Carvana Reviews - How It Works, Warranty, Financing, Returns

Carvana's model is terrible. They buy cars at auctions (those are cars that don't sell through the normal process) and then offer at full price similar to a certified car.

We paid $61,400 for a 2016 BMW X5M, which was about $7000 more than another wholesale dealer, but...

This car had missed its second big mandatory service and appeared oil had not been changed for 20,000 miles!

The Local Houston BMW dealer required this car to have its Valve Covers removed to check for sludge at cost of $4400, and therefore no assurance car would be OK.

We returned this car to Carvana, they are not qualified to sell this type of car.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

2/27/19 - My tag issue is still ongoing, however, Carvana and I have come to a mutual agreement for the time being.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I was nervous about buying a car from Carvana, but I couldn't find exactly what I wanted anywhere else. I felt good about the return process so I pulled the trigger and bought my car, a Mazda CX 5 grand touring. It had higher mileage than I wanted, but the price was right, and the car looked in and was described as being in great condition. I live chatted with two reps through the process, and they were both friendly and helpful.

I picked it up at the Nashville dealership and the guy at the front desk was so professional and seemed truly happy to see me. The car's appearance inside and out was better than I expected. There were no imperfections that hadn't been noted in the listing. I test drove it and started to love it. Took possession and drove it 35 miles home and it performed fantastically. I've been over it with a fine tooth comb, and my husband has inspected fluids, brakes, tires, etc. and he's happy.

I used a referral I got from a nice stranger in Arizona for $500 off. I recommend Carvana. Just remember, you don't have to accept it if you're not happy, and you have 7 days to change your mind. Take it to a local garage and give them $50 to look it over if you need reassurance. I have never had a dealership tell me to bring a car back I didn't like, so I feel like they are standing behind their sale. I do wish someone would text, email or call to make sure I'm happy, things like that go a long way for customer satisfaction.

In closing, I love my Mazda and enjoyed the whole Carvana experience!

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

I went to Carvana's website to see what they would offer for my car before I trade it locally. They claim to use KBB as a guide yet they offered me $2,000 below trade-in value (according to KBB and NADA) and then wanted me to drive over 200 miles to them. Don't waste your time.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I should've listened to all of the reviews on the internet. Carvana makes it all sound way too good to be true, that's because it is. The approval process is quick and easy but I was kinda of leery about the whole delivery process. Lots of upset customers stating they always have to reschedule for one reason or another. Well, it happened to me as well. My car was suppose to be delivered tomorrow. I received a call today stating there is a logistical issue due to the weather and my car delivery is delayed until next Thursday. Really, one bad weather day causes my car to delivered almost a week later? Well, we will see. No car Thursday, then no deal Carvana! I should've listened to all of the negative reviews, so new buyer beware, it could be weeks before you get your car...

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I purchased two vehicles through Carvana and its financing affiliate. Well, the third purchase attempt for a vehicle for my son in college was a nightmare. The car is still unavailable to this day. I changed to another vehicle for about 3 grand more. I was told that although I make $70k+ annually, they need me to be at $81k since this is a third purchase, or put down $5k on a car advertised as $0 down. On top of that, they put a $100 reservation hold on a vehicle after they denied me financing. I went through the chat and was rudely told, "we don't control how long the funds will be held." Are you kidding me? I had $100 reserved for a vehicle over one month ago. I started a purchase on another vehicle and you are charging me a hold on a vehicle that you will not finance me for...This company has lost a loyal customer forever.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Do not purchase a car from this company. They clearly have several details in their policies that need ironing out. My car was expected several days ago and I have not received the vehicle. The car is a 2014 Honda CR-V. I have been sharing a vehicle for the past month because of another car crashed into me and totaled my car. I was excited about the opportunity Carvana presented - purchasing a vehicle online, having it delivered right to my door! However, if it sounds too good to be true, it is! This company is a scam.

First, delivery was delayed because they heard a rattling noise. They gave me the option of receiving the car, then going to the shop on my own time to fix the rattling noise. They would have covered the cost. What working professional has time to do that, although it sounds like a great idea? I chose the other option - having them fix it before delivery.

On the NEW date of delivery, they called me two hours before it was supposed to be delivered and said they made the decision to change the tires and it will now be available the next day. The representative said it was a decision her manager made and that was when I cut her off and asked to speak to someone else. I also explained everything here and was put on hold.

They are not experienced enough to have all of these details ironed out. Do not choose them. It's more of a headache than not. Just go to the dealership and avoid the Carvana drama.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Awful experience. Financing done, all paperwork in. Two weeks later I still don’t have my car. They keep saying it’s delayed. If they deliver by the latest BS date that they gave it will be a month from approval to receiving the car. Stay away from this place by all means. All the CS reps lie like they don’t care what happens. I have good credit too, just thought it would be nice to not have to fight with a dealership. But, at least the dealerships give you your car after the fight is done. This place makes me think I need an attorney.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I went through the process of paperwork and getting 3rd party financing for a car that I really had my mind set on. I received a signed Retail Purchase Agreement and was about to sign the paperwork through my bank when I received a call from an underwriter at Carvana. He stated the car was actually purchased by someone else and they unlocked the car by mistake.

I had reserved this car, but without hesitation, they removed the lock and deleted my paperwork and moved on. they did say "Sorry for the trouble, go to our site and find another car, we have many more."

Before this fiasco, I talked to three separate reps regarding this particular car within 24 hours of reserving the car. No one mentioned any issues leading up to an hour from finalizing the deal and getting the car shipped. I am very disappointed, this should never happen to any customer. The $500 they offered me for compensation was actually an insult.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I bought a car from Carvana and it was delivered right before Christmas. I've had the car for about 5 weeks, with most of them - the car being in the shop. The first was with a leak and water flooding the driver side - this was taken care of through 5 out of my 7-day money-back period. Since the issue was resolved, I had assumed it was smooth sailing from there! However, a few days later, another issue popped up. My car would making huge clunking sounds in the engine area if I drove over 60 mph. Turns out it was a missing bracket from the engine area - another week towards finding the issue and ordering the part. Now, the third issue. I got up for work and went to turn on my car. Car was completely dead - I couldn't even jump it to get it to restart. The towing company couldn't jump it to get it to restart. Turns out to be a defective TCU unit and the car being worked on for two weeks and counting.

I've reached out to find out my options for support in situations such as this ("We work harder than hard to make our customers happy") - and I was told that I would have to continue to pay monthly (and possibly out of pocket) for a car that I am unable to drive.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I have been in search for a newer van for my family and came across Carvana. I was just browsing and noticed they had a seven-day return policy if you were not satisfied with your purchase, which had me immediately interested. I selected a 2017 KIA SEDONA LX with 70,000+ miles on it. A lot of their vehicle selection was used as car rentals prior, so many of the vehicles are in a-OK condition.

You upload your docs: income verification and your driver license picture. EASY PEASY! They do a soft pull on your credit and have a software that lets you know how much you put down and how much you will pay monthly based on your APR. I have fair credit (which is considered challenged at a lot of brand name dealerships) - Carvana works with you and their loan company (Bridgecrest) will let you know how much you are paying up front, in smaller print of course, but the numbers are presented to you more than once.

Two days before delivery I found a vehicle with lower mileage (45,000 miles) and a nicer interior - I requested they change it to the new vehicle and they did no questions asked. Unfortunately, the original delivery date was pushed back one day - which was honestly no problem. The Carvana advocate was at my residence 15 minutes before delivery time and called me right away. I test drove the car for a full 15 minutes and came back and agreed to the purchase. She had all the paperwork ready for me and CarFax, Vehicle Registration info, and all the add'l paperwork that I had signed via DocuSign. Again, your final price and loan info is presented to you so it's fairly clear what you are paying at the end.

I took the car to the official Kia dealership to have it looked at and they let me know that there are no major mechanical issues and that several things such as battery, air filter, tire tread (2-3 yrs left) need to be changed within the next year to 1 and 1/2 years. Pretty common wear and tear with a used car. They did not include the floor mats as stated and I informed Carvana - they will be crediting me and refunding me for new floormats up to $250. I signed up at Bridgecrest to set up my payments since I hear many iffy things about them - it's probably best you pay a few days early since I've seen reviews about them repossessing vehicles even at one day late in payment.

So far I am happy with my purchase! I love my new van - thanks again Carvana.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend