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Closeup portrait, young cheerful, joyful, smiling, woman holding up keys to her first new sports car. AshTproductions / Shutterstock

Need a New Car? Ditch the Dealership and Buy Online

While this article is sponsored, we apply strict editorial guidelines to all of our content.

About 40 million used cars are sold each year, according to data from car-shopping site Edmunds.

And even before the pandemic, nearly half of all car buyers wished they could do the entire transaction online, according to JD Power’s 2019 U.S. New Auto Shopper Survey.

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For decades, consumers looking for a used vehicle have had to shop by the dealership’s rules.

But with Carvana, the consumer is in the driver’s seat. The online used auto retailer makes it possible to find a reliable used car on any budget without having to deal with the middleman.

That means you can shop whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you — even if that’s between calls working from home or on the couch binge-watching your favorite show.

What’s different about buying online?

Stressed out woman at car dealership
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Even though it’s an incredibly common process, many drivers find shopping for a used car overwhelming or stressful.

Between finding a dealership with the make and model that suits you, dealing with salespeople who work on commission and navigating a non-transparent financing process, it’s enough to have you considering opting for public transit instead.

But Carvana takes the pain out of the car-buying process by taking the pressure out of buying a used car. And they amp up the customer control and protection.

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"This was the easiest no pressure way to buy a car. I don't think I will ever step foot onto another car lot again,” writes Alexis, a customer from Los Angeles.

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Taking back control of the process

Couple looking at laptop screen.
fizkes / Shutterstock

With Carvana, you can browse through 30,000 used cars for sale on the site. Or if you know exactly what you want, you can search by make, model, car, mileage or age.

Whether you’re looking for a used Kia Telluride or a Tesla Model 3 for sale, there’s an option for every driver and price range.

Then, you can review and compare your choices without having to worry about feeling rushed to make a decision or pressured into a sale you’re not comfortable with.

Flexible financing options

Smiling blonde shopping online with laptop at home in the living room
wavebreakmedia / Shutterstock

Once you’re ready to make a purchase, Carvana allows you to choose between financing through the site, buying in cash or financing with a third party.

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It is worth noting that around three quarters of their customers choose to finance with Carvana. You can pre-qualify for auto financing with Carvana in minutes and it won’t impact your credit score.

You can adjust your down payment and term length to see how that would impact your monthly payments so you can find terms that fit your budget.

Read More: Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Helping you feel confident in your choice

Portrait of a mechanic at work in his garage
Minerva Studio / Shutterstock

Buying used is a great way to stretch your dollars when buying a car. In the first year after buying a new car, its value can drop by almost 30%, according to Edmunds.

But many people worry buying used means sacrificing quality.

Carvana vehicles are Carvana Certified and go through a 150-point inspection process and come with a free Carfax report.

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That means you can be confident that you’re buying a safe and quality vehicle.

On top of that, if you’re not happy with your purchase in the first seven days, Carvana will take it back. As long as you haven’t modified or damaged the car or driven it more than 400 miles, Carvana will give you a full refund.

Saving money with Carvana

African american couple shopping presents and gifts online with laptop at desk at home
Daniel M Ernst / Shutterstock

Meanwhile, the peace of mind Carvana’s process offers doesn’t come at a cost. In fact, compared to traditional dealerships, going with Carvana will save you an average of $1,400.

You even have the option of selling your old car to help offset costs. Carvana has purchased more than 200,000 cars from its customers — and even makes the process as easy as picking it up from your home.

And with the flexibility and transparency the site offers, you won’t be forced to choose between dodging high-pressure sales tactics and getting a good deal on the car you want.

So when it comes time to buy a new car with Carvana, you can put the middleman in your rearview mirror and feel confident you’ll end up with your perfect ride.

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Sigrid Forberg Senior Associate Editor

Sigrid is a senior associate editor on the Moneywise team, where she has also worked as a reporter and staff writer.

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