Does CarMax Buy Cars With Problems?
Will CarMax accept your car with problems? Learn about what CarMax specializes in.
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Rudy Rodriguez
Automotive Expert
If you’ve got a vehicle with engine trouble, transmission issues, or even body damage, your first instinct might be to take it to a major buyer like CarMax. But does CarMax buy cars with problems or are they only interested in vehicles that run well and look sharp? The short answer: Yes, CarMax will buy some cars with mechanical or cosmetic problems. However, there are a few things to understand about their process and why DamagedCars.com might offer a faster, easier, and more profitable alternative.
What Types of Damaged Cars Will CarMax Buy?
- Cosmetic flaws like dents, scratches, or faded paint
- Minor mechanical issues
- High mileage or old age
However, CarMax does not specialize in seriously damaged or non-running cars. If your car won’t start, needs major repairs, or has structural damage, their offer (if they make one at all) is likely to be low.
If you’re trying to sell a car with issues, it’s worth checking whether the cost to tow it and bring it in for appraisal is even worth your time especially when alternatives like DamagedCars.com will come to you.
How Does the CarMax Appraisal Process Work?
Here’s a quick rundown:
- You schedule an appointment or walk in.
- A technician inspects your car inside and out.
- You receive an offer that’s valid for 7 days.
- You can accept the offer and sell on the spot.
The process is generally simple but keep in mind that the offer reflects the condition. If your car has warning lights, needs body work, or isn’t drivable, that will reduce the value significantly.
Does CarMax Buy Non-Running Cars?
CarMax may still make an offer on a non-running car, but only under certain circumstances and it depends heavily on your location and the severity of the issue.
In most cases, they require the vehicle to be brought to the store, meaning you’ll need to cover the cost of towing. If your car can’t move, this can be a hassle and an added expense.
Alternatives to CarMax: Why Choose DamagedCars.com
If CarMax isn’t giving you the number you hoped for or if your car is simply too far gone—you’re not out of options. DamagedCars.com specializes in buying broken, junk, and non-running vehicles.
Why consider DamagedCars.com over CarMax?
- We buy cars with major mechanical issues
- We provide free towing and come to you
- Our offers are based on real-time market data and condition
- We handle paperwork and title issues
There’s no need to bring the car anywhere or negotiate with a salesperson. Just tell us about your vehicle, get a guaranteed quote, and we’ll handle the rest.
How It Works With DamagedCars.com
- Enter your vehicle details online or over the phone.
- Receive an offer in less than 2 minutes.
- Schedule free pickup at your convenience.
- Get paid on the spot.
If you’re asking does CarMax buy cars with mechanical problems, the better question might be: Who’s actually offering you the best deal for it?
The Bottom Line
CarMax is a reliable and reputable company but it’s not always the best fit for cars with serious problems. If your vehicle is broken, non-functional, or too expensive to fix, you may get a lowball offer or no offer at all.
DamagedCars.com is built specifically for situations like this. We’ve helped thousands of drivers turn their problem cars into cash with no stress, no haggling, and no towing fees.
Thinking about selling your car with mechanical issues? Get a free offer from DamagedCars today and skip the uncertainty.
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About Author
Rudy Rodriguez
Automotive Expert
Rudy brings 9 years of industry expertise to the table. From decoding salvage market nuances to steering CarBrain’s insights.
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We Buy Less-Than-Perfect Cars In Your Area
Every Toyota Counts: We Buy Them All, No Exceptions, in Any Condition!
- Collision-Damaged
- Broken-Down
- Blown Engine
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- Mechanical Problems
- Salvage Cars
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does CarMax Buy Cars With Problems?
Yes — CarMax does buy damaged cars. In order to sell a vehicle to CarMax for cash, you typically have to bring the car in to get it appraised. That involves arranging for a tow truck that you will have to pay for yourself, which can cut into your potential profit for the vehicle.
Keep in mind that although you can sell a damaged car to CarMax, they specialize in vehicles that they can easily fix up and put back on the lot. That means you might get a better price for your car if you sell it elsewhere — like DamagedCars, which does specialize in paying for cars with problems.
Does CarMax Buy Cars With Transmission Problems?
Yes, CarMax can pay for cars with transmission problems. However, they may not necessarily be able to offer the best price for it. This is because they don’t specialize in vehicles that they can’t easily put back on their lots.
Instead, you should try to get an offer for your vehicle with transmission problems from a business that does specialize in damaged vehicles. DamagedCars has no problem paying the fair market price for a car with transmission issues. We include free towing with our offers, and can produce a quote in just 90 seconds. Plus, we’ll come to you in 24-48 hours after you accept our quote!
Will CarMax Buy A Nonrunning Car?
CarMax does take nonrunning cars, even if they do not prioritize nonrunning vehicles. However, it’s possible to get a better quote for your vehicle, as well as free towing and title transfer, with a service such as DamagedCars. We can make an offer for your vehicle in 90 seconds.
Does CarMax Buy Junk Cars?
Yes, CarMax can buy junk cars. However, for CarMax, damaged cars are typically more of an inconvenience than a valuable trade-in option. This is because they specialize in vehicles that they can easily put back on the lot.
There’s a better option than selling a junk car to CarMax: using DamagedCars. Junk cars are our specialty, and we’re happy to make offers for your car in any condition. It takes just 90 seconds to get a quote, and free towing is always included — we’ll come to you in 24-48 hours after you accept an offer, and you’ll get paid on the spot!
Does CarMax Pay Immediately When You Sell Your Car?
CarMax states that they provide same day payment in the form of a bank draft, which is a type of check. Bank drafts cannot be cashed — they must be deposited in an account.
Does Carvana Buy Cars With Mechanical Problems?
Carvana does purchase cars with mechanical problems. As an online platform that specializes in buying used cars, Carvana allows individuals to sell their vehicles regardless of their condition. They have a reputation for purchasing cars with mechanical issues and other problems. When you sell your car to Carvana, they will inspect the vehicle and provide an offer based on its condition. The offer may be adjusted if there are mechanical issues or other problems with the car, but they will still buy cars in various conditions.
Will carmax buy a car with a blown engine
Ever drive through your neighborhood and see a junk car just sitting in the yard? Or maybe that yard is yours and you’re wondering how to get rid of that pile of metal. While you may be holding onto that car for certain reasons, chances are it’s never going to be anything more than an eyesore in your lawn. Have you considered getting rid of that car and turning it into some cash?
When it comes to that broken-down car there are only a few options you can do including:
- Repair it
- Sell it online
- Trade it in
- Donate it to a charity
- Give it away to someone you know
Chances are, selling it is the only reasonable option. There are many places that will buy junk cars, but something many people find themselves wondering is does CarMax buy cars that don’t run. Simply put, yes, they do. However, there is some required documentation that’s needed before you can do that. This includes:
- The car title – The title must be present in order to sell to CarMax. If you don’t have one, you’ll have to go to the DMV to get one.
- Car Registration – You need the current vehicle registration as well, and it needs to be valid. This shows proof of ownership.
- ID – Your ID needs to be valid and for every person on the title, an ID needs to be present.
- Remote and Car Keys – Depending on what your car has, a remote or car keys, these all need to be present. Any duplicates that were made need to be handed over as well. If you don’t have keys or a remote the offer you receive is going to fluctuate some.
Does CarMax Buy Older Cars?
For cars that don’t run, while CarMax will buy it, don’t expect a large amount of cash for it. When selling a non-running car,it’s best to be realistic especially if it’s an older car. Non-running cars is huge when it comes to the offer price they give, so be sure to work with the appraiser when an offer is given to you.
CarMax offers are valid for 7 days, so if you find you aren’t happy with the offer you received feel free to cancel the transaction. CarMax will set its own price on used and non-running cars, so make sure you understand this going in. While CarMax will buy older cars and those with bad engines or that don’t run, it may not be the best option for you as any car they don’t make an offer on goes to an auction where you risk losing even more money.
Determining Factors
What goes into the offer CarMax pays you for your non-running or older car? There are a few factors and conditions including:
- Interior condition
- Exterior condition
- Condition of the overall car
- Accident history
- Mileage
While CarMax will state that small scuffs or scratches won’t have a huge impact on the offer, larger ones will take a hit. Other damage such as flood damage or damage to the frame takes a hit at the offer too. If the damage is to extreme CarMax will not take your car or make an offer.
Does Carmax Buy Cars With A Bad Engine?
If you’re wondering does CarMax buy cars that have bad engines, they will but the offer you get is lower than what you might get from other companies such as Junk That Car. Be honest with them upfront about all the issues your car has. Some have reported they still buy their car, but at a lower offer rate than a car in better condition.
Does CarMax Buy Cars With Over 100,000 Miles On Them?
Yes, CarMax will purchase your car if it has over one hundred thousand miles on it. However, the price they give you will be significantly less than if the car had lower mileage. As, CarMax does not tend to resell these vehicles.
Does CarMax Buy Broken Cars?
Yes, CarMax will purchase your car if it is broken. But, do not expect to get a big pile of cash for it. As the broken cars they purchase will more than likely be used for parts.
Does CarMax Buy Cars With Mechanical Problems?
If your car has mechanical problems such as a blown engine, head gasket, or it’s simply a clunker CarMax will purchase it. However, keep in mind these cars are not their target market. CarMax is typically looking for low mileage, clean cars that they can resell for at their lot with a warranty. A car with serious mechanical issues is not going to pass their streneous inspection process and will likely get sold for parts.
Does CarMax Buy Salvage Title Cars
Yes, however they won’t pay very much for it. Salvage cars will not be resold on a CarMax lot.
What About Junk That Car?
With other companies such as Junk That Car, you’ll find the process can be a lot easier for you making the whole process a lot more enjoyable and stress-free. Not only do they take cars of all models and years, they take cars that don’t run or might not be in the best shape.
While selling with CarMax requires you to get all the proper paperwork from the DMV, Junk That Car will take care of all that hard work for you leaving you with one less thing to do. You’ll love working with professionals who are licensed and bonded with the right insurance to be in the business.
Some people consider selling on Craigslist which can be dangerous and can lead to a bad deal. With a licensed company such as Junk That Car, you know you are working with professionals that are going to make you a reasonable offer with a trusted business rather than strangers.
Junk That Car has a soft spot for cars that perhaps have seen better days. Regardless of the condition of the car, we will buy your car even if it’s being towed into us. Have an older car or a car that has over 100,000 miles on it? Have no fear, we buy those cars too!
Junk That Car has worked with several people to get them the money they need and want for their old and non-running car. They take pride in being able to give you the most money for your car, and have worked with several people over the years.
Heavy Lifting Eliminated
Unlike with CarMax, Junk That Car takes out the hard work of getting the car to the dealer. With CarMax you’re responsible with getting the car to the dealer. We will schedule a pickup at a location you choose meaning no heavy lifting on your part. We take cars of all models and years, even older cars.
To get started, simply fill out our online form to get an instant offer based on your car. If you decide to sell us your car, we arrange a pickup time that’s convenient for you, and the best part is no towing expenses or fees are billed to you! We are a nationwide company meaning we can buy your car even if you are the next state over!
Get a Free Quote, Contact Us Now
Fill out the form below and we will give you a fast offer for your vehicle. We buy cars in any condition, running or not. The quote is INSTANT and we operate 7 days a week.
Will CarMax Buy a Car with a Blown Engine?
If your car’s engine has blown, you may be wondering if you can still sell it to CarMax. The answer is yes, CarMax will buy cars with blown engines, but the amount they offer you will be significantly less than what you would get for a car with a working engine.
How Much Will CarMax Offer for a Car with a Blown Engine?
The amount that CarMax offers for a car with a blown engine will vary depending on a number of factors, including the make, model, year, and mileage of the car. However, in general, you can expect to get somewhere between 25% and 50% of what you would get for a car with a working engine.
What if My Car Has Other Damage?
In addition to the blown engine, if your car has other damage, such as body damage or mechanical problems, this will also affect the amount that CarMax offers you. The more damage your car has, the less you can expect to get for it.
What if I Don’t Want to Sell My Car to CarMax?
If you don’t want to sell your car to CarMax, there are a few other options available to you. You can try selling your car privately, or you can trade it in at a dealership. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you will likely get less money for your car if it has a blown engine.
Conclusion
If your car’s engine has blown, you may be able to sell it to CarMax. However, the amount they offer you will be significantly less than what you would get for a car with a working engine. If you don’t want to sell your car to CarMax, there are a few other options available to you.
https://www.junkthatcar.com/blog/does-carmax-buy-cars-that-dont-run
https://nodsauto.com/will-carmax-buy-a-car-with-a-blown-engine-2/
