Carvana Car Buying and Selling Review 2 months ago

Established in 2012, Carvana has revolutionized the car buying and selling process with its fully online platform, innovative car vending machines, and commitment to transparency.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore Carvana’s unique approach, evaluate its pros and cons, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next used car purchase.

Additionally, Carvana offers a 7-day return or exchange policy, giving buyers peace of mind and flexibility. However, some customers have reported issues with changes to the delivery date, causing significant inconveniences.

Overview of Carvana

Carvana is an online car buying and selling platform that aims to provide a hassle-free and efficient experience for customers. With a vast inventory of used cars, Carvana allows customers to browse and purchase vehicles online, offering the convenience of shopping from home. Each vehicle undergoes a rigorous 200-point inspection to ensure it meets high standards before being listed for sale.

Additionally, Carvana offers a 7-day return or exchange policy, giving buyers peace of mind and flexibility. However, some customers have reported issues with the quality of the cars and the customer service they received, highlighting areas where Carvana could improve.

Key Takeaways

• Sherpa rates Carvana 8.4/10, placing it just outside of our 5 highest rated sites for buying a used car.
• Carvana stands out with its modern platform, innovative features, and convenient car buying and selling process. However, some users report poor customer service during their Carvana purchase.
• We recommend Carvana as a solid option for those who prioritize a convenient digital experience, but customers looking for low prices should shop elsewhere.

In This Review

• Our Carvana Review
• What is Carvana?
• How Does Carvana Work?
• Pros of Carvana
• Cons of Carvana: Poor Customer Service
• Common Issues with Carvana
• Trust and Reliability
• Review of Carvana Car Purchase Process
• Review of Carvana Selling Process
• What is Carvana Care?
• Comparison to Traditional Car Buying and Selling
• Carvana FAQs

Our Carvana Review

A relative newcomer in the industry, Carvana stands out for its innovative approach to buying a car online. We evaluated Carvana and other leading used car sites based on reputation, platform, pricing, inventory, and customer satisfaction. We give Carvana an overall rating of 8.4 out of 10, just missing our list of the five best used car sites

Overall Rating: 8.4/10

With a user-friendly platform and transparent pricing, Carvana offers a convenient and modern buying experience for those seeking a new car. While it has occasional delivery and vehicle condition issues, Carvana provides a positive overall experience for online car buyers. Some customers have reported issues with their second car purchase, noting undisclosed problems and poor customer service.

Reputation: 9/10

Established in 2012, Carvana quickly established itself as a significant player in the online car-buying industry. The company introduced the concept of car vending machines, which allow customers to pick up their purchased vehicles in a novel and engaging way.

This innovation, along with its completely online platform, has set Carvana apart from traditional dealerships and other online car-buying sites.

Platform: 9/10

We rated Carvana’s platform 9/10. It is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for users to browse and purchase vehicles. The 360-degree virtual car tours are particularly helpful in evaluating the condition of the vehicle.

Pricing: 8/10

Carvana’s pricing is transparent and all-inclusive. We are impressed by their 7-day money-back guarantee. However, with limited room for negotiation, Carvana is likely to have higher prices than other sites.

Inventory: 8/10

We rated Carvana’s inventory 8/10. Carvana is constantly adding to its inventory of vehicles with thousands of cars typically available. However, those looking for a specialty vehicle will likely find a better inventory elsewhere.

Customer Satisfaction: 8/10

We were impressed by many of Carvana’s customer-centric features, including their vehicle inspection reports and 7-day return policy. However, Carvana’s customer reviews present a mixed bag in terms of satisfaction from buyers and sellers.

What is Carvana?

Carvana is an online car dealership founded in 2012, revolutionizing how online buyers purchase a car. The company is best known for its car vending machines, which provide a fun and unique way to pick up your car purchase.

Carvana offers a wide selection of new cars and used vehicles, all of which undergo a rigorous 150-point inspection and come with a Carfax report. With its A+ BBB rating, Carvana is recognized for its commitment to customer satisfaction and transparency.

How Does Carvana Work?

Carvana simplifies the car buying process into a few straightforward steps:

1. Browse and Select: Carvana’s intuitive website allows users to browse a variety of vehicles, featuring 360-degree virtual tours of each.
2. Finance and Purchase: Carvana offers financing options directly through its website. Through Carvana, users can purchase a car online without stepping foot in a dealership.
3. Delivery or Pickup: Once the purchase is complete, buyers can choose to have the car delivered to their home or pick it up from a nearby car vending machine. The entire process, including vehicle pickup, can be completed within a few hours, showcasing the efficiency of Carvana’s service.

Pros of Carvana

• Convenience: Carvana’s fully online process eliminates the need to visit multiple dealerships.
• 7-Day Return Policy: Buyers have a week to test drive and return the car if they’re not satisfied.
• Vehicle Quality: Each car undergoes a thorough 150-point inspection and comes with a Carfax report, ensuring high quality.

Note: while Carvana offers a 7-day return policy, some buyers report a delay in receiving their refund after cancelling.

Cons of Carvana: Poor Customer Service

Most of the cons around the Carvana car buying process are related to the following:

• Price: Carvana’s prices can be higher compared to private sales due to the convenience and added services.
• Limited Negotiation: Carvana operates on a fixed pricing model, so there’s no room for haggling.
• Inventory: While Carvana offers a wide variety of vehicles, some users report limited selection in certain regions.

Common Issues with Carvana

Despite its innovative approach to car buying and selling, Carvana has faced several common issues that have affected customer satisfaction. One of the most frequently reported problems is poor customer service, with some customers experiencing difficulties in getting timely and helpful responses.

Issues with the quality of the cars have also been noted, with some vehicles not meeting the expected standards upon delivery. Additionally, the return and exchange process can be cumbersome, with some customers facing delays and complications.

Problems with the title transfer and paperwork process have also been reported, causing frustration for some buyers. Furthermore, the delivery process has its own set of challenges, including delays and issues with the delivery person.

Trust and Reliability

Trust and reliability are essential components of any car buying and selling experience. However, some customers have raised concerns about Carvana’s trustworthiness and reliability. Questions have been raised about the thoroughness of the 200-point inspection process, with some buyers finding discrepancies between the vehicle description and the actual condition of the car.

Additionally, issues with the accuracy of vehicle descriptions and pricing have been reported, leading to dissatisfaction. The warranty and repair process has also been a point of contention, with some customers finding it frustrating and costly.

To build trust and reliability, Carvana must prioritize transparency and communication with its customers, ensuring that all aspects of the buying and selling process are clear and straightforward.

Review of Carvana Car Purchase Process

The buying process with Carvana is designed to be simple and stress-free:

• Browsing: The website is user-friendly, allowing easy navigation through a vast inventory.
• Financing: Carvana offers competitive financing options directly through its platform.
• Delivery: After purchase, customers can opt for home delivery or pick up their vehicle from a Carvana vending machine. The entire process can be completed online, which is a significant advantage for busy buyers.

Carvana’s buying process is designed with the modern consumer in mind, offering an intuitive 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 as seamless as possible. Their transparent pricing ensures that there are no hidden fees, and the price you see is the price you pay.

However, Carvana’s prices can be higher than those of private sales, reflecting the added value of their services and the ease of the transaction. While you might find lower prices through private sellers or other platforms that allow for negotiation, these options often require more time, effort, and uncertainty.

Tip: Carvana requires users to upload their proof of insurance before finalizing the sale. Some customers have faced delays due to their insurance company, leading to complications in the purchase process.

Review of Carvana Selling Process

Selling your car to Carvana is just as straightforward:

• Instant Quote: Carvana provides an instant online quote based on the car’s details and condition.
• Free Pickup: If the offer is accepted, Carvana will arrange a free pickup of the vehicle.
• Quick Payment: Payment is typically processed quickly, making it a hassle-free option for sellers. Customers have received better offers on a direct trade in compared to traditional dealerships.

Like its buying process, Carvana’s selling process is designed for convenience and simplicity, making it an excellent choice for those who want a hassle-free way to sell their car. This streamlined approach eliminates the need for you to find buyers, negotiate prices, or handle the logistics of the sale.

However, this convenience comes at a cost. Carvana’s fixed pricing model means there’s no room for haggling, and while the offers are generally competitive, they might be lower than what some sellers expect.

Therefore, if your primary goal is to get the highest possible payout for your car you might want to explore other options, such as selling your car privately or using platforms that allow for price negotiations. These methods can require more time and effort, but they often result in a higher sale price.

Title Transfer and Paperwork

The title transfer and paperwork process is a critical component of any car buying and selling experience. However, some customers have reported issues with this process when dealing with Carvana. Delays in the transfer of ownership and problems with the accuracy of the paperwork have been common complaints.

These issues can be time-consuming and frustrating for buyers who expect a smooth transaction. To improve this process, Carvana must prioritize clear communication and transparency with its customers.

This includes providing all the necessary documents and information in a timely and efficient manner, ensuring that buyers can complete their transactions without unnecessary delays or complications.

What is Carvana Care?

CarvanaCare® is an optional extended warranty program offered by Carvana. It provides additional coverage for your vehicle beyond the standard limited warranty. CarvanaCare covers major components like the engine and transmission, giving peace of mind to buyers who want extra protection for their investment. Carvana offers three tiers, Essential, Plus, and Premier, to meet the needs (and budgets) of their customers.

Comparison to Traditional Car Buying and Selling

Carvana’s online car buying and selling platform offers several advantages over traditional car buying and selling methods. For example, customers can browse and purchase vehicles from the comfort of their own homes, without the need to visit a physical dealership.

This convenience is a significant benefit for busy individuals who prefer to handle their car purchase online. Additionally, Carvana’s 7-day return and exchange policy provides customers with greater flexibility and peace of mind, allowing them to test drive the vehicle and ensure it meets their expectations.

However, some customers may prefer the traditional car buying and selling experience, which allows for face-to-face interaction and a more personalized experience. Traditional methods also offer the opportunity to negotiate prices and inspect the vehicle in person before making a purchase.

Ultimately, the choice between Carvana and traditional car buying and selling methods depends on individual preferences and needs.

Carvana FAQs