Vroom/ Carvana experience

[Anonymous]

Has anyone had experience using the online car spots like Vroom, Carvana, etc? Are they reputable? Any issues with the process or car after purchase? Can you test drive before purchasing?

[Anonymous]

I had a friend who bought from Carvana and it took forever for them to send his title to the DMV, so he wasn't able to register the car.

[Anonymous]

These companies have scaled up so rapidly over the past year and that has definitely hurt the customer experience.

Friend bought a car via Carvana two years ago and had an exceptional experience. Another friend bought one last month and had a bunch of problems (runaround on the phone, delayed delivery, failed to call back when they said they would, miscommunications, etc.).

At this point I say just buy from your local dealer.
1. Used car prices are sky high right now, so the case for buying new is better than it has ever been
2. Buying a used car at your local dealer is nice because if you have problems there is a place nearby to deal with, rather than some national online company
3. Carvana/Vroom do charge a premium for what they advertise as a "click this button, car shows up" buying experience...but if the buying experience is slipping, why not just go to a dealer?
4. If you hate negotiating with a dealer just do Costco auto buying program, truecar, or similar
5. While their websites aren't as slick, most dealers in the DC area will deliver a car directly to your driveway. Many will even bring a car to your home for a test drive, if you ask for it.

[Anonymous]

I have experience selling my car to Vroom last year. It was an absolute beater over a decade old, and required more maintenance than it was worth. Vroom did only a cursory quality check, and paid 3K, which I thought was an overpayment and they would have trouble making any kind of profit on after repairs. It eventually sold for 8K. Used car prices are bonkers.

[Anonymous]

I would never buy a car (especially a used car) that I couldn't see, touch or test drive.

Hard pass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would never buy a car (especially a used car) that I couldn't see, touch or test drive.

Hard pass.

I think these places have a 7 day no reason cancellation policy, so you get to check out the car if you want

[Anonymous]

Just sold a car to carvana. Easy. Fair price. Just under what I thought I could get selling it privately. Definitely worth not having tire kickers and negotiators.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just sold a car to carvana. Easy. Fair price. Just under what I thought I could get selling it privately. Definitely worth not having tire kickers and negotiators.

Can you explain a bit more about this? Moving cross country and just want to get rid of my car and get a new (er) one.

I was thinking I would have to take it to carmax but having it done at my house sounds pretty nice too!

Car is in good shape but definitely has a few scratches (touched up but not invisible) on the bumpers. No door dents or anything and inside in great shape (once it gets detailed!). The seal for the trunk (rubber part that goes around it) needs to be replaced because its coming off but I am wondering if I should just let the next person do that and take the $300 off.

How long is the Carvana process?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just sold a car to carvana. Easy. Fair price. Just under what I thought I could get selling it privately. Definitely worth not having tire kickers and negotiators.

Can you explain a bit more about this? Moving cross country and just want to get rid of my car and get a new (er) one.

I was thinking I would have to take it to carmax but having it done at my house sounds pretty nice too!

Car is in good shape but definitely has a few scratches (touched up but not invisible) on the bumpers. No door dents or anything and inside in great shape (once it gets detailed!). The seal for the trunk (rubber part that goes around it) needs to be replaced because its coming off but I am wondering if I should just let the next person do that and take the $300 off.

How long is the Carvana process?

NP - It was surprisingly quick. You can put in the details and get the price online then you make an appointment for them to come out to your home. The home visit was maybe 30 minutes. I was very happy with the process.

[Anonymous]

I was goofing around on Carvana the other day, and now I’m selling my car because the offer price was so good. I have an appt for them to come pick it up Sunday. So far, so good.

If you don’t love your car, give it a shot! The catch is that inventory is low. I’m waiting awhile to buy again.

FYI Carmax and Vroom offered $4-$5k less.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just sold a car to carvana. Easy. Fair price. Just under what I thought I could get selling it privately. Definitely worth not having tire kickers and negotiators.

Can you explain a bit more about this? Moving cross country and just want to get rid of my car and get a new (er) one.

I was thinking I would have to take it to carmax but having it done at my house sounds pretty nice too!

Car is in good shape but definitely has a few scratches (touched up but not invisible) on the bumpers. No door dents or anything and inside in great shape (once it gets detailed!). The seal for the trunk (rubber part that goes around it) needs to be replaced because its coming off but I am wondering if I should just let the next person do that and take the $300 off.

How long is the Carvana process?

Put in the VIN, upload a photo of the title and odometer and they give you an estimate. 5 minutes.

Then they make an appointment. Assuming you were honest with your assessment, at the appointment they will have you sign the Bill of Sale, etc. and hand a check to you. Make sure it runs, etc. Then someone comes to pick it up. After the check is delivered and the forms signed, they dont'even need you.

Check KBB too. And Vroom. And do a comparison.

I sold a late model excellent condition Benz. I got 6 grand more from Carvana than KBB. On the other hand, my neighbor sold his late model 'Vette and was offered 6 grand more from KBB.

Shop around.

[Anonymous]

New poster
If I need my car gone on a specific day, how far in advance should I start the process with carvana and the like?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:New poster
If I need my car gone on a specific day, how far in advance should I start the process with carvana and the like?

The quote is good for 7 days...so 7 days before you need it picked up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:New poster
If I need my car gone on a specific day, how far in advance should I start the process with carvana and the like?

Start to finish it took roughly 5 days on Carvana. It depends upon how busy they are. Once you accept the offer, you get a link to a scheduling page and pick an open and convenient slot. They come by and conclude the purchase at that time.

"Need it gone" . . . paid for or picked up? When they pay you, they take title and keys and put the keys in a lock box and someone just comes and grabs the car. Had I not noticed the tow truck at 8 at night, the car would have just been disappeared.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:New poster
If I need my car gone on a specific day, how far in advance should I start the process with carvana and the like?

Start to finish it took roughly 5 days on Carvana. It depends upon how busy they are. Once you accept the offer, you get a link to a scheduling page and pick an open and convenient slot. They come by and conclude the purchase at that time.

"Need it gone" . . . paid for or picked up? When they pay you, they take title and keys and put the keys in a lock box and someone just comes and grabs the car. Had I not noticed the tow truck at 8 at night, the car would have just been disappeared.

Thank you! How far out were the slots?
Ideally I need it paid AND gone on the same day... I am leaving for 2 months and will need the car until 1-2 days before I leave, so...