Is it better to purchase a Used BMW thru a BMW dealer or CarMax

[azmiller1976]

Been looking for an 2023 or 2024 X5 Black Sapphire Metallic Extended Shadowline with a Trailer hitch forever, now I found one and its on CarMax I would prefer from a BMW dealer, how is this going to effect me if I decide to purchase the X5 from CarMa...

[jefe2000]

Speaking from personal experience — back in early 2022, I purchased my ‘18 M2 as the second owner from CarMax — there’ve been no issues. The local BMW service department works with the CarMax extended warranty, if you choose to take that route. Really, they don’t care whether I purchased from CarMax or anywhere else.

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by azmiller1976

I found one and its on CarMax I would prefer from a BMW dealer, how is this going to effect me if I decide to purchase the X5 from CarMa...

Single biggest difference - you can (and should!) arrange a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) on any used car you consider purchasing.
Most BMW dealers will cooperate.
CarMax never EVER cooperates with PPI arrangements. It's thier corporate policy.

Which is why I will never EVER buy a used car from CarMax.

YMMV,
a

[allinon72]

If you're looking for something real specific like that, you're going to find one where it pops up, and in this case you're going to pay Carmax what they're asking for it. Otherwise, check it out like you would any other used car purchase. I don't think a used purchase at a BMW dealership really offers anything beyond the ability to haggle in this case.

[azmiller1976]

Oh ok, thats good advice, it's pretty much how this is going, just wait until one pops up and go with it. I found one at Irvine BMW but they don't sell to out of state buyers, I was the first serious buyer before it even hit the shelf and offered full price of course, and they still didnt budge, just how they want to conduct their business so I can't argue with that. Thank you for the input I really do appreciate it!

[azmiller1976]

Oh ok good to know on the warranty end, every bit helps especially when it comes to warranties. Thanks!

[azmiller1976]

Regarding the pre-inspection - thats something, they are really a no "discuss" platform in a way, you either buy it or you don't, a bit of a roll of the dice but with the odds only favoring the house, nothing left to chance from their end. I will most definitely have a pre-inspection when finally finding the X5 without a doubt. Thanks for the input.

[jefe2000]

Indeed, CarMax doesn’t allow a PPI. Now, if you happen to get a PPI performed during the 24-hour test drive period (some CarMax stores offer this, others don’t) CarMax will probably be none-the-wiser. Otherwise, you have the option to purchase the car from them, get a PPI (post-purchase inspection, in this case), and then utilize the initial 30-day CarMax warranty or the 10-day money-back return guarantee, depending on what the PPI turns up.

[alex2364]

Originally Posted by afadeev

Single biggest difference - you can (and should!) arrange a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) on any used car you consider purchasing.
Most BMW dealers will cooperate.
CarMax never EVER cooperates with PPI arrangements. It's thier corporate policy.

Which is why I will never EVER buy a used car from CarMax.

YMMV,
a

So you’ve never heard of CarMax’s 10 day return policy? You can get a PPI afterwards and return it if you don’t like it.

[Saker_]

Originally Posted by alex2364

So you’ve never heard of CarMax’s 10 day return policy? You can get a PPI afterwards and return it if you don’t like it.

Not saying it’s a plus or minus, but it seems like a big hassle to do a PPI after and the return it.
Sound like a lot of paperwork to me!

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by alex2364

So you’ve never heard of CarMax’s 10 day return policy? You can get a PPI afterwards and return it if you don’t like it.

That does nothing to address the fundamental problem of CarMax creating institutional barriers to transparency. The whole purpose of PPI is to avoid problems before they arise, not test the willingness of the seller to accept returns AFTER problems are uncovered.

Never mind that most folks incur additional costs in travel and financing when buying a car, neither of which is eligible for 10 day returns.

a

[Janjohn]

We bought the 2010 5 series as a Certified PreOwned from our local BMW dealer. We also bought used BMW motorcycles, except for the first from other or our local BMW dealer. I have no CarMax experience.

Just speaking personally, but I’d look at CarMax for a RAV4 or a CRV, but BMW’s are a different “animal” and I don’t think CarMax offers expert advice during purchase.
Best Wishes on your purchase.

[Phillies8008]

Originally Posted by Saker_

Not saying it’s a plus or minus, but it seems like a big hassle to do a PPI after and the return it.
Sound like a lot of paperwork to me!

It's actually incredibly easy. I returned a car to them once and was out the door within 30 minutes, and most of that was waiting on their backoffice to do whatever it is they had to do. They took it back zero questions asked.

As for where to buy, six of one, half a dozen of the other. I think the only thing you may get from the dealership is more knowledge of the car and the option packages, but even that's iffy. I wouldn't count on anyone at CarMax knowing anything about the car outside of the obvious, but if you do some basic homework it shouldn't matter.

Obviously a small sample size, but I've bought five cars from CarMax over the years (not counting the one I returned) and haven't ever had any problems with them. The return had nothing to do with the car, per se – I just decided that I wanted to get something different and bought new rather than used. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again. Plus I really like the no-haggle experience; it may be a minus for some, but for someone like me who hates haggling, it's a real plus

FWIW, if you decide to buy an extended warranty, CarMax's is acknowledged to be one of the best out there. They don't give shops a hard time on claims and they allow you to take the car pretty much anywhere you want to, including the dealer. If I wanted a warranty on a particular car that'd be a point in CarMax's favor for me.

[azmiller1976]

Great information, that helps relieve any adverse thoughts I had then about going with Carmax, really helped, thank you so much really appreciate that insight!

[GOLFFRR]

I think the big thing is that it's still under factory warranty. Then if you are looking at keeping it looking into an ext BMW plan.

You can get a quote from the team if you are interested just make sure you know the vin, current miles, and the car is still under factory warranty. If it's out of BMW factory warranty then you would have to look into a third party plan. We only deal in BMW plans.

vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com any issues hearing back after 24hours just shoot me a PM on here and ill follow up asap.

[DanG]

The main difference is a BMW dealer can CPO the car and you get an additional year of warranty (5 instead of 4).

[ShocknAwe]

I don't buy cars from CarMax or similar chain used dealers. I've found them universally to be scummy in prior engagements. Would be better if they all went out of business.

Sounds like CarMax has changed their behavior honoring returns warranties etc but I don't give companies a second chance on poor customer service.

[bavarianboar]

No Carmax.
You can’t CPO it and sell it? Carmax doesn’t deal with cleaner cars, one or two may get luckier.
Keep it at Carmax don’t buy from them.


Just simply ….. Work with a dealer,

[MikeFromFL]

depends on what you prioritize. BMW dealer will have certified pre-owned with the extended warranty which is huge on these cars because repairs arent cheap. carmax gives you that 30 day return policy which is nice for peace of mind. either way dont skip the independent inspection. CPO doesnt mean the car is perfect, ive seen CPO cars with paint work the dealer missed. get it on a lift at an independent BMW shop and have them check for leaks, suspension play, and pull codes. the $200 for a PPI is nothing compared to a surprise $3k repair a month later

[azmiller1976]

That is good solid advice, and I am in the thick of things with 2 X5s both in Texas Im in Arizona, which I could find one here but there are hardly any X5s you have to go out of town to get the used ones. I have found on paper when reading what a dealer does once it is up for sale, looking at the CarFax details and there are alot of dealers who doing nothing to get them fixed up or update the maintenance on the new used sale, some not even oil, odd. You mentioned the PPI, is that something you would pay for to have the dealership service department do or is that hiring an independent European auto shop to perform, just asking because I have heard different takes on the PPI part. Thank you for the insight earlier and any tid bit on the PPI hire.

[azmiller1976]

That's pretty much how I am only attacking that perk, because I am not seeing a consistent role played out by the dealership in conducting any additional maintenance on an X5, some change the oil, some don't and it needs it. Some change tires and water pump, I will say the California BMW dealerships like Irvine, Sterling and Bob Smith are some of the best that do the extra for the used vehicle before it is released to the public for sale. Thank you for your input much appreciated!

[Phillies8008]

Originally Posted by azmiller1976

That is good solid advice, and I am in the thick of things with 2 X5s both in Texas Im in Arizona, which I could find one here but there are hardly any X5s you have to go out of town to get the used ones. I have found on paper when reading what a dealer does once it is up for sale, looking at the CarFax details and there are alot of dealers who doing nothing to get them fixed up or update the maintenance on the new used sale, some not even oil, odd. You mentioned the PPI, is that something you would pay for to have the dealership service department do or is that hiring an independent European auto shop to perform, just asking because I have heard different takes on the PPI part. Thank you for the insight earlier and any tid bit on the PPI hire.

Do not get the PPI done at the dealer – they have every reason to pass it and might ignore oil weeping, etc. You want a third party that's not invested in the sale.