CarMax Says Some Vehicles Offer Much More Than Meets the Eye

RICHMOND, Va. (Feb. 11, 2008) American consumers have a tendency to be drawn to cars with smooth, sleek designs, bold colors and engines with a lot of horsepower, but CarMax, Inc. the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, says there are many other vehicles on the market that deserve a second look.

“People often overlook some of the best features that a vehicle has to offer merely because it looks different than the most popular cars on the road,�?? said Mark Simmons, Purchasing Manager in San Diego, California. Simmons continued, “Common features that car shoppers look for include a navigation system, leather seats and a sunroof. All of these features can be found in certain minivans and compact cars, not just sports cars and luxury vehicles.�??

When searching for your next car, here are three categories of vehicles you may want to consider because you might just fall in love with them:

Minivans aren’t just for soccer moms.

Today’s minivans offer features that are hip and modern, including navigation systems, TV/DVD players, leather seats and rear heating and cooling

Many models also provide captain chair seating for four, also known as quad seating

Minivans provide plenty of room for people to enter and exit the vehicle and are lower to the ground than most SUVs

The third-row seats, which can often be folded into the floor to make room for more cargo, are generally easier to get to compared with an SUV

Some popular models that offer many of these perks include the Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, and Nissan Quest

Compact cars prove that bigger is not always better.

Shrinking parking spaces, smaller garages and higher gas prices make compact cars a sensible choice for those trying to save pennies and the environment

Small vehicles can offer many luxury features, such as a sunroof, leather seats, navigation systems and convertible tops T

he Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, Chevrolet Cobalt and Mini Cooper are quite trendy and loaded with features

The newer Kia Spectra and Hyundai Elantra models offer an updated, modern body style

Boxy vehicles offer unique features that make them anything but square.

Honda Element

Two-wheel or all-wheel drive models

Back seats that fold into the side of the SUV, providing plenty of room for the family dog, a surf board, skis and luggage

A vinyl floor, making it easy to remove sand, dirt and water from the vehicle

Scion xB

An affordable purchase and can be personalized to your style

Countless additional accessories can be added, such as navigation, satellite radio, headrest monitors and spoilers

Jeep Commander

Can be purchased with third-row seating, leather seats, seat heaters, and rear heating and cooling

Also offers four-wheel drive models

“Every make and model offers unique perks to its owner and each person is looking for something different,�?? Simmons said. Researching many types of vehicles before making a purchase can create a new perspective in car shopping. Carmax.com is a good resource that allows you to search for vehicles, not only by make and model, but also by popular features. And with more than 25,000 vehicles to choose from, the possibilities are endless.

Carmax.com showcases each vehicle with multiple photos, the no-haggle price, and information on features, options, fuel economy and customer reviews. In fiscal year 2007, carmax.com averaged more than four million visits per month. Additionally, approximately 70 percent of in-store customers visited the website before coming to the store.

About CarMax

CarMax, a FORTUNE 500 company, and one of the FORTUNE 2008 “100 Best Companies to Work For,�?? is the nation's largest retailer of used cars. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., CarMax currently operates 88 used car superstores in 41 markets. The CarMax consumer offer is structured around four customer benefits: low, no-haggle prices; a broad selection; high quality vehicles; and customer-friendly service. During the twelve months ended February 28, 2007, the company retailed 337,021 used vehicles and sold 208,959 wholesale vehicles at its in-store auctions. For more information, access the CarMax website at www.carmax.com.