Carvana VS CarMax | Which Is Better?

By Max Anthony •  Updated: 04/03/21 •  6 min read

Carvana vs carmax are two of the most popular spots to buy, sell or trade used cars. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to get rid of your old car, these places have got it done. 

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How Does Carvana Work?

Carvana offers a hassle-free car buying experience with low prices on used vehicles. Carvana operates almost entirely online, so the company doesn’t need to deal with overhead costs of other dealerships or even stores like CarMax. 

You can buy and sell your vehicle through their website – no negotiating required! If you’re looking to buy, they’ll deliver it right at your front door; if not, you have the option of picking up in one of their vending machines located throughout America.


Carvana offers you the chance to try before you buy. You can’t test drive a car until after it’s purchased, but they give purchasers seven days for any reason if they don’t like their new vehicle.

If your eye is on one make and model of car in particular, go find that same type at other dealerships or CarMax so you know what feels right.

Carvana lets you purchase cars without test driving them first. If a specific make and model catches your eye, go to the local traditional dealership or CarMax for an extensive test drive before deciding on it—you have seven days after purchasing from Carvana to return it with no questions asked.

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How Does CarMax Work?

Founded in 1993, CarMax is the largest retailer of used vehicles. With a “no-haggle” policy for buying and selling cars, it has simplified the process for those who don’t want to spend hours dickering over prices.

CarMax offers a wide range of cars from small sedans to spacious SUVs. With so many options, you’re sure to find one that meets your needs and budget at CarMax.

Plus, with their 7-day drive policy after purchase–if it’s not for you or if something goes wrong in the first week–you can return it for a full refund.

You’ll never have to go through the hassle of selling your car on Craigslist or eBay when you can trade it in at CarMax.

The inspection process is easy and takes only three minutes, so there’s no need for any haggling with a buyer either. All that needs to happen before handing over the keys? Signing some paperwork.

How Do I Get an Offer?

CarMax Offer :
Carvana VS CarMax
image via carmax

In response to the pandemic, some stores require you set an appointment before visiting them. You can call your closest store or schedule online with Carvana for a smooth transaction and offer.

Carvana Offer :

The process is fast and easy- simply enter necessary information like VINs of all cars in order to receive their offers.

Where Can I Sell My Car?

CarMax:

If you got an appraisal online or from one of their stores, Carmax will buy your car. Plus they offer a large selection of cars for purchase and financing options to help make the process as easy as possible.

Carvana:
Carvana VS CarMax
image via carvana

There are two ways to sell with Carvana- take it in yourself or let them come get it! The company offers touchless delivery service which is just what we needed if our hands were full carrying groceries into the house.

How Do You Get Paid?

CarMax: Can pay you after appraising the car if in case you agreed with their offer. They’ll send a bank draft that must be deposited and cannot be cashed before use.

Before drawing on the bank draft, check with your own bank to see whether they have a specific hold policy for deposits or trade-ins from old cars onto new ones.

Carvana:Get paid by check on the spot, with Carvana.

Return Policy& Warranty:

Carmax Return Policy:

CarMax is extending its limited warranty to provide protection for cars purchased on or after December 17, 2019. The extended warranty will expire May 18th 2020 and covers cars up to 4-years old of age even if they are not within the normal 90-day period that CarMax offers. 

On a different note, MaxCare® Extended Service Plans can cover unexpected car repairs lasting well over 3 years while also having an extra 7 day return policy where customers can purchase their vehicles with peace of mind knowing they have at least 10 days before deciding whether or not it suits them.

Carvana Return Policy:

Carvana has a 7-day return policy and money back guarantee. A Carvana warranty will have a complimentary limited warranty valid for 100 days or 4,189 miles from the time of your purchase, whichever comes first. 

They also offer plans to extend this coverage with CarvanaCare if you’re looking for more peace of mind as we deal with Covid-19 pandemic crisis which is making it hard for many people to get around safely in their vehicles during these difficult times.

Carvana VS CarMax : Which Is Better?

Don’t buy a used car from Craigslist! The risks of getting scammed are too high. You’ll be paying for something you don’t really know anything about, and it will take much more time to find the right vehicle because sellers often overprice their vehicles on this site.

With CarMax and carvana, you can buy a car with the peace of mind that comes from knowing it has passed strict quality standards.

The process is streamlined when buying through these platforms – no pushy sales reps or lack of inventory to worry about.

It is normal to have a lot of doubts when buying an expensive item, like a car. The key thing in this process are the research and planning that you do beforehand so as not to regret your decision later on.

 For those who want to buy cars online without any hassle or extra travel time needed, CarMax and Carvana offer great service for both adults looking for new vehicles and families with children needing used ones.

There’s no difference between pricing or customer service either- just know which company offers what you need most before making any decisions about these two websites.

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Max Anthony

Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.