National used car retailer
CarMax makes a firm online or in-store offer good for 7 days and pays on the spot at one of its stores. CarPresto also gives you 7 days, but the buyer is one of the local franchised dealerships competing for your car, the appraisal can happen at your home with no fee, and you get a $500 bonus on top of the accepted offer.
CarMax facts below are paraphrased from its published pages, checked on September 15, 2026. Each row links to the page we read. CarPresto facts come from our Offer Terms and are the same on every page of this site.
| What to check | CarPresto | CarMax | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees to sell | None. No inspection fee, no admin or processing fee. | No fee for the offer or for selling at a store. At-home pickup: distance restrictions and a fee may apply. | CarMax page for fees to sellChecked September 15, 2026 |
| How long the offer stands | 7 days, with the exact date and time on the offer. | 7 days, whether the offer was made online or in store. | CarMax page for how long the offer standsChecked September 15, 2026 |
| How the car is checked | Photos from your phone, or a no-fee appraisal at a participating dealership or at your home. Any change is shown with photos and you can decline it. | Verification at a CarMax store, or at-home pickup where available. Some offers are adjusted after verification. | CarMax page for how the car is checkedChecked September 15, 2026 |
| Who buys your car | One of the franchised VIP Auto Group dealerships. They compete and you see the winning offer. | CarMax, a national used car retailer. No obligation to buy a car from them. | CarMax page for who buys your carChecked September 15, 2026 |
| When and how you are paid | Paid by check at handoff, after the inspection is confirmed and the paperwork is signed. | Bank draft issued on the spot at the store once the paperwork is done. | CarMax page for when and how you are paidChecked September 15, 2026 |
| Local presence | Participating dealerships across NY, NJ, CT. Appraisal at a store or at your home within about 75 miles. | More than 250 stores nationwide. At-home pickup for most customers; availability varies by location. | CarMax page for local presenceChecked September 15, 2026 |
Step 1: Get your market estimate
Step 2: Choose your appraisal
Step 3: Quick inspection, no fee
Step 4: Sign and get paid
Step 5: We handle the payoff
Every step in full is on the how it works section. The first number you see is an estimate, not an offer.
None. No inspection fee, no admin or processing fee, no listing fee, and no charge for an at-home appraisal. You never pay CarPresto anything.
What you receive is the offer amount plus your $500 bonus, less any loan or lease payoff we handle for you. Everything is itemized before you sign.
Read this answer on the FAQ pageYour firm offer stands for 7 days. The exact expiration date and time are printed on the offer and in your portal. There is no countdown and no pressure to decide on the spot.
If it expires, you can request a refreshed offer from your portal. Market prices move, so the refreshed amount can be higher or lower.
Read this answer on the FAQ pageYes, and it is free. Every firm offer is confirmed by a quick inspection so the number you accept is the number you are paid.
Choose the method that suits you: upload guided photos from your phone for a more accurate number (required if you let dealerships bid), book an appraisal at a participating dealership, or book an at-home appraisal within our service area. Whichever you choose, we confirm the final value when you hand over the keys.
Read this answer on the FAQ pageYou are paid by check at handoff, after the inspection is confirmed and the paperwork is signed. The offer amount and your $500 bonus are shown on one statement, less any payoff we make to your lender.
Your portal shows the payment status at each step, from initiated to completed with a reference. If a loan or lease is being paid off, the payoff to your lender and the amount due to you are listed separately.
Read this answer on the FAQ pageMarket estimate in about two minutes. Firm offer after a quick inspection. No fees.
