CarMax is often praised for offering top dollar for vehicle trade-ins. However, a car seller who goes by LongHairCarGuy (@longhaircarguy) on TikTok says that this isn’t always the case. In a recent post he shared online, he recounted a story about a customer who learned the hard way that CarMax's online appraisals aren’t always honored once reps inspect the car in person.
Nissan Driver Brings CarMax Appraisal To Trade For New Hyundai
"I had a customer come in and they were offering me a CarMax trade-in value, and they wanted me to match that offer," the man begins. "It all worked out. They ended up purchasing the car from us. That being said, what happened was … he was trading in his Nissan Pathfinder for a new Hyundai. Now, he came in and said, 'Hey I’ve gotten this offer from CarMax and, you know, if you match it or do better, I’ll purchase it [the Hyundai] right now.'"
He says he then asked the customer whether the CarMax appraisal was sight-unseen or the car had actually been inspected. As it turns out, it was the former. He says the customer assured him the online appraisal would be honored.
"I completely understand. You know, the problem with that is they say that, and when you get there, they end up decreasing the value they’re gonna give you for your vehicle," he says he told the customer.
