How to Sell Your Car on Carvana: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

Are you tired of dealing with pushy salespeople and the hassle of listing your car yourself?

Carvana might be the solution you’re looking for.

This online platform lets you sell your car from the comfort of your own home with a streamlined process that saves you time and energy.

But how does it actually work?

In this guide, we’ll break down every step of selling your car on Carvana, from getting an offer to handing over the keys.

Is Carvana the Right Fit for You?

Carvana has a lot to offer if you’re looking to sell your used car quickly and easily.

Their process is designed to be super convenient. You can get an offer online, schedule a pickup from your home, and get paid, all without dealing with any pushy salespeople.

Plus, many folks rave about their great customer service. And the best part? If you decide to buy a car from them, they’ll even deliver it straight to your door!

However, it’s important to be aware that Carvana may not be the best option for everyone.

They might not give you top dollar for older cars or cars with lots of miles.

They also don’t really let you negotiate on the price they offer. And their inspection process can be pretty strict.

Gathering the Essentials

Before you dive into selling your used car on Carvana, it’s important to have everything in order. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Your car’s title: This is the official document that proves you own the vehicle.
• Your car’s registration: This shows that you’ve registered your vehicle with the state.
• Loan payoff information (if you still owe money on the car): You’ll need to provide this so Carvana can pay off the loan when you sell the vehicle.
• Your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): This unique number identifies your car. You can usually find it on the dashboard or the driver’s side door jamb.

Carvana will also want to know some additional details about your car to give you an accurate offer:

• Make, model, year, and mileage: This helps them understand the type of car you’re selling and how much it’s been used.
• Condition: Be honest about any scratches, dents, or mechanical issues.
• Features: Does your car have leather seats, a sunroof, or other special features?
• Service history: If you have records of oil changes, tire rotations, and other maintenance, that can help increase your car’s value.

If you’re planning to trade in your old car for a new one on Carvana, you can usually include this information when you fill out the online form to get an offer.

Step 1: Getting Your Carvana Offer

Getting an offer for your car is super easy with Carvana. You have two options:

1. Online: Head to the Carvana website (or use their handy app) and find the “Sell/Trade” section. Fill out a simple form with details about your car, and you’ll get an instant offer in a few minutes.
2. Phone: If you prefer to talk to a real person, you can always call Carvana. They’ll ask you the same questions about your car and give you an offer over the phone.

Keep in mind that the offer you get online or over the phone is not always the final price. Carvana might adjust the offer after they inspect your car in person.

This is because they need to make sure the information you provided matches the actual condition of your car.

If you’re happy with the offer, you can accept it right away. But if you need some time to think about it, that’s okay too.

Carvana usually gives you a few days to decide. Once you accept, you can schedule a time for Carvana to pick up your car or drop it off at one of their locations.

They’ll even give you a specific date and time for pickup or delivery so you know exactly when to expect them.

Step 2: Scheduling Your Vehicle Inspection

Once you’ve accepted Carvana’s offer, it’s time to schedule an inspection. This is where Carvana checks out your car in person to make sure everything is as you described.

They give you two options for the inspection:

1. At-home pickup: A Carvana representative will come to your home or another convenient location to inspect your car. This is a great option if you’re busy or don’t want to drive to a Carvana location.
2. Drop-off: You can take your car to a nearby Carvana location for the inspection. This might be a good choice if you’re already planning to visit a Carvana location to test drive a new car or check out their financing options.

During the inspection, a Carvana representative will look over your car pretty carefully. They’ll check for any damage, make sure all the features work, and take some pictures.

They’ll also verify that the information you provided online or over the phone is accurate. This usually takes about 30 minutes.

Sometimes, Carvana might adjust its offer after the inspection. This could happen if they find some damage you didn’t mention or if your car isn’t in the condition you described.

But don’t worry; they’ll explain any changes to the offer and give you a chance to accept or decline.

Before the inspection, make sure you have your license plate, registration, and title ready. It’s also a good idea to clean your car inside and out to make a good impression.

Pro Tip: If you’re not happy with Carvana’s final offer after the inspection, remember you’re not obligated to sell your car to them. You can always walk away and try selling it somewhere else where you might get more money.

Step 3: Finalizing the Sale

After the inspection, you’re almost done! Here’s what happens next:

Review Your Final Offer

Carvana will send you their final offer, which might be a bit different from their initial offer, depending on the inspection results.

Take your time to review it carefully. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

Complete the Paperwork

If you’re happy with the final offer, you’ll need to sign some papers to transfer ownership of your car to Carvana.

They’ll help you with all the paperwork, and some of it might even be done online. You might also need to provide proof of your identity, like a driver’s license, to verify you are human and not a robot.

Get Paid and Say Goodbye

Once the paperwork is done, Carvana will pay you! You can usually choose to get a check or have the money deposited directly into your bank account.

They’ll also arrange to pick up your car at a time that’s convenient for you.

Pro Tip: Remember, you don’t have to accept Carvana’s final offer if you’re not satisfied. You can always decline and try selling your car elsewhere.

You might even use Carvana’s offer as a starting point to negotiate a better price with another buyer!

Tips for a Smooth Carvana Experience

Selling your car on Carvana can be a breeze if you follow these tips:

Be Honest

When you describe your car to Carvana, tell the truth about its condition. This will help them give you an accurate offer right from the start, and it’ll avoid any surprises or changes to the offer later on.

Get Organized

Gather all the documents you need before you start the process. This includes your title, registration, loan payoff information (if you have a loan), and any maintenance records. Having everything ready will speed up the process.

Spruce Up Your Ride

Give your car a good cleaning inside and out before the inspection. It might not add a ton of money to the offer, but it’ll definitely make a good impression on the Carvana representative.

Ask Questions

If you’re unsure about anything during the car-buying process, don’t be afraid to ask questions! Carvana’s customer service team is there to help you. You can reach out to them online, through the Carvana app, or by phone.

Know Your Options

If you’re not happy with Carvana’s offer, remember that you have other options. You can try selling your used car on a different online platform or at a local dealership. It never hurts to shop around and see who gives you the best deal.

By following these tips, you can make selling your car on Carvana a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Other Ways to Sell Your Car

While Carvana is a popular choice for selling used cars, it’s not the only option out there.

If you’re not totally sold on Carvana, here are a few alternative car auction sites to consider:

Other online car-buying platforms

Other companies like Carvana will give you a cash offer online and pick up your car from your home. Some popular ones include Vroom and CarMax.

You can get offers from a few different platforms and see who gives you the best deal.

Traditional dealerships

If you’re buying a new car, you can always trade-in your old car at a dealership.

This might be more convenient if you’re already planning to buy a new car but keep in mind that dealerships don’t always offer the best prices for trade-ins.

Selling it yourself

If you’re up for the challenge, you can try selling your car yourself to a private buyer. This might take more time and effort, but you might get a higher price than you would from Carvana or a dealership.

No matter which option you choose, it’s important to do your research and compare Carvana’s offers with other offers.

Think about what’s important to you in a Carvana experience. Do you want the convenience of selling your car online? Do you want the best possible price?

Or do you want the personalized service of a local dealership? By weighing your options, you can find the best way to sell your car.

Conclusion

There you have it! We’ve walked through all the steps involved in selling your car to Carvana.

From getting your initial offer to the final delivery date, the whole process is designed to be easy and hassle-free.

Of course, like any car-buying experience, it’s important to do your research and understand what to expect.

Make sure you’ve gathered all your paperwork, prepared your car for inspection, and called Carvana if you have any questions along the way.

Hopefully, this guide has given you a better idea of whether Carvana is the right choice for you. If you decide to give it a shot, we wish you the best of luck with your sale and a smooth vehicle delivery!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is selling my car to Carvana a good idea?

Carvana is a convenient and efficient option for selling your car, especially if you value a hassle-free process. It’s best for newer vehicles in good condition, as these tend to receive the most competitive offers. However, if you want to maximize your profit, exploring private sales or dealerships might be a better option.

How long does it take to sell a car on Carvana?

The process typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks, from getting an offer to finalizing the sale and receiving payment. Factors like inspection scheduling, pickup/drop-off availability, and paperwork processing can affect the timeframe.

Does Carvana negotiate on price?

Carvana usually offers a non-negotiable initial price based on their valuation. However, adjustments might be made if the inspection reveals any discrepancies. Be upfront about your car’s condition to avoid surprises.

Can I sell my car to Carvana if I still owe money on it?

Yes, Carvana can handle cars with outstanding loans. They’ll pay off the remaining balance directly to your lender and give you the difference. Have your loan information ready.

What if I change my mind after accepting Carvana’s offer?

Carvana typically allows a few days to retract your acceptance without penalty. However, this can vary, so check their policy or ask their customer service for specifics if you have doubts.