I bought a 2012 Dodge Journey for approximately $20K and was promised I was approved TWICE around 4-5%. Once through Hughes Federal Credit Union and once through AZ State Credit Union. Both times I drove the car for about 2 weeks and then the deal went south. It is because of my LACK OF CREDIT even though I was pulling a 756 Experian score which is what they all looked at.
Finally I gave up and brought back the car (with 2000 miles extra on it, haha stupid dealership).
So I finally decided to try CarMax. I live 100 miles away from one but called them and they preapproved me. That wasn't good enough for me. I needed an APPROVAL. They promised me a preapproval is an approval. They said I was a top tier credit customer so carmax would finance me internally at 5.2%. So they didn't have the exact car and I found one about 400 miles away. I paid $150 and had it shipped to the closest store. I had them check it all out first. I was putting a lot of trust in them but was desperate at this point.
Anyways, car came in and I picked it up and drove it off and that was that. It took about half an hour and I didn't even have to bring in paperwork because I was financed directly through them.
Story doesn't end... The next day I get home and realize what I ordered didn't have everything I though. It was my fault because I misread some things about the packages and editions. Anyways I just decided to live with it. On the 4th day the sales person called me and asked me how I liked my car. I told them about my mess up. They said there is a 5 day return policy and got to work immediately on finding me the correct model. Not only did they find it (in a different state) but this time they had it shipped for free.
The next morning it was there and I brought back the old car and got exactly what I wanted. A 2013 Ford Escape with 1500 miles on it. It was perfect. Took about 45 minutes to return the old one and get the new one.
4 days after that they called me again to see if I was happy and I am COMPLETELY happy with my car and my experience.
I have to say this was my best experience ever with a car dealership.. No haggling... None. Everything is up front. They even gave me an extended 125K mileage warranty.
I have read some complaints about them and maybe for 3rd party financing they aren't the best? I don't know. I just have to say I am a believer in CarMax and would highly suggest them and buy my next vehicle from them. And no, I don't work for them or know anyone who does. They are in Phoenix where it hit 117 degrees yesterday so you couldnt pay me enough to live there!
Starting Score: 590
