Curious about buying a car through Carvana but wondering if you can take it for a spin first? You’re about to discover the surprising truth about Carvana’s test drive policy that might change how you approach online car shopping. If you’re used to traditional dealerships, Carvana’s unique approach requires a different mindset—and possibly some extra planning on your part.
Carvana’s “Test-Own” Approach vs. Traditional Test Drives
Here’s the short answer: No, Carvana doesn’t offer traditional test drives before purchase. But that doesn’t mean you can’t test the vehicle at all.
Carvana flips the traditional car-buying script by operating on a “test-own” model instead. You’ll need to complete the purchase first, then you get 7 days to test drive the vehicle after it’s delivered to your door. This is backed by their money-back guarantee.
Think of it as buying the car with a 7-day return option rather than testing before buying.
Why Carvana Uses This Model
Carvana’s business model is built around eliminating traditional dealership overhead. Without physical lots in every city, they can:
- Offer potentially lower prices on vehicles
- Streamline the buying process
- Remove the high-pressure sales environment
But this convenience comes with a trade-off: you commit financially before truly experiencing the car.
What Happens at Delivery? Your First Chance to Drive
When your Carvana vehicle arrives, you do get a brief opportunity to drive it before officially accepting delivery:
- You’ll get a 15-20 minute test drive with the delivery representative present
- You’ll need your driver’s license and proof of insurance ready
- The delivery person waits while you take this initial drive
- You can reject the car immediately if you spot major issues
This mini-test drive is your first checkpoint. While brief, it lets you check for obvious problems before the car officially becomes yours. Pay attention to unusual noises, handling issues, or visible damage not disclosed online.
The 7-Day “Test-Own” Period Explained
Once you accept delivery, Carvana’s signature 7-day return policy kicks in:
- You have 7 calendar days starting from delivery
- You can drive up to 400 miles during this period
- Going over the mileage limit costs $1 per additional mile
- You can return for any reason whatsoever
This period is your extended test drive. Carvana’s return policy is designed to give you enough time to truly experience the vehicle in your daily life.
Making the Most of Your 7 Days
To properly evaluate your new vehicle, make sure you:
- Drive in various conditions (highway, city streets, hills if applicable)
- Test all features and technologies
- Check cargo space with your typical items
- Park in your regular spots (garage, work parking)
- Get comfortable with the vehicle’s dimensions
Most importantly: schedule an independent inspection immediately. This is your safety net to catch any issues Carvana might have missed.
The Hidden Costs of Carvana’s Return Policy
While Carvana advertises a “worry-free” return policy, there are financial catches you should know about:
What Might Not Be Refunded
- Delivery/shipping fees can be non-refundable, especially for long-distance transports
- These fees can range from hundreds to nearly $2,000 depending on your location
- You must notify Carvana by 5 PM EST on the 7th day or lose your return option
Many customers have been surprised by these non-refundable fees when returning vehicles.
Return Disqualifiers
Your return might be rejected if the vehicle:
- Was in an accident during your trial period
- Shows damage beyond normal wear
- Has been modified in any way
- Exceeds the 400-mile limit (though you can pay the per-mile fee)
| Refundable | Non-Refundable (Potentially) |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | Delivery/shipping fees |
| Documentation fees | Miles driven over 400 ($1/mile) |
| Vehicle tax (in most cases) | Aftermarket additions you made |
| Registration fees (if not processed) | Registration fees (if already processed) |
Customer Experiences: The Good, Bad, and Ugly
Carvana customer experiences vary widely. Here’s what real buyers report:
Common Complaints
Many Reddit users and online reviews mention:
- Undisclosed cosmetic damage not visible in listing photos
- Mechanical issues missed by Carvana’s inspection
- Worn components like tires, brakes, and wiper blades needing replacement
- Missing accessories like key fobs or owner’s manuals
Positive Experiences
Satisfied customers typically praise:
- The convenience of home delivery
- The streamlined purchase process
- No-haggle pricing
- The ability to return without awkward conversations
Carvana vs. Traditional Dealerships: Test Drive Comparison
How does Carvana’s approach stack up against traditional dealerships?
Traditional Dealership Test Drives
- Pre-purchase: You test before any financial commitment
- Duration: Typically 15-30 minutes with a salesperson
- Inspection option: You can often bring a mechanic or schedule a pre-purchase inspection
- Multiple vehicles: You can test several cars in one visit
- Pressure: Often includes sales tactics and follow-up
Carvana “Test-Own” Experience
- Post-purchase: You’ve already bought the car
- Duration: 7 full days of real-world use
- Inspection option: Must arrange quickly within your 7-day window
- One vehicle: You can only test one car at a time
- Pressure: No sales pressure, but time pressure to decide within 7 days
Pro Tips for Carvana Shoppers
If you’re considering Carvana despite the test drive limitations:
Before Purchasing
- Research thoroughly: Read reviews of your specific model year
- Check multiple photos: Look for any signs of damage or wear
- Research local shipping costs: Understand what might not be refundable
- Pre-schedule an inspection: Book a mechanic for 1-2 days after expected delivery
- Plan your test routes: Know where you’ll drive to fully test the vehicle
After Delivery
- Document the condition: Take photos/videos when the car arrives
- Use a checklist: Systematically test all features and functions
- Get an inspection ASAP: Don’t wait until day 6 to discover problems
- Track your mileage: Stay under the 400-mile limit if possible
- Make your decision by day 5: Give yourself buffer time for the return process
Understanding Carvana’s 150-Point Inspection
Carvana advertises a 150-point inspection on all vehicles, but customer experiences suggest results vary.
What’s Checked
Their inspection covers:
- Mechanical components
- Electrical systems
- Interior and exterior condition
- Tire tread depth and brake pad thickness
- Basic functionality
What Might Be Missed
Based on customer reports, be especially vigilant about:
- Alignment issues and tire wear patterns
- Minor mechanical problems that emerge after extended driving
- Interior wear not visible in photos
- Maintenance needs coming due soon
- Electronic issues that appear intermittently
The Importance of an Independent Inspection
The single most important advice from experienced Carvana customers: get an independent inspection immediately.
Many Reddit users and automotive experts emphasize this point. A professional inspection typically costs $100-200 but can save you thousands by identifying:
- Hidden damage
- Upcoming maintenance needs
- Safety issues
- Signs of previous accidents
Maximizing Your 7-Day Test Drive
To make the most of your week with the vehicle:
- Day 1: Initial impression, basic functions, comfort
- Day 2: Get a professional inspection
- Day 3: Test different driving conditions (highway, city)
- Day 4: Try all cargo configurations and passenger space
- Day 5: Final evaluation and decision
- Day 6-7: Buffer time in case you need to initiate a return
Remember to test features you’ll actually use in your daily life. Don’t just check that the sunroof opens—consider whether you’ll be comfortable using it regularly.
When Carvana’s No-Test-Drive Model Works Best
Carvana’s approach is most suitable for:
- Buyers who know exactly what model they want
- Those purchasing popular vehicles with predictable characteristics
- People who value convenience over hands-on shopping
- Shoppers in areas with limited local dealership options
- Those comfortable with some financial risk
If you’re buying a common vehicle like a Toyota Camry or Honda CR-V with predictable handling and features, the risk is lower than if you’re trying something unique or high-performance.
The Final Verdict: Is Carvana Worth the Test Drive Trade-Off?
Carvana’s “buy first, try later” approach requires a leap of faith that traditional car buyers might find uncomfortable. But for many, the convenience outweighs the risk.
The 7-day return policy is a reasonable substitute for a traditional test drive—as long as you:
- Understand the potential non-refundable costs
- Act quickly to get an inspection
- Know what you’re looking for in a vehicle
- Are prepared to return it if needed
While you can’t test drive before buying from Carvana, their system does give you something traditional dealerships don’t: a week-long, real-world trial in your actual life circumstances. For many buyers, that’s ultimately more valuable than a 30-minute drive with a salesperson watching your every move.
