In Reply to: Re: You should never go to Carmax posted by confused442 on December 04, 2025 at 19:49:20
IMO Carmax charges about 5% more than a regular dealer. So for a used car that you could get for 30k from a private party, at a regular dealer it would cost you about 33k and at Carmax about 35k.
New prices are insanely high now, with an average transaction price of about 50k. The best value bet is the same as it's always been, buy a lightly used and cared for Honda or Toyota preferably from a private party, so you were on the right path in part anyway.
What did you say, new commuter car for a college kid? You can't go wrong with a Camry or Corolla or Accord or Civic, preferably with a 4 cylinder engine and maintenance records. They'll last FOREVER as long as you change the fluids regularly.
If the kid has to have an SUV, go Rav4 or CRV. The Toyotas and Hondas will cost a little more than similar American vehicles but they are absolutely worth it.