Working in sales for CarMax in San Diego - Sales Representative CarMax Employee Review

2.0
Aug 9, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

High ideals, flexible hours, true set pricing, 4-day return policy.

Cons

Very low commissions, half of which depend on selling a sub-standard extended warranty package that banks and credit unions sell for much less. Also, premium brands (MB, Lexus, BMW) cannot be repaired under CarMax extended warranties at dealerships, only at authorized repair centers. That's not appealing at all! Also, their 125 pt checkup (similar to Certified Pre-Owned) is a sham. Have found ashtrays full of old cigs, leaves in trunks, and even auction tags on the rearview mirrors (indicating the cars were bought at auction, cleaned, and put straight on the lot. Almost imposssible to get fired as a 1st line manager. Average sales rep had more intelligence and leadership than the average manager in my opinion. A few of the managers were outstanding. Most lacked any real leadership skills. Sales force turnover was very high.

Explore other reviews about CarMax

5.0
Jun 4, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Amazing benefits with 6% 401k matching and tuition reimbursement.

Cons

Highly reliant on the quality of management at the store location.

4.0
Jun 13, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The perks of working at CarMax are quite extensive. Associates are offered an aggressive 401k program, Stock Purchasing Plan, in store discounts on sales and service, access to the CarMax Wholesale system, excellent healthcare, plenty of PTO, and at my location we are given as much OT as we want. My coworkers are generally good people, that I enjoy being able to work along side day in and day out. Management is very understanding in regards to calling out sick family emergencies, and schedule requests.

Cons

Despite doing the work of 5 people, and very politely asking for a raise management will not give me more than my 3% annual raise which is the single biggest let down. The bonus change of 2025 being labeled as "exciting" was straight corporate gaslighting unlike anything I've ever seen. Since the start of 2026, as of this review being written we have lost 7 associates largely due to pay, and I am soon to join those associates. Management from the store level up to corporate needs to understand that to retain their top performers they need to be compensated like a top performer. Some members of management are cliquey and moody which is very frustrating to deal with. Quality of Management varies wildly from store to store as well

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