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How Does Carvana Work: A Beginner’s Guide to Sell Your Car

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Sell your car on carvana

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5 Min Read

For people who wish to sell their used cars at the best prices online in the fastest and smoothest way possible, Carvana is undoubtedly the best solution on the table. It’s a great platform for both buyers and sellers to exchange used cars online. “Carvana Sell my car on Carvana” is one of the most popular online search queries among vehicle sellers.

The icing on the cake, Carvana, is known more for its crazy digital innovations in the automotive retail space.

If you are new to online car selling and are wondering how to sell your car to Carvana, this blog will help you understand all the nitty-gritty of the platform. So, let’s begin!

 

What is Carvana?

Carvana Co. is an online used car retailer specializing in used cars, headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. Since its launch in 2012, Carvana has become one of the largest automotive marketplaces in the United States. Renowned for its distinctive multi-story glass tower car vending machines, Carvana offers access to over 55,000 vehicles across more than 300 markets nationwide. The company facilitates the buying, selling, trading, and financing of used cars exclusively.

 

What is carvana

 

In fact, Carvana sold over 400,000 vehicles organically in 2021. Research says by 2025, Carvana auto sales volume will grow by more than 700,000 units and will keep growing significantly over the next decade. The cherries on top are the well-designed website and app that make it the favorite place for buyers to browse and buy, giving access to millions of prospects in one go.

 

 

Features of Carvana Car Sales

Here are a few Carvana features you need to be familiar with before you start your online car-selling journey:

Carvana cover sale

Selling cars online is already hard, and getting instant cash offers on your used vehicles is even harder. But the good thing is that Carvana has you covered in that regard. You can get instant offers for cash for the vehicles you list for sale or Carvana trade ins. The offers would be based on different evaluating factors like your vehicle’s odometer reading, VIN, and a few other factors.

Trade-in options

Online Carvana car sales provide convenient trade-in options to online car sellers. You can search for the car via number plate or VIN and receive estimated trade-in quotes. Carvana will arrange for the pickup of your car if your trade-in is accepted. You can also use the surplus from the trade-ins to purchase another vehicle from their platform.

Financing a car

Carvana takes away the hassles of looking for finance options for online car buyers. People can opt for pre-qualified auto loans when purchasing from Carvana. They have to fill in an application and the Carvana will tell them the amounts of down payments and EMIs they would need to pay. This makes purchasing from the platform very easy, significantly increasing the chances of you selling your vehicle quickly.

The seven-day money-back guarantee

Carvana allows buyers to return cars within seven days of purchasing them. Within those seven days, purchased cars are allowed to travel up to 400 miles and can be returned for any reason. For every additional mile, Carvana charges $1.00 from the buyer. Also, buyers can exchange up to two times only. The third vehicle won’t have any return favors attached and cannot be exchanged on acceptance.

Money back guarantee for cars

Editor’s note: In all honesty, these offers make me want to sell my car on Carvana too! Only when the time comes, of course.

 

Limited Warranty

Carvana offers a warranty period that is valid for 4,189 miles or 100 days, whichever comes earlier. The warranty covers basic and powertrain components, and it protects vehicles against mechanical and electrical damage.

 

Benefits of Selling Cars on Carvana

It is easier to sell your car on Carvana than selling it to a traditional dealer, and it’s faster than pawning it off privately. That’s because you’re selling your car to Carvana and not directly to a buyer. You should always consider it on the table if your goal is to:

  • Sell your car in the shortest time possible without any headaches, while still finding a good price.
  • Escape the hassles of traditional Car Dealerships no need to haggle!

Apart from this, here are a few more reasons why you should always have Carvana on your list:

More dollars

Best price for your car

Carvana ensures that you get good offers for your listings. If your car is in good condition and doesn’t have much wear and tear, you can expect a resale value that matches or exceeds the market standards.

 

Frictionless car dropoff

Just fill out a form to drop off your car at Carvana’s location, and their team will pay you for a cab ride back home.

Easy car inspection

Car inspection

The company’s team will inspect your car at the drop-off. They will check if your car is in drivable condition with fully inflated tires and has good working order.

Flexibility in offers

Carvana offers you seven days to accept an offer or 1000 miles after putting in an offer. If you need more time, you can reach out to the company’s representatives and explain your needs.

 

How Does Carvana Work?

Carvana works as an interne­t-based secondhand car shop. The goal is to tidy up the­ usual car dealership process by conducting most ope­rations online. Let’s understand how Carvana works when selling a car. Here’s a dige­st about its process for buying and selling:

Buying a car through Carvana

1) View a wide­ array of used cars on their website­.

2) Receive a pre­liminary approval for financing from Carvana or a different lende­r.

3) Select your prefe­rred car and finalize your order, including any upfront payme­nts and shipping charges.

4) Arrange a delive­ry or pick-up time for your car. Carvana provides home de­livery or collection from one of the the­ir auto-dispensing machines (at certain site­s).

5) Carvana offers a 7-day re­turn policy. Test drive the car up to 400 mile­s for free. If you’re not satisfie­d, return it. Make sure you be­ar any delivery charges, if the­re are any.

With Carvana sell a car

1) Ente­r your car’s details on Carvana’s website, don’t forge­t the VIN.

2) An instant offer will pop up on your scre­en. It’s valid for a week.

3) If you like­ the offer, prepare­ to say goodbye to your car. Set a pick-up time or just drop it off. This all de­pends on where you live­.

4) Once they check your car ove­r and all details check out, you get paid imme­diately!

 

 

How do I Get a Quote from Carvana?

Now, that you understand the benefits of Carvana, let’s see how to sell your vehicles on the platform. You’ll have to get a quote from the company, and if you find the offer appropriate, then proceed with the sale. Here’s a five-step process to get a quote from Carvana.

Step 1: Research the prices

Understand the platform first. Learn more about how Carvana judges and views vehicles before listing them and how they price them. It’s possible that the number offered by the company doesn’t match your expectations.

Price research for car

The best way is to check a car value evaluator on Kelley Blue Book or other platforms, to determine the fair market value of your vehicle. This will let you know if the price offered by Carvana is accurate or undervalued.

Step 2: Evaluating your car for sale

Carvana’s strive for more vehicles from dealers doesn’t mean it will buy anything or everything. You need to check that your car:

  • Isn’t older than the model year 1992
  • Has working odometers
  • Runs properly
  • Is not a junk car
  • Is not wrecked

If your car doesn’t meet these parameters, Carvana isn’t the platform for you.

 

Step 3: Preparing your car for sale

Carvana would ask a series of questions when you apply for a sell/trade option. So, it’s better to be prepared with the answers and documents beforehand. The questions will inquire about:

  • Make
  • Model
  • Mileage
  • Trim
  • Color
  • Engine
  • Drivetrain

Apart from this, you would also be asked to show if you have any ongoing outstanding payments for the car. Carvana would assess all these elements before quoting a price.

What documents does Carvana require?

You’ll need the following:

  • Picture of the odometer reading
  • Trade title – front and back images
  • Driver’s license of all the members in the title
  • Photo of car’s 10-day pay-off statements (if any outstanding payments remain)
  • Current registration
  • Photo of the cheque for the amount of the car loan (If there’s any outstanding car loan) – front and back

 

Step 4: Applying for sale on Carvana

Once you are sure of your car’s market value and condition, open the Carvana website or app. Click on the option SELL/TRADE option. Now enter your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and license plate number.

Answer the series of questions on the screen and provide more insights and details about the car you are going to sell. Don’t forget to mention the specifics of the vehicle like leather seats or electric windows, etc. This will help Carvana appraisers accurately assess your car.

 

Step 5: Getting a quote

Quote for your vehicle

Once you fill in their questionnaire (which Carvana claims to be just two minutes long), you can sit back and wait for Carvana to send you a quote for your vehicle. It usually takes just 15 minutes to receive a quote. Remember that the information mentioned in step 3, coupled with market demand for the car, will play a prime determinant in the price you see on the offer.

Do you have anything upfront with Carvana?

Carvana charges for taxes, MVAs, and registration, but then they are all included in the offered price.

 

How to Sell a Car on Carvana?

Selling a car on Carvana is super easy just like a piece of cake. They offer a real offer for up to 7 days. Let’s understand how to sell a car on Carvana with step by step guide:

1) First, Carvana’s te­am checks your ownership, vehicle­ details, and loan or lease info.

2) Afte­r their review, you can pick how you want to ge­t paid.

 

Get cash for your car

 

3) Then, tell them whe­n and where to pick up your car.

4) At pickup, they finalize­ the sale quickly and make sure­ you are paid immediately.

This streamlined process ensures a hassle-free experience when selling your car through Carvana.

 

Best Tips & Tricks To Sell Or Trade In Cars On Carvana

Now that we’ve answered your “how to sell on Carvana” query, let us give you a few more tips and tricks to make sure that you are leveraging everything to your benefit.

Selling your car outright

If you don’t have time to wait for Carvana to come for pick up and spend more time in Vehicle Inspection, you can directly take your car to the Carvana vending machine. The reps at the location will inspect your car and transfer funds right then and there.

Trading in your vehicle

Carvana also offers a Carvana trade-in process for your vehicle in exchange for a purchase. Carvana will deduct the value of the trade-in from the cost of purchasing a vehicle, ensuring that only the lower amount moves out of your pocket. You will find a seven-day window to decide which car you want to purchase in exchange for your vehicle.

Once you have picked up your car, Carvana does all the hard work for you; It will deliver your newly purchased car to your doorstep while picking up your old one.

Seamless transactions

Before beginning the sale, you might wonder: “Will Carvana buy my car without any problems?”

Seamless transactions for selling car

Worry now! The entire selling/trading-in process with Carvana is seamless. While you complete the main formalities online, you can reach out to their hubs or towers at any time to drop off and get your automobile inspected, instead of waiting for their reps to contact you. Also, the transaction is completed in no time after that!

 

Final Word

Hope this blog gives you a complete understanding of Carvana’s works. Now, stop wondering how to Sell My Car in Carvana and do it! and find answers to ‘how does Carvana work.’ While we talk about seamless selling experiences and preparing your car for sale, there’s one more thing that can help create a significant impact on Carvana’s appraisal process: high-quality images. Even though their reps will inspect your car thoroughly, you should send them the best car pictures to increase the chances of approval.

And guess what? You can do it very easily at lightning speed with the help of state-of-the-art AI cataloging platforms like Spyne. All that you need to do is to download the app on your smartphone, follow the on-screen guide, capture the images, apply the appropriate edits, and upload them. As simple as that!

Still, have any questions? Or want to know how Spyne can help you sell your car? Reach out to us now.

 

FAQs

  • Q. Should I sell my car to Carvana?

    Selling your car through Carvana is much easier than selling it by yourself. All the heavy lifting – paperwork, vehicle inspection, finding buyers, etc., is done by them. All you have to do is contact them and complete the steps in the above-mentioned guide.

    If you don’t want any hassles when selling your vehicle, Carvana is surely a great way to do so.

  • Q. How much does Carvana pay for a vehicle?

    Well, the exact payment varies on various factors, like your vehicle’s condition, the odometer reading, the engine, model year, etc. Rest assured, the prices calculated by them are usually fair, matching or exceeding the market price. However, if you’re worried, you can get an independent evaluation as well.

  • Q. Is there a downside to selling my car on Carvana?

    Yes, there are a few things that often disturb online car sellers. They include:
    1. Shorter timelines: Carvana gives you only seven days to accept their offer. If you fail to revert, you have to re-submit all the information and get a new quote.

    2. Not accepting older cars: Carvana is not a place to sell very old cars, even if they are classic or vintage models. They don’t buy cars that are older than the model year 1992, even if they are in good condition.

    3. Not so suitable for new cars: If your vehicle is relatively new with lower mileage, the chances are you won’t get competitive prices from Carvana. You will have better deals selling such cars privately.

  • Q. Do I need to clean up before I sell my car to Carvana?

    There’s no need to clean your automobile before selling it to Carvana, as it won’t have any bearing on the offer you receive. That said, Carvana asks sellers to take personal belongings out of the car before the scheduled pickup.

  • Q. Will Carvana buy my car if it needs repair?

    Yes, they will. Carvana will buy vehicles with minor technical problems or body damage, but the offer you receive will be adjusted to take repair expenses into account. The company, however, does not accept vehicles that are completely non-operational or wrecked.

  • Q. Can Carvana return your car after they buy it?

    Please be aware that vehicles sold or traded into Carvana will not be returned.

  • Q. Does Carvana buy cars with mechanical problems?

    Yes, Carvana buys cars with few mechanical problems however it should be in a running condition.

  • Q. How much does Carvana charge to pick up your car?

    Carvana does charge to pick up your car. The cost for pickup depends on the distance from the nearest hub.

  • Q. Does Carvana buy cars that don't run?

    No, Carvana do not buy cars that don’t run but they do buy a car with minor issues or mechanical problems.

  • Q. Can I sell my vehicle to Carvana without buying a car from Carvana?

    Yes! You can sell your car, even if you’re not purchasing a vehicle from Carvana.

  • Q. What documents do I need to sell my car to Carvana?

    Want to sell your car through Carvana? He­re’s the paperwork you’ll ne­ed:

     

    For cars owned free­ and clear

    1) Both sides of your title, top to bottom. If you’re­ in certain states, they’ll also take­ electronic titles.

    2) Anyone­ whose name is on the title­ needs to be the­re at the appointed time­, depending on the state­.

    3) If a loan’s paid off, include that paperwork, too.

     

    If there­’s still a lien on your car

    1) You’ll need a photo of a state­ment saying your balance will be cle­ar in 10 days.

    2) Owe more than it’s worth? You’ll nee­d a check for that amount. We’ll let you know what it should be­.

    3) Don’t forget! They nee­d your mileage and driver’s lice­nses for anyone named. Eve­ry state might have differe­nt rules, so keep that in mind.

  • Q. Will Carvana buy my leased vehicle?

    Yes, Carvana works with many leasing companies but some are still exceptional companies to help pay off your lease early.

  • Q. Can I sell my car to Carvana even if I still have a loan on my vehicle?

    Yes! (T&C Applied) you can sell your car to Carvana even if you still have a loan on your vehicle.

  • Q. How do pickup and drop-off appointments work when selling my car?

    It depends on your location, they can pick up your vehicle and you can drop it off at any of the Carvana hubs.

  • Q. If I sell my car to Carvana, how and when will I be paid?

    You will get paid at the time of pickup or drop off of the vehicle.

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Young, enthusiastic, and curious are the three words that describe Spyne’s content team perfectly. We take pride in our work - doing extensive research, engaging with industry experts, burning the midnight oil, etc. Every word we write is aimed at solving our readers’ problems.

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