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3.6

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: November 29th, 2023

Carvana offers a new and unique way to buy a vehicle, providing consumers with the opportunity to pre-qualify for an auto loan that will give them access to Carvana's expansive inventory of cars, tailored to the consumer's financing terms and with no impact to their credit score. To become pre-qualified, a consumer fills out a two-minute application form, and then receives competitive rates that are valid for 45 days.

The lender works with all types of credit, including bad credit, and there are just three minimum borrower requirements: 

  • Minimum age: 18
  • Minimum annual income: $4,000
  • No active bankruptcies

Keep reading for pros and cons, plus Carvana reviews from real customers.

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The Good

  • No Middleman or Dealerships
  • Certified Vehicles
  • Worry-Free Guarantee
  • Get Prequalified in Two Minutes
  • No Haggling Tool

No Middleman or Dealerships

Buying a vehicle through Carvana will provide you with a new way to shop. Carvana cuts out the middleman and dealerships, which means you won't have to pay any hefty dealer fees or sit around at a dealership for hours on end in order to receive financing.

Certified Vehicles

Every vehicle Carvana sells comes with a "Carvana Certification," which means that the car has passed through a rigorous inspection and reconditioning process that includes a 150-point inspection, an oil change, and a premium detail.

Worry-Free Guarantee

All Carvana vehicles come with a worry-free guarantee. The company provides you with a free Experian Autocheck vehicle history report prior to purchase and guarantees your new car for 100 days or 4,189 miles, whichever comes first. 

Carvana also offers a no-questions-asked return policy that allows you to return the vehicle and terminate your contract for any reason within seven days of purchase.

Get Prequalified in Two Minutes

With Carvana, you can get prequalified online in two minutes with no hit to your credit score. You will then receive a real down payment and immediately know what interest rate and terms are available to you.

No Haggling Tool

Carvana's "no haggling" tool enables you to shop for a vehicle on your own terms from the comfort of your home. You simply input every combination of what you want into the Finance Dials and Carvana will show you exactly what your interest rate, down payment options, monthly payment, and loan terms will be for the criteria you specified. 

For example, you could input that you want a payment under $400 on a 48-month term with no money down and the no haggling tool will do the rest. 

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The Bad

  • Limited Free Delivery Locations
  • Restocking Fees
  • No Joint Financing
  • Lack of Transparency

Limited Free Delivery Locations

Carvana only offers free vehicle delivery to consumers within a 100-mile radius of the following cities:

  • Atlanta
  • Austin
  • Birmingham
  • Charlotte
  • Cincinnati
  • Cleveland
  • Columbus
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • Indianapolis
  • Jacksonville
  • Memphis
  • Miami
  • Nashville
  • Orlando
  • Pittsburgh
  • Raleigh
  • Richmond
  • San Antonio
  • Tampa

Consumers who live outside of the free delivery area must contact Carvana to find out what the cost will be to deliver to their area.

Restocking Fees

Carvana doesn't charge any restocking fees if you live within 100 miles of one of its service areas. However, if you live outside of this radius or have exceeded 400 miles during the seven-day period, you will be charged additional fees.

No Joint Financing

Carvana finances single-buyer loans. If you want to get a joint loan with a co-signer, you will have to fund through a different car loan company. 

Lack of Transparency

Carvana doesn't do the best job when it comes to being transparent on its website. For example, the company has not disclosed interest rates, terms, loan amounts, or mileage limits.

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The Bottom Line

Carvana offers two-minute pre-qualification, certified vehicles, and a worry-free guarantee. However, the company only offers free delivery to consumers who live in certain areas and is not entirely transparent on its corporate website.

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Star Rating

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2.0

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270 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

19%

4 grade

3%

3 grade

3%

2 grade

7%

1 grade

67%

Sentiment Criteria

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Lorrie Haring Coatesville, PA

The purchasing experience went very well. It was easy, someone was there to answer any question that I may have had. Financing was easy. The car however was delivered, right off the truck, it started weird. I was weary, maybe a fluke?? I wanted the car so I had them leave it. Over the next two days, the car left me stranded and would not start. I took it to a local dealer under warranty. The battery was dead. Replaced at no charge but this should have been noticed during the pre-sale inspection. A few minor blemishes pointed out in the on line add, but in all actuality there were so many more scratches on the car. The smell, the smell in the car in horrendous, I actually believe the transporters poured cologne in the vents. There is no way this car still smells like the last owners cologne after 9 months. The delivery agent made a comment about people who by Lexus??!! Ok, ah it's used! Would this also be something they found during pre-sale and did an overnight ozone treatment on? Love the car, so I dealt with it. Many scratches, which they should have sent a credit back for or lowered the cost. If an actual pre-sale inspection took place they would see several all around the body of the car. I was assured on the 6th day Carvana would call and see how my experience was and if I was going to return the car. No one called. But at that point I could only have driven it a day since it was in the shop for a new battery. Love the experience, love the car but maybe they have to emphasize and actually do a pre-sale inspection.

4 years ago

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Jancarlos Infante Rosario Highlands, NC

Amazing customer service and they really do what they say I will no longer buy a car anywhere else the only reason I don’t give Carvana 5stars was because I bought my Chevrolet Camaro 2017 on February 25 2019 and the pick up was delayed like a month because of repairs which is totally fine because they want to be sure that they sell a quality vehicle but after I got it my tag expired 1 week later and is June 3 2019 and I haven’t received my registration in the mail is been 8weeks since supposedly it was gonna arrive via mail between 2 or 3 weeks and it’s been 8weeks and I really need my car I’m paying every month for a car a cannot use,every case is different and I really like the company I was just sharing my personal experience.l

5 years ago

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Devon S. Kirklin, IN

A truly seamless experience. Enjoyed the whole process, from searching vehicles, the 360 experience, the ease of finance options, and helpful customer support. The pickup process at the "vending machine" was a great atmosphere and helpful staff who were ready with minimal paperwork and to answer any questions. Only 2 faults were found, which is why it's a 4 star instead of 5. 1st is the clean/detail job of our new vehicle. It was not up to dealer standards, dust, dirt, and crumbs were easily spotted and needed cleaned once home. 2nd is an imperfection (scrach) that was not shown on the website listing of the vehicle. Overall I would recommend this over a dealer experience any day of the week and will go back if/when another car purchase is to be made.

5 years ago

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Tg Plant City, FL

I was looking to trade in my 9 month old car and was getting the same song and dance from dealers. I inherently despise working with sales people, so this process for me I usually infuriating and stressful. I looked on line and saw these cars pop up for carvana...a little reluctant at first because who buys a car online sight unseen? I called them up and talked to a rep who was very helpful. Never was there any pressure from the rep to purchase, they simply answered my questions and told me to have a good day. I took a chance and about 30 mins later I had purchased a car. Part of what made me go for it is the 7 day trial. I chose to pick it up at their location and the whole process took 20 mins. Best car buying experience I've ever had and a good reason to never buy a new car again. My car is only a yr old, and so I felt it was less of a risk than buying a much older one. Some were priced fair and some were above market rate, but may be worth it to not have to deal with a salesperson! The negative: they claimed there was an oil change done on the car and the filters were changed....neither were done. My husband works on cars and that was the first thing he checked. I would've been ok doing this once purchased, but it was not ok to be told it had been done. There was also a bit if a snafu with my plates. They were supposed to transfer, but they ended up ordering me new ones. I called and they refunded me the difference. I am happy with how it was handled. Overall, it was a very pleasant experience and I would do it again!

6 years ago

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Jennifer Peno West Warwick, RI

From start to finish I had a great experience! Deliver was fast , vehicle was in great condition, everyone was very friendly and helpful and recieved my paperwork in a timely manner for registration. The DMV here in Rhode Island knew before I gave them the paperwork that it was from Carvava because it was so organized. They said they enjoy having Carvana customers because they have minimal work to do since Carvava fills out all forms needed prior to sending them! Had no issues w registration or anything else! Would highly recommend !

4 years ago

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Buckeye Ken Fort Myers, FL

The overall experience is fair to good. The first truck we were buying developed a problem prior to delivery and had to be taken to Ford. The second truck we purchased was delivered with a vibration in he front end and very worn windshield wipers. The advocate, Melissa, was extremely nice. She was very personable and knowledgeable. She did a fantastic job. I am rating with only four stars for all the time, phone caLast and emails it took to get the truck. Kenneth H.

5 years ago

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Daniel Mergner Reading, PA

First, I went to six different dealers and got six different answers. From the moment I logged on to CV, I got straight finance terms and hassle-free shopping. Vanessa my CV advocate deserves a raise she is AMAZING! I am sad though my car encountered a mechanical issue and delivery delayed one week from my desired date. I appreciate that they are desiring to fix my auto and make it right, just wish I could drive my own car now :(. Overall Great job and amazing service NEVER go to a dealer unless again unless you enjoy being ripped off?!

5 years ago

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Jezidee Norwich, OH

The car I bought works great, I really like it. Only thing was Carvana took two months to get my registration sent to DMV. Also they charged me for new plates when I kept my old plates.

4 years ago

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Charley

I purchased in August 8, 2018. I drove from Shreveport to Dallas to avoid paying $499 for a delivery. It was okay because we love traveling to Texas. Purchasing my car through Carvana was an experience I will never forget!

6 years ago