Carvana Reviews – Is Carvana Legitimate?

Buying a car has come a long way from spending weekends at dealerships and haggling over prices. Today, more buyers are turning to online platforms like Carvana, which promise a fully digital, hassle-free experience. Carvana has become a familiar name for anyone shopping for a used car online. It brings convenience with its futuristic car vending machines and transparent pricing. The shift is not surprising, according to ConsumerAffairs, by 2025 online sales in the U.S. “could account for an 18% share of all used cars sold online (up from just 9.7% in 2020)

We are offering Carvana reviews in this article where we will break down everything you need to know, from how the platform works and what sets it apart to the common complaints buyers should know about. Whether you’re looking to sell your car quickly or buy your next ride from the comfort of home, you can determine if Carvana is worth it or not.

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 Carvana’s modern platform, innovative features, and convenient car buying and selling process. However, some users report poor customer service during their Carvana purchase.
• Carvana’s 7-day return or exchange policy adds a layer of security for buyers.
• 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

• Carvana Review
• What is Carvana?
• How Does Carvana Work?
• Carvana Car Vending Machines
• Pros of Carvana
• Cons of Carvana
• Common Issues with Carvana
• Trust and Reliability
• Review of Carvana Car Purchase Process
• Review of Carvana Selling Process
• Title Transfer and Paperwork
• What is Carvana Care?
• Comparison to Traditional Car Buying and Selling
• Bottom Line
• Carvana FAQs

Carvana Review

Carvana is an online platform that makes buying and selling used cars simple and convenient, allowing customers to complete the entire process from home. Every vehicle goes through a detailed 200-point inspection before being listed, though some buyers have noted inconsistencies.

As a relatively new player in the industry, Carvana stands out for its innovative digital approach and user-friendly experience. Based on factors like reputation, pricing, inventory, and customer satisfaction, it earns an overall rating of 8.4 out of 10, placing it just outside the five best used car sites.

Overall Rating: 8.4/10

Carvana delivers a modern, hassle-free car buying experience with transparent pricing and a fully online process that removes the need for dealership visits. While some customers have reported issues like delivery delays or undisclosed vehicle problems, the platform overall remains a solid and convenient option for purchasing cars online.

Reputation: 9/10

Founded in 2012, Carvana has emerged as a major innovator in online car sales. It is best known for its unique car vending machines and fully digital purchasing process. These features set it apart from traditional dealerships, while its rapid growth, market recognition, and responsiveness to customer feedback have strengthened its overall reputation.

Platform: 9/10

Carvana’s platform is intuitive and easy to navigate, earning it a high score. Users can effortlessly browse, compare, and purchase vehicles from the comfort of their homes. In addition, users can manage their account online, including accessing loan details, scheduling payments, and utilizing customer service options. A standout feature is the 360-degree virtual car tour, which provides a detailed view of each vehicle’s condition. This level of transparency enhances the shopping experience, making it easier for buyers to make informed decisions.

Pricing: 8/10

Carvana offers upfront, no-haggle pricing and a 7-day money-back guarantee, giving buyers transparency and flexibility when purchasing a car. The platform also provides customizable payment options to suit different budgets. However, its prices tend to be higher than traditional dealerships and some competitors which makes it less ideal for shoppers who are focused on finding the lowest price.

Inventory: 8/10

Carvana maintains a large and ever-expanding inventory, typically featuring thousands of vehicles across various makes and models. This broad selection makes it easy for most buyers to find a car that fits their needs. However, those looking for specialty vehicles, rare models, or specific trims may need to explore other platforms with a more diverse or specialized selection.

Customer Satisfaction: 8/10

Carvana earns praise for its customer-focused features, including detailed inspection reports and a 7-day return policy that offers buyers extra confidence. However, customer feedback is mixed while many appreciate the smooth online experience, others report issues with vehicle condition, customer service, and returns. Overall, Carvana’s digital model is well-regarded, but consistency in service and vehicle quality could be improved.

What is Carvana?

Carvana is an online car dealership founded in 2012. It has revolutionized how online buyers purchase a car. Carvana uses its digital platform to sell used vehicles directly to customers. The company is best known for its car vending machines, which provide a fun and unique way to pick up your car purchase. Moreover, Carvana offers a wide selection of new cars and used vehicles.

All these vehicles go through a rigorous 150-point inspection and come with a Carfax report. Having an 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. Also, Carvana helps users 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. Carvana also provides customer support via phone for assistance with any part of the process.

If you are exploring your options, you might also want to check out the best new cars of 2025 to compare what’s available before buying online.

Carvana Car Vending Machines

Carvana’s iconic car vending machines are a standout feature that add fun and uniqueness to the car-buying experience. These multi-story towers let customers pick up their vehicles in a distinctive, automated way where you simply insert a special coin and watch the car descend. The process is quick, interactive, and can be scheduled through the Carvana app for added convenience. Whether opting for pickup or delivery, the vending machines give Carvana a distinctive edge over traditional dealerships.

Pros of Carvana

Carvana offers a modern, hassle-free approach to car buying that appeals to today’s digital shoppers. Let’s have a look at some of the pros of using 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 canceling.

Cons of Carvana

While Carvana’s platform simplifies the buying process, it’s not without its drawbacks. Here are some of the cons of using Carvana:

• 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

While Carvana has changed the way people buy and sell cars online, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Some customers have reported slow or unhelpful customer service, vehicle quality issues, and delays in the return or exchange process. Others have faced problems with title transfers, delivery timing, and limited financing options for those with active bankruptcies. These hiccups show that, while convenient, Carvana’s system still has room for improvement in customer support and reliability.

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. If you are a collector or looking for something unique, you can also explore where to buy classic cars for more niche options.

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. Buyers with bad credit can also find financing solutions, making Carvana accessible to a wider range of customers.
• 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 caters to modern shoppers who value convenience and transparency. The 360-degree virtual tours, online financing, and upfront pricing makes purchasing a car simple and stress-free. However, this ease comes at a price, Carvana’s vehicles often cost more than private sales or negotiable platforms, trading affordability for convenience and peace of mind. To make sure you are getting a dependable car, take a look at the most reliable used car brands that consistently perform well in the long run.

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: Sellers are typically paid promptly after the sale is completed, making it a hassle-free option for sellers. Customers have received better offers on direct trade-ins than traditional dealerships.

Like its buying process, Carvana’s selling process is designed for convenience and simplicity. It makes an excellent choice for those who want a hassle-free way to sell their car without finding buyers, negotiating prices, or handling the logistics of the sale. However, this convenience comes at a cost. Carvana’s fixed pricing model means there’s no room for haggling. 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. This may include selling your car privately or using platforms that allow for price negotiations which may 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 offers a convenient alternative to traditional car buying by allowing customers to shop, finance, and purchase vehicles entirely online. Its 7-day return policy adds flexibility and confidence. It allows buyers to test the car before committing. However, some still prefer the personalized element of in-person dealerships, where they can negotiate prices and inspect vehicles firsthand. In the end, choosing between Carvana and a traditional dealership comes down to your priorities, convenience versus personal interaction.

Bottom Line

So coming back to the question: is Carvana worth it? Carvana offers a modern, digital-first car buying experience with online browsing, purchasing, and home delivery plus unique features like car vending machines and flexible financing for all credit levels. Its transparent pricing and guarantees add peace of mind, while vehicle shipping through Sherpa Auto Transport provides added convenience. Just be sure to review terms and your financial situation before buying.

Carvana FAQs