CarMax Maxcare Review (2025 Guide) 2 weeks ago

How would you feel if you purchased a vehicle through a nationally used seller and received a 4,000-mile/90-day limited warranty? Well, CarMax does that! Of course, you are also eligible for a MaxCare extended auto warranty if you choose to purchase one.  MaxCare warranty offers high coverage and a suite of benefits for used cars, but it’s only available at purchase.

But is it worth it? 

In this CarMax warranty review, we’ll explain everything you need to know, including coverage, exclusions, the cost of the warranty, and whether it’s a good investment for your vehicle.

Key Takeaways

• CarMax’s MaxCare warranty provides extended repair coverage, offering peace of mind beyond the manufacturer’s warranty.
• The CarMax warranty cost varies depending on the vehicle’s make, model, and mileage. While it can be a significant investment, it’s essential to understand what’s covered and what’s excluded.
• MaxCare comes with perks like rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance, but it does not cover some repairs and maintenance.

In This Guide:

• What Does a CarMax Extended Warranty Cover?
• CarMax MaxCare Exclusions
• Benefits of MaxCare
• CarMax Limited Warranty
• Cost of CarMax Extended Warranty
• Is CarMax Extended Care Worth It?
• Customer Reviews & BBB Rating
• Wrapping Up
• CarMax Warranty FAQs

What Does a CarMax Extended Warranty Cover?

The MaxCare warranty is an extended service plan that helps protect against unexpected repair costs. The warranty includes:

• Comprehensive Component Coverage – Covers most mechanical and electrical parts, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
• Roadside Assistance – 24/7 support for towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, and more.
• Rental Car Reimbursement – This covers the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.
• Nationwide Repair Network—This network allows you to get repairs done at any ASE-certified mechanic, not just at CarMax locations.

The CarMax extended warranty can stretch up to five years or 150,000 miles.

MaxCare auto warranties cover the following parts and systems:

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

You can get repairs for these parts and systems at any licensed repair facility in the U.S. or Canada, as long as they provide a six-month/6,000-mile warranty on labor and parts.  MaxCare handles payment directly with the shop. You can request a sample contract for more details on coverage.

CarMax MaxCare Exclusions

While MaxCare covers many major repairs, it does not include:

• Regular maintenance of parts
• Wear-and-tear parts 
• Pre-existing conditions or modifications
• Cosmetic damage 
• Collisions
• Overheating
• Some corrosion repairs
• Repairs caused by misuse
• Aftermarket accessories or equipment

Once you receive your contract, discuss your concerns with the representative. While it is not an explicit exclusion, the CarMax extended warranty can only be purchased when you buy your car. 

Benefits of MaxCare

Why do many CarMax customers opt for MaxCare warranty coverage?

Here’s what makes it appealing:

• Protection Against Expensive Repairs – With rising repair costs, MaxCare can save you thousands on unexpected breakdowns.
• Convenience – Use any ASE-certified repair shop, giving you flexibility beyond dealership servicing.
• Peace of Mind – Car ownership comes with risks, but MaxCare offers reassurance that significant repairs are covered.

Also, you get a few additional perks, including:

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

Pro Tip: If transporting your CarMax vehicle across the states, consider a reliable shipping service like Sherpa Auto Transport to ensure a smooth and secure delivery.

CarMax Limited Warranty

Before purchasing MaxCare, remember that every CarMax vehicle comes with a free limited warranty:

• 90-day/4,000-mile limited warranty (whichever comes first)
• It covers significant systems like the engine and transmission
• Included at no extra cost

While this is a great perk, it’s a short-term solution—so many buyers opt for MaxCare for long-term protection.

Cost of CarMax Extended Warranty

The CarMax warranty cost depends on factors like:

• The make, model, model year, and mileage on your vehicle
• The plan and deductible amount you select
• How many miles you drive per year
• Whether you pay upfront or finance the purchase

The typical MaxCare price range is $1,000 – $4,000, with deductibles between $50 and $600 per repair visit. CarMax offers an interactive tool on its website to help you estimate the cost of a MaxCare extended warranty. You can adjust your car’s make, deductible amount, and average annual mileage to see pricing options tailored to your needs.

For instance, a five-year, 75,000-mile extended warranty for a 2020 Toyota Camry LE with 30,000 miles on the odometer would range between $1,659 and $1,839, assuming an annual mileage of fewer than 9,000 miles. This plan includes a $50 deductible. You can customize your plan by adjusting these variables to find the best option for your budget.

You can pay for your MaxCare extended service plan upfront or in monthly installments. If you choose to finance it, the cost can be bundled into your car loan payments, though interest charges may apply. You can get a quote on a MaxCare contract when you purchase a vehicle from CarMax.

CarMax Extended Warranty Deductible

CarMax offers four deductible options: $50, $200, $400, and $600. Your vehicle’s make, model, age, and mileage will influence the final cost of your MaxCare plan. Because CarMax exclusively sells used cars, its extended warranty prices may be higher than providers covering both new and used vehicles.

CarMax Extended Warranty Claims

CarMax does not publicly share details about its claims process. Before purchasing a MaxCare plan, it’s best to ask a CarMax representative how claims work, whether you’ll need to pay upfront at the repair shop, and how reimbursements are handled.

Is CarMax Extended Care Worth It?

The CarMax MaxCare review is mixed—some buyers love the protection, while others feel it’s unnecessary. 

If a MaxCare extended warranty fits within your budget, it could be a wise investment. It covers essential parts and systems, helping you avoid costly repairs. 

Many customers appreciate the financial relief it provides for significant fixes. 

If you’re purchasing a used car from CarMax, an extended warranty can offer extra peace of mind by protecting you from unexpected breakdown expenses. Consider these factors:

Pros

• Comprehensive coverage for major repairs
• Added benefits like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement
• Peace of mind for high-mileage or luxury vehicles

Cons

• Additional cost on top of the vehicle price
• There are some exclusions and fine print to watch out for
• You may never use it if your car remains trouble-free

Customer Reviews & BBB Rating

CarMax holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and many MaxCare customers report positive experiences with claims. However, some customers complain about slow processing times or insufficient repairs.

Bottom Line

CarMax MaxCare provides a simple and affordable way to extend coverage on a used vehicle. 

However, with only one plan option, it may not meet every driver’s needs. Before committing, it’s worth comparing quotes from third-party providers to find the best balance of coverage, cost, and flexibility. If you want extended protection, peace of mind, and nationwide repair flexibility, MaxCare is a solid option. However, if your vehicle is reliable or you prefer to self-insure for repairs, you might skip it.

Check out Sherpa Auto Transport for safe and reliable shipping!

CarMax Warranty FAQs