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Which is Better for Selling the Car?
Selling your car to Vroom and Carvana are similar in many ways. Both platforms enable you to get a quote for your used vehicle by submitting an online form and pick up your vehicle from your driveway for free.
However, there are some differences that may help you decide which company to sell your car to.
Overall, Carvana wins over Vroom in multiple ways. While it offers a free pickup, Carvana also lets you pick the option to meet the Carvana representative yourself and drop off your vehicle. The Carvana rep will hand you the check on the spot, while Vroom’s check may take up to three days to arrive in your mailbox. Alternatively, you can also choose to get your payment via direct deposit or direct debit.
Pro tip: Offers depend on the car and its condition. So request a quote from Vroom and Carvana to accept the best deal.
Vroom Summary
The application process is online and takes a few minutes to submitGet a fixed quote for your used vehicle in about 30 minutesThe quick and straightforward selling processFree pick-up from your driveway
Carvana Summary
Get an online quote within 2 minutesFree pickup wtihin 100 miles of a hubOffer valid for 7 days or 250 more milesHaggle-free process to sell your car
Vroom vs. Carvana Comparison
VroomCarvanaCars acceptedDrivable conditionIn good condition, 1992+Fees$0$0Requesting quotesOnline applicationOnline applicationOffer validity7 days or an additional 250 miles7 days or an additional 1,000 milesPayments offeredCash or trade-in valueCash or trade-in valuePayoutMailed checkCheck, direct deposit, direct debitCar pickupFree pickupFree pickup or dropoffPhysical locationsOnly in Texas33 Car Vending MachinesTurnaround timeUp to 72 hoursUp to 72 hoursCustomer servicePhone, emailPhone, email, online formTrustpilot reviews1.32.8
Cars Accepted
Vroom accepts used cars in drivable condition while Carvana has additional requirements:
The car must have a working odometerPass a safe test driveThey buy cars that are manufactured after 1992.
Fees
Neither Vroom, nor Carvana charges any fees. Both companies provide a quote for free and offer a free pickup.
Requesting Quotes
Both Vroom and Carvana offer free instant quotes after you submit an online application form.
Information you’ll need to include in Vroom application:
Make and model of your carYear of manufacturingVIN codeMileageCurrent condition
Information you’ll need to include in Carvana application:
Make and modelYear of manufacturingVIN codeMileageColorZipcodeLoan statusMechanical issuesAccident historyPremium featuresGeneral condition
Offer Validity
Vroom’s offer is valid for 7 days or an additional 250 miles. With Carvana, your offer is valid for 7 days or for an additional 1,000 miles.
Payments Offered
If you sell your car to Vroom, the company will mail you a check the same day they pick up your car. Meanwhile, the Carvana agent will hand you the check on the spot.
Additionally, Carvana offers direct deposit and direct debit payment options as well.
Alternatively, both Vroom and Carvana offer a trade-in option and bring your new car on your scheduled pickup date.
Payout
Since Carvana hands you the check on the spot or sends you a direct deposit, it means you’ll get paid immediately. On the other hand, Vroom will send you the check by mail. While Vroom sends checks immediately after a pickup, it may take two to three days to arrive in your mailbox.
However, note that it may take up to 7 days for checks to clear.
Car Pickup
Both Vroom and Carvana offer a free pickup.
It’s noteworthy that Vroom collects cars from 48 states.
Vroom and Carvana representatives will also do a quick inspection to make sure that the car’s condition matches the details you’ve submitted in your application. If everything checks, you’ll get the agreed-upon amount for your vehicle. If there’s something that doesn’t match your description, the companies may change the offer.
Since both Vroom and Carvana only accept accident-free cars, your offer may get rejected if the inspector finds the proof of accident.
Physical Locations
If you wish to deliver your car to Vroom’s physical location by yourself, you can visit it in Texas. You can use the TexasDirectAuto website to find the Vroom location near you.
On the other hand, Carvana has 33 Carvana Vending Machines nationwide. These are the places where you can drop off your vehicle and pick up a new one.
Turnaround Time
Both companies, Vroom and Carvana, promise a fast turnaround. It typically takes up to 72 hours to sell your car to either company.
Customer Service
Vroom customer service is accessible through:
Phone: 855-534-1300Email: [email protected]
Carvana enables you to contact customer service by phone: 800-333-4554.
Reviews
On Trustpilot, Vroom reviews score 1.3 while the overall Carvana review score is 2.8. On BBB, Vroom has a customer review rating of 1.12. Meanwhile, the BBB rates Vroom with F and hasn’t issued an accreditation. Carvana doesn’t have any ratings on the BBB.
Vroom customers praised the straightforward selling process of selling their cars. Meanwhile, Vroom complaints come from car buyers. They reported issues like receiving cars with technical and physical issues.
Carvana customers mostly note that they’re happy they got great deals from the company and could sell their car quickly. On the other hand, some complained that the selling process isn’t as hassle-free as the company claims.
Vroom & Carvana Alternatives
Peddle
Peddle Summary
Buys used, damaged or junk car nationwideGet instant quote on (855) 925 4302Free towing within 48 hours after offerReceive payment upon car collection
Peddle is one of the best car-buying companies in the United States purchasing used cars in any condition – even junk.
Similar to Vroom and Carvana, Peddle also provides you with an instant quote after you submit an online application form through its website. After getting an offer, you’ll have 7 days to consider the offer and if you accept it, the Peddle representative will pick up (or tow) your car for free.
Like Carvana, Peddle will also hand you the check right on your driveway.
Compared to Vroom and Carvana, Peddle is a more trusted car-buying company with an overall review score of 4.7 on Trustpilot and an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau.
Wheelzy
Wheelzy Summary
Wheelzy stores are open 7 days a weekGet offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108Free towing of your car from your locationInstant payment via cash or check
Wheelzy is another reputable alternative to Vroom and Carvana that operates nationwide. Unlike Vroom, but similar to Carvana, Wheelzy uses AI (artificial intelligence) to provide an estimated value of your car using the information you submit using an online form.
Unlike Vroom and Carvana, Wheelzy accepts cars that are damaged or even junk. If you accept the Wheelzy offer, the representative will either pick up your car or tow it from your driveway depending on its condition.
Wheelzy reviews score 4.8 on Trustpilot and 4.1 on the BBB.