Well, I bought my car (2006 Porsche C2S Cabrio) from Carmax on Wednesday, 11-03-10. Other than the very minor scuffs and typical wear and tear common to a 4 year old daily driver autombile, the car felt and looked great as I was driving her out of the lot. the TPMS light came on, and I noticed the car was stalling a bit as I tried to start it.
Carmax has a 5 day return policy, as well as a 30 day warranty...if during that time, I find ANYTHING wrong with the car, they state they would repair it and "make it right".
So today, I took the car to a very reputable German automobile mechanic in my area, who has been servicing Porsches for many years. Also, he is a personal friend. He did a VERY thorough inspection. He gave me a list of 3 things that needed repairing: 1) New battery, 2) New sensors for the TPMS, and 3) A new rear view mirror control ****. I took the list to Carmax, and they approved those minor repairs, no problem!
Most importantly, my mechanic told me, and I quote "this car is mechanically PERFECT"!!! I feel MUCH better now, and I can really begin to enjoy my car!
So, as far as I am concerned, Carmax did a pretty good job and came through with their service.
Gonna enjoy my car this weekend!!!

 

congrats on the new ride...you are fortunate - most folks would have had their mechanic look at the car before doing the deal. Enjoy.

 

Congratulations. You know the routine, pictures are expected asap!

 

Well, technically, I still had (have, for 2 more days) the option for a full return, no questions asked if I was dissatisfied in any way with the car. Initially I was very happy, and pretty satisfied, but I was not yet 100% convinced until I had done my own PPI with my mechanic. So basically, the truly final decision was based on what my mechanic would say, and today, I received excellent news! Had there been any serious issues with the car, I would have not hesitated to return it. But yes, I am indeed fortunate!

 

Planning on posting some pics tomorrow!

 

Congrats and enjoy her in good health.

 

Did you buy the extended warranty? I did when I bought my car from them and I have already used it to replace my horn when it crapped out.

 

WAT ? I see a free 5 day car rental in many people's futures...

 

Yup. Got the extended warranty....72 month, 100K miles.

 

My mechanic told me that TPMS should be replaced about every 4 years (if accurate readings are important to you)... I thought its a computer chip and should last indefinitely like your radio, but apparently not?

 

The batteries wear out. Here's what it says in the Beru website:

Currently the need for replacement has
never been so great. The reason is that
the BERU tire pressure control system
has been offered as decisive safety,
comfort and economy plus already since
1999 in many automobile models from
Audi, BMW, Daimler-Chrysler, Porsche
and Volkswagen as special and standard
equipment. For workshops this means
that at an average life of five to seven
years according to operating conditions,
the battery capacity of the wheel electronic
unit should soon be exhausted. As
part subject to wear it must be replaced

on time.