarMax on the other hand focuses primarily on used vehicles that are in decent condition.

As a result, DamagedCars.com is better equipped to provide a free, no-obligation quote for your car with mechanical issues.

We Buy Unwanted Cars! Sell A Car Near You

In short, you should sell your broken car to DamagedCars because:

  1. We provide a fair market value for your vehicle within 90 seconds.

  2. FREE towing and FREE title transfers.

  3. No haggling! You receive the entire quoted amount.

Contact DamagedCars today and let us help you get the most for your damaged car.

NOTE: DamagedCars is not affiliated, associated, or otherwise connected with CarMax. The content above is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time the article was written and published.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does CarMax Buy Cars With Problems?

Yes — CarMax does buy damaged cars. In order to sell a vehicle to CarMax for cash, you typically have to bring the car in to get it appraised. That involves arranging for a tow truck that you will have to pay for yourself, which can cut into your potential profit for the vehicle.

Keep in mind that although you can sell a damaged car to CarMax, they specialize in vehicles that they can easily fix up and put back on the lot. That means you might get a better price for your car if you sell it elsewhere — like DamagedCars, which does specialize in paying for cars with problems.

Does CarMax Buy Cars With Transmission Problems?

Yes, CarMax can pay for cars with transmission problems. However, they may not necessarily be able to offer the best price for it. This is because they don’t specialize in vehicles that they can’t easily put back on their lots.

Instead, you should try to get an offer for your vehicle with transmission problems from a business that does specialize in damaged vehicles. DamagedCars has no problem paying the fair market price for a car with transmission issues. We include free towing with our offers, and can produce a quote in just 90 seconds. Plus, we’ll come to you in 24-48 hours after you accept our quote!

Will CarMax Buy A Nonrunning Car?

CarMax does take nonrunning cars, even if they do not prioritize nonrunning vehicles. However, it’s possible to get a better quote for your vehicle, as well as free towing and title transfer, with a service such as DamagedCars. We can make an offer for your vehicle in 90 seconds.

Does CarMax Buy Junk Cars?

Yes, CarMax can buy junk cars. However, for CarMax, damaged cars are typically more of an inconvenience than a valuable trade-in option. This is because they specialize in vehicles that they can easily put back on the lot.

There’s a better option than selling a junk car to CarMax: using DamagedCars. Junk cars are our specialty, and we’re happy to make offers for your car in any condition. It takes just 90 seconds to get a quote, and free towing is always included — we’ll come to you in 24-48 hours after you accept an offer, and you’ll get paid on the spot!

Does CarMax Pay Immediately When You Sell Your Car?

CarMax states that they provide same day payment in the form of a bank draft, which is a type of check. Bank drafts cannot be cashed — they must be deposited in an account.

Does Carvana Buy Cars With Mechanical Problems?

Carvana does purchase cars with mechanical problems. As an online platform that specializes in buying used cars, Carvana allows individuals to sell their vehicles regardless of their condition. They have a reputation for purchasing cars with mechanical issues and other problems. When you sell your car to Carvana, they will inspect the vehicle and provide an offer based on its condition. The offer may be adjusted if there are mechanical issues or other problems with the car, but they will still buy cars in various conditions.
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