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How to Sell?

AutoBuy vs. CarMax Offer in 2024

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Written by: Michael Becker
Last Updated:

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Which is Better for Selling the Car?


Between AUTOBUY and CarMax, AUTOBUY is a better option to sell your car to.

First, the company offers two ways to request a quote: online and over the phone. The phone option is great if you prefer to talk to a human instead of filling out the online form.

Moreover, AUTOBUY lets you choose how you want to be paid. It can pay you by check or give you instant cash. Meanwhile, CarMax offers only a bank draft.

One of the most convenient things about AUTOBUY is that it will pick up your car from your driveway at no additional cost. In contrast, CarMax also offers a pick-up service, but to be eligible for the service, you’ll need to be within 30 miles of selected stores that offer free pick-ups.

AUTOBUY Summary

  • You describe your car’s condition to an actual person, not AI
  • You can talk to customer service easily
  • It can help you save on sales taxes
  • The selling is pretty straightforward

CarMax Summary

  • Instant online offer in under 2 minutes
  • Online offer is valid for up to 7 days
  • 2 options for selling – online or in-store
  • Get paid within 30 minutes on the spot

AUTOBUY vs. CarMax Comparison


CompanyAUTOBUYCarMax
Logo autobuy logo carmax logo
Cars acceptedUsed, damaged, or brokenCars in most conditions with exceptions
Fees$0$0
Requesting quotesOnline application or over the phoneOnline application
Offer validity5 days7 days
Payments offeredCash or checkBank draft
PayoutImmediatelyUp to 48 hours
Car pick-upPick-upDrop-off and pick-up service in selected areas
Physical locations16 locations nationwide240 CarMax locations nationwide
Turnaround time24-48 hoursUp to 48 hours
Customer servicePhone, email, online formSocial media, online form, or hotline
Reviews4.91.6

Consider Best Alternatives


Best for Older & Damaged Cars

Peddle logo

Buys used, damaged or junk cars

Free tow and no hidden fees

Pays by ACH trasfer or check

Top Pick for Junk Cars

Wheelzy logo

Free, no-obligation cash offers

Offers free paperwork service

Pays on the spot upon pick up

Highly Rated by Customers

CarBrain logo

Excellent customer service ratings

Honors guaranteed offer for 7 days

Can pick up a car within 48 hours

Great for Low-Mileage Cars

Carvana logo

Gives a real offer in 2 minutes

100% hassle-free online process

Free car’s Value Tracker available

Cars Accepted


AUTOBUY accepts any cars like Peddle, whether they’re slightly used, damaged, or broken. 

Meanwhile, CarMax accepts cars in almost any condition with some limitations. CarMax will buy your car even if it has a “check engine light” on or any engine issues. It will also accept a junk car.

When you decide to sell your car to CarMax, you’ll be required to prepare the following paperwork:

  • Valid IDs of title holders, who should be present during the sale
  • Valid and current registrations
  • Title or payoff details
  • Keys and remotes

Be aware that CarMax will perform a thorough inspection and check your car history reports. It won’t buy a car if it turns out to have flood damage, frame damage, or salvage history.

Fees


AUTOBUY and CarMax don’t charge fees. Requesting a quote and getting your car inspected are free, and both companies offer free pick-up services.

Requesting Quotes


Both AUTOBUY and CarMax let you request a quote using an online form. You’ll need to provide information about your car, such as your car’s make and model, age, mileage, and current condition.

Additionally, if you prefer to talk to a person instead of filling out the form, AUTOBUY lets you request a quote over the phone (888-203-2131).

Offer Validity


AUTOBUY’s offer is valid for 5 days, while CarMax’s offer is good for 7 days. During this time, you can request quotes from other companies as well to accept the best deal for your car.

Payments Offered


AUTOBUY will give you either instant cash or check payment upon picking up your car. CarMax will issue a bank draft.

Payout


Both AUTOBUY and CarMax pay you on the spot. If you accept instant cash from AUTOBUY, you’ll obviously have the cash right away. If you opt for check payment, you’ll need to visit the bank to cash out your money.

Meanwhile, the bank may take up to 48 hours to clear the bank draft from CarMax.

Car Pick-up


AUTOBUY will pick up your car right from your driveway with no exceptions. Meanwhile, CarMax only offers free pick-up services if you’re located within 30 miles of selected stores. If you’re not eligible for the pick-up service, you can drop your car off at one of its 240 locations nationwide.

Physical Locations


While AUTOBUY picks up the cars itself and doesn’t require you to visit them, its physical locations are limited to 16. CarMax has 240 physical locations nationwide, so you can drop your car off at the nearest outlet.

Turnaround Time


Overall, it takes 24 to 48 hours to sell your car to AUTOBUY and up to 48 hours to sell it to CarMax.

Customer Service


AUTOBUY and CarMax offer multiple channels for you to contact their customer service teams when you have any inquiries.

You can contact AUTOBUY customer service by:

  • Phone: 888-203-2131
  • Email: vanessa@wepaythemax.com
  • Contact form

You can contact CarMax customer service by:

Reviews


CompanyAUTOBUYCarMax
Logo autobuy logo carmax logo
Trustpilot4.91.6
Better Business Bureau21.15

Most customers who sold their cars to AUTOBUY are happy with its services. They praised the following:

  • Efficient and convenient process of selling cars
  • Reliable and helpful customer service
  • Competitive prices offered

As for complaints, some AUTOBUY users reported inconsistencies and errors the company made in appraisals. However, you can make sure you get a fair offer by getting your car appraised by multiple car-buying companies. This way, you can accept the highest offer to get the most out of your sale.

Happy users praise CarMax for providing an easy way to sell a car and for high-quality customer service. On the other hand, negative reviews come from people who bought cars from CarMax outlets. They reported that the cars they bought turned out to be faulty. But it can be fixed by simply inspecting the car before buying it from the dealership.

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Michael Becker

Dollarbreak

About the author:

Michael Becker is a car enthusiast and expert who has been working in the automotive industry for over 15 years. He started his career as a salesperson at a local dealership, where he learned the ins and outs of the car market. Then he moved on to flipping cars for a profit.

Michael has also helped many of his relatives and friends to sell their cars, using his knowledge and skills to get them the best deals. He will guide you through the process and help you avoid the common pitfalls.

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