Hi Corvette Forum, I'm new to the site. I am writing to let others know about my experience with CarMax and wanted to know if anyone has ever experienced this. I ordered a 2014 C7 Corvette convertible with 18k (photo below) online and paid ($299) to ship it from Grand Rapids to the NJ store. I received notification that the car was delivered, and since I was in the neighborhood on Monday, I decided to stop by even though I have a test drive appointment today. I noticed the tires looked used and worn around the edges during my inspection. The online ad states that they replace all four tires. After comparing them to the pictures online, I confirmed my suspicion. The worn and used tires currently on the car are Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZP Run Flat summer tires. The tires pictured online are All Season Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06 Plus. After getting the manager involved, he said I should stay with the Michelins because they cost more and are better than the Continental. I told him the tires were worn and used; I wanted the new Continentals on the car. He agreed but with conditions. CarMax has a 30-day return policy. He wants me to purchase the vehicle, and after 30 days, he will replace the tires, which he agreed to put in writing. He's concerned that I may return the car before the 30-day expires, and then they're out of pocket for the tires. Diffidently someone switched the tires, maybe in Grand Rapids or during transit. The vehicle in/out looks great. I plan to take it to the dealership for inspection if I take the deal with the used tires and hope they are true to their word. Is this a classic bait & switch, or did someone rip off CarMax, and now it falls on me? Should I trust them or walk away from the deal? Thank you.

 

Exhaust looks to be after market, Be sure to do a CarFax and get the dealer to give you the service history, Good Luck with your purchase. Check with a local Corvette Club and they should be able to reccomend a local non dealer shop that will do a better inspection.

 

Will do. Thank you very much.

 

The Michelin Pilot Sport ZP (Run Flat ) tires are a Summer Tire only, the Conti's are all season. The Michelin has better traction while the Conti's has a softer sidewall and will be provide a smoother ride but sacrifice a bit of cornering and traction capabilities. Steering Chatter while turning the Steering wheel when moving slowly is less evident with the Conti's.

You can decide which scenario better applies to you and choose your tires accordingly. Maybe ask for a credit towards new Michelins if that is the Tire you choose.

It appears the Car does not have the NPP Performance exhaust hence the smaller exhaust tips.

Nothing you mentioned seems to be a deal breaker as long as the Dealer is willing to work with you.

 

Walk

 

So, I bought and returned a Corvette to CarMax then about a month later I bought my current Corvette from CarMax and have been happy with it. The purchases were in September and November of last year. I take them at their word as they've convinced me that they will stand behind the cars they sell. Not sure what happened with your tire situation... But, if they say they'll buy new tires, I'd believe them. I wouldn't walk over the tire discrepancy.

 

Whatever Carmax or the dealer promises to do this or that...GET IT IN WRITING!

 

Walk away.

You've already been lied to. First they say it has new tires, now they are concerned about the out of pocket expense for the tires?

Nothing makes sense here.

What else are they hiding?

 

Thank you!

 

You're correct in wanting all season tires when you live in NJ. The summer tires should not be used when below 40F and they won't have as much traction until they get significantly warmer than that.

If you get the car, definitely get the new tire deal in writing. Or - have them reduce the price about $1600, so you can get your own tires put on after 30 days (and then you won't need to pay the tax on that $1600 either).

 

Run from the deal. Issues like this often lead to more down the road. Even Carmax is only as good as the Sales Manager.

 

Agree with all the advice above. Get the car inspected and get a VIS report from a Chevy dealer as well. I wouldn't walk away if tires are the only issue with it. I like the idea mentioned above about picking out the tires you want to switch to and have them lower the price by that much. Try to sell them by saying they won't need to worry about getting the car back to switch tires after it's sold.

Good luck

 

Idk if they do PPI but ask ECS in cream ridge. They know C7s.

 

Exhaust appears to be factory non NPP...

As far as the rest, follow your gut.

 

I would check the date on the tires and see how old rhey are. If they are originals, that means they are almost 10 years old and a safety problem with age, wear, and tear. They should come with Michelin Tires OEM tires. What if you have an accident in those 30 days due to tire failure.

Carmax noticed a worn bolster on the drivers seat. They authorized replacement and I took it to a well known Upholsterer. I had a check within two weeks. But, like someone wrote, that can depend on the manager. Our Carmax is huge, so they go the extra mile.

 

Sounds like very good advice.

 

Carmax gave you the new tire guarantee in writing, correct? Pay for a Carfax & get a GMVIS report from your local Chevy dealer & if they check out, buy the car...

 

If you like the car, and there are no other issues, I'd work with the guy. CarMax is one of the best used car dealers to work with.

 

Walk. Corvettes aren't rare, wait for one that isn't being sold by a shitty person.

 

This is one where you write an email to corporate. Find the email addresses of at least 4 executives including the CEO. Be direct and courteous leaving the feeling that you are a loyal customer who is shocked they would treat you this way and are now not going forward with the deal. Then sit back and enjoy the journey.