Does CarMax Take Cars with Check Engine Light On?

If you’re trying to sell your car, you may be wondering if CarMax will take it even if the check engine light is on. The answer is: it depends.

What is the Check Engine Light?

The check engine light is a warning light that illuminates on your dashboard when your car’s computer detects a problem. The problem could be anything from a minor issue, such as a loose gas cap, to a more serious issue, such as a failing transmission.

Will CarMax Take My Car with the Check Engine Light On?

CarMax will take your car with the check engine light on, but the price they offer you will depend on the severity of the problem. If the problem is minor, CarMax may only deduct a small amount from the price of the car. However, if the problem is more serious, CarMax may offer you significantly less than what the car is worth.

What Should I Do if My Check Engine Light is On?

If your check engine light is on, the first thing you should do is have the problem diagnosed by a mechanic. Once you know what the problem is, you can decide whether to repair it before selling the car or if you want to sell it as-is.

Repairing the Problem

If you decide to repair the problem, the cost of the repair will vary depending on the severity of the issue. Minor problems, such as a loose gas cap, can be repaired for a few dollars. However, more serious problems, such as a failing transmission, can cost thousands of dollars to repair.

Selling the Car As-Is

If you decide to sell the car as-is, you will need to disclose the problem to potential buyers. You can do this by including a note in the car’s listing or by telling potential buyers about the problem when they come to look at the car.

How to Get the Most Money for Your Car with a Check Engine Light On

If you’re trying to get the most money for your car with a check engine light on, there are a few things you can do:

• Get the problem diagnosed by a mechanic.
• If the problem is minor, repair it before selling the car.
• If the problem is more serious, consider selling the car as-is and disclosing the problem to potential buyers.
• Be prepared to negotiate with potential buyers.

Conclusion

Whether or not CarMax will take your car with the check engine light on depends on the severity of the problem. If the problem is minor, CarMax may only deduct a small amount from the price of the car. However, if the problem is more serious, CarMax may offer you significantly less than what the car is worth. If you’re trying to get the most money for your car with a check engine light on, it’s important to get the problem diagnosed by a mechanic and be prepared to negotiate with potential buyers.