I don’t know what changed. But it wasn’t for the better. - Manager CarMax Employee Review

2.0
10 Jan 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Environment. Love the people I work with. Love the autonomy to make customers happy. Good advancement opportunities but only if your willing to relocate for each promotion.

Cons

Micro Management. Way, way too many meetings. Observations, file reviews, Annual performance reviews, manager meetings, communication meetings, departmental meetings, huddle meetings, etc., etc. little to no time for quality associate development. To many repetitive conversations. Outdated systems mean that you are consistently transferring information from one report/system to another. Disciplinary actions are confusing and over processed. No consistent message from HR/Senior Managers on what good performance management looks like. Work loads that make it impossible to succeed consistently. If you’re an associate, rethink your desire to become a CarMax Manager. I made the wrong choice and I lost my fierce love for a company that I was extremely proud to work for. Can’t wait to get out.

Explore other reviews about CarMax

5.0
3 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You are your own boss

Cons

Slow days can be demotivating.

4.0
13 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The perks of working at CarMax are quite extensive. Associates are offered an aggressive 401k program, Stock Purchasing Plan, in store discounts on sales and service, access to the CarMax Wholesale system, excellent healthcare, plenty of PTO, and at my location we are given as much OT as we want. My coworkers are generally good people, that I enjoy being able to work along side day in and day out. Management is very understanding in regards to calling out sick family emergencies, and schedule requests.

Cons

Despite doing the work of 5 people, and very politely asking for a raise management will not give me more than my 3% annual raise which is the single biggest let down. The bonus change of 2025 being labeled as "exciting" was straight corporate gaslighting unlike anything I've ever seen. Since the start of 2026, as of this review being written we have lost 7 associates largely due to pay, and I am soon to join those associates. Management from the store level up to corporate needs to understand that to retain their top performers they need to be compensated like a top performer. Some members of management are cliquey and moody which is very frustrating to deal with. Quality of Management varies wildly from store to store as well

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