New CarMax program allows for curbside pickup
If you’re like many Americans, there’s a good chance you have used curbside pickup in the last four weeks to secure your groceries, prescriptions or even takeout from your favorite restaurant.
And now, CarMax is offering consumers that same option for car buying.
The country’s largest used-car retailer announced Tuesday the launch of CarMax Curbside, which gives shoppers a contactless and socially distant way to complete their vehicle purchases.
With this program, consumers go online to conduct most steps of the buying process: vehicle selection, finance pre-approval, generating a trade-in offer, etc.
Customers can also test-drive vehicles by themselves. When it’s time for vehicle pickup, a new option for them now is to pick it up curbside, without having to go inside the store or have any contact with an associate — an option available at most CarMax stores, the company said.
“We’ve heard from customers that during this time, they need access to reliable vehicles to pick up groceries, visit the doctor or commute to work,” CarMax president and chief executive officer Bill Nash said in a news release.
“We’re focused on providing a safe car buying experience and helping our customers any way we can. Whether it’s through home delivery or curbside pickup for customers who need to purchase a vehicle, or through service maintenance for customers to keep their cars on the road, we’re here to help.”
CarMax is also continuing to provide home delivery at many open locations.
The seven-day return policy continues, where consumers can return a purchase for any reason and receive a full refund.
Most of the company’s service department remain open for warranty work, maintenance or repairs.
“CarMax is following government mandates and keeping locations open where permitted to support customers’ essential needs for reliable vehicles,” the company said in a news release.
Other measures CarMax has taken include:
— Extending the duration of its 90-day limited warranty, a move that was effective March 16 and is applicable on purchases on or after Dec. 17.
— CarMax Auto Finance offering payment assistance for existing customers who need help and waiving late fees for payments due in March or April.
— Implementing steps at its locations to reduce risk of COVID-19 exposure, including social distancing practices, enhanced sanitation/cleaning and more.