CarMax Warranty Guide: What’s Covered, How Long It Lasts, and Whether MaxCare Is Worth It

The CarMax warranty included with every car CarMax sells is a limited warranty at no extra cost. You can also buy MaxCare, an optional extended service plan, at the time of purchase. This guide covers both, plus what isn’t covered and what to check before you sign.

CarMax Limited Warranty

Every CarMax car comes with a 30-day limited warranty. In Connecticut, Minnesota, and Rhode Island it runs 60 days or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. In Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York it runs 90 days or 4,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Recent change: On January 12, 2026, CarMax moved from a 90-day/4,000-mile limited warranty on all cars to a 30-day CarMax warranty. Cars bought before that date keep the 90-day/4,000-mile coverage, and the state-specific terms above didn’t change. Many older articles still say 90 days, so check the date of purchase.

What the limited warranty covers

The CarMax warranty covers parts and labor at no cost to you for these systems: frame and body, engine, transmission and drive shaft, differential, cooling, electrical, fuel, steering, suspension, restraint, brake, and exhaust systems, gauges, HVAC, tires, and wheels. Exclusions and limitations apply, so ask the store for the full document.

CarMax says it never sells cars “as-is.” Each car passes a 125+ point inspection and is reconditioned before sale. There is also a 10-day return window if the car doesn’t meet your expectations.

How to use it

Within the CarMax warranty period, call your nearest CarMax store and choose the service option to schedule an appointment.

CarMax MaxCare Extended Service Plan

MaxCare picks up where the limited CarMax warranty ends. It’s an optional plan you can only choose when you buy the car, and it can be tailored to your monthly budget.

Key facts

• Named-exclusion coverage. MaxCare lists what it doesn’t cover instead of listing what it does. If a part isn’t on the exclusion list, it’s covered.
• Plan terms. The five-year term is only offered on cars with under 60,000 miles at purchase, and every plan has a mileage cap.
• Deductible. You pay your chosen deductible to the repair facility, and a covered repair at a CarMax service center or RepairPal Certified shop lowers it by $50, subject to state limits.
• Payment of claims. MaxCare pays the repair facility directly for covered repairs.
• Roadside assistance. It includes 24/7 emergency roadside assistance from day one. The roadside number is 800-693-5324.
• Substitute transportation. It reimburses up to $50 a day for up to ten days (rental or ride-share) for covered overnight repairs. In some states and stores the limit is $40 a day for 7 days.
• Where it applies. Coverage extends across the United States and Canada.
• Who stands behind it. CarMax is not a party to the MaxCare contract. The plan is administered by a third party, so read the contract for claims terms.

Where to get repairs

You can schedule MaxCare service at one of over 200 CarMax locations, and questions about your plan go to 800-519-1511. Choosing CarMax or a RepairPal Certified shop gets you the $50 deductible discount.

MaxCare Plus: Tire, Wheel, and Dent Coverage

MaxCare Plus includes everything in MaxCare and adds tire protection, wheel protection, and paintless dent repair for minor dings. These add-ons carry a $0 deductible.

• Tire protection: repairs or replaces a tire damaged by a road hazard. Normal wear and lack of maintenance are not covered.
• Wheel protection: repairs or replaces a wheel, or fixes cosmetic damage, caused by a road hazard.
• Availability: MaxCare Plus is not currently offered in CA, SC, OR, or at the Dulles store.

What MaxCare Doesn’t Cover

Standard MaxCare doesn’t cover tire costs, and roadside help for a flat covers only removing the tire or mounting your spare. Other common exclusions include routine maintenance and wear items, aftermarket modifications, commercial use, and damage from abuse or neglect. Keep your service records, since claims can require proof of maintenance. The contract has the full exclusion list, so request a sample contract before you buy.

Canceling or Transferring MaxCare

You can cancel MaxCare at any time. The refund is pro-rated by term and/or mileage and may carry a cancellation fee. If you sell the car, you can transfer the plan to the new owner or cancel it. Ask what fee applies in your state before you decide.

Is the CarMax Warranty Worth It?

The limited CarMax warranty is a short safety net, and 30 days is not long. Whether MaxCare is worth buying depends on the car and your budget.

MaxCare tends to make sense if you:

• Are buying a model with costly electronics or complex systems
• Plan to keep the car beyond the manufacturer’s coverage
• Prefer a fixed deductible to a surprise repair bill

You may skip it if you:

• Have savings set aside for repairs
• Are buying a car with remaining factory warranty
• Prefer to compare outside service contracts, which can offer more plan choices

Price varies with the car’s make, model, age, mileage, term, and deductible. Ask for a quote on the exact vehicle and get the sample contract first.

CarMax Warranty FAQ

How long is the CarMax warranty?

The limited warranty is 30 days in most states, 60 days/3,000 miles in CT, MN, and RI, and 90 days/4,000 miles in MA, NJ, and NY. Cars bought before January 12, 2026 have 90 days/4,000 miles.

Does CarMax offer an extended warranty?

Yes, MaxCare and MaxCare Plus, both optional and sold at purchase.

Can I cancel MaxCare?

Yes, at any time, with a pro-rated refund that may be reduced by a fee.

Is MaxCare transferable?

Yes, if you sell the car you can transfer it to the new owner.

Where can I get MaxCare repairs?

At a CarMax service center or another shop. CarMax and RepairPal Certified shops reduce your deductible by $50.