CarMax Extended Warranty: 2020 Review

In Our Opinion:

CarMax offers one plan for basic vehicle protection. It provides flexibility with multiple deductible options, and you can get repairs at both CarMax service centers and RepairPal-approved facilities. However, there isn’t much transparency around what your claims process will look like with the CarMax extended warranty.

Pros

Transferability

Available for used cars

Access to many repair facilities

Cons

Limited coverage options

Must buy extended warranty with vehicle purchase

Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

CarMax is the largest used car dealer in the United States. Alongside your vehicle purchase, you can also buy the CarMax extended warranty. While all CarMax cars come with a 90-day or 4,000-mile limited warranty, used cars tend to need more TLC than newer models. With this in mind, taking CarMax’s MaxCare extended warranty into consideration isn’t a bad move.

In this article, we’ll review the ins and outs of CarMax’s extended warranty plan, including coverage options, customer satisfaction, and cost. We’ve reviewed the best extended warranty companies on the market, so we’re well aware of how CarMax stacks up against other providers. 

If you feel ready to purchase an extended warranty, or are just interested in additional information, get a free, personalized quote below.

Key Features of the CarMax Extended Warranty

CarMax has been in business for about 26 years and has quickly become a leader in used car sales. The CarMax extended warranty is standard with one coverage option and a few additional perks. Based on our research, there wasn’t anything that made Carmax stand out against other warranty companies. Available throughout the U.S., CarMax has partnered with RepairPal to give customers access to a variety of repair facilities.

CarMax has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, the provider isn’t accredited by the BBB.

CarMax Limited Warranty

Every vehicle purchased with CarMax comes with a limited warranty for 90 days or 4,000 miles, regardless of the car’s existing manufacturer’s warranty. The limited warranty protects your vehicle’s major systems, plus hundreds of parts and labor. To find out exactly what’s covered, CarMax encourages drivers to visit the nearest CarMax dealer.

What Does the CarMax Extended Warranty Cover?

CarMax only offers one coverage plan with standard protection services. Referred to as the MaxCare plan, the CarMax extended warranty can stretch up to five years or 150,000 miles. Here is what’s covered:

• Engine
• Cooling
• Steering
• Drivetrain
• Electronics
• Suspension
• Transmission
• Climate control

In essence, you’re getting a few more parts and systems covered than a typical powertrain warranty, like the climate control coverage and electronics coverage. Other warranty companies tend to offer additional, comprehensive options that mimic a new car’s bumper-to-bumper warranty. While these coverage plans are generally more expensive, you want to ensure your extended warranty covers high-cost repairs.

What’s Not Covered With MaxCare?

The CarMax extended warranty, like any vehicle service contract, has some limitations on covered repairs. Coverage is exclusionary, so CarMax will list everything not protected under warranty in your contract. Some of the biggest limitations are:

• Collisions
• Overheating
• Maintenance parts
• Some corrosion repairs
• Repairs caused by misuse
• Aftermarket accessories or equipment

When you receive your contract, make sure to discuss any concerns you have with a representative. While not an explicit exclusion, the CarMax extended warranty can only be purchased when you buy your car. If you want to extend your warranty down the line, you’ll need to pursue a different option.

Bonus Benefits

Alongside your CarMax extended warranty purchase, you get a few additional perks. These include: 

• 24/7 emergency roadside assistance 
• Rental car reimbursement up to $40 a day for up to seven days
• $50 discount deductibles depending on where your car is serviced

CarMax Extended Warranty Cost

CarMax provides an inclusive tool on its website to gauge what you’ll pay for an extended warranty. You’re able to toggle between car makes, deductible options, and average annual mileage for a better understanding of your expected costs.

For example, a 2015 Nissan Altima SL with 30,000 miles on the odometer would cost between $1,629 and $1,689 for a five-year, 75,000-mile extended warranty. This plan includes a $50 deductible. From this baseline, you can then switch between the different variables to find a plan you’re interested in.

CarMax offers four deductible choices: $50, $100, $200, and $300. Along with your deductible, your car’s make, model, age, and mileage will all affect your CarMax extended warranty cost. Because the provider only sells used cars, you may see higher extended warranty prices than usual.

What Do the Claims & Quotes Processes Look Like?

You can only get a MaxCare quote when you purchase your car. After that, the CarMax extended warranty isn’t available.

Unfortunately, CarMax doesn’t provide any public information about its claims process. Make sure to ask what this looks like when you speak to a representative as well as how your repairs will be paid. You don’t want to expect your provider to pay the repair shop directly, but then find yourself in a reimbursement scenario.

CarMax Extended Warranty Customer Reviews

Most auto warranty providers have mixed reviews, including CarMax. From our research, customer service is hit or miss. Some customers never have an issue after multiple years of coverage. Others wanted to give CarMax zero stars if they could on review websites.

Like we mentioned above, the BBB gave CarMax an A+ rating, but this takes all of CarMax’s businesses into account, not just its extended warranty sector.

Our Final Thoughts on the CarMax Extended Warranty

CarMax has a great reputation for selling used cars and for fulfilling warranty claims. The CarMax extended warranty is an affordable choice for coverage, however the coverage itself is very limited with only one plan. Overall, CarMax is a good choice if you’re happy with the limited coverage. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive plan, there are better options available for a used car warranty.

Top Recommendations for Extended Car Warranties

With any car, it’s always smart to get quotes from multiple providers before you purchase an extended warranty. Below, we’ve listed our top recommendations with used cars in mind.

CARCHEX: Best for Older Vehicles

In our research, we’ve found CARCHEX to be the best option for high-mileage cars. With term limits that extend up to 10 years or 250,000 miles, CARCHEX’s extended warranty is hard to beat. The company offers five different protection options to ensure you’re choosing the extended warranty you want and can afford.

Read more about this provider in our full CARCHEX review, and get a free quote for your vehicle below.

CarShield: Best Prices

We also know extended warranties for used or older cars can get expensive. CarShield is known for its affordable protection plans across the board. The company offers six coverage options and maximum term limits extending up to 200,000 miles.

If you’re interested in this provider, make sure to read our complete CarShield review. You can also get a free, personalized quote below.