- Report: #88592
Complaint Review: CarMax - Kennesaw Georgia
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CarMax
1215 Ernest Barrett Parkway Kennesaw, 30144 Georgia, U.S.A.
Phone:
770-919-2277
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CarMax ripoff Deceived me into buying a warranty that is worthless Kennesaw Georgia
On August 29, 2003, I purchased a 99 Chevy Prizm from CarMax. I was told when I made the purchase that the extended warranty would cover repairs to my air conditioning. Having done without an air conditioner for two years in Atlanta, GA, this was a major factor in purchasing another car. Have you ever been in stop and go traffic on the interstate for 1-2 hours because of and accident with a/c in 90+ degree humid weather?This was my first car purchase with my own money, and I assumed that CarMax would be more reputable than other used car dealers.
I was wrong. In February, there were some typical warm days, and I notice that the air conditioning wasn't working. I wasn't concerned, because I thought that if anything major was wrong, then I was covered. I made an appointment in late March for March 25. I had an accident on March 23rd, the night after I made the appointment. My frame was bent, and the front bumper needed replaced. It took two weeks to get my car back. I made a second appointment to have my air conditioning fixed using my CarMax warranty. Note that the air conditioning was not working before my wreck and therefore was not caused by the wreck.
The technicians at the Town Center store found the problem: a leak in the middle of my air condensor. Because it was found in the middle, it was not considered a defect and thus not covered under the warranty. They suggested that I try to see if my comprehensive insurance would cover this repair. I find this ridiculous. My insurance company is working with my on this, althought I am still not sure if it is covered because the adjustor has to find proof that a collision caused this damage. (Note that this a 'a collision' and not the wreck I describe previously. The a/c was not clearly damaged as a result of my wreck because is was not working before the wreck.) If my insurance doesn't cover this, then I am stuck paying about $1000 to have a working a/c. Possibly my wonderful father may be able to fix it for cheaper, but he should not have to go to this trouble.
I also do not understand why air condensor are made to be so vulnerable to damage of this kind. The air condesor sits just behind the grill of a car. I have noticed some cars have better protection than others. If a car is built in such a way that this damage can so easily occur, then I would consider that a mechanical defect. Therefore, it should be covered under my extended warranty.
Finally, when the warranty was sold to me, I was not told that my a/c would not be covered because of unusual wear and tear. While this can be inferred from the agreement, it is not said explicitly in the agreement. It is mentioned in a general sentence that states anything that is a result of a collision, fire, natural cause, etc. is not covered. This clause is found only in the warranty paperwork and not the brochure that CarMax hands out to customers. You will also not find this clause on their website.
I asked if the a/c was covered, and I was told yes. I naively assumed that anything major would be covered. I paid $1500 for the extended warranty. This investment was very unwise.
CarMax does not explain the terms of the extended warranty clearly until there is a problem that needs to be fixed. I am very dissatisfied with the quality of CarMax products and services. I cannot in good faith purchase another CarMax vehicle or recommend other people to do so.
Amy
ATLANTA, Georgia
U.S.A.
I was wrong. In February, there were some typical warm days, and I notice that the air conditioning wasn't working. I wasn't concerned, because I thought that if anything major was wrong, then I was covered. I made an appointment in late March for March 25. I had an accident on March 23rd, the night after I made the appointment. My frame was bent, and the front bumper needed replaced. It took two weeks to get my car back. I made a second appointment to have my air conditioning fixed using my CarMax warranty. Note that the air conditioning was not working before my wreck and therefore was not caused by the wreck.
The technicians at the Town Center store found the problem: a leak in the middle of my air condensor. Because it was found in the middle, it was not considered a defect and thus not covered under the warranty. They suggested that I try to see if my comprehensive insurance would cover this repair. I find this ridiculous. My insurance company is working with my on this, althought I am still not sure if it is covered because the adjustor has to find proof that a collision caused this damage. (Note that this a 'a collision' and not the wreck I describe previously. The a/c was not clearly damaged as a result of my wreck because is was not working before the wreck.) If my insurance doesn't cover this, then I am stuck paying about $1000 to have a working a/c. Possibly my wonderful father may be able to fix it for cheaper, but he should not have to go to this trouble.
I also do not understand why air condensor are made to be so vulnerable to damage of this kind. The air condesor sits just behind the grill of a car. I have noticed some cars have better protection than others. If a car is built in such a way that this damage can so easily occur, then I would consider that a mechanical defect. Therefore, it should be covered under my extended warranty.
Finally, when the warranty was sold to me, I was not told that my a/c would not be covered because of unusual wear and tear. While this can be inferred from the agreement, it is not said explicitly in the agreement. It is mentioned in a general sentence that states anything that is a result of a collision, fire, natural cause, etc. is not covered. This clause is found only in the warranty paperwork and not the brochure that CarMax hands out to customers. You will also not find this clause on their website.
I asked if the a/c was covered, and I was told yes. I naively assumed that anything major would be covered. I paid $1500 for the extended warranty. This investment was very unwise.
CarMax does not explain the terms of the extended warranty clearly until there is a problem that needs to be fixed. I am very dissatisfied with the quality of CarMax products and services. I cannot in good faith purchase another CarMax vehicle or recommend other people to do so.
Amy
ATLANTA, Georgia
U.S.A.
4 Updates & Rebuttals
Fritz
Algood,Tennessee,
U.S.A.
Congrats! If they won't fix this under the warranty then don't let them fix it at all.
#2Consumer Suggestion
Fri, May 27, 2005
Congrats for researching the prices yourself. If they won't fix this under the warranty then don't let them fix it at all. Buy the right parts and have an independent shop do it for you. You are correct (as far as I am qualified to say) on the repairs (dryer, condensor, etc.) If it was damaged it would most likely show some crushing or bending. If it isn't bent or crushed you prob can claim it was a defect. Why didn't you fix it before the first wreck? FWIW you are in a small economy car (I drive a small VW Cabrio or a CR-V) and it just isn't going to protect it's parts very well in a crash. Slow down and drive safe. I'd save up the money and fix it out of pocket. You're a little smarter now. Warranties get your money up front and then decide later if they are going to fix anything for you... I personally would not buy a warranty from anyone but my bank or insurance company (not agent). Too late now but I would have pursued the leak ASAP before the first wreck or told them the wreck caused the leak...
Amy
ATLANTA,Georgia,
U.S.A.
Clarification
#3Author of original report
Mon, September 06, 2004
My condensor showed no visible sign of damage, besides the freon leaking. There was no visible hole from the outside of the part. I did realize that the warranty did not covered damage to a vehicle. I did not realize that the company could say that there was damage just because a leak was occuring from the middle of a part instead of around a seal.
John
Atlanta,Georgia,
U.S.A.
read your contract
#4Consumer Comment
Thu, August 05, 2004
I am in the automotive service industry at a competing repair facility. I deal with extended warranties on a daily basis including the one Carmax sells. There is NO extended warranty, factory warranty or any other warranty for that matter that covers DAMAGE to an A/C condensor. They only cover defects. Outside DAMAGE is the financial responsibility of the owner and their insurance to have repaired. Before you paid $1500.00 for anything you should have read every word of the contract (including the small print). Also, just a piece of advice, do not let your insruance company dictate to you how much a repair should cost. Get at least 3 estimates now that you know what is wrong and present them to the insurance company. If they refuse to pay at least the lowest estimate, it is time for a new insurance company. Amy, I hope this is helpful, and I hope you have better luck in the future.
Amy
ATLANTA,Georgia,
U.S.A.
Carmax overestimated the cost of repair
#5Author of original report
Fri, April 30, 2004
Carmax gave me an estimate of $945 to repair my a/c condensor. Below is a summary of charges: Condensor $422 Accumulator $81 Labor $419 They wanted to charge me two times for charging my system with freon. Am I mistaken, or doesn't that only need to be done once? Also, the accumulator does not neccesarily have to be replaced. It is there to remove moisture from the system and other contaminants. During the charging process, a vacuum is pulled on the system and that will remove any moisture that has built up in the accumulator. Unless the accumulator is not functioning, it is not neccessary to replace it. It may be 'recommended', but it is not neccessary. An aftermarket condensor sells at Autozone for $160. That is a markup of 163%. Granted, Carmax is probably trying to sell me a condensor that is 'original factory.' But shouldn't I have the option of getting a cheaper part? Don't we have that option with prescription drugs...generic versus brand name? They never even mentioned this option to me. Minus the labor and part charge for the accumulator, the overpriced condensor, and the extra charging cost, total cost comes out to be $438. That is a $507 price difference. My insurance is not covering this. I am not angry with them, because they should not have to. Carmax not only refused to fix this problem under warranty, but they also tried to overcharge me for the repair.
