CarMax is generally a good choice when you're looking for a fair deal on a decent used car. Need a Camry or a Grand Cherokee? It's a smart place to start. But what you may not know is that, amid that sea of Hyundais, Toyotas, Hondas, and assorted other bland suburban transport pods, there are occasionally offerings that get an enthusiast's attention. Here's what I found on a recent Sunday morning stroll of the lot at the CarMax in Raleigh, North Carolina.
(Full disclosure - I worked as a part time associate at CarMax 20+ years back. It was a fun part time job and I learned a lot about the car business.)
2011 Ford Ranger XLT
Now I'll admit that a nearly ten year old pickup isn't usually cause for much more than a glance. But this one is different. First, it only has 57,000 miles on the odometer. Second, it is in immaculate shape and has every option an '11 Ranger could have. The bedliner doesn't have a scratch on it. My guess is this truck was owned by a 'gentleman farmer' who only drove it on Saturday mornings to join friends for coffee. In this condition and with such few miles, this little truck is a rare find. And CarMax knows it - look at the price they're asking.
2017 Mazda Miata Club Edition
For 30 years now the Miata has represented the best sports car value proposition available. And while the last few generations have been a bit on weak side in terms of design, the latest Miata is a great looking car, particularly in the Club Edition which adds special paint, wheels, and other bits. Sadly this gorgeous example has one flaw, and it's a big one. When I found it on the lot I joked that it probably was an automatic. I looked in the window, cursed, and walked away muttering.
2017 Jaguar F-Type S
After bashing the Miata for an automatic transmission, let me immediately contradict myself with praise for this fabulous Jaguar. No, it doesn't have a stick shift. But it doesn't need one. If you want a sports car for the track you can find a V6 F Type with a stick. But to be honest the F is really too heavy and softly sprung for serious driving. Where it excels is as the perfect car for a Sunday country drive. Top down of course. This car, at just under $50,000 would be a joy to own for just such opportunities.
2018 Ford Focus RS
It's not often that a $35,000 used hatchback gets your attention, but this one certainly does. With the harsh ride, cramped interior, and noise you really have to want the performance this little 350 horsepower, angry wombat provides. It's incredible to think about how far the hot hatch has come since it's beginnings in the original Mini and of course the
Mark 1 VW GTI.
2016 Cadillac ATS-V Coupe
Sitting down to write this post, I discovered I hadn't gotten a good photo of the fastest car on the lot. This twin turbo coupe may have some ungainly design features and it may not have a pedigree that sets enthusiast's hearts aflutter. But who cares? It has 455 horsepower! It will do 0-60 in 3.6 seconds! That's just ridiculous. God Bless America.
2017 BMW 328i Sedan
You could walk past this last featured car without giving it a moment's thought. Just another off-lease white BMW 3 series. I almost did... but then the red leather interior caught my eye... and the six speed manual transmission... and the M Sport package,,, and the deleted sunroof... and the BMW ShadowLine trim. This my friends, is a true unicorn. Back in the fall of 2016, someone sitting in a BMW dealership carefully checked the options boxes to create a truly unique sports sedan. It had arrived in Raleigh as a transfer car from another dealership. And if the buyer backs out my name is at the top of the "I'll buy it" list.
So that's what I found. What fun cars have you found at CarMax?
