CarMax MaxCare Cost and Extended Warranty Coverage Explained

CarMax MaxCare Cost

MaxCare, the extended service plan offered by CarMax, is an optional policy CarMax customers can sign up for when they purchase a vehicle.^[1] We contacted CarMax locations in California, Colorado, Kansas, Maine, and Maryland and researched CarMax policies online to verify the details of the MaxCare extended warranty plan.

Every CarMax car comes with a 90-day or 4,000-mile limited warranty (whichever comes first), even if the vehicle is still eligible for the manufacturer’s warranty.^[1] The MaxCare extended service plan covers additional miles and is an optional purchase, available only at the time that you purchase your car — you can not purchase the plan later or renew it when it expires.

The MaxCare warranty price can range from $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the following factors:^[2]

• Vehicle make, model, and year
• Vehicle mileage
• MaxCare deductible choice
• MaxCare mileage cap

You can pay for the MaxCare policy by adding it to your car payment or by paying it off in one lump sum with cash, check, or credit card.

Deductible Options

The MaxCare deductible options are $50, $150, $200, and $300.^[2] You will pay your selected deductible amount each time you take your car in for repair. To save money, you can address several issues in a single visit and pay only one deductible fee; MaxCare deductibles are charged per visit, not per repair.

MaxCare customers who take their vehicle to a CarMax Service Center or a CarMax RepairPal Certified shop for repairs will receive $50 off their deductible.^[3] This means that if you choose a $50 deductible, you will not have to pay a deductible at the approved service centers.

Mileage Cap Options

You can choose the mileage cap based on how many usable miles you would like the warranty to cover. For example, if the car you purchase has 44,000 miles on it and you choose to cap the mileage at 75,000 miles, you will be covered for 31,000 miles. If you cap the mileage at 100,000, you will have 56,000 usable miles. Capping the mileage at 100,000 will cost about $1,000 more than the lower mileage cap.^[2]

MaxCare allowable mileage ceilings may vary. In general, for cars with less than 50,000 miles, you can choose coverage for a minimum of 75,000 total miles. For cars with over 50,000 miles, the minimum is 100,000 miles (with a maximum of 150,000), and your total MaxCare plan cost will be higher.^[2]

CarMax MaxCare Extended Warranty Coverage

The MaxCare warranty plan covers the following parts and systems:^[4]

• Climate control
• Cooling system
• Drivetrain
• Electrical systems
• Electronics
• Engine
• Steering
• Suspension
• Transmission

Additional Services

Car Rental

If your vehicle has to remain in the repair shop or service center overnight, MaxCare will reimburse you for a car rental from a licensed car rental company. The MaxCare warranty reimburses policyholders $40 per day for up to seven days.^[1]

Roadside Assistance

Policyholders receive coverage of up to $100 per occurrence on the failure of any part that the MaxCare plan covers. You will have access to the toll-free MaxCare agency customer service number 365 days a year, around the clock.^[1] The staff members will suggest the nearest authorized repair center for your location.

Coverage Areas

Nationwide coverage and a network of repair facilities protect your vehicle anywhere in the United States. If you move states or travel, your MaxCare plan will still protect your vehicle.^[5]

MaxCare Coverage Exclusions

While you should always refer to your MaxCare contract for specific information about your coverage, the following parts and services typically are not covered under MaxCare:^[3][4]

• Accessories or equipment installed after you purchased the vehicle
• Air conditioner refrigerant
• Alignment
• Batteries
• Brake pads and shoes
• Breakdowns caused by misuse or abuse
• Bumpers
• Catalytic converters
• Clutches
• Drive belts
• Engine coolant
• Engine spark plugs and ignition wires
• Manual transmission work
• Painting
• Regular maintenance services, including 30k and 60k mile major services and other major component replacements
• Repairs made to meet government emission standards
• Suspension work
• Tires
• Trim
• Wheels
• Wiper blades

Additionally, note that emergency roadside tire assistance does not include the cost of tire replacement, and emergency roadside fuel delivery does not cover the cost of fuel.^[4]

Is CarMax MaxCare Worth It?

Before agreeing to purchase a MaxCare policy, you should consider the list of items covered under the plan, as well as the exclusions. The plan covers repairs of some of the vehicle’s major parts and systems, which can be expensive to fix; however, it will not be as useful if you want a plan that also covers day-to-day needs like wiper blade replacement or tire repairs. Taking into account the age and condition of the vehicle you are buying, as well as researching the typical issues with that make and model of vehicle, may also be helpful. If you are buying a new or nearly new car that is still under its manufacturer’s warranty, you may not need the extended coverage.

If you do choose to purchase a MaxCare policy, consider your finances when determining the appropriate deductible and mileage level to suit your needs and budget.

For more information about CarMax, see our previous article detailing the CarMax return policy.