Vroom vs. Carvana: Which Is Better For Car Shoppers?
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Undoubtedly, online shopping has changed how we buy things, from clothes to groceries. However, who would have thought that we’ll also be able to buy cars online? Thanks to online car-buying websites, you don’t even have to put your pants on and leave the house when shopping for your next vehicle. The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting supply shortages and restrictions have also accelerated the popularity of online car-shopping websites.
For many car shoppers, there’s no going back.
With that said, there’s no shortage of car-buying websites, and choosing the best one is an overwhelming task. Two of the most popular car-shopping sites are Vroom and Carvana. So Vroom vs. Carvana, which is the better platform for car shoppers? Let’s compare these two websites below.
Vroom vs. Carvana: How Do They Work?
Right off the bat, shoppers will notice many similarities between Vroom and Carvana. Both have comparable vehicle selections and prices. Both websites rose in popularity due to their policy of providing accident- and damage-free vehicles with clean titles. Let’s take a look at how both websites work.
How Does Vroom Work?
Vroom is an online marketplace to buy, sell or trade used vehicles. Besides buying a car and having it delivered to your doorstep, you can also sell your used car via Vroom, and they’ll pick it up for free. While Vroom keeps a physical inventory of used cars you can browse online, it doesn’t have a physical location like Carvana.
To buy a car through Vroom, visit the website and click the “Buy” button on the top right of the screen. From here, you can search for a specific model or make and use the many filters available to refine the results. Furthermore, you can sort the results by Best Match, Newest, Lowest Mileage, Lowest Price, etc.
Once you’ve found the car you want, click the Get Started button, and you’ll be prompted to make an account. After creating an account, the site will guide you through the standard process of buying a vehicle, and you may choose to finance via Vroom or your bank or credit union. After completing the purchase, you’ll plan for the delivery, which usually takes 10-14 days.
FIND NEARLY-NEW & OFF-LEASE CARS
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How Does Carvana Work?
Carvana offers a similar car-shopping experience as Vroom. Unlike Vroom, Carvana does have physical locations scattered across the United States called “vending machines.” However, the vending machines are mainly for customers picking up their cars.
Buying a car via Carvana is quite simple. Search for the make and model you want, and browse from the search results, which are refinable using various filters, including the location (although it defaults to your current location). You may also sort the results by Recommended, Free Shipping, Great Deal, Lowest Price, Lowest Mileage, etc.
Once you have picked out a vehicle, you can inspect it through its 360-degree feature, including the interior. Carvana also highlights flaws, blemishes, and other points of interest that may affect your buying decision. To start purchasing, click the Get Started button, and you’ll be prompted to create an account.
You can finance via Carvana, pay with cash, or use third-party financing.
Vehicle Selection and Quality
When it comes to vehicle quality, Vroom and Carvana offer high-quality selections. Both companies use inspection processes to ensure the vehicles are damage- and accident-free. However, while Vroom conducts detailed safety, mechanical, and cosmetic inspections, Carvana takes it up a notch with a 150-point inspection. Both companies offer free Carfax reports.
Carvana is the larger company of the two, so it offers more in terms of inventory compared to Vroom.
THE BEST TWO-SEATER CARS
If you’re in the market for a speedy two-seater, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the best two-seater cars on the market today.
Pricing and Delivery
When it comes to pricing, Vroom vs. Carvana is relatively comparable. Based on our research, both companies offer similar prices for vehicles with the same make, model, and mileage. Both companies also have a “no-haggle” policy which applies to buying and selling.
In terms of delivery, Carvana has the upper hand because delivery can be free if you live close to one of their markets. Customers also have the option to pick up their cars through Carvana’s vending machines. Otherwise, Carvana may charge between $0 to $590 shipping cost depending on your location.
Meanwhile, Vroom always charges for delivery with no option for pickup (unless you’re close to Vroom’s HQ in Houston). Delivery charge is between $0 and $1,399 and is non-refundable.
Warranty and Returns
When you purchase a car from Carvana, you’ll receive a free 100-Day Limited Warranty (or 4,189 miles) and a 7-Day (or 400 miles) Money Back Guarantee. You may also purchase protection plans for an extended warranty. Meanwhile, Vroom offers a limited warranty of 90 days or 6,000 miles from the time of purchase and a return policy of 7 days or 250 miles.
8 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUYING A USED CAR
So you’re in the market for a used vehicle? We’ve gone ahead and prepped some essential questions to ask when buying a used car.
Vroom vs. Carvana: Which is Better for You?
Both Vroom and Carvana offer a hassle-free alternative to dealerships. Carvana does have slight advantages over Vroom in inventory size, delivery charges, and warranty. However, they’re relatively comparable when it comes to pricing, so it’s best to comparison shop to help you get the best deals.
Regarding reviews and overall reputation, Carvana has the edge with a higher Trustpilot rating than Vroom’s dismal scores. The user reviews reflect that as well.
A Different Car Shopping Experience
If Vroom and Carvana don’t work out for you, you can always turn to CoPilot for a different and innovative car shopping experience. The biggest thing that separates us from other online car shopping websites is that we’re independent and not affiliated with any dealership. Instead, we’re purely on the customer’s side (hence the name CoPilot).
CoPilot opens up possibilities in car shopping because we search every dealer and their inventory, not just those who pay to play. We also offer in-depth insights and honest advice instead of dumping tons of information on customers. Moreover, we also ensure that you won’t get taken advantage of by calling out scams, traps, ripoffs, and other unethical practices. To help you make the best decision and get the best deals, we also provide a personal assistant CoPilot for 1-on-1 walkthroughs as you go through the buying process.
We’re all about helping you buy cars with confidence. Happy shopping!
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
