Some people’s turn-ons can be……well…er…a tad kinky. Most involve pain and suffering, and can include spanking, yelling, or subserviant roles. But as the saying goes “different strokes for different folks” and the majority of folks aren’t going to enjoy the agony to the extent that others may. I’m an example of one who enjoys the punishment. But before you get out your leather and straps on me, it may not be what you had in mind…..
Although it makes me personally glimmer; most people dread buying a car. On the list of experiences to avoid in life it’s typically up there with death or public speaking. There’s the intimidation, the fear, the domineering, and the dirty, “I really need a shower” reaction afterwards. It isn’t all that different from what goes on in dungeons across America.
This is where Carmax comes in. Taking a page out of the Saturn playbook- there’s no hassling, no haggling, and no intimidation. In a world full of car buying pressure- Carmax is like a bottle of Pepto Bismo. It’s one a stop shop with countless models for sale and a friendly, helpful staff.
But is Carmax really as good as it claims to be? After browsing a number of their lots- the simple answer is “no.”
It’s impossible to avoid a sales consultant upon arriving, as the lots are fully gated and the only way in is through the showroom. Standing at the doors, posed like Wal-Mart greeters, are the sales people. They are courteous and will go through a well-rehearsed monalogue about how none of the cars for sale have been in crashes or floods.
But the staff aren’t very knowledgable about the vehicles they sell (it’s hard to keep track of the countless models, but these people don’t even seem interested in cars) and are impossible to shake off. They may be low pressure, but are also low in familiarity and stick to their customers like molases. Inattentive customers can be easily steered toward a vehicle with poor reliability or doesn’t meet their needs by an equally unenlightened sales person.
Carmax guarantees a “low, no-haggle price” on every car they sell. There are no Kelley Blue Books, or pricing guides, for comparision on the lots. Customers take for granted that the prices really are low. But what if they aren’t?
Most vehicles on the lots are way over high Kelley Blue Book value. For example; the 2000 Chrysler 300M with 69k miles that you see here is presently for sale at a Los Angeles Carmax for $9998. In perfect condition, with no flaws, the car’s Blue Book maximum value is $6235- although $4735 is the price for a realistically good condition car. That’s a 160% increase over the highest value that the car should be worth!
Another case in point is a basic 200o Ford Focus that is presently at another Carmax in LA. With 70k miles, it’s no haggle price is $8599. Blue Book says that, even in pristine condition, the car is worth no more than $5370, but should be in the $3900 range. That’s a massive difference!
Finally, Carmax makes it sound like it’s doing a public service by buying your old car; whether you purchase from them or not. Sounds great doesn’t it? You get to unload your old, tired set of wheels without any of the trouble of selling the car. But there’s a catch; Carmax will only offer you the lowest Blue Book value.
Recently, Edmunds.com (an automotive information site, and one you should check out before buying any car) unloaded their 2008 Smart car to Carmax. They were given $8,000 for the car. Blue book was $12,500 and the car was for sale the next week for $14,000. It’s worth going through the hassles of selling the car yourself to pocket a few extra thousand dollars.
Is there a place in the world for Carmax? There is, and it really is a good place to go to if you hate the pressure of buying a car and know little about them. But, if you’re like most people and want a good car for less money, there may be some pleasure in being punished at the other dealers after all.
Really interesting post. I’ll visit more often.