Affordability and Quality Are Top Factors for Today's Car Shoppers, According to CarMax Survey

AFFORDABILITY AND QUALITY ARE TOP FACTORS 
FOR TODAY?S CAR SHOPPERS, ACCORDING TO SURVEY

RICHMOND, Va. (February 19, 2009) ? Given the current economic conditions, 
affordability and quality were chosen as the two most important factors 
driving the majority of vehicle purchases in a recent survey conducted for 
CarMax, Inc. , the nation?s largest retailer of used cars.

When given one choice, fifty-six percent of those surveyed chose 
affordability as the most important consideration in their next vehicle 
purchase, while quality came in second, selected by 17 percent of 
respondents.  Men indicated they are more likely to purchase based on 
performance, with 13% choosing that as the most important factor versus 8% 
of women.  Also, according to the survey, women are more than twice as 
likely as men to focus on safety in an upcoming vehicle purchase, however 
only six percent of respondents overall said that safety was the most 
important factor. 

?Now more than ever, consumers are shopping smart by searching for great 
value,? said Tom Folliard, president and chief executive officer of 
CarMax. ?Vehicles at an affordable price, with guaranteed quality and 
reliability, are what shoppers are looking for during these challenging 
economic times.?

The following are the results of a recent poll of adults who were asked: 
With the downturn of the economy, what is the most important factor that 
will drive your next vehicle purchase?

Response:
Percent
Male Responses
Female Responses
Affordability
56%
265 (55%)
300 (58%)
Quality
17%
88 (18%)
82 (16%)
Performance
10%
62 (13%)
40 (8%)
Environmental Factors/Green
8%
42 (9%)
42 (8%)
Safety
6%
16 (3%)
42 (8%)
Design
2%
13 (3%)
11 (2%)

The survey was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of CarMax.  The 
national sample consisted of more than 1,000 U.S. adults who were 
interviewed online January 15 - 20, 2009. 

Currently, there are more than 4,000 cars at carmax.com priced under 
$12,000.  Each vehicle is reconditioned, goes through a 125-point 
inspection for quality and comes with a free online Vehicle History 
Report.  Consumers can search vehicles from 30 top brands by fuel economy 
and features, read customer reviews, review reliability ratings by J.D. 
Power and Associates and obtain safety ratings by the National Highway 
Traffic Safety Administration, all on carmax.com. All vehicles come with a 
five-day, money-back guarantee and a limited 30-day warranty (60-day in 
Conn.). 

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 99 used car 
superstores in 46 markets.  The unique 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 a customer-friendly sales process.  During the twelve months ended 
February 29, 2008, the company retailed 377,244 used vehicles and sold 
222,406 wholesale vehicles at its in-store auctions.  For more 
information, access the CarMax website at http://www.carmax.com.