I purchased a 2000 Mazda Protege ES from the CarMax Auto Superstore in Duarte, California in June. I test drove the car, examined it and to the novice car buyer it appeared to be in great condition.
I was told by the sales agent that it had undergone a rigorous multi-point inspection, and there were signs all over the showroom advertising accident-free, quality-assured vehicles.
Just a few days after I had purchased the car, the engine light started flashing, and the car started making strange noises. I called CarMax and they told me to bring the car back to the dealership which was 40 miles away.
After leaving the car there overnight, I went back to pick it up. As I drove the vehicle away, the same strange noise occurred. Again, I called CarMax. I went back. Two days later, the door locks stopped working and the car start jolting violently. I took it back. I picked it up. Same thing over and over.
Finally, I started taking the car to non-CarMax mechanics. I was told by two seperate mechanics that my car's engine had several obvious signs of damage and improper care. These two seperate mechanics told me I had been sold a lemon, and that any mechanic doing an inspection could see that.
In the end, it cost me days of missed work and school and money on gas driving 40 miles each way, plus hours on the phone with the rude and oblivious CarMax customer service line.
Do not buy from CarMax. You would get the same result buying from Joe Schmoe on the street corner. I know used car buying is risky, but CarMax should not be advertising their multi-point inspections. It's false advertising. Buyers beware of CarMax!
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