On August 29, I purchased a 99 Chevy Prizm from CarMax. I was told when I made the purchase that the extended warranty would cover repairs to my air conditioning. Having done without an air conditioner for two years in Atlanta, GA, this was a major factor in purchasing another car. Have you ever been in stop and go traffic on the interstate for 1-2 hours because of and accident with a/c in 90 degree humid weather? This was my first car purchase with my own money, and I assumed that CarMax would be more reputable than other used car dealers.
I was wrong.in February, there were some typical warm days, and I notice that the air conditioning wasn't working. I wasn't concerned, because I thought that if anything major was wrong, then I was covered. I made an appointment in late March for March 25. I had an accident on March 23rd, the night after I made the appointment. My frame was bent, and the front bumper needed replaced. It took two weeks to get my car back. I made a second appointment to have my air conditioning fixed using my CarMax warranty. Note that the air conditioning was not working before my wreck and therefore was not caused by the wreck.
The technicians at the Town Center store found the problem: a leak in the middle of my air condensor. Because it was found in the middle, it was not considered a defect and thus not covered under the warranty. They suggested that I try to see if my comprehensive insurance would cover this repair. I find this ridiculous. My insurance company is working with my on this, althought I am still not sure if it is covered because the adjustor has to find proof that a collision caused this damage. (Note that this a 'a collision' and not the wreck I describe previously. The a/c was not clearly damaged as a result of my wreck because is was not working before the wreck.) If my insurance doesn't cover this, then I am stuck paying about $1000 to have a working a/c. Possibly my wonderful father may be able to fix it for cheaper, but he should not have to go to this trouble.
I also do not understand why air condensor are made to be so vulnerable to damage of this kind. The air condesor sits just behind the grill of a car. I have noticed some cars have better protection than others. If a car is built in such a way that this damage can so easily occur, then I would consider that a mechanical defect. Therefore, it should be covered under my extended warranty.
Finally, when the warranty was sold to me, I was not told that my a/c would not be covered because of unusual wear and tear. While this can be inferred from the agreement, it is not said explicitly in the agreement. It is mentioned in a general sentence that states anything that is a result of a collision, fire, natural cause, etc. Is not covered. This clause is found only in the warranty paperwork and not the brochure that CarMax hands out to customers. You will also not find this clause on their website.
I asked if the a/c was covered, and I was told yes. I naively assumed that anything major would be covered. I paid $1500 for the extended warranty. This investment was very unwise.
CarMax does not explain the terms of the extended warranty clearly until there is a problem that needs to be fixed. I am very dissatisfied with the quality of CarMax products and services. I cannot in good faith purchase another CarMax vehicle or recommend other people to do so.
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