As the Weather Warms, Searches for Convertibles Heat Up

RICHMOND, Va.--CarMax, Inc. , the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, reports that searches for convertibles and used cars with sunroofs increased on carmax.com in March. According to carmax.com, searches for convertibles were up 28 percent since December. Searches for used cars with sunroofs during the same time period had a 15 percent increase. Warmer weather means car shoppers’ thoughts turn to having fun in the sun.

“We definitely see an increase in searches for convertibles during the warmer months, but to see this significant a jump when it’s still spring in most of the country is noteworthy,” said Ann Yauger, director of carmax.com. “The expanded online search on carmax.com makes locating a convertible or a vehicle with a sunroof easier and faster with a few simple clicks. The email alert feature on carmax.com allows customers to receive emails when specific vehicles they are searching for become available in the CarMax inventory.”

CarMax’s team of professional car buyers suggests the following tips when purchasing a convertible:

• Check whether the vehicle has rollover protection and/or side airbags;
• Decide if you prefer an automatic or manual roof top;
• Consider the pros and cons of hard tops vs. soft tops; hard tops eliminate more road noise and are generally more quiet;
• Factor in any extra costs (i.e. touch-less car wash vs. manual washing); and
• Ask whether plastic windows require specific cleaning products and remember glass ones do not.

The CarMax website can be used to research information on new and used cars of various makes and models. The website showcases vehicles with multiple photos, the no-haggle price, and information on features, options, fuel economy and customer reviews.

About CarMax

CarMax, a FORTUNE 500 company and one of the FORTUNE 2009 “100 Best Companies to Work For,” is the nation’s largest retailer of used cars. Headquartered in Richmond, Va., CarMax currently operates 100 used car superstores in 46 markets. The CarMax consumer offer provides our customers the opportunity to shop for vehicles the way they shop for items at other national retailers, and it 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, 2009, the company retailed 345,465 used vehicles and sold 191,081 wholesale vehicles at its in-store auctions. For more information, access the CarMax website at http://www.carmax.com.