TrueCar vs Carvana: Which Is the Best Place to Buy or Sell Your Car?
Online car buying has become the new normal, and platforms like TrueCar and Carvana are leading the way. But which one truly offers the best experience in 2025? Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a vehicle, this in-depth comparison will help you understand the key differences between TrueCar and Carvana, from pricing and inventory to customer service and trustworthiness.
First Take Overview of Both Sites:
What is TrueCar?
TrueCar stands out as one of the best used car websites by providing an online car-buying platform that connects buyers with a network of certified dealerships. It offers transparent pricing data for both new and used cars, helping buyers compare offers and find competitive deals locally or nationwide. TrueCar also features a trade-in program called True Cash Offer to simplify selling your current vehicle, adding another layer of convenience for users.
What is Carvana?
Carvana is a fully online used car retailer that allows customers to browse, finance, purchase, and sell vehicles without visiting a dealership. Known for its home delivery and car vending machines, Carvana offers a seamless buying experience, including a 7-day return policy and free vehicle pick-up for sellers.
Which Online Platform Is Better?
While both platforms have their strengths, Carvana stands out in 2025 for its fully online buying experience, home delivery service, and strong return policies that provide peace of mind to buyers. However, TrueCar’s extensive dealer network and pricing transparency make it an excellent choice for those seeking more negotiation power and new car options.
Ultimately, understanding the key differences between these two will help you choose the platform that best fits your needs, whether you prioritize convenience, price, or variety.
Key Differences:
Ratings on Different Platforms
Compare how Carvana and TrueCar are rated across trusted platforms
| Platform | TrueCar Rating | Carvana Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 2.2 stars | 4.4 stars |
| Consumer Affairs | 1.0 stars | 3.5 stars |
| Google Play | 3.9 stars | 4.8 stars |
| App Store | 4.7 stars | 4.8 stars |
Buying a Car: Carvana vs TrueCar
Inventory and Vehicle Selection
Carvana: Offers 45,000+ used cars in its own inventory.
TrueCar: Aggregates both new and used vehicle listings from certified dealerships.
Online Purchase Process
- Carvana: 100% online, including loan application, purchase, and delivery.
- TrueCar: You research and select online, then complete the purchase at a dealership.
Vehicle Delivery & Pick-Up
Carvana: Home delivery or vending machine pickup in select cities.
TrueCar: Dealer-arranged pickup only.
Selling or Trading In a Car
Carvana
- Receive an instant online offer after entering vehicle details, valid for 7 days.
- Enjoy free vehicle pickup from your location or drop it off at a Carvana hub.
- No obligation to purchase another vehicle—sell your car completely online.
TrueCar
- Use the “True Cash Offer” tool to receive a preliminary estimate for your vehicle.
- Visit a participating certified dealer in person to complete an inspection and finalize the offer.
- Depending on location, you may get multiple offers from different dealerships.
Pricing & Fees
- Carvana Uses a no-haggle pricing model. While convenient, the prices may be slightly higher due to delivery and streamlined service.
- TrueCar: Allows you to compare pricing across dealerships, potentially giving you more room to negotiate or find deals.
Return & Warranty Policies Comparison
| Platform | Return Policy | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| TrueCar | 7 days | 100-day limited |
| Carvana | Varies by dealer | Dealer dependant |
Financing Options
- Carvana: Offers its own in-house financing with instant online pre-qualification and soft credit checks, simplifying the loan process.
- TrueCar: Financing is provided through partnered dealerships, and terms, interest rates, and approval speed can vary widely.
Customer Support & Return Policies
- Carvana:
- Provides a 7-day return policy with no questions asked.
- Includes a 100-day limited warranty on most purchases.
- Multiple support channels including live chat, phone, email, and social media.
- TrueCar:
- No universal return policy—terms depend on the individual dealership.
- Support is primarily managed by the dealer; TrueCar provides minimal post-sale assistance.
User Experience & Website Tools
- Carvana: Features a sleek, user-friendly interface with 360° car views, real-time financing, and transparent delivery scheduling.
- TrueCar: Offers powerful pricing insights, side-by-side comparisons, and access to new car market data to guide buying decisions.
Cars Accepted
- Carvana: Accepts most vehicles from model year 1992 and newer, provided they are in running condition. Also accepts some salvage and rebuilt title vehicles.
- TrueCar: Will make offers on vehicles in various conditions—including damaged, junk, or non-running cars, depending on the dealer network.
Vehicle Turnaround Time
- Carvana: Offers fast vehicle delivery or pickup within 24–48 hours after purchase. Selling turnaround is typically within 1–2 days after accepting an offer.
- TrueCar: Turnaround times depend on dealership availability and scheduling. Selling a car may require 2–3 days including dealer inspection.
Carvana vs TrueCar: Pros and Cons Comparison
TrueCar
Pros
- 100% online car buying and selling experience
- Home delivery and vending machine pickup options
- 7-day return policy with no questions asked
- In-house financing with soft credit checks
- Accepts some salvage and rebuilt title vehicles
Cons
- Prices are often slightly higher due to convenience
- Limited to used cars only (no new car inventory)
- No option for price negotiation
Carvana
Pros
- Access to both new and used car listings
- Aggregates offers from multiple dealerships
- Helpful pricing data and market insights
- May get multiple trade-in offers from dealers
- Well-rated app for research and comparisons
Cons
- The final purchase must be completed at a dealership
- Return and warranty policies vary by dealer
- Limited post-sale customer support
Summary Comparison Table
| Feature | Carvana | TrueCar |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | Fully online used car retailer | Price comparison and dealer aggregator |
| Inventory | 45,000+ used cars | New & used cars from certified dealers |
| Buy Online? | Yes | No (purchase at dealership) |
| Vehicle Delivery | Home delivery or vending machines | Dealer-arranged pickup |
| Return Policy | 7 days | Varies by dealer |
| Warranty | 100-day limited | Varies by dealer |
| Financing | In-house financing available | Dealer-dependent financing |
| Vehicle Types Accepted | Running vehicles (1992+), some salvage/rebuilt | Damaged or junk cars accepted (dealer-dependent) |
| Mobile App Quality | 4.8 stars, end-to-end process | 4.7 stars, focused on research |
Final Decision: Which Should You Choose?
If convenience, full control, and a 100% online experience are your top priorities, Carvana is the clear winner. From financing to delivery, everything is streamlined for a hassle-free car buying or selling process.
However, if you’re looking for more price flexibility, want to buy a new car, or prefer to compare multiple local offers, TrueCar provides valuable dealership insights and negotiation leverage.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Carvana is best for those seeking a fast, fully online car buying or selling experience, while TrueCar is ideal for shoppers who want price comparisons and access to new car deals through local dealerships. Your decision should depend on whether you prefer digital convenience or in-person flexibility, both platforms offer valuable tools to simplify your vehicle transaction in 2025.
FAQs
Is it cheaper to buy a car on Carvana or TrueCar?
Does Carvana accept damaged or wrecked vehicles?
Does TrueCar buy damaged vehicles?
Can I return a car to Carvana or TrueCar?
Who has better financing—Carvana or TrueCar?
Can I buy a new car through Carvana?
Which platform is better for first-time car buyers?
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