Which is Better for Selling the Car?
Between CarMax and AutoNation, CarMax is a better option for selling your car. First, it accepts cars in almost any condition—even junk.
Compared to the check payment, which AutoNation offers, payment by bank draft is more convenient. CarMax will pay you by bank draft, meaning you won’t have to visit the bank to cash out your money.
Finally, based on the customer reviews on reputable review sites like Trustpilot and BBB, CarMax is a more reliable company than AutoNation. CarMax customers praised the ease of transactions, while AutoNation’s customers reported the company’s policies as unreliable.
Best for Older & Damaged Cars
Buys used, damaged or junk cars
Free tow and no hidden fees
Pays by ACH trasfer or check
Top Pick for Junk Cars
Free, no-obligation cash offers
Offers free paperwork service
Pays on the spot upon pick up
Highly Rated by Customers
Excellent customer service ratings
Honors guaranteed offer for 7 days
Can pick up a car within 48 hours
Great for Low-Mileage Cars
Gives a real offer in 2 minutes
100% hassle-free online process
Free car’s Value Tracker available
CarMax vs. AutoNation Comparison
| Company | CarMax | AutoNation |
|---|---|---|
| Logo | 
| 
|
| Cars accepted | Cars in most conditions with exceptions | Used cars in good condition |
| Fees | $0 | $0 |
| Requesting quotes | Online application | Online application |
| Offer validity | 7 days | 7 days or up to 500 additional miles |
| Payments offered | Bank draft | Check |
| Payout | Up to 48 hours | Same day |
| Car pick-up | Drop-off and pick-up service in selected areas | Drop-off |
| Physical locations | 240 CarMax locations nationwide | 300+ AutoNation locations nationwide |
| Turnaround time | Up to 48 hours | 24 hours |
| Customer service | Social media, online form, or hotline | Live chat and phone |
| Reviews | 1.6 | 2.2 |
Cars Accepted
CarMax accepts any type of car in almost any condition. The company buys cars even if they have “check engine light” on or have engine issues. CarMax also buys junk cars.
While requirements may vary from state to state, you’ll need to prepare the following paperwork to sell your car to CarMax:
- Title or payoff details
- Valid and current registrations
- Valid IDs of title holders, who should be present during the sale
- Keys and remotes
However, be aware that CarMax will inspect your car thoroughly and check its history reports when you bring it to its outlet. It won’t accept a car with frame damage, flood damage, or salvage history.
Meanwhile, AutoNation accepts used cars that are in good condition.
Fees
Neither CarMax nor AutoNation charges you any fees. It’s free to request a quote and get your car inspected.
Requesting Quotes
To request a quote from either CarMax or AutoNation, you’ll need to submit an online application. Application forms consist of questions to determine the details of your car. You’ll need to provide your car’s:
- Make and model
- Age
- Mileage
- Current condition
Once you submit an online form, CarMax will give you an instant quote in under 2 minutes. AutoNation will generate the offer within 30 minutes.
Offer Validity
CarMax’s offer is valid for 7 days. AutoNation’s offer is valid for up to 7 days or 500 additional miles. This time is enough to shop around for potentially better deals for your car.
Payments Offered
CarMax offers payment by bank draft. Meanwhile, AutoNation will pay you by check.
Payout
CarMax issues a bank draft immediately when you sell your car. But the bank may take up to 48 hours to clear the transaction.
AutoNation will hand you a check payment on the spot as well. However, you’ll need to visit the bank to cash out your money.
Car Pick-up
AutoNation doesn’t offer a pick-up service – you’ll need to drop your car off at any of its locations nationwide.
On the other hand, CarMax offers free pick-up services in selected stores. But note that you’ll need to be located within 30 miles of eligible stores. If your location isn’t eligible for pick-ups, you’ll need to drop your car off at the nearest store.
Physical Locations
CarMax has 240 physical locations nationwide. AutoNation is present in 300+ locations nationwide. This allows you to drop off your car at the nearest location in your area.
Turnaround Time
Overall, it takes up to 48 hours to sell your car to CarMax and 24 hours to sell it to AutoNation.
Customer Service
Both CarMax and AutoNation offer multiple channels to contact their customer service teams.
You can contact CarMax’s customer service team by:
- Phone: 800-519-1511
- Contact form
- Social media: Facebook and Twitter
You can contact AutoNation customer service by:
- Live chat
- Phone at (877) 253-4239
Reviews
| Company | CarMax | AutoNation |
|---|---|---|
| Logo |
|
|
| Trustpilot | 1.6 | 2.2 |
| Better Business Bureau | 1.15 | 1.09 |
Negative reviews about CarMax come from customers who have bought cars from the dealership. They complained that they bought faulty cars from the dealership without knowing they were faulty in the first place. This can be easily avoided by inspecting a car before buying it. Meanwhile, happy customers praise CarMax for its ease of transactions and excellent customer service.
Unhappy customers report that AutoNation has some hidden fees sneaking in here and there. This took out more from customers’ offers than they negotiated in the beginning. Some people also complained that the selling process went smoothly because the salespeople sweet-talked to them.
To sum up the reviews, people found AutoNation’s policies untrustworthy and manipulative. The only way to get the price the company offered in the beginning is to provide accurate information about your car and ask if there are any fees they’d charge in the process.