Thanks to platforms like Carvana, buying a car online has never been more convenient. Carvana allows you to purchase a vehicle from the comfort of your home, avoiding the hassle of the traditional car-buying experience. With its vast inventory, user-friendly platform, and transparent pricing model, Carvana has revolutionized the online shopping experience for car buyers.
In this guide, we’ll take you step by step through the process of buying a car on Carvana, from setting your budget and browsing vehicles to securing financing and having your new car delivered to your door. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer or an experienced shopper, Carvana’s platform has tools that make your experience seamless.
Additionally, we’ll cover important details like the return policy and common questions buyers have about using Carvana.
Buying a used car online can feel daunting, but Carvana’s platform aims to remove those concerns. Not only does it offer an extensive selection of vehicles with detailed history reports, but the option to trade in your current vehicle and access flexible financing also makes Carvana a standout in the online car-buying space.
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand how to navigate Carvana’s process with ease so you can confidently purchase your next car.
Key Takeaways:
- Carvana is an online car-buying platform that allows customers to browse inventory and purchase a vehicle from the comfort of their home.
- The key steps for buying a car on Carvana include identifying your budget and needs, browsing their selection, and securing your purchase.
- Carvana offers flexible options for buyers including trade-ins and a 7-day return policy.
In This Guide:
What is Carvana?
Founded in 2012, Carvana is an online platform that simplifies online car-buying. Unlike traditional dealerships, Carvana allows you to browse, finance, and purchase a car entirely online. Known for its car vending machine, Carvana has differentiated itself from other online platforms.
Carvana offers a wide variety of used cars with transparent pricing and detailed vehicle history reports, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
After buying a car from Carvana, you can either have the vehicle delivered to your home or pick it up at one of Carvana’s vending machine locations. With its A+ BBB rating, Carvana is recognized for its commitment to customer satisfaction and transparency.
Sherpa’s team evaluated Carvana and other leading online used car buying sites based on reputation, platform, pricing, inventory, and customer satisfaction. We gave Carvana an overall rating of 8.4 out of 10 for its user-friendly interface, transparent pricing model, and good customer service. Read our full Carvana review for more information.
How to Buy a Car on Carvana
We found the buying process at Carvana to be intuitive. Carvana’s modern interface offers an online experience that simplifies the car-buying journey. From browsing a wide selection of vehicles with 360-degree virtual tours to financing and completing the purchase online, Carvana aims to make the process seamless. Their transparent pricing ensures no hidden fees, and you see the price you pay.
Follow these steps for an easy experience:
Identify Your Budget
Before you begin shopping on Carvana, it’s important to establish a clear budget. This will help narrow down your options and prevent you from overspending. Consider factors like down payment, monthly payment affordability, and insurance costs when calculating your budget.
Establish Car Feature Requirements
Once you know your budget, identify the features you need in a car. This could include factors like fuel efficiency, seating capacity, safety features, or tech options such as Bluetooth or a backup camera.
Shop Carvana
Carvana makes it easy to browse through thousands of cars based on your budget and feature requirements. Use the platform’s filters to narrow down options by price, make, model, mileage, year, and other preferences.
Get a Vehicle History Report
Each car on Carvana comes with a detailed vehicle history report powered by Carfax. This report provides crucial information about the car’s past, such as previous accidents, service records, and ownership history, helping you make an informed decision.
Carvana Certified vehicles also come with a rigorous pre-purchase inspection covering 150 points. The 150-point inspection is available in the vehicle details section.
Find Financing
Carvana offers its own financing options, or you can use a third-party lender. Be sure to compare rates of auto loans to get the best deal for your financial situation. Carvana’s financing tool allows you to easily input your details and get pre-qualified without affecting your credit score.
Consider Trade-In Options
If you have a car you’re looking to trade in, Carvana’s platform will give you a quick estimate of its value. You can apply the trade-in value to your purchase, which can help lower your overall cost.
Schedule a (Optional) Test Drive
While Carvana primarily focuses on online sales, they offer a 7-day money-back guarantee, which functions as a virtual test drive. In some locations, however, Carvana allows customers to schedule a brief in-person test drive before making a final decision.
Finalize the Car Purchase
Once you’ve selected your specific vehicle and secured financing, you can finalize the purchase. Carvana’s system walks you through the paperwork electronically, so there’s no need to visit a dealership.
Get it Delivered or Pick it Up
After buying a car from Carvana, you can choose to have the vehicle delivered right to your home or pick it up at one of Carvana’s iconic car vending machines, depending on availability in your area. Sherpa Auto Transport can also provide car shipping solutions nationwide. Start by requesting a quote online or calling (877) 850-1231.
Carvana Return Policy
Carvana offers a generous 7-day return policy. If, for any reason, you’re not satisfied with your vehicle, you can return it within seven days of delivery for a full refund or exchange. This return policy acts as a safety net, giving you peace of mind in case the car doesn’t meet your expectations.
If you need to make a return, make sure to contact Carvana’s customer service team for assistance.
Buying on Carvana FAQs
Can you get Carvana in Hawaii or Alaska?
Currently, Carvana does not deliver to Hawaii or Alaska. However, you can arrange shipping through Sherpa Auto Transport to ship your car from anywhere in the contiguous US. Sherpa provides premier car shipping solutions nationwide for online car buyers and anyone needing auto transport.
How can I ship my car long distance?
If you need to ship your car long distance, Sherpa Auto Transport offers reliable and transparent vehicle shipping services. Whether buying a car online or moving across the country, we provide door-to-door transport options to make the process stress-free.
What does “purchase pending” mean on Carvana?
“Purchase pending” means that another buyer is in the process of finalizing the purchase of the car you are viewing. If their transaction is unsuccessful, the car will become available again for sale.
Can you negotiate prices on Carvana?
Carvana operates on a no-haggle pricing model, meaning the prices listed are firm and non-negotiable. This allows for a straightforward and transparent buying process.