That video is exhibit A why you don't buy from Carmax and why you don't buy used Mercedes or BMW's.

And those repairs are very realistic for that car. At that mileage point you can expect the torn CV boot, tranny failure and assortment of inside accessories that no longer work. Go to their forums, it's all you'll find (and those people are proud of it). BMW? Same thing. Audi? Once saw a guy list all of his $22,000 dollars of out of pocket repairs - not maintenance - but unexpected repairs. And people still talk badly about the LS460?? Honestly I'm approaching 170,000 miles and the car has been more reliable than a Honda Accord I owned since new (and absolutely babied).

Suprised carmax even offered him that much, what they'll do is replace the three tires...or maybe two, throw a set of pads on it, detail it, clear the transmission code, cross their fingers and sell that thing for $22,000 grand. Doesn't matter what the "book value" calls for, makes no doffeeence to them. They'll walk away with maybe $13,000 in profits...hope that tranny light doesn't come back on, and when it does? They'll jerk the guy around before maybe, just maybe paying part of that tranny repair. And they'll still find themselves with a $10,000 plus profit. As for that CV boot? They'll clean the grease off right around it...make it look like it never was leaking, no one will know. The cracked screen? Hey it's a used car. The windshield? They'll replace it with something cheap from their glass company. The bad rims?? They'll balance them and call it a day. And then on to the next one.

 

$25k?? Damn! I'd be in the 2011 range for that kind of money. I love my 08 but I'd take a higher mileage 11 over it anyday... I'm sure most people would. Sounds like you need to do a lot more shopping to find the right one.

 

I'd say that $25k for an 08 is pricey. I have an 08 with ML and a bit over 3 years ago I paid $27K out the door. Keep looking or I could sell you mine, lol.