Does CarMax sell cars with body damage?
Asked by: Destiney Bosco | Last update: July 27, 2025Score: 5/5 (46 votes)
Does CarMax buy cars with damage?
CarMax will even buy cars that they don't expect to sell, such as badly damaged vehicles, that they will sell to auction. There are exceptions to the vehicles that CarMax will buy. The retailer will not buy a salvage vehicle.
Can you sell a car with body damage?
Yes, you can sell a car with structural damage, but there are important considerations to keep in mind: Disclosure: Legally, you may be required to disclose any structural damage when selling the vehicle, especially if the damage affects safety or the car's value.
Do dealerships buy cars with body damage?
In short, yes, you can trade in a car with body damage. However, whether it's the most beneficial move for you financially depends on several factors, including the extent of the damage, your car's overall condition, and the trade-in offer from the dealership. Always do your homework before you make this decision.
Will CarMax buy any car in any condition?
Q: Will CarMax buy any car? A: We will buy pretty much any car. Whether you've got a luxury SUV you want to sell for an upgrade or a well-loved station wagon that's on its last legs, we should be able to give you a quote. Start with our online tool or take your vehicle down to your local CarMax to get an offer.
Selling Damaged Cars: How Dealerships like CarMax and Carvana Get Away With It
What will CarMax not buy?
CarMax will even buy cars that they don't expect to sell, such as badly damaged vehicles, that they will sell to auction. There are exceptions to the vehicles that CarMax will buy. The retailer will not buy a salvage vehicle. It will also not buy one with frame damage or flood damage.
What is frame damage on a car?
The frame is the backbone of your car. It's the structural foundation that holds everything together and provides stability and support for the body, engine, and other components. Frame damage occurs when there is an impact that bends, twists, or otherwise damages the frame's structural integrity.
Is it worth buying a car with body damage?
Is it worth buying a car with body damange? It depends. If the body damage is minor, the vehicle history report explains the type of accident, and everything else checks out; there should likely be no issue buying a car.
How much does body damage affect car value?
But the extent to which your car's value decreases will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of the damage, the type of repair that's needed, and even the age and make of your vehicle. That being said, most collision repairs won't cause your car to lose more than 50% of its pre-collision value.
Should I take my car to the dealer for body work?
If you want to save money, you're typically better off going to an independent shop. Because of their higher overhead costs, dealerships often charge higher prices. At a dealership you'll be getting service that's specialized for your vehicle, but that doesn't necessarily equate to better technicians.
Who pays the most for damaged cars?
CarBuyerUSA is your “Damaged Vehicle” headquarters. No other Car Buying Company pays more for damaged cars. CarBuyerUSA will buy anything from a rollover to a Range Rover and has paid up to $35,000 for wrecked or inoperable vehicles – including Jaguars and Maserati's.
Can I sue a dealership for selling me a salvage car?
You have a right to rescind the purchase (i.e., get their money back), and may have a right to additional money damages through a lawsuit. You can file a complaint with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Can I trade in my car if it has damage?
Can you trade in a car with damage if it needs major repairs? Yes. But in this case, it's not worth it to fix the vehicle if the repairs are costly.
What does CarMax check when selling a car?
We check every car's history to rule out any with flood damage, frame damage, outstanding liens, or salvage history. Any car that can't meet those condition standards gets sold at auction — not to you. Cars must also pass a 125+ point inspection and undergo a detailed reconditioning process to be sold at CarMax.
Does CarMax fix cars before they sell them?
Inspected and reconditioned prior to sale: Our technicians spend hours inspecting and reconditioning each car we sell. Our cars pass a 125+ point inspection, and we replace or repair anything that doesn't meet our standards.
Does Carvana buy salvage cars?
Does Carvana Buy Wrecked Cars? If your car has been wrecked, Carvana may not purchase it, as they do not specialize in accident-damaged vehicles. While Carvana does purchase vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles, the car must typically be in running order in order to be sold.
Does body damage go on Carfax?
How Does Damage Get Reported to CARFAX? Many auto body shops, especially dealerships or larger repair chains, report repair data directly to CARFAX. This includes details such as the type of repairs performed and any parts replaced.
Will body damage fail inspection?
Body damage
Minor dings and dents aren't typically counted against you in a vehicle inspection. If the damage is extensive enough, however, it may become a potential obstacle to passing.
Is it worth fixing cosmetic damage on a car before selling?
However, larger dents, deep scratches, or damaged paintwork can deter potential buyers and result in lower offers. If the cost of repairs is reasonable compared to the potential increase in selling price, it's often beneficial to fix cosmetic damage to make the vehicle more appealing and maximize its value.
How much does body damage devalue a car?
A car typically loses 10% to 30% of its value after an accident. In some cases, the loss can be as high as 50%, depending on the extent of the damage. For example, if your vehicle was worth $20,000 before the collision, you could lose between $2,000 and $6,000 in value due to the diminished value claim.
Do dealerships buy cars with damage?
If your vehicle is in rough shape, dealers could still take it on a trade-in. They may not keep it on their lots to sell themselves, but trading your older automobile for a newer one in better condition may be a more viable option than you think.
Does dealership warranty cover body damage?
Some auto service contracts will extend the length or coverage of the warranty that came with your vehicle, and others will cover some maintenance tasks like scheduled oil changes. They typically don't cover damage that may occur in an accident or normal wear and tear to the vehicle.
Can a dealership sell a car with frame damage?
If a car dealership sold you a car that was in an accident or if a dealer sold you a car with structural damage, frame damage, or other substantial damage without disclosing it to you, then you may have a claim under California law.
Will insurance cover a car with frame damage?
Modern cars use unibody construction, with the frame and body skeleton manufactured as a single structure. Depending on the severity of the damage, frame damage is repairable. Insurance companies usually declare the car a total loss if repairing the frame damage on a vehicle costs more than its value.
How bad is it to buy a car with frame damage?
A small amount will likely have no lasting impact on the safety and drivability of the vehicle. Still, if the vehicle suffered significant frame damage, it may not be safe or reliable enough to take home.