LEX900

Sorry meant Carmax.

I'm trying to sell my 2008 a6, so I can get into a 4GS, but these dealers are offering me almost 5K less than KBB! I don't want to lose out on the equity I have in my Audi so I'm going to give this Carmax a shot and sell to them. I hear they give decent offers.

jj14

I have sold one of my cars at carmax a few years ago - pretty straightforward process. Go over with your car, keys, title etc. They enter the info into their computer, and then inspect/test-drive your car. Get back to the computer, enter their findings, and the computer spits out a number. Really no negotiating on that amount.

(Note: you get no extra amount for ANY aftermarket add-ons - so if you upgraded the CD player to a high end, you will get nothing extra for that)

I believe that offer is valid for up to 7 days from that date (assuming you don't add any dings to it, and don't add "an unreasonable" amount of miles onto the odo)

If you decide to take their offer, they give you a cashier's check - but that check will NOT clear right away - takes about 7-10 days. (at least that it how it was a few years ago - I assume that hasn't changed).

In my case, their offer was close to KBB/Edmunds value. (better than the dealer).
However, when I recently traded in my ES to get my new GS, Carmax gave me the same offer as the dealership. I traded it into the dealership instead because that way, I paid less sales tax (TX allows the traded in car's value to be deducted from new car's value)

Liferules

On my A6 they gave me top offer which I then took to the dealership to match. Overall about $2000 above my KBB calculations.

gyung

iTrader: (1)

From the couple people I heard used Carmax, the pricing was ok-fair. Obviously you save a huge headache vs selling private or getting low-balled by a stealership.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

if you don't care about selling private, carmax is probably the next best thing. they give better pricing than dealership most of the time. selling private probably will get you the best price, but you will have to deal with all the random people checking / testing the car, and then all the lowballers and negotiations

SoKali-RX

iTrader: (4)

From people that I know, friends and relatives, carmax always gave the best prices, smooth and fast transaction

LEX900

Thanks all. Really helpful.

kssod

Also remember that the tax is calculated on the net purchase price, that can be a significant savings, and in my past experience usually equals out to the difference between a private party sale and trade value.
Also try Autotrader, they have a trade calculator and a list of dealers that may accept. Ran my RL through it and it seemed in the ballpark.

jtrue28

My dealership gave me a trade-in value of $39K for my 2011 GS350 AWD with only 7,500 miles the Friday before the Super Bowl. I went over to Carmax that same day....full disclosure with them that I was not buying anything from them and wanted to see if they would beat my dealer's price. They didn't do the full inspection/test drive/7-day guarantee, but more or less told me that they "probably" wouldn't be able to beat that price. My experience with them was good...they were up front and honest and didn't waste my time. It doesn't hurt to try...you have 7 days to accept their offer....

bumski667

i took my 2007 ls460l to carmax and a nearby lexus dealer and they both came out to be the same appraisal amount. Both far less than KBB.

M K S

I had a similar experience. I've taken two of my previous cars in and both of their appraisal's were FAR less than what I was expecting.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

you realize kbb pricing can be quite off for a lot of cars right? getting anything close to kbb is a dream on a lot of cars

gyung

iTrader: (1)

The part I would dread the most would be the actual exchange of $$$ unless they happen to use the same bank as me... otherwise I'm paranoid lol

(When selling private party)

LexusNN

iTrader: (5)

Its hard to get KBB for your car because they have to re sell it. Accidents, scratches, need for tires, wear and tear all affect it. Carmax usually gives you more money but it depends on the car.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

you worry a check that's printed and handed over to you at carmax?