Video: CarMax Provides Insight on Hybrids as Searches for Fuel-Efficient Vehicles...

Video: CarMax Provides Insight on Hybrids as Searches for Fuel-Efficient
Vehicles Increase
Used Car Superstore Helps Shoppers Find Fuel Efficiency by Looking Beyond Just
Hybrids

RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX),
the nation's largest retailer of used cars, says that searches for hybrids on
carmax.com are up. From March to July searches for hybrids on carmax.com have
risen 43 percent. Given the increased interest in finding a vehicle that
provides more gas economy, CarMax is providing insight into what people should
know about hybrids and buying a more fuel-efficient vehicle in general.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/carmax/30795/

"If you are really interested in a hybrid, which many people are, there
are several pros and cons you will really want to consider before you buy,"
said Eric Rosen, a member of the CarMax purchasing team. "One benefit is that
hybrids obviously average better gas mileage than conventional gas vehicles.
However, they are usually a couple thousand dollars more expensive and can
take a few years to recoup the premium paid for them."
Due to the increased interest, CarMax's purchasing team offers the
following tips when shopping for a used hybrid or a more fuel-efficient
vehicle: -- Do your research on hybrid vehicles.
-- Hybrids combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor powered by
batteries. The electric motor helps increase the engine's fuel
efficiency.
-- Learn what type of hybrid is best for you, a full or mild hybrid,
-- A full hybrid can at times be powered by an electric motor
independent of a gas engine. The electric motor gives it the
ability to obtain more miles to the gallon than a non-hybrid.
-- A mild hybrid uses its electric motor only to assist the gasoline
engine when more power is required. In most cases, a mild hybrid
gets better highway mileage than city mileage.
-- Investigate whether your state offers tax credits or HOV access for
hybrid owners. Some states still offer some benefits, although the
laws are changing.
-- Research non-hybrid, fuel-efficient cars that also offer
better-than-average miles per gallon.
-- Some non-hybrids like the Honda Fit and Toyota Corolla can get up to
35mpg highway.
-- Hybrid and non-hybrid versions of the same car differ in price. The
hybrid version can cost up to $5,000 more.
-- Certain high performance hybrids, such as the Lexus GS450h, get just
a few more miles per gallon than the non-hybrid version.

"Due to limited supplies, new hybrids are difficult to find. Consumers
are sometimes required to make a deposit to be added to the end of a waiting
list. People interested in driving a hybrid should consider purchasing a used
hybrid," Rosen suggested. "To help find that perfect used car, I'd recommend
people look for an auto retailer with services that let you know when certain
vehicles become available, such as carmax.com's inventory alert system, and
allows you to transfer used cars from one store to another."
"There are many vehicles that provide fuel efficiency beyond just
hybrids," Rosen continued. "There are a number of non-hybrid cars that can get
more than 30mpg on the highway, and we have the expertise and tools available
to help people find a more gas-friendly car." Currently, carmax.com lists
approximately 3,000 vehicles with 30mpg highway. There are currently 10,000
vehicles in the CarMax inventory rated at more than 25mpg highway.
Carmax.com recently launched an "MPG" search feature to aid shoppers when
researching vehicles by their estimated miles per gallon. The CarMax website
can be used to research information on vehicles 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 2008 "100 Best
Companies to Work For," is the nation's largest retailer of used cars.
Headquartered in Richmond, Va., CarMax currently operates 98 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.
Note to Media: CarMax's car-buying professionals are available in your
market for visually compelling interviews. Contact us to arrange interviews.
SOURCE CarMax, Inc.

Trina Lee, Public Relations Manager, +1-804-747-0422, ext. 4197, or Chris
Wilmore, Assistant Public Relations Manager, New Media, +1-804- 747-0422, ext.
4773, both for CarMax, Inc.