Used-car dealership has sights set on Costa Mesa

CarMax, the nation’s largest used-car retailer, plans to open a dealership in Costa Mesa this year in the space formerly occupied by Wickes Furniture.

The Virginia-based company began construction in October at 3200 Harbor Blvd. and hopes to open the site for business in June. Elia Imler, an assistant public affairs manager for CarMax, said the company chose the 6.9-acre site as its first in Costa Mesa because it will be easily accessible to commuters.

The local CarMax is expected to employ between 75 and 100 people and stock 300 to 500 vehicles. Ed Fawcett, the president of the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, said the dealership would be a coup for the city — in part because it would provide a northernmost anchor for the many car dealerships along Harbor Boulevard.

“I think it will be a great revenue source in addition to the Harbor Boulevard of Cars,” he said. “They’ve got nationwide exposure, and they can only serve to highlight all the new car dealerships.”

— Michael Miller