Yes, Carvana does pick up your car when you sell to them. They offer this convenient service across their 300+ markets nationwide, making the entire car-selling process remarkably simple. If you’re wondering about the details of this service, how it works, and what to expect, you’ve come to the right place.
How Carvana’s Car Pickup Service Works
When you decide to sell your car to Carvana, they make the process surprisingly straightforward. After accepting their offer online, you’ll schedule a pickup time that works for your schedule.
The pickup appointment itself is refreshingly brief – typically lasting only about 30 minutes. A Carvana representative will arrive at your home, verify your vehicle’s condition matches what you reported online, and handle all the paperwork on the spot.
As one Carvana employee explained, “We aren’t gonna inspect it like a hawk and decide if we are gonna take it, we’re just gonna show up, scan the VIN, take some pictures and hand you the check.”
This no-hassle approach eliminates the stress of driving to a dealership and spending hours negotiating a deal. Instead, you can complete the entire transaction from your driveway.
Costs Associated with Carvana’s Pickup Service
While Carvana does offer pickup service nationwide, it’s not always free. The cost depends primarily on your location relative to the nearest Carvana hub:
| Distance from Carvana Hub | Typical Pickup Fee |
|---|---|
| Close proximity | Free |
| Moderate distance | $75-$100 |
| Remote locations | Up to $200 |
These fees are deducted directly from your final payment, so there’s no out-of-pocket expense. If you live near a Carvana facility, you’ll likely qualify for free pickup service, maximizing your selling price.
Drop-Off Options to Avoid Pickup Fees
If you’d prefer to avoid pickup fees altogether, Carvana offers an alternative: you can drop off your vehicle at one of their hub locations or vending machines. Many sellers choose this option when they live reasonably close to a Carvana facility.
As one customer shared on Reddit, “I was going to be charged $75 for pick up so I just took it to the hub about 20 min from my house.”
This self-service option not only saves you the pickup fee but can sometimes speed up the process. The transaction follows the same general steps – verification, paperwork, and payment – but you’ll need to arrange your own transportation home after dropping off your vehicle.
What to Prepare Before Your Carvana Pickup
To ensure your Carvana pickup goes smoothly, you’ll need to prepare a few items:
- Your vehicle’s title (if you own it outright)
- Current registration documentation
- Loan information (if you’re still making payments)
- All keys, key fobs, and remote controls
- Personal items removed from the vehicle
- A valid ID
Having these items ready will help the Carvana representative process your sale quickly and efficiently. The title is particularly important – if you can’t locate it, you’ll need to contact your state’s DMV about replacement options before proceeding with the sale.
The Pickup Process: Step by Step
Understanding exactly what happens during a Carvana pickup can help ease any concerns you might have about the process:
-
Confirmation call: A Carvana representative will call you shortly before your scheduled appointment to confirm they’re on the way.
-
Initial greeting: When they arrive, they’ll introduce themselves and explain the process.
-
Vehicle inspection: The rep will walk around your car, checking that its condition matches what you reported online.
-
Documentation verification: They’ll review your title, registration, and ID.
-
Paperwork completion: You’ll sign the necessary documents to transfer ownership.
-
Payment delivery: If everything checks out, you’ll receive payment on the spot – typically by check or direct deposit.
The entire process typically takes around 30 minutes, though it might run longer if there are discrepancies between the reported and actual condition of your vehicle.
Carvana’s Market Coverage for Pickup Services
Carvana has expanded dramatically in recent years, now operating in over 300 markets across the United States. Their coverage reaches approximately 81.1% of the U.S. population, making their pickup services accessible to most Americans.
This extensive network is supported by:
- 37 iconic car vending machines across 20 states
- Multiple inspection and reconditioning centers
- A fleet of delivery and pickup vehicles
- Hub locations throughout the country
Their recent performance has been impressive, with 2024 sales reaching 416,348 vehicles – a 33% increase compared to the previous year. This growth has allowed them to continue expanding their pickup and delivery infrastructure.
Selling Your Car to Carvana vs. Traditional Dealerships
When comparing Carvana’s pickup service to traditional dealership trade-ins, several key differences emerge:
| Aspect | Carvana | Traditional Dealership |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Your home | Their facility |
| Time required | ~30 minutes | Often 2+ hours |
| Negotiation | None (online offer) | Often extensive |
| Transportation needed | None | You must drive there |
| Immediate payment | Yes | Sometimes delayed |
The convenience factor of Carvana’s home pickup service is significant. Instead of taking time off work to visit a dealership, waiting through lengthy negotiations, and potentially feeling pressured by salespeople, you can complete the entire transaction from home in under an hour.
Carvana’s Vehicle Inspection Process
During pickup, Carvana conducts a verification inspection rather than a detailed mechanical assessment. This is because they’ll perform their comprehensive 150-point inspection after acquiring your vehicle.
The pickup inspection focuses primarily on:
- Confirming the VIN matches your documentation
- Verifying the vehicle starts and runs
- Checking for major damage not disclosed online
- Ensuring all reported features are present
- Confirming odometer reading matches what you reported
This approach allows them to complete the pickup quickly while still protecting themselves from major discrepancies. The more thorough mechanical inspection happens later at their reconditioning facilities.
Carvana’s Delivery Services for Car Buyers
While our focus has been on Carvana picking up cars from sellers, it’s worth noting they also offer comprehensive delivery services for buyers:
- Home delivery: Available across their 300+ markets
- Free local delivery: For vehicles already in your area (typically 1-3 days)
- Long-distance delivery: With shipping fees ranging from $299-$690
- Same-day delivery: Available in select markets like Columbus and Cincinnati
This two-way logistics network is part of what makes Carvana’s business model unique in the automotive industry. Whether you’re buying or selling, they bring the service to you.
What Happens After Carvana Picks Up Your Car
Once Carvana takes possession of your vehicle, it enters their preparation pipeline:
- Transportation to the nearest inspection center
- Thorough mechanical and cosmetic assessment
- Reconditioning to meet Carvana’s standards
- Professional photography for their website
- Addition to their online inventory
This process typically takes 1-2 weeks before your former vehicle becomes available to new buyers. Carvana’s vertically integrated model allows them to control the entire process from acquisition through resale, streamlining operations and reducing costs.
Recent Improvements to Carvana’s Pickup Services
Carvana has invested heavily in improving their pickup and delivery services over the past two years. Their Q2 2025 results showed record performance with 143,280 vehicles sold and $4.84 billion in revenue – a 41% year-over-year increase in unit sales.
This financial strength has allowed them to enhance their pickup services with:
- More frequent pickup availability
- Expanded geographic coverage
- Better-trained pickup specialists
- Streamlined paperwork processes
- Faster payment options
Their three-step strategic plan focused on achieving profitability while maintaining growth has resulted in record net income of $404 million in 2024, providing resources for continued service improvements.
Common Questions About Carvana’s Pickup Service
What if my car doesn’t match the online description?
If there are minor discrepancies, Carvana may adjust their offer amount. For major issues, they might reschedule the pickup until the discrepancies can be resolved.
Can Carvana pick up my car if I still owe money on it?
Yes! Carvana handles payoffs for vehicles with outstanding loans. They’ll pay off your lender directly and give you any remaining balance. If you owe more than their offer, you’ll need to pay the difference.
How long does it take to get paid after Carvana picks up my car?
If you choose a physical check, you’ll receive it at the time of pickup. For direct deposits, funds typically appear in your account within 2-3 business days.
What if I need to reschedule my pickup appointment?
Carvana understands plans change. You can reschedule through their website or by calling their customer service. Try to provide at least 24 hours’ notice when possible.
Is Carvana’s Pickup Service Right for You?
Carvana’s pickup service offers undeniable convenience, but it might not be the perfect choice for everyone. Consider these factors when deciding:
- Location: If you’re far from a Carvana hub, pickup fees might reduce your profit
- Vehicle condition: Cars in excellent condition often receive better offers from private buyers
- Urgency: Carvana provides quick, guaranteed sales compared to waiting for private buyers
- Comfort level: Some sellers prefer face-to-face negotiations at dealerships
The service is particularly valuable for those who prioritize convenience and simplicity over maximizing their selling price. For many busy professionals, parents, and people who dislike traditional car selling, the time saved easily justifies any potential difference in sale price.
Final Thoughts on Carvana’s Car Pickup Service
Carvana’s car pickup service represents a significant innovation in the automotive industry. By bringing the car-selling process directly to your driveway, they’ve eliminated many of the traditional pain points associated with selling a vehicle.
While their market share remains relatively small at approximately 1.2% of the U.S. used car market, their customer-centric approach has disrupted the industry and forced traditional dealerships to reconsider their own processes.
For sellers who value convenience, transparency, and efficiency, Carvana’s pickup service offers a compelling alternative to traditional car-selling methods. As they continue to expand their operations and refine their services, we can expect even more improvements to this already streamlined process.
