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Carvana vs. CarMax
What is Carvana?
Carvana Summary
- Get an online quote within 2 minutes
- Free pickup wtihin 100 miles of a hub
- Offer valid for 7 days or 250 more miles
- Haggle-free process to sell your car
Carvana is an Arizona-based used-car trading company. Through its platform, you can purchase cars online and have them delivered to your doorstep.
Besides selling used cars, Carvana also buys cars from private car owners like you. If you’re looking to make money off an old car or get an upgrade, check out how Carvana works.
How Does Carvana Work?
As Carvana does everything online, you can start through its Sell My Car webpage. Make sure you have the license plate number or your car’s VIN when you do this. If you don’t have these, you can still use the website to get an estimate of your car’s value.
On the next pages of the website, you’ll need to enter details about your car’s condition. These will help Carvana determine its present cash value and give you a fair offer.
Here are some of the details you need to provide in your Carvana application:
Other information, such as Transmission, Drivetrain, and Engine, automatically shows when you enter the VIN. You’ll also need to specify if you’re looking to sell or trade-in your car. If you’re not sure yet, just choose the “Not sure” option.
From there, Carvana wants to know more about your car, such as its:
- Premium features
- Accessory packages
- Seats
- Wheels and tires
- Cargo and towing
- Entertainment and instrumentation
Finally, Carvana requires the vehicle history, where you can confirm any accidents, damages, or mechanical repairs. Before you can get an offer, enter an email address as they will send the offer there as well.
Carvana lets you choose to save the offer in the meantime so you can check other dealers’ pricing. However, you only have seven days to redeem this offer. Beyond that, you’ll need to go through the online process again.
If you redeem your offer, your next steps include:
- Verifying details of your ownership or loan
- Scheduling the pickup
- Receiving payment
Note that to verify details of ownership, you’ll need to upload a photo of your car title, photo ID, and odometer reading.
What is CarMax?
CarMax Summary
- Instant online offer in under 2 minutes
- Online offer is valid for up to 7 days
- 2 options for selling – online or in-store
- Get paid within 30 minutes on the spot
CarMax, a US-based, used car dealership, that uses its website to reach its market in the country.
Not only CarMax offers an efficient way to purchase your next car, but CarMax also opens its stores for those wanting to sell. This way, they get to add more cars to their inventory while providing you with an opportunity to make money.
How Does CarMax Work?
Much like Carvana, you can start selling your car to them through an online process. You’ll need to enter your car’s VIN or license plate number through the CarMax website.
After that, follow the prompts and provide the details about your car’s condition and history. You’ll also need to enter an email address to receive the offer. Once done, CarMax will show you their offer right on the screen. Make sure to save or print this page as you’ll present it when you bring your car to their store.
If you’d rather skip the online form, you can call them at 1 (800) 519-1511 and schedule an appointment at a nearby CarMax store. CarMax phone number:
CarMax will inspect your car and make an instant offer on the spot. In case there’s a high chance you’ll accept their offer, don’t forget to bring your vehicle documents to your appointment so you can finalize the sale.
To find out what documents you’ll need, you can use the online tool at Carmax’s website. Simply enter which state you’re selling the car from and answer if:
- You’re still paying for the car
- There’s more than one titleholder
- All titleholders can come to the CarMax store
That way, you can bring all necessary paperwork and complete the sale within the day.
Once you receive an offer from CarMax, you have seven days to redeem it. That makes it an ideal time to consider other dealerships so you’ll get the best price for your car.
After all, CarMax’s offer is non-negotiable. With its haggle-free system, the only way to bargain for better pricing is through other dealerships. Otherwise, CarMax might have the best offer for your car.
Carvana vs. CarMax Fees
Both Carvana and CarMax offer their website for free if you’re looking to sell. Similarly, you don’t have to pay for anything when they inspect your car.
Carvana vs. CarMax Payments
Carvana and CarMax will pay you on the spot as soon as they verify the ownership and conditions of your car. However, both don’t provide actual cash as they pay by check, or in the case of CarMax, bank draft.
| Carvana | CarMax | |
| Payments | By check | On the spot |
Carvana vs. CarMax Pick Up
Unlike CarMax, Carvana will visit your location on your set schedule to inspect the car. If the inspection goes well and the instant offer sticks, they will pick up your car.
CarMax, on the other hand, will direct you to their store if you wish to redeem their offer – they don’t provide a pickup service. If you’re not trading in your car with them, make sure to arrange a ride home.
| Carvana | CarMax | |
| Pickup | Free pickup | No pickup available |
Carvana vs. CarMax Towing
Only Carvana provides free towing service when you accept their offer.
| Carvana | CarMax | |
| Towing | Free towing available | Not available |
Carvana vs. CarMax Customer Service
For any questions and concerns about selling your car, you can contact Carvana through the following:
- Phone: (800) 519-1511
- Chat
Their phone lines are open every day, between 8 AM to 10 PM EST. Their website also indicates the wait time when you contact them by phone.
As for CarMax, you can reach them through the following:
| Carvana | CarMax | |
| Customer service number | (800) 519-1511 | (913) 982-8863 |
Carvana vs. CarMax Reviews
Carvana Customer Reviews
Carvana reviews score 3.3 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot out of 4,400 customer reviews.
More than 50% gave Carvana five-star ratings, complimenting their experiences with the company. Some of the sellers praised the efficient way of selling their cars without having to leave their homes. Also, others liked that they received the best offers for their cars.
CarMax Customer Reviews
On the other hand, 24% of customers gave Carvana a one-star rating and cited delivery issues and problems with their purchases. However, these concerns came from buyers, rather than sellers.
Compared to Carvana, CarMax performed abysmally on Trustpilot. From 120 reviews, it received an average of 1.8 stars, with over 60% bad ratings. As discouraging as it looks, you’ll find that most of these bad reviews come from buyers, not sellers.
In fact, the website shows positive reviews from sellers who received their best offers from CarMax. Some of them also complimented the representatives that assisted them during their appointments.
| Carvana | CarMax | |
| Trustpilot | 3.3/5-star rating | 1.8/5-star rating |
Carvana vs. CarMax Comparison Verdict Summary
Considering the similarities and differences of these two platforms can help you choose which to go for. Additionally, it makes sense to look at their strengths and weaknesses.
With Carvana, you’re looking at a convenient, even comfortable, option of selling your car. Besides providing every information they need to make an offer online, they will even come to your driveway to pick up your car. Then, you’ll receive the payment before the Carvana agent takes your car away.
On the other hand, it can take a long time to redeem your offer with Carvana. After all, they will need to verify your uploaded documents to confirm ownership. This process can take up to a couple of days.
And when you receive an email to confirm that they completed the verification, you still have to schedule a pickup. This last step can take up to two more days.
CarMax, on the contrary, may offer you a faster way to make money off your old car. Assuming that you have all the necessary documents, you can pop into one of their stores and proceed with the sale. You can even skip the online process, as they can appraise your car in-store. By doing it online first, you can complete the sale there as fast as 30 minutes.
The only real downside here is that there is no option to have them pick up your car. But, if you’re in a big hurry to get your cash, this option can work for you.
Carvana & CarMax Alternatives
Compare to Other Car Buying Websites
Peddle
Get your free offer instantly via online form or call on (855) 925 4302
$0 fees + you don’t have to pay for towing – Peddle will take care of it
Get paid in check during the pick up for any car (damaged, junk, wrecked)
Wheelzy
Quick car evaluation without the hassle – sell your car within 30 min
Choose a convenient date and time for free pick-up, as soon as next day
Get cash in hand the same day the Wheelzy agent picks up your car
Peddle
Peddle Summary
- Buys used, damaged or junk car nationwide
- Get instant quote on (855) 925 4302
- Free towing within 48 hours after offer
- Receive payment upon car collection
Peddle is one of the largest car-buying companies that will purchase your car directly no matter its condition.
There are a lot of similarities between these three platforms. You can get an instant cash offer through their online process. Also, you’ll need to go through a verification process to confirm the ownership and condition of your car. And all three platforms can save you a trip to different dealerships.
However, it’s worth noting that Peddle buys used cars for their partner dealers. This makes their offers less than Carvana’s and CarMax’s. And if your car has after-market accessories, these don’t add much to Peddle’s valuation of your vehicle.
Although, Peddle is a good option for those looking to sell damaged and junk cars.
Wheelzy
Wheelzy Summary
- Wheelzy stores are open 7 days a week
- Get offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108
- Free towing of your car from your location
- Instant payment via cash or check
Another platform to sell your car, Wheelzy also provides instant cash offers that you can get online, much like CarMax. It’s also similar to Carvana since they can pick up your car when you’re ready to sell.
All three platforms – CarMax, Carvana, and Wheelzy – use the online platform to connect with potential car sellers like you.
