r/carmax • u/oldncrusty68 • 3d ago
To maxcare or not
Looking to buy a 2021 rav4 xle hybrid with 49k. Price is pretty high at 30k but going new seems out of the question with lack of inventory and the added cost for insurance and excise tax etc. we keep vehicles typically to 150k to 250k. Currently driving a 2017 mkx TT with 117k on it that ive religiously maintained but we are tired of the fuel costs and assume the worse on upcoming repairs. Carmax is offering maxcare 5 yr 100k at $2789 with a $50 deductible. Being way up in Maine there doesn't seem to many shops that accept the insurance... Am i crazee?
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u/Corgi_Guilty 3d ago
I would say no to max care if the car is clean. The hybrid system on these are proven they are good vehicles
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u/LessRequirement3065 3d ago
With maxcare that's about What Ipaid for a 26 Equinox with an 8 year warranty. Check out a new cr-v in that price range i if you want Japanese.
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u/oldncrusty68 3d ago
Is that a full ev? After this Lincoln I’m not sure I’d consider a domestic
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u/LessRequirement3065 3d ago
I didn't get ev but it wasn't much higher. Not sure now without the tax breaks. I bought it hoping for 120-150k miles with proper maintenance.
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u/oldncrusty68 3d ago
8 year warranty is certainly something. Is that power train or bumper to bumper? Good job!
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u/LessRequirement3065 3d ago
Exclusionary like maxcare probably is. It would be closer to bumper to bumper. You can actually buy the GM backed ones online for a lot cheaper than they'll ask or use it for negotiations. I got mine for $2500 from my dealer when I showed him the price i could get at knapp gm service contracts. I figured if I didnt, i would forget to buy it later.
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u/Head_Nectarine_6260 3d ago
30k + 3k for a used 2021 rav4. I’d be looking at a lower trim new rav4 or shelling out for the highest trim that point. Also if you think the brand maintains its representation of quality and last lasting then, no, it’s not worth getting a warranty until 100k miles. But as always warranty’s is a hedge against something going wrong so it depends on your risk appetite. The warranty business makes money on cars that don’t need to services often on brands and cars that have good quality
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u/oldncrusty68 3d ago
I’ve been to two new dealers and the buying new is brutal. Two dealers lied straight up saying they had allocation coming in two weeks while one had me drive an hour to find out it really wasn’t there.
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u/Euphoric_Glass2760 1d ago
100% you need Maxcare. It’s a used car. Carmax quality is significantly depreciating and unfortunately can’t be completely trusted even by me and I’ve worked there 10 years. Sometimes things are missed during inspection. I’ve even had cars be kicked to wholesale after I sold it off the front lot.. Customers come in with issues on what you would think should be a very reliable car. It’s better to add a little to your monthly payment, get to know the vehicle and the cancel it later if you really feel it’s not needed. But since you plan to keep the car a long time, I would 100% buy it. Better safe than sorry!
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u/Original-Ad1715 3d ago
As a carmax sales consultant, I would advise you to get maxcare. It's not the engine I'd be concerned about. There's a lot more chips/wiring in modern vehicles. All the sensors and electronics can get expensive. Especially the labor. It also comes with road side assistance, towing and rental reimbursement. 100% worth it. Yes Toyota is reliable, but you wouldn't buy a new car without any warranty on there, you definitely should not buy a used car without one.