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Carvana Review 2023: Financing, Buying, Selling

Carvana is an online used-car retailer that also offers financing for the cars it sells.
Last updated on July 18, 2025
Tina Chen
Written by 
Assigning Editor
Tina Chen
Written by 
Assigning Editor

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Our Take

4.0

NerdWallet rating
The Nerdy headline:

Best for borrowers wanting to see pre-qualified offers for auto loan refinancing. Bad- or fair-credit borrowers may qualify.

Jump to:Full Review
Carvana

Est. APR
7.95-27.95%
Loan amount
$1,000 - $125,000
Min. credit score
None
on Carvana's website

Pros

  • Offers pre-qualification with a soft credit check.
  • Customer service available seven days a week.
  • Allows co-signers in most states.
  • Application process 100% online including document upload.

Cons

  • Maximum APR possible is higher than many other lenders.
  • Only finances vehicles sold through Carvana.
  • Not available in Alaska or Hawaii.
  • Buyers have reported problems receiving titles for purchased vehicles.
Compare auto loans lenders
Lender
Est. APR
Loan amount
Min. credit score
6.49- 34.79%
$8,000- $100,000
600
6.74- 35.04%
$8,000- $100,000
600
6.99- 15.79%
$5,000- $100,000
660
Visit Lenderon LightStream's website
on LightStream's website
6.99- 15.79%
$5,000- $100,000
660
Visit Lenderon LightStream's website
on LightStream's website
Consumers Credit Union
Visit Lenderon Consumers Credit Union's website
on Consumers Credit Union's website
4.74- 16.54%
No min.- $100,000
600
Visit Lenderon Consumers Credit Union's website
on Consumers Credit Union's website
View more

Full Review

on Carvana's website

Frequently asked questions

  • Founded in 2012, Carvana is an online car retailer based in Tempe, Arizona. The company is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

    In late 2022, Carvana made headlines for falling stock prices and heavy debt that some analysts predicted could lead to bankruptcy. In early 2023, Carvana’s stock began to rebound following cost-cutting measures. By June 2023, the company announced that it anticipated financial results for the second quarter of 2023 to be ahead of originally expected.

  • Carvana does not offer price matching or negotiation on any car purchases, sales or trade-ins.

  • Car buyers can either make a down payment or use a trade-in as down payment. The amount depends on factors such as the applicant's credit history, annual income and vehicle price.