CarMax

• Basic Warranty Features
• Powertrain Warranty
• Other Features
• Time in Business

Basic Warranty Features

CarMax MaxCare extended warranty covers the pre-owned car's cooling, electronics and electrical systems, front suspension, steering, front and rear wheel drive (all-wheel drive), air conditioning system, assemblies and controls and the interior of the vehicle.

Excluded are aftermarket accessories (entertainment consoles, GPS, radar detectors, satellite radio, CB radios) which were installed by the owner after purchase as well as oil change, tune-ups, and other maintenance visits. Tires, headlights, interior bulbs, and brakes are not included in the MaxCare extended warranty.

Powertrain Warranty

The MaxCare auto warranty covers both the car's engine and transmission against defects. There is a deductible for each repair, usually between $50 and $100.

Some pre-owned cars may still have its initial manufacturer's powertrain warranty, depending on the age of the vehicle and its mileage. CarMax MaxCare coverage is supplemental to any to this warranty and may cover repairs which are not included in the original warranty.

Other Features

CarMax MaxCare, an optional add-on feature to any extended warranty, which includes several benefits that are designed to decrease the inconvenience when one's car needs repairs.

All CarMax MaxCare service plans include nationwide coverage, which ensure that cars are covered in all 50 states no matter where the car was originally purchased. Should one experience a breakdown and need to be towed, up to $100 of towing expenses is eligible for reimbursement to get the vehicle to an approved service center or service department for any necessary repair.

MaxCare includes car rental reimbursement for up to seven days at $40 per day for repairs which require the vehicle to be in the service center or repair shop overnight.

Courtesy same-day transportation or a loaner car(s) are not available during the repair.

If you buy a car from CarMax, it is eligible for coverage. Some vehicles which are purchased from CarMax are covered by the original manufacturer's factory warranty. MaxCare enhances the coverage, rather than replacing it.

If accessories or upgrades are purchased with the vehicle from CarMax, these are included in the MaxCare Service Plan.

Should buyers change their mind about their MaxCare warranty coverage, they can cancel their coverage and receive a prorated refund for the remainder of their service contract. The company charges a $30 administration fee for all cancellations.

Additionally, any accessories or upgrades issued and installed by CarMax are covered by the MaxCare extended service plan. CarMax offers customers the option to include the additional costs in most financing plans. Buyers have the option to make these upgrades to a CarMax vehicle:

• Leather Upgrades
• Bluetooth
• Remote Start
• In-Dash Navigation
• Mobile Video
• Obstacle Avoidance
• Anti-theft systems
• Lojack Theft Recovery

Time in Business

CarMax was originally founded in 1993. While CarMax does not have as many years in business as many car companies, it has grown at an incredible rate and is one of the largest car dealers of certified pre-owned cars in the United States. CarMax used cars are all CarMax certified, which means that there is no flood or frame damage and no salvage history.

• Warranty Cost
• Exclusions
• Basic Warranty Length

Warranty Cost

The MaxCare extended warranty cost is not disclosed by CarMax until a potential buyer is in the process of buying a car. The service contract can be purchased upfront with a full payment or financed into the loan and paid with monthly installments.

Those buying a MaxCare service contract select the cost of the deductible. All deductibles are paid per visit, not per repair. Should additional visits to an authorized service center be necessary for the same issue, the deductible is only paid once for the warranty repairs.

Exclusions

An extended warranty does not cover every car repair, and this is the case for CarMax warranties. While there is some variability in exclusions depending on the service contract, most warranties do not cover repairs or part replacements due to normal wear and tear.

Extended warranties typically also do not cover repairs from accidents or off-roading. Additionally, if damage was caused by a failure to ensure proper vehicle maintenance, like a regular oil change, most warranty providers will deny the warranty claim.

Car owners must ensure that their vehicle receives routine maintenance on a regular basis to ensure they are not voiding their car warranty.

CarMax helps make this easy for its clients. It has service centers that offer maintenance services and repairs. These are located throughout the United States. Customers who bought their car from CarMax can enjoy some perks by taking their cars to these centers for any needed repair and maintenance.

Basic Warranty Length

CarMax also does not disclose the lengths of service contracts which are available for MaxCare online.

The absence of this information is significant, as it places the buyer in the position of not being able to compare without investing significant time into the car-buying process, and potentially arriving at the last steps of the purchase process before being given this information.