Used to really like my job at CarMax. Now I can't wait to find another job. - Sales Manager CarMax Employee Review

1.0
Oct 23, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Friendly, nice people work in the lower-level positions like sales consultant, service writer, technician, business office associate, and purchasing assistant, and some sales managers. CarMax had a good reputation for 10+ years at the store I work at. Work spaces are cleaned and the building looks nice. You can move up if you agree to move anywhere CarMax tells you.

Cons

Terrible pay has not changed in years. if you get promoted to manager from inside the company you make 8-10K less than managers hired from outside the company. That's insulting and insane. Richmond headquarters lives in a bubble, no idea how bad the company's reputation is becoming. Location General Managers on up seem to care about their stock options going up and not about the long term outlook for the company. Wake up. Wall Street can punish you if they think this is another Circuit City. If you are a customer, good luck. You will pay thousands more than you should, your service contract may be hard to work with, and you may have to return your car and buy another one more than once to get a decent runner.

Explore other reviews about CarMax

5.0
May 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You are your own boss

Cons

Slow days can be demotivating.

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

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All