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Dealers / San Diego, CA / CarMax
Used car dealerEl Cajon, CA
F

CarMax

Buyer's Guide grade F · 74 public reviews · September 2026

CarMax earns an F. 74 public reviews average 3.7 stars and 29.7 percent are one or two stars. That ranks it above 7 percent of graded dealers around San Diego.

At a glance

  • A heavy share of past buyers left one or two stars.
  • Complaint share 29.7 percent, higher than the 10 percent typical near San Diego
  • Reviewers mention friendly staff most, in 23 reviews
  • Open Sundays · Used car dealer

Why It Got an F

The star average is 3.7 from 74 public reviews. After the grade pulls it toward the national average, it counts as 3.85. 29.7 percent of reviews are one or two stars. To reach a C it would need a complaint share of 25 percent or less. How the grade works.

How the Stars Break Down

5 star44 59%
4 star4 5%
3 star4 5%
2 star4 5%
1 star18 24%

What Reviewers Talk About

The subjects that come up most in public reviews of this dealer, with how many reviews mention each one.

friendly staff 23smooth process 6quick process 4test drive 4car buying experience 3kind staff 3tires 3budget 2rims 2car selection 2

Buying From CarMax

CarMax is an independent used car lot. Independent lots range from excellent to poor, and the car in front of you matters more than the sign out front. Ask whether the car is sold as is and read the Buyers Guide sticker in the window. What as is means.

Whatever the grade, the grade is about the dealer. The car is its own question. Ask the dealer if an independent inspection is allowed before you sign. A good lot says yes.

Dealer Details

Address1100 Wagner Dr, El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone619-599-0745
Websitecarmax.com
Listed featuresBuys vehicles, Oil changes, Service department, Sells used vehicles, Credit cards, Debit cards, Delivery
TypeUsed car dealer

Hours

Monday11 AM to 8 PM
Tuesday11 AM to 8 PM
Wednesday11 AM to 8 PM
Thursday11 AM to 8 PM
Friday11 AM to 8 PM
Saturday9 AM to 7 PM
Sunday12 PM to 7 PM

Common Questions

Is CarMax a good dealer?
CarMax earns an F in the PPI Auto Buyer's Guide. A heavy share of past buyers left one or two stars. The grade reads 74 public reviews averaging 3.7 stars, with 29.7 percent at one or two stars. It rates past buyers' experience with the dealer, not any single car.
Can I get a car at CarMax inspected before I buy?
Yes. PPI Auto sends an inspector to the car on the lot in El Cajon. You do not have to be there. The inspection covers 122 points, a full OBD-II scan with readiness monitors, a road test and photos of anything found, and the report comes the same day. Ask the dealer to hold the car while it is checked.
How is the grade worked out?
It needs 20 or more public reviews. The star average is pulled toward the national average by 25 average reviews so a short record cannot jump the line, and the share of one and two star reviews sets a ceiling. The full method is on our grading page.
Is CarMax open on Sunday?
Its listed Sunday hours are 12 PM to 7 PM. Hours change, so call before you drive over.

Other Graded Dealers Nearby

AToyota of El Cajonunder a mileAMercedes-Benz of El Cajonunder a mileBLexus El Cajon Salesunder a mileBMossy Nissan El Cajonunder a mileFConvoy Motors LLc11.7 milesFWest Coast Motorcars12.1 miles

Grades update when public reviews do. Is this your dealership and something here is out of date? Tell us. See every graded dealer in San Diego, CA. Found a car here? Book a pre purchase inspection in San Diego, CA before you sign.

Buying from this lot?

Inspect it on the lot

We check the car at CarMax before you sign.

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Inspect a car at CarMax

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Details

No payment now · We confirm scheduling before any work

The grade covers the dealer. We check the car.

122 points, a full scan and a road test, on the lot, same day report.

Call 951-267-8500