Sell My Car to CarMax: A Step-by-Step Guide

Carmax makes billions buying cars from Peter and selling them to Paul.

Despite the big name brand and mega store of industry analysts paid to pour over the mathematical minutia of this publicly-traded used car cash-cow, let’s not overlook the simple truth behind the business of CarMax: billions are made by carmax buying cars from you then selling them to someone else for big profits, and that’s money you could see more of when you’re ready to beat a CarMax offer.

However, if you’re looking to get an initial Carmax appraisal or looking at a one shot process to sell your car regardless of price and wondering, “How can I sell my car to CarMax?”, you’re in the right place. As the largest retailer of used cars in the United States, CarMax offers a convenient and hassle-free way to sell your vehicle. In this article, we’ll outline the steps you need to take to sell your car to CarMax.

  1. Determine the value of your car.

Before you can sell your car to CarMax, it’s important to have a good idea of its value. You can use online tools like Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides to get an idea of what your car is worth. Keep in mind that the value of your car will depend on factors such as its make, model, age, and condition.

  1. Gather all necessary documents.

To sell your car to CarMax, you’ll need to provide a few documents. These may include:

  • The title to your car. This should be in your name and should be free of any liens.
  • A valid driver’s license.
  • Any maintenance records you have for your car.
  • A list of any aftermarket additions or modifications you’ve made to your car.
  1. Make any necessary repairs.

Before you sell your car to CarMax, you’ll want to make sure it’s in the best possible condition. This means taking care of any necessary repairs, such as replacing worn tires or fixing any mechanical issues. Keep in mind that CarMax has strict standards for the condition of the cars they accept, so it’s important to make sure your car meets these standards.

  1. Clean your car.

A clean car is a more attractive car, and it can help you get a better price when you sell it. Take some time to thoroughly clean your car inside and out, paying special attention to the windows, wheels, and upholstery.

  1. Gather any additional items you want to include with the sale.

If you have any additional items that you’d like to include with the sale of your car, now is the time to gather them up. These might include spare keys, owner’s manuals, or any other items that came with the car.

  1. Bring your car to a CarMax location.

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documents and prepared your car for sale, it’s time to bring it to a CarMax location. You can find a CarMax near you by using their online store locator tool.

  1. Meet with a CarMax appraiser.

When you arrive at CarMax, you’ll meet with an appraiser who will assess your car and determine its value. The appraiser will consider factors such as the condition of your car, its age, and its features. They may also test drive your car to get a better sense of its performance.

  1. Review and accept the offer.

Once the appraiser has completed their assessment, they will provide you with an offer for your car. Take some time to review the offer carefully and consider whether it’s a fair price. If you decide to accept the offer, you’ll sign a sales agreement and receive payment for your car.

  1. Transfer the title and complete any necessary paperwork.

Once you’ve accepted the offer and received payment for your car, you’ll need to transfer the title to CarMax. This typically involves signing the title over to CarMax and completing any necessary