A buyer’s guide to Carvana used car marketplace

If you’re tired of relying on limited dealership inventory and spending hours haggling, Carvana has created a convenient way to shop for used cars. But the price you see is the price you pay, and not every customer is happy with their experience.

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How does Carvana work?

Carvana is a used car dealership that operates entirely online. It offers hundreds of options, and its search function allows you to browse its inventory and find exactly what you want — from make to model to the number of miles racked up. When you’re ready to make a purchase, your car will be delivered to your door or available for you to pick up at one of Carvana’s unique vending machines.

What kind of cars does Carvana carry?

Carvana offers a wide selection of cars that are five years old or newer. Its inventory has models from a variety of manufacturers, including luxury brands. And there’s no one-size-fits-all approach: You’ll be able to find cars of all shapes and trim levels when you shop.

How does Carvana get its vehicles?

Carvana buys its cars from auctions, dealerships and customers. Each vehicle undergoes a 150-point inspection to confirm they haven’t been in any accidents, don’t have any current manufacturer recalls listed and are in solid driving condition.

How do I buy from Carvana?

Carvana’s streamlined process is faster than most dealerships.

1. Browse Carvana’s inventory

Carvana has a large inventory of vehicles that it updates frequently. If you have a particular make or model in mind — or have a price point you won’t go over — you can easily narrow your search. But be sure to have a source like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds open while you compare models. Carvana typically has higher prices than traditional used car dealerships, but you should still try to pay as little as possible.

2. Start the purchasing process

Once you’ve settled on a car, you can add it to your cart. Carvana will ask you to upload some documents, namely a copy of your driver’s license, and you’ll have the chance to apply for financing through Carvana. If the rate you’re quoted doesn’t meet your expectations, don’t worry: Carvana allows you to pay with outside financing as well.

You may have to call or email Carvana to submit additional information or proof of income. After everything is finalized, Carvana will allow you to select a delivery date.

3. Receive your car

The delivery process depends on your location. If you live within Carvana’s delivery zones, there is no cost to have your car dropped off at your door. If you live outside its delivery zones, Carvana hires a third party — and costs range from $199 to $1,000. Your location heavily determines shipping costs.

Carvana also offers a Fly and Drive program: It will reimburse you $200 toward a flight to one of its vending machine locations to pick up your vehicle. Carvana picks you up from the airport, and you can drive your car home.

However you choose to get your vehicle, Carvana will give you a chance to test drive your vehicle before taking possession of it.

4. Set up a third-party inspection

During the seven-day return period, make an appointment with a trusted mechanic to have your car inspected. This is a necessary part of buying any used car, and it can help find flaws that may not have been initially obvious. And be sure to double-check the Car Fax report as well — it doesn’t hurt to know your car’s reported history.

5. Return if necessary

Carvana offers a seven-day return period. Within seven days of your car’s delivery or pickup, you can drive it around and return it at any time for any reason for a full refund. If you had to pay for delivery initially, you won’t have to pay to send it back. And if you borrowed a loan through Carvana, you can cancel your financing without having to jump through additional hoops.

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Name	Product	Filter Values	Minimum credit score	APR	Loan term	Requirements
PenFed Auto Loans			Varies	Starting at 1.04%	Up to 10 years	Active membership with PenFed	Low APR car loans from a well-known credit union.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Carvana			No minimum credit score	3.9% to 27.9%	Varies	18+ years old, annual income of $4,000+, no active bankruptcies	Get pre-qualified for used car financing and receive competitive, personalized rates.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
car.Loan.com Car Loans			300	Varies by network lender	Varies by lender	Must be a US citizen with a current US address and employed full-time or have guaranteed fixed income.	Apply with a simple online application to get paired with a local auto lender. No credit and bad credit accepted.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
CarsDirect auto loans			No minimum credit score	Varies by network lender	Varies by network lender	Must provide proof of income, proof of residence, and proof of insurance.	Save time and effort with this lending service specializing in beginner-friendly or subprime car loan.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Auto Credit Express Car Loans			300	Varies	Varies	Must be employed full-time or have guaranteed fixed income of at least $1,500/month and be a current resident of the US or Canada.	Get connected with an auto lender near you, even if you have bad credit.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Monevo Auto Loans			500	3.99% to 35.99%	3 months to 12 years	Credit score of 500+, legal US resident and ages 18+.	Quickly compare multiple online lenders with competitive rates depending on your credit.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
LendingTree			Good to excellent credit	Starting at 3.09%	Varies by lender	18+ years old, good to excellent credit, US citizen	Compare multiple financing options for auto refinance, new car purchase, used car purchase and lease buy out.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
myAutoloan.com Car Loans			550	1.79% to 27%		550+ credit score, no open bankruptcies, $24,000+ annual income, US citizen or permanent resident, 18+ years old	Get up to four offers in minutes through one simple application. Multiple financing types available including new cars, used cars and refinancing.	Go to site More Info	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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What do customers say about Carvana?

Carvana receives mixed reviews from its customers. Some say that they had no problems — they were able to have their car delivered or pick it up, and have yet to have any issues. Others have dealt with major issues or have struggled to get the car they chose.

Because of the variety of experiences, we recommend having a trusted mechanic inspect your car for mechanical issues during the seven-day return period and researching your car’s vehicle history report to ensure you know the full picture on what you’re buying.

What sets Carvana apart?

Carvana is one of the only services out there that allows you to buy a car online, apply for financing and get direct delivery to your home. It offers guaranteed cars with a generous test drive and return policy if you aren’t satisified with the car you picked out.

Bottom line

While you won’t get the personalized service of your local dealership from Carvana, you will get a few layers of protection and a convenient process. It may not be for everyone — especially if you want the lowest price — but Carvana is an easy way to buy a car without having to visit multiple dealerships to test drive used cars.

Frequently asked questions

• Where is Carvana's delivery zone?

  Customers within one of Carvana’s local markets are eligible for free drop off, and you can pick up your car by meeting with a Carvana driver at a mutual meeting spot to avoid an extra transport fee.

  Carvana has local markets in multiple cities across 29 states. Check its FAQ or reach out to a representative to see if you live within its serviced area.

• How do I contact Carvana's customer service?

  You can reach out to a representative any day of the week at 800-333-4554 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Carvana also has a simple email form for specific problems, and you can use its online chat to ask questions as you shop.