A driver in an Audi claims that you can borrow a car from CarMax by yourself, with nobody from the dealership in the passenger seat.
BananaLeaf (@wheet456) posted the video on August 27. On-screen text reads, “Fun fact: you can test drive ANY car from CarMax for 20 minutes solo.”
A caption adds, “They also offer 24 hour test drives you can schedule in person.”
When asked about the car, the creator told a commenter, "I test drove multiple cars. Etron was my least favorite tbh.”
The comment that got the biggest response came from indiopalomudo127: “Test drove a truck to pick up a TV from Best Buy.” Pressed on what the hack was, the commenter wrote: “You can’t fit a 75-inch TV in an Accord.”
Gottaluvvjo had a simpler plan: “20 minutes to pull up on everyone, you know, flex, then return it.”
What CarMax Actually Allows During A Test Drive
The solo test drive is real, and it is in writing. Whether an employee rides along is the customer’s call, according to CarMax’s help center: “It’s up to you whether you want a solo test drive or one with an associate. For a solo test drive, some stores might require verifiable comprehensive and collision insurance coverage, in addition to your valid driver’s license.”
Commenters were aware of this condition. “As long as you have an active insurance policy,” wrote animagotaglock, who added that “full coverage car insurance” is what a store wants before letting anyone out alone.
The company’s own list of what to bring includes a driver’s license and proof of liability insurance, which can come in the form of a card, a binder, your coverage pulled up online, or a call to your insurer from the store.
The test drive is obligation-free. “You’re never obligated to buy a car just because you reserve it, have it shipped, or test drive it,” CarMax says, although shipping fees are not refundable. A learner’s permit is enough to drive as long as a licensed driver is in the car, and minors have to bring a parent or guardian.
The 20-minute limit is not spelled out in the company’s materials: CarMax’s help center pages on test drives do not specify a time limit.
Gallery: 1997 Jeep Wrangler Sahara auctioned at CarMax
The 24-Hour Test Drive Question
CarMax introduced 24-hour test drives on January 12, 2021, as a part of what it called the Love Your Car Guarantee. The other half stretched its money-back window from seven days to 30, “allowing them to return the car for any reason for a full refund up to 1,500 miles.” The company said its own research found that 96% of used-car shoppers would take a day-long test drive if it were offered.
That has been significantly reeled in. The money-back guarantee CarMax advertises today runs for 10 days. Its help center carries no entry for the 24-hour test drive, and the page that used to answer “How do I get a 24-hour test drive at CarMax?” redirects to the general help center.
In the comments section, the 24-hour test drive was the basis of an argument between people who say they work there. “I work at CarMax as a sales consultant. We do not offer the 24 hour test drive anymore. As of August 18 2026,” wrote ..strider.
Og_frenchie wasn’t having it: “Dawg, I quite literally work at a CarMax. Yes we do.”
Morningstar1600z said much the same: “I work at CarMax and they still do 24 hr test drives, at least where I am.”
C0c0puffs123 offered a possible reason for the confusion: “CarMax in CA doesn’t offer 24hr test drives anymore, and I work there too.”
There were mourners for the old scheme. “I miss the 24 hour test drive days,” wrote heinzmethod, in a comment with about 3,000 likes.
Other commenters had taken full advantage of the benefit. Mattyice5590 said he had taken about 10 test drives before a request for a Camaro ZL1 was finally turned down: “You can’t drive over 150 miles in the 24 hours and you cover the gas, that’s it.”
Ax01703 said performance cars were where stores drew the line, and that the way around it was to “purchase the car and refund it for a ‘trial,’” which is what the 10-day return window is for.
In response to a request for comment, CarMax wrote in a statement, "CarMax regularly reviews its offerings to ensure we're providing the best possible experience for customers and associates. As part of that process, we discontinued our 24-Hour Test Drive program. This change helps improve vehicle availability for customers and simplifies operations for our store teams.”
The company added, “We know customers value the opportunity to see, feel and test drive a vehicle before purchasing, and they continue to have access to test drive vehicles at CarMax, along with guidance and support from our associates throughout their shopping journey.”
“A standard test drive generally lasts about 20 minutes and customers must have a valid driver's license and proof of required insurance coverage,” CarMax concluded.
The other thing the comment thread makes clear is how many people treat CarMax as a place to sample cars rather than buy them.
“I use them to test drive, but have never bought through them,” wrote waspyv125.
Lastofeight, in a comment the creator liked, was more diplomatic: “CarMax is not always the best to buy from but they are the best place to try a bunch of cars if you aren’t set on a specific vehicle, also they usually give decent trade offers.”
Motor1 reached out to BananaLeaf via TikTok direct message. We’ll be sure to update this if they respond.
