Carmax ripoff NASHVILLE Tennessee

Unfortunately the 125 point inspection or the 924 point inspection or the total car inspection that car resellers advertise seems to be nothing more than a marketting gimmick. They prob do fix a few things that have truly serious issues but mostly it is just a quick look to make sure there is enough air in the tires and oil in the motor. I think it is designed to build confidence in the average consumer who knows NOTHING about proper vehicle maintenance, identifying problems, and picking a good car from a bad car.

The average motorist would do WELL to learn these skills. I'm self taught. Over the years I have learned to buy FACTORY repair manuals (not Haynes, not Chiltons), some decent tools, and spent some time on the internet researching repairs. You too could totally equip yourself for the price of 1 or 2 big repairs and internet access. I saved us maybe $1000 last year on vehicle repairs because I do all my own repairs, all my own maintenance. My real cost was a few Saturdays and $300 for 20K miles driven in two cars. And that includes righting a neglected used VW Cabrio we bought in July. Needed a few plastic things replaced, a gasket, a tuneup, and other minor things.

FOR SURE no matter who I bought a car from I would get permission to drive it to YOUR mechanic. I would also not spend $10K+ on a vehicle - especially used - without driving it about 30 minutes at a variety of speeds - all legal of course. Some problems won't appear until the engine, oil, tranny and electronics are good and hot. A quick trip around the corner proves nothing. A warm vehicle can be much different than a hot vehicle. When it's hot a worn engine will rattle, trannies will slip or fail to shift, valves will leak causing rough idling, and the engine will smoke. When it is merely warm, the engine may act like a factory fresh example. A longer test drive will prove the health of the suspension and tires.

THEIR mechanic has a vested interest in their job and the happiness of their boss. YOUR mechanic wants YOUR business so if you have carefully developed a business relationship with a private mechanic then you'll be in good shape. Take you car to the same person (not some franchise where the management and mechanics turn over every 6 months or a year) and show him that you rely on him like you would a doctor. Would you go toa random doctor for your kids' health?

You may have to ask around at work/church/social clubs to find a good one. Ask friends who keep their cars longer than 2 years. Ask friends with clean/shiny/well cared for cars. Others may own a car but a picky friend cares for their car.

This mechanic might not be cheap (as cheap as the franchise places). You might have to try several to find the "right" one. Our small town here has 3 dozen I wouldn't let change the oil in my lawnmower let alone my $15K vehicle but there are 3-4 I would recommend! Find a mechanic who researches and tests for problems ratehr than one that just installs new parts to see if the problem goes away. Look for a certified mechanic. He/she has education to backup their experience.

You can fix a car, and you can fix a car RIGHT. Anytime I see a car which has had $10K of repairs I see a car with a mechanic who is just throwing parts at an unknown problem and an owner who just keeps paying the bill while declaring their car and it's mother company are the worst on the planet. Uneducated owner, uneducated mechanic. Neither understands the problem. Sometimes it is the car design or car quality. Sometimes it is a driver who slams doors hard, runs a cold engine hard, and drives the vehicle like it is a Maserati instead of a mini-van. Sometimes it is a car that spends it's "life" either running hard around town and parked at the curb where it is exposed to the year's worst weather, salt, road spray, and basically neglected. Alot of electrical problems (and thus tranny and engine and HVAC) are caused not by defective parts but corroded connections.

Tranny: start researching the web. Yes CarMax might ought to have fixed the tranny for you. They aren't. So check the web and see if other people have had tranny problems with your car at similar mileages. If so, maybe there is a "secret" recall. Happens often. Dealer (of the make of vehicle in question, not CarMax) might react in your favor if you take a copy of the web info to them. Askf or help. Maybe there is a regular recall and you just didn't know. Maybe it is a cheap fix - a dead solenoid or loose connector. If they won't give you any help you decide if you want to force the issue with this dealer or look for another more aggreeable dealer. Ask your private mechanic about the problem. Maybe he can fix it for $150 or some other cheap price because the problem is a minor one. Maybe it is a corroded connection! ($20 fix).

If that doesn't work mCake it clear that you are going to raise a noisy stink (call the TV, talk radio, BBB, your lawyer, etc.) Explain how this car was cared for and has all it's records and 30K is a ridiculous low mileage for a tranny to fail. Cover your backside. Be sure that when the manager lies to you, you have it on tape. Keep your facts straight. A tranny OUGHT to last another 100K at least. Call the regional customer service number found in the owner's manual. You might pleasantly surprised!

Be firm and have your evidence (papers - let the tapes be your secret until you have to visit a lawyer) with you. Don't let the people you deal with see your papers and notes, just the outside of your folder. Gives you more power than you think.

Tape record the conversations (recorder in your pocket $30 or so). Radio Shack sells a suction cup microphone for recording telephone conversations. Just sticks to the outside of the phone with no glue.

Explain you might have to sue if they won't fix it. Squeaky wheel gets the grease. So squeak a little. No need to make a scene though. Lots of ways to squeak quietly like explaining you'll be writing the editor of the paper, sign in the back window of the car ID'ing the dealer(s) involved, picket the dealer on a Sat and Sun so all potential customers see how this carmaker and retailer doesn't build a decent vehicle and won't stand behind their product. 2K miles doesn't make it or break it on proper maintenace schedule. Makes no difference whether the tranny got serviced at 30K or 40K as long as it gets done.

You don't wat to make them mad and then give them them the keys to do a major repair! Be professional.

Chris

According to Carmax, the trans service is my responsibility at 30k. No matter what the mileage was when I bought it. Evidently the 125 point inspection does not include fluid changes. If you buy here, have them service all fluids prior to signing for the vehicle.