Which is Better for Selling the Car?
Overall, Carvana is a better company to sell your car to. First, Carvana doesn’t charge you any fees while it will cost you $49 to sell it through DriveTime. What’s more, Carvana offers more payout options – check, ACH deposit, and trade-in. Carvana also provides free pickup, while DriveTime doesn’t.
Best for Older & Damaged Cars
Buys used, damaged or junk cars
Free tow and no hidden fees
Pays by ACH trasfer or check
Top Pick for Junk Cars
Free, no-obligation cash offers
Offers free paperwork service
Pays on the spot upon pick up
Highly Rated by Customers
Excellent customer service ratings
Honors guaranteed offer for 7 days
Can pick up a car within 48 hours
Great for Low-Mileage Cars
Gives a real offer in 2 minutes
100% hassle-free online process
Free car’s Value Tracker available
Carvana vs. DriveTime Comparison
| Carvana | DriveTime | |
|---|---|---|
| Cars accepted | New and old cars | Used and new cars |
| Fees | No fees | $49 listing |
| Requesting quotes | Online | Online |
| Offer validity | 7 days | 7 days |
| Payments offered | Check, ACH deposit, and trade-in | Check or trade-in credit |
| Payout | Same day | Same day |
| Car pick-up | Free car pick-up | No car pick-up |
| Physical locations | Several physical locations | Locations nationwide |
| Turnaround time | Same day | Same day |
| Customer service | Text, online chat, phone | Phone or email |
| Reviews | 2.7 | 4.1 |
Cars Accepted
Carvana and DriveTime will accept both new and used cars that are in drivable conditions.
With Carvana, there are additional requirements:
- The car must have a working odometer
- Must pass a safe drive test
- Car must be manufactured after 1992
With DriveTime, there are some factors that make a car ineligible for sale which include:
- Taxis or limousines
- Low value due to age or condition
- Vehicle modifications
- Vehicle has been at an auction within 45 days
Fees
Both Carvana and DriveTime provide a free quote when you fill out an application form online. With DriveTime, you can create an online listing for your car through AutoTrader for $49 per listing.
Requesting Quotes
Both Carvana and DriveTime offer free instant quotes after you fill out their application online.
With Carvana, you’ll need to include:
- Make and model
- Year of manufacturing
- VIN code
- Mileage
- Color
- Zipcode
- Loan status
- Mechanical issues
- Accident history
- Premium features
- General condition
With DriveTime, all you need to provide is your car’s license plate and state in order to receive your free quote.
Offer Validity
Carvana and DriveTime’s price offers are both valid for 7 days upon receiving them.
Payments Offered
If you sell your car with Carvana and DriveTime, they will both provide you with a check in hand on the day that you bring your car into a dealership and make the sale.
You may also choose to accept Carvana or DriveTime’s trade-in option, where you can bring your car to the dealership to make a trade.
Payout
Since Carvana and DriveTime hand you a check on the spot, this means that you will get paid immediately. A check will usually take up to 2 business days to clear however, some checks make take longer to clear and show up in your bank account.
Car Pick-up
Carvana offers free car pick-up services, while DriveTime requires you to bring your car to one of their dealership locations. Carvana representatives will run a quick inspection to ensure that the car’s condition matches the description you submitted in your application.
If everything checks out, you will get the agreed-upon amount for your vehicle. If something does not match your description, the company may change its offer. Carvana only accepts accident-free cars, which means your offer may be rejected if the inspector finds any proof of accident.
Physical Locations
Carvana has 33 Carvana Vending Machines nationwide where you can drop off your vehicle and pick up a new one. Since DriveTime sells cars through KBB, KBB has a list of participating dealers that you can choose from to find a KBB location near you.
Turnaround Time
Both Carvana and DriveTime offer a quick turnaround time for quoting and buying your car from you. It typically takes 24 hours to sell your car with both dealerships as quoting and selling your car can be done all on the same day.
Customer Service
With Carvana, you can contact customer service at 800-333-4554. DriveTime customer service can be reached by phone at 888-418-1212, or by email at customerservice@drivetime.com.
Reviews
On Trustpilot, Carvana has a 2.7-star rating, while the overall rating for DriveTime on Trustpilot is 4.1-stars. Carvana does not have any rating on BBB, while DriveTime has a 3.9-star rating on BBB.
| Carvana | DriveTime | |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot Rating | 2.7 | 4.1 |
| BBB Rating | 3.9 |
Customers have praised Carvana for providing quick selling services, providing excellent customer service, and for offering fair price offers. Some customers have raised complaints about the selling process being difficult, providing the wrong payment, and not honoring price offers.
Customers have praised DriveTime for being easy to navigate, providing helpful and supportive customer service, and providing honest prices. Some customers have raised complaints about receiving damaged cars, customer support not assisting with car issues, and having high-interest rates.