Yes, CarMax does pick up your car when you’re selling to them, offering a convenient alternative to visiting their stores. But there’s more to know about their pickup services, including how they work, what to expect, and important limitations. Whether you’re selling your car to CarMax or purchasing one, understanding their pickup options can save you time and hassle.
How CarMax’s Car Pickup Services Work
CarMax offers different pickup services depending on whether you’re selling or buying a vehicle. Their most notable service is their home pickup option for sellers.
Home Pickup for Selling Your Car to CarMax
When selling your car to CarMax, you can skip the dealership visit entirely. Here’s how their home pickup service works:
- Get an online offer from CarMax’s website
- Accept the offer (valid for 7 days)
- Schedule a pickup appointment
- CarMax representatives come to your location
- They verify your car’s condition and handle paperwork
- You receive payment via check on the spot
The process is remarkably quick — typically taking just 10-15 minutes once the CarMax representative arrives. They’ll conduct a brief inspection, checking your VIN, mileage, and making sure the car can move forward and backward.
“The CarMax rep showed up during my scheduled window, verified my car’s details, and handed me a check right there in my driveway. The whole thing took less than 15 minutes,” reports one recent seller on Reddit.
Is CarMax Home Pickup Free?
In most markets, CarMax’s home pickup service for selling your car is completely free. However, some locations may charge a nominal fee of around $40-50. It’s worth confirming this when scheduling your appointment.
Selling Your Car: CarMax Pickup Requirements
Before CarMax will pick up your vehicle, you’ll need to meet certain requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid Offer | Must have a current CarMax offer (valid for 7 days) |
| Documentation | Title, registration, all keys, owner’s manual |
| Vehicle Condition | Car must be accessible and in the same condition as described |
| Location | Must be within CarMax’s service area |
| Personal ID | Valid driver’s license or government ID |
Additionally, you’ll need to remove all personal items from the vehicle and make sure any electronic features (like Apple CarPlay) are unlinked from your accounts.
CarMax Express Pickup for Car Buyers
If you’re buying a car from CarMax rather than selling one, they offer Express Pickup at their store locations. This streamlined service allows you to:
- Complete the entire purchase process online
- Schedule a quick pickup appointment
- Arrive at the CarMax store at your scheduled time
- Drive away in your new car in about 30 minutes
This option is significantly faster than traditional in-store purchases, which can take 90+ minutes. The key is completing all financing, paperwork, and payment arrangements online beforehand.
“Express Pickup saved me tons of time. I handled everything online, showed up at my appointment time, and was out with my new car in just over 25 minutes,” shared one buyer.
Does CarMax Deliver Cars to Your Home?
While CarMax previously offered home delivery for purchased vehicles, this service has been significantly reduced or discontinued in most areas as of 2025. Current evidence suggests:
- Most CarMax locations no longer provide home delivery service
- The company has reduced staffing for home delivery operations
- Only very limited markets may still offer this service
If you’re hoping to have a purchased car delivered to your home, it’s best to contact your local CarMax to confirm current options, as availability varies by location.
Alternative CarMax Pickup Options
Beyond their home pickup for sellers and Express Pickup for buyers, CarMax provides several other convenient options:
Curbside Pickup
Available nationwide, this contactless option allows you to complete most paperwork online, then have your new car brought outside the store for a quick handoff.
Traditional In-Store Pickup
The standard option at all 250+ CarMax locations involves completing your purchase and paperwork in-store. While less convenient than Express Pickup, this option provides more opportunity to ask questions and get assistance.
Store-to-Store Transfer
If your desired vehicle is at a different CarMax location, they can transfer it to your local store for pickup. Transfer fees may apply, typically ranging from $99-299 depending on distance.
Geographic Availability of CarMax Pickup Services
CarMax’s pickup services aren’t universally available across all locations. Here’s what you need to know about geographic availability:
Home Pickup for Sellers
- Available in select metropolitan areas
- Generally covers areas within a reasonable driving distance of CarMax stores
- May not be available in rural locations
Express Pickup for Buyers
This service is available at all CarMax locations nationwide, making it their most accessible convenience option.
The CarMax Pickup Experience: What to Expect
When CarMax comes to pick up your car, the experience is typically straightforward and professional. Here’s what to expect:
- You’ll receive a 4-hour appointment window
- The CarMax representative will call when they’re on their way
- Upon arrival, they’ll verify your identity and vehicle documentation
- They’ll conduct a brief inspection of the vehicle
- You’ll sign paperwork transferring ownership
- You’ll receive payment immediately via check
Many sellers appreciate the efficiency of this process. “The CarMax rep was professional, quick, and didn’t try to renegotiate the price like some private buyers do. He inspected the car, handed me the paperwork, and I had a check in hand within minutes,” one seller reported.
Comparing CarMax’s Pickup Services With Competitors
While CarMax offers convenient pickup services, how do they stack up against competitors?
| Service | CarMax | Carvana | Vroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Pickup for Sellers | Yes (Free in most areas) | Yes (Free) | Yes (Free) |
| Home Delivery for Buyers | Limited/Discontinued | Yes (Free in many areas) | Yes (Free in many areas) |
| Express Store Pickup | Yes (All locations) | Limited (Few vending machines) | No (Online only) |
| Immediate Payment | Yes (Check on pickup) | No (Bank transfer) | No (Bank transfer) |
While CarMax has scaled back home delivery for buyers, their pickup options for selling vehicles remain competitive and convenient, particularly for customers who prefer receiving immediate payment rather than waiting for bank transfers.
Tips for a Smooth CarMax Pickup Experience
To ensure your CarMax pickup goes as smoothly as possible:
- Have all documents ready – Gather your title, registration, and ID before the appointment
- Clean out your vehicle – Remove all personal items and make sure the car is accessible
- Charge your car – If selling an electric or hybrid vehicle, ensure it has sufficient charge
- Be available during your window – Make sure you can be reached during your entire appointment window
- Have a plan for after the sale – Remember you’ll be without that vehicle once the transaction is complete
Benefits of Using CarMax’s Pickup Service
Choosing CarMax’s pickup service offers several advantages:
- Convenience – Skip the dealership visit and sell from your home
- Time savings – The entire process takes just minutes once the representative arrives
- Immediate payment – Receive a check on the spot
- No negotiation pressure – The price is set before pickup
- Safety – Avoid meeting with unknown private buyers
Is CarMax Pickup Right for You?
CarMax’s pickup service is ideal if you value convenience and a straightforward selling process. It’s particularly well-suited for those who:
- Have busy schedules and limited time to visit a dealership
- Want a guaranteed sale price without negotiation
- Prefer immediate payment rather than waiting for transfers
- Don’t want to deal with potential safety concerns of private sales
However, if you’re hoping to maximize your vehicle’s selling price, you might get more through a private sale, though with added effort and potential hassles.
How to Schedule a CarMax Pickup
Ready to have CarMax pick up your car? Here’s how to schedule:
- Visit CarMax’s website or use their mobile app
- Enter your vehicle details to get an offer
- Accept the offer if it meets your expectations
- Select the home pickup option during scheduling
- Choose an available date and time window
- Confirm your appointment
You’ll receive confirmation details via email and text, and CarMax will typically send reminders as your appointment approaches.
CarMax Pickup Policies You Should Know
Before scheduling your CarMax pickup, be aware of these important policies:
- Offer validity – Your CarMax offer is typically good for 7 days
- Inspection conditions – The car must match the condition described online
- Payment methods – Payment is provided via check at pickup
- Cancellation – You can cancel or reschedule your pickup with notice
- Weather policy – Pickups may be rescheduled in severe weather
Understanding these policies helps ensure a smooth transaction and prevents unexpected issues during your appointment.
What Happens If You Change Your Mind?
If you accept CarMax’s offer but change your mind before the pickup, you can cancel without penalty. However, once the transaction is complete and CarMax has taken possession of your vehicle, the sale is final.
For buyers using Express Pickup, CarMax offers a 24-hour test drive and a 30-day return policy (with limitations), providing peace of mind if you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase.
