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Buying a car is an important decision, and certainly not one that’s taken lightheartedly. With the growing popularity of people purchasing a car online from sites like Carvana, it’s no wonder that some folks start wondering, Carvana vs. dealership, which is better? Or, in other words, is it safe and sound buying an automotive from a “vending machine” instead of a “brick and mortar” car dealership?
Before jumping to conclusions, you must understand the pros and cons of Carvana vs. dealership. Sure, ordering online is great for smaller purchases, but a car is a serious investment. So, in this post, we’ll compare the advantages and disadvantages of each course of action to help you decide which one is best for you. Let’s get started!
Carvana Vs. Dealership: Pros & Cons
1. Large Selection
Carvana
Carvana’s car selection is massive. As we sit here typing, it has more than 50,000 cars in its inventory. Buyers can choose between thousands of models from across the nation, something that local dealerships can’t offer. Although it might take some time to ship your car after you buy it, you’ll have various options to choose from.
Dealership
While some car dealers might have hundreds or even thousands of car models, the numbers still can’t compare with Carvana’s inventory.
2. Test Drive
Carvana
Carvana’s purchasing model is all about ordering online from the comfort of your home. Therefore, you don’t get to test the car before buying it as you’d do in local dealerships. However, the 7-day “no questions asked” policy that the company offers allows you to test the car after you purchase it. This means you get the chance to truly make sure seating and driving is just right for you and your family! If it doesn’t meet your needs, return it and get a refund.
Dealership
Shopping at a car dealership near you comes with the perk of being able to drive, touch, smell, see, hear (and even taste?) a car before you buy it. Therefore, there’s no commitment to purchasing it beforehand unless you genuinely love it. Of course, in the Carvana vs. dealership battle, we might grant Carvana some bonus points for its return and refund policy, which is not the case with most dealerships.
3. Vehicle Condition
Carvana
When buying a used car online, it’s harder to identify the vehicle’s condition merely by simple photographs. As a result, buyers might not see certain damages or features just by the pictures alone. However, Carvana makes a concerted effort to ensure you see all scratches and dents before purchasing by zooming in on imperfections. In fact, they undergo a 150-point inspection to ensure quality, and the cars also come with a history report from Carfax.
To remedy this situation, we suggest looking at the pictures thoroughly and getting the car inspected by a third-party mechanic the first week you have it. This will highlight any possible issues and allow you to use Carvana’s return policy. The process is simplified from start to finish to make car purchases as easy as possible.
Dealership
Again, when purchasing a car from local dealerships, you can inspect it first-hand before purchasing it. You also get the chance to arrange a pre-purchase appointment with a third-party mechanic to ensure the vehicle is in good condition.
4. Pricing & Negotiations
Carvana
Carvana’s value proposition focuses on a hassle-free online car purchase without the bits and parts that complicate the process. Therefore, the price you see is the price you get. And, although the prices might be a bit more affordable, you don’t get to negotiate them for further reductions. However, this can be an advantage for younger people who enjoy a no-haggle shopping experience, making Carvana a popular choice.
Dealership
On the other hand, Dealerships often accept negotiations and might be willing to apply some price reductions. Of course, you need to get into a process of back and forth which might delay the transaction and ruin the experience for you.
5. Convenience
Carvana
Buying a car could easily be the second largest investment of your life. It’s a premium process that you don’t get to experience every day. That’s why it should be special. Carvana is all about convenience and comfort. You simply do your research, narrow down your options, and choose the car that best meets your requirements. Then, the car is shipped right to your doorstep. How cool is that?
Dealership
However, when it comes to dealerships, face-to-face interaction is almost mandatory. Adding the negotiations in the game, and you’ll find yourself trapped in the back and forths (introverts, where are you?). In addition, after you purchase the car, you won’t enjoy a free home delivery, and you’ll most likely have to drive it yourself. Not the premium experience you hoped for, is it?
Is Carvana Better Than a Dealership?
Hopefully, our listed pros and cons will help guide your decision in the Carvana vs. dealership battle. Dealerships are great, but these are also the traditional way of doing things. Opting for a dealership means being prepared to negotiate and go above and beyond to secure a great deal. In addition, your options are limited, and the experience is lessened.
However, if you’re hoping for a hassle-free online process where you’ll be able to have your car delivered to your door, Carvana is the way to go. Through their site, you can choose from various options and secure a great deal. And even if something goes off, you get protected by a 100-day warranty and their discreet return policy. So, browse used cars online today and opt for a straightforward and quick car purchasing process!
