Carvana Vs Dealership: Which To Trust With Your Next Car?

Carvana Vs Dealership: Which Is The Best?

Only 16 percent of car buyers skipped a test drive before purchasing, according to a 2024 DMEautomotive survey cited in Ward’s Auto. At first glance, that might seem like progress—buying a car from your couch, no dealership drama, and delivery to your door. But here’s the catch: even with convenience, many who passed on a test drive ended up with buyer’s remorse.

There’s something intangible about sitting in the driver’s seat, feeling the acceleration, or hearing the engine’s hum that photos and videos just don’t capture. When buyers skip the dealership experience, they might miss issues that only show up after a few drives. From mechanical quirks to comfort preferences, those can add to some serious buyer’s remorse.

What you’ll learn in this guide

This guide breaks down the pros and cons of buying a car from Carvana versus going to a traditional dealership. You’ll learn about:

• Price comparisons—fixed prices vs. negotiable ones

• Buying online vs. in person

• How trade-ins work on both sides

• Whether test drives matter

• What kind of warranty or support do you get after buying

• What real customers are saying about both

This article includes highlights from our guide to buying a used car on Carvana.

Overview

Buying a car is a big decision, and choosing Carvana or a dealership depends on what you care most. Do you like the convenience of online shopping? Or do you prefer seeing and test-driving the car yourself before buying?

Carvana (Online Shopping)

• Shop for, finance, and buy a car online

• No need to go to a dealership

• Car gets delivered to your home

• Every car comes with a history report

• 150-point inspection on every vehicle

Dealerships (In-Person Shopping)

• You can see, touch, and test drive cars

• Ask questions and get help from a salesperson

• May offer certified pre-owned (CPO) cars with extra warranties

• You can sometimes drive your car home the same day

Things to Think About

• Carvana has a short return window; dealerships might offer better warranties

• Dealerships often have better financing options through banks or lenders

• Both places take trade-ins, but values and processes differ

• Paperwork, delivery, and support can vary between them

How Carvana and Dealerships Work

Carvana is made for people who want to do everything online. You search for a car, apply for a loan, and make your purchase—all from your phone or computer. You never have to go to a car lot, and the car gets delivered to your door. Plus, Carvana has a vast selection of vehicles from across the country.

Dealerships are more traditional. You visit a location, talk to staff, and take test drives. This is great if you want personal help and want to see how the car feels before buying. Dealerships also let you take the car home that same day, which is helpful if you need a vehicle immediately.

Convenience and Buying Experience

Carvana: Easy Clicks and Fast Delivery

Carvana makes it simple to buy a car anytime. You don’t have to deal with salespeople or spend hours at a dealership. The whole process happens online. Once you choose a car, it can be delivered to your home.

Dealerships: Personal Help and Same-Day Pickup

At a dealership, you can test drive several cars, compare them side by side, and buy the one you like—all in one visit. You also get help from a real person who can answer questions and guide you through the paperwork.

If you’re wondering whether Carvana’s process is legit, our in-depth review includes its advantages, drawbacks, and honest customer feedback.

Price and Cost: No-Haggle vs Negotiation

Carvana Pricing

Carvana lists one price, and that’s what you pay. There’s no negotiating, which can be less stressful. The website also shows taxes, fees, and delivery costs upfront. However, this simplicity sometimes means higher prices.

Dealership Pricing

Dealerships usually allow you to negotiate. You can lower the price, get better loan terms, or take advantage of discounts and promotions. But be careful—some dealerships add hidden fees, so it’s essential to read everything before signing.

Vehicle Selection and Condition

Carvana’s Inventory

Carvana offers thousands of used cars across the U.S. You can search by make, model, mileage, features, and more. Each car gets a 150-point inspection and includes a detailed report on its condition.

You’ll find:

• Low-mileage cars

• Certified pre-owned vehicles

• Clear condition reports

Note: Carvana does not sell brand-new cars.

Dealership Inventory

Dealerships have fewer cars on the lot but often carry new and used models. A dealership is a better choice if you want the latest vehicle with factory upgrades. You can also see and test the car in person before buying.

If a dealership needs to deliver the car you’re buying, our article on how dealerships deliver cars offers a closer look at logistics and timelines.

Financing: Online Ease vs Dealer Deals

Carvana Financing

Carvana lets you apply for a loan online. There’s no minimum credit score, and offers come in quickly. This is great for buyers who want a private and straightforward way to finance.

But:

• You can only use Carvana financing for its vehicles

• Interest rates may be higher than what banks or credit unions offer

Dealership Financing

Dealerships often work with multiple lenders and offer special deals like 0% APR or cash-back offers. If you have good credit, you may get a better rate. Plus, dealers can bundle financing with trade-ins and other promotions.

Note: This content is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional financial advice. Always consult a qualified expert before making financing decisions.

Trade-Ins and Selling Your Car

Carvana Trade-Ins

You can enter your car’s info online and get an offer in minutes. You don’t have to buy a car to sell one. You can schedule a pick-up or drop it off at a Carvana location.

Best for:

• Quick and easy deals

• People who don’t like negotiating

• Selling a car without buying one

Dealership Trade-Ins

Dealerships might give you more for your trade-in, especially if you buy from them. You can also negotiate the total price of your new car and trade it in together. However, trade-in values vary between dealerships, so it helps to shop around.

Our step-by-step guide to selling your car on Carvana covers everything from online quotes to scheduling a pickup so you can decide whether it’s better than walking into a showroom with your keys.

Test Drives, Delivery, and Returns

Carvana’s 7-Day Test Period

Instead of a test drive, Carvana gives you seven days (or 400 miles) to try out the car. If you’re unhappy, you can return it for a full refund.

Each car is inspected and comes with a 100-day or 4,189-mile limited warranty. Carvana also offers digital customer support.

Dealership Test Drives

At a dealership, you can drive the car before buying. Some even offer delivery or home test drives. If something goes wrong, you also get face-to-face support and easier access to service centers.

Dealerships often include:

• Certified pre-owned inspections

• Manufacturer warranties

• Service and repair help

Check out our post on car delivery from the dealership to see how timing, transport, and service vary.

Pros and Cons: Which Buying Experience Suits You Best?

Carvana and traditional dealerships offer unique strengths, and the best option ultimately depends on what you value most—digital convenience or hands-on interaction.

Why Choose Carvana

Carvana appeals to modern buyers who prefer a fully digital, no-pressure experience. Its streamlined platform allows you to browse, finance, and purchase a vehicle entirely online, often with delivery right to your door.

Key advantages include:

• Nationwide inventory of used vehicles with advanced search tools

• Transparent, no-haggle pricing for stress-free buying

• Seven-day return policy with a 100-day limited warranty

• Online financing and trade-in quotes without a dealership visit

Carvana is best for those who:

• Want to skip the dealership process entirely

• Prefer fixed pricing and online self-service

• Need flexibility and time to evaluate a purchase

Why Choose a Dealership

Traditional dealerships provide a personalized and interactive experience that many buyers still prefer. Being able to see, touch, and test drive a vehicle in person offers peace of mind that online platforms may not fully replicate.

Key advantages include:

• Test drives and real-time comparisons of multiple vehicles

• Negotiable pricing and in-person financing options

• Access to new cars and certified pre-owned programs

• Direct support from a knowledgeable sales team

• In-house service centers for long-term maintenance

Dealerships are best for those who:

• Value in-person service and expert guidance

• Want to negotiate and customize financing

• Prefer same-day purchase and delivery

Conclusion: Which Is Right for You?

Carvana is a smart choice if you want a simple, online buying process and don’t need a test drive. It’s fast, easy, and offers a clear price.

Dealerships are better if you like seeing the car in person, asking questions, and maybe getting a better deal through negotiation. You also get full support, service, and financing choices.

Whichever you pick, make sure your new car gets delivered safely.

Need your car delivered?

AmeriFreight Car Shipping specializes in auto shipping for both Carvana and dealership purchases. Whether buying or selling, we’ve covered you with reliable, cost-effective transport. Get a quote from AmeriFreight!

FAQs

1. Can I return a car bought from Carvana?

• Yes. You have seven days to return it for a full refund, no questions asked.

2. Is Carvana more expensive than a dealership?

• Carvana may list higher prices, but it includes fewer hidden fees. Dealerships offer negotiation opportunities, but can sneak in extras.

3. What if I want to test drive first?

• Go with a dealership. Carvana doesn’t offer test drives before purchase.

4. How do dealership car deliveries work?

• Many dealers now offer delivery. AmeriFreight provides a reliable solution for delivering a car straight from the dealership to your doorstep.

5. Which is better for trade-ins?

• Carvana is fast and transparent. Dealerships might offer more—if you negotiate well.