How does buying a car from Carvana work?

Carvana aims to simplify the process of buying a used car through online shopping and easy delivery or pickup from one of its 40 car vending machines.

Plus, Carvana removes negotiation and face-to-face communication — perfect for those who are looking to buy and drive without all the extra hassle. But before moving forward, get a clear picture of how buying through Carvana works and why it makes sense to prequalify with other lenders when you’re ready to order your next car.

How to buy a car with Carvana

The process of purchasing a vehicle through Carvana can be done completely online and — according to the company’s support center — in just a few steps.

1. Prequalify for financing

Before starting the car shopping process, apply for preapproval with at least two or three top auto loan lenders as well as Carvana. The process, which Carvana claims takes under five minutes, will give you a firm grasp on what you can afford.

Prequalification is a key step in getting the best auto loan available to you. To get started, simply fill out personal information like your contact information, employment status and annual income.

Also, explore available auto loan types with traditional banks, credit unions and online lenders. Carvana accepts external financing, so you could save on interest if you qualify for an auto loan with better terms elsewhere. Get at least three loan quotes to ensure you’re getting the most competitive loan offer available to you.

2. Shop for a vehicle

Once you know how much you can spend, you can browse the 55,000 available vehicles — each accompanied by vehicle history reports from both Carfax and AutoCheck. Head to the “find a car” tab on its website, and you will be presented with available options in your area. You can filter your search by price and other important details like the make and model, year and mileage, body type and features you want. If you have a specific vehicle in mind, you can search to see if it is available in your area.

After you settle on your car, Carvana will hold it for 40 minutes so you can virtually tour the interior and exterior of the vehicle. Just click the “get started” tab. You can also learn about the vehicle’s mileage, specifications and available warranty. All Carvana vehicles come with a seven-day money-back guarantee and a limited warranty lasting 100 days or 4,189 miles, whichever comes first.

3. Confirm your payment

The Carvana site also outlines the expected cost for the vehicle whether you pay upfront or finance the vehicle. The “pay once” price considers the entire up-front cash price for the vehicle, shipping included. For those choosing to finance the vehicle, “pay monthly” will show your monthly cost based on your initial prequalification. If you are looking to trade in your current car, you can also explore this option here.

4. Choose delivery or pickup

Once you have chosen your vehicle and confirmed your payment, you can decide if you want the vehicle delivered directly to your door or to pick it up at one of the 40 vending machines across the country.

5. Test drive your car

You can test drive a Carvana vehicle, but it’s not your traditional around-the-block cruise. Instead, there is a seven-day money-back guarantee that covers test drives of up to 400 miles. If you are buying used, use this time to get a used car inspection so you can be assured of the car’s condition before the clock runs out.

Additionally, a limited warranty accompanies every vehicle purchase, with Carvana offering its “Worry Free Guarantee” for up to 100 days or 4,189 miles, whichever comes first. You can then choose from a selection of dealer add-ons like CarvanaCare for comprehensive coverage or gap insurance to help cover future incidents should they occur.

How to ensure you get the best vehicle with Carvana

As with any vehicle purchase, research is the key to having the best buying experience possible. Be patient when shopping and comparing the different available vehicles. Look out for specific factors, like mpg and available tech, and check out Kelley Blue Book for outside vehicle reviews.

During the seven-day period after getting your car, take the car to get inspected by a mechanic. This way, you can use the Carvana return policy if the car isn’t perfect.

Carvana pros and cons

Carvana is a dream come true if your goal is to avoid in-person negotiation or shopping. But still, it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of a fully remote process.

Benefits of Carvana

• Convenience. You get the luxury of ordering your vehicle and having it delivered to your door. This is a great option for those who want to steer clear of the traditional car buying experience altogether.
• Speed. If you purchase with Carvana, you can select your vehicle in the morning and potentially have your new set of wheels by sundown that night.

Drawbacks of Carvana

• Return process. Carvana vehicles undergo a 150-point inspection, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be fully satisfied with your purchase. While the warranty program means you can return the vehicle if it is not the right fit, the return process can be frustrating.
• No test drive before purchase. Unlike on the lot, you will not be able to take the car for a spin before signing off. This means you may miss exterior damage not revealed by pictures, and you won’t have a chance to learn how specific features work before purchasing the vehicle.

Carvana reviews

The reviews presented on the Carvana website are primarily positive, featuring a 4.7 out of 5 score. Many focus on the “smooth and hassle-free” process and the excellent customer service from the Carvana team. Other reviews comment on the large range of vehicle prices available and quick loan preapproval. This reflects much of what Carvana prides itself on and remains the primary attraction for many drivers.

Beyond the Carvana website, some drivers report a more negative purchase experience. It has a disappointing 1.13 out of 5 rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and reviews on Trustpilot have an average 4.3 score, lower than Carvana’s internal score. Common complaints include title issues, delays with scheduled pickup times and unhelpful customer service advocates.

Should you buy your next car from Carvana?

If visiting a dealership stresses you out, you can avoid it and go for the contactless approach. It may also be worth exploring some of the other best car buying services, like Carmax. But if you prefer the adrenaline rush of negotiating the best deal and need to sit in the driver’s seat to see if it’s the right fit, then Carvana might not be right for you.