Editor's choice: Carvana
- Most credit types welcome
- 45-day preapproval
- Seven-day guarantee
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
A buyer’s guide to Carvana used car marketplace
Compare thousands of cars — all from the comfort of your couch.
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.
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.
How to pick up your car from a Carvana vending machine
After you purchase your vehicle, you can schedule a pickup time and location that’s convenient for you. Once you arrive, you’ll receive an oversized coin for the vending machine, which will then bring your vehicle down to the delivery bay where you can finalize the process.
Carvana has vending machines in 24 cities:
- Tempe, AZ
- Ontario, CA
- Westminster, CA
- Jacksonville, FL
- Miami, FL
- Orlando, FL
- Tampa, FL
- Chicago, IL
- Indianopolis, IN
- Gaithersburg, MD
- Kansas City, MO
- Charlotte, NC
- Greensboro, NC
- Raleigh, NC
- Cleveland, OH
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Philadelphia, PA
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Memphis, TN
- Nashville, TN
- Austin, TX
- Dallas, TX
- Houston, TX
- San Antonio, TX
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.
How trade-ins work
To trade in your current car, you’ll just need to visit Carvana’s page and enter your car’s license plate number or VIN. Carvana will give you an estimate within two minutes. And if you agree, Carvana will pick up your vehicle free of charge and inspect it. Your appraisal is good for seven days, which gives you plenty of time to shop around for quotes from local dealerships.
If you’re using your old car as a trade-in, the value will be deducted from the amount you owe Carvana for your new used car. If you’re just selling your car, Carvana will give you a check when it picks it up.
Pros
- 100-day, 4,189-mile guarantee against defects
- Seven-day return policy
- Wide delivery radius
Cons
- No ability to negotiate price
- Some customers cite quality concerns
- Pricier financing
Compare car loans
{"niche":"USFCL"}
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.
You may also like …
Our guides on buying a car can help you find the right deal at the right rate and insurance to protect your new investment.
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
Did you know?
Did you know that shopping for and comparing your auto insurance quotes every 6-12 months can save you thousands of dollars over your lifetime? When you compare using our Car Insurance Finder tool, you can quickly shop for, compare and get quotes from all the top insurance providers within minutes. So what are you waiting for?
More guides on Finder
-
RefiJet review
RefiJet helps you save on your monthly car payment or interest with a few simple steps.
-
A beginner’s guide to retirement investing
What you need to know to start building your retirement nest egg.
-
5 must-read VA home loan tips from the experts
Find insight on VA home loans from experts. Learn what to do if you are denied and the data behind VA loan denials.
-
Car accident statistics
Find out which states have the most and the least deadly car accidents per vehicle miles driven.
-
Tred used car loans review
In-house financing available — but only for the cars in its inventory.
-
How to start a vending machine business
Is a vending machine business a low-cost, easy-start business idea? Find out what’s involved with a vending machine business and how you might finance it.
-
Does a car loan affect your mortgage application?
Find out how to increase your borrowing power and get approved for a mortgage even if you have a car loan.
-
Lemonade car insurance review for 2021
Safe drivers and electric car owners could see cheap rates, but its claims process isn’t perfect.
-
Your stimulus check could pay for a down payment on a car – is that a good idea?
With $1,400 or more coming to most Americans’ wallets, here’s how you can fund your car down payment and save money on your loan.
-
Best credit cards for rewards in 2021
Take advantage of miles, points and perks with a card that best fits your lifestyle.
Ask an Expert
Can I test drive a car?
Hi Anna,
Thanks for reaching out to Finder.
Yes, Caravana offers a generous seven-day test-own period which allows you to to drive the car around and return for a full refund if it doesn’t meet your expectations or for any reason you may have. You won’t have to pay to send it back if you have initially paid for delivery.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Charisse
I want to view some Toyota or Honda SUV’s
Hi Cathy,
Thank you for reaching out to finder.
If you wish to check on these models of SUV’s, you may open the website for Carvana so you could filter the search down to Toyota or Honda SUV’s. You may also try other online selling platforms like eBay or Amazon and search for the car model you wish to check. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie