By the time I’d decided on getting a Bolt, I knew exactly where I’d start my search: CarMax.
This isn’t my first rodeo with them — in fact, this would be my fourth CarMax car.
Why CarMax? A few big reasons:
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I can search inventory across the country and have anything shipped to me (for a fee).
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The selection is solid, and the buying process can be done entirely online until it’s time to pick up the car.
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Listings have plenty of detailed photos.
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Every car comes with an AutoCheck report.
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They have real people you can call with questions.
Now, I’ll be honest — CarMax is usually a little more expensive than other options. But for me, the time it saves (and the headaches it avoids) is worth every penny. I’d rather pay a bit more and skip the drama than spend days arguing in a showroom.
Are they perfect? No. Things can go wrong. But every time I’ve had a problem, they’ve fixed it quickly and fairly — which is more than I can say for most local dealerships.
That’s actually how my CarMax habit began. Years ago, I tried to buy a Chrysler 200 from two different local dealers. It was everything you’d expect from a dealership stuck in 1970: high-pressure sales, endless back-and-forth, little “surprise” add-ons. The same tired games.
Frustrated, I gave CarMax a shot. I was on vacation, sitting in an Airbnb with my Chromebook. Over morning coffee, I searched for the car I wanted, found it, bought it, and had it shipped — all before anyone else in the house even woke up. When I got home a week later, I just finalized the paperwork. No drama, no wasted weekends, no “let me talk to my manager.”
The Bolt search has been just as smooth. In fact, CarMax delayed the sale for a bit when they noticed it didn’t come with a charger. I didn’t have to argue or point it out — they just fixed the issue before handing me the keys.
So while the sale isn’t completely wrapped up yet, so far it’s been the exact kind of car-buying experience I like: no games, no headaches, and everything done at my own pace.
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