Carvana's Test Drive Process
Carvana does not offer traditional in-person test drives at their facilities. Instead, they deliver vehicles to your home or a location you choose, and you have up to seven days to drive the car before you commit to buying it. During that week, you can take the vehicle anywhere, use it for errands, drive it on the highway, or park it in your driveway while you think. If you decide not to buy, Carvana picks it up for free and refunds your money.
This model exists because Carvana operates as an online-only retailer without traditional dealership showrooms in most markets. You browse and purchase through their website, and the vehicle comes to you. The test drive period is their version of letting you inspect and experience the car before the sale is final.
The seven-day window starts when the vehicle is delivered to your address. You do not need to schedule a separate test drive appointment or visit a location — the car arrives ready to drive, with a full tank of gas and temporary tags or plates already attached.
Key Takeaways
- Carvana delivers vehicles to your home and gives you seven days to drive and inspect the car before you must decide to keep or return it.
- You can drive the vehicle anywhere during the test period — there are no mileage limits or restricted routes.
- If you return the car within seven days, Carvana picks it up for free and refunds your full payment with no restocking fee.
- You must have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance to take delivery, even though you are not yet the registered owner.
- The seven-day period is a return window, not a separate test drive appointment — it begins when the car arrives at your location.
What Happens During the Seven-Day Period
Once the vehicle is delivered, you own it temporarily and can use it as your own. Drive it to work, take it on a road trip, park it overnight, or leave it in your garage while you review the paperwork. Carvana does not track your mileage or restrict where you go. The only requirement is that you return the vehicle in the same condition it arrived — normal wear and tear is expected, but you should not cause new damage.
During this week, you can also have a mechanic inspect the vehicle if you want a professional opinion. Many buyers use this time to take the car to their own shop for a pre-purchase inspection, which costs between $100 and $200 but can reveal hidden problems that Carvana's inspection may have missed.
If you decide to keep the car, you do nothing — the seven days pass and the purchase is complete. If you want to return it, you contact Carvana through their app or website and schedule a pickup. A driver arrives at your location, takes the vehicle, and processes the refund. The refund typically appears in your account within a few business days.
Requirements to Take Delivery
You must have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance before Carvana will deliver the vehicle. The insurance does not have to be in your name yet — it can be temporary coverage or a policy that covers you as a driver — but you need documentation showing you are insured to drive. Carvana will ask to see both documents when the delivery driver arrives.
You also need to be present at the delivery address to sign for the vehicle and receive the keys and paperwork. Carvana does not leave vehicles unattended. If you cannot be there on the scheduled delivery day, you can reschedule through their app.
The vehicle arrives with temporary tags or a temporary registration document, depending on your state. These allow you to drive legally during the seven-day period. You do not need to register the car in your name until after you decide to keep it.
Returning a Vehicle Within Seven Days
If you decide the car is not right for you, contact Carvana within the seven-day window through their mobile app or website. You will select a return reason — mechanical issue, not as described, changed your mind, or another option — and schedule a pickup time. Carvana will send a driver to your location to collect the vehicle.
When the driver arrives, they will inspect the car for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Minor scratches, small dents, and interior wear are expected and do not affect your refund. Significant damage — such as new dents, broken windows, or mechanical problems you caused — may result in a deduction from your refund, though Carvana's policy allows for some damage without penalty.
Once the vehicle is picked up, Carvana processes the refund to your original payment method. The refund includes the full purchase price minus any damage deductions. There is no restocking fee or return penalty. Most refunds appear within three to five business days, though it can take longer depending on your bank.
Differences From Traditional Test Drives
A traditional dealership test drive usually lasts 30 minutes to an hour, and you drive with a salesperson or alone but within a limited area. Carvana's seven-day period is fundamentally different: you have the car in your possession for a full week with no restrictions on where you drive or how long you keep it each day.
This approach means you can test the vehicle in your actual driving conditions — your commute, your parking situation, your climate — rather than on a dealer's test route. You can also take time to research the vehicle, compare it to other options, and make a decision without pressure from a salesperson.
The trade-off is that you cannot drive a Carvana vehicle before you commit to the purchase and arrange delivery. You see photos, videos, and a detailed inspection report online, but you do not sit in the car or start the engine until it arrives at your home. If you strongly prefer to inspect a vehicle in person before buying, Carvana may not be the right fit.
What the Inspection Report Tells You
Before you purchase, Carvana provides a detailed inspection report that includes the vehicle's history, mechanical condition, exterior and interior photos, and any known issues. The report covers items like tire tread, brake condition, fluid levels, and whether the car has been in an accident. This report is available on the vehicle's listing page and can help you decide whether to buy.
However, the inspection report is not a substitute for a professional mechanic's inspection. Carvana's inspectors are trained but may not catch every potential problem. If the vehicle has high mileage, is older, or has a complex repair history, paying for an independent inspection during your seven-day period is often worth the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I test drive a Carvana car before I buy it?
Yes, but not in the traditional sense. You purchase the vehicle online, it is delivered to your home, and you have seven days to drive it and decide whether to keep it. If you return it within seven days, you get a full refund. This is Carvana's version of a test drive.
What if I find a mechanical problem during the seven days?
Contact Carvana when ready through their app or website and explain the issue. If the problem is significant and was not disclosed in the inspection report, you can return the vehicle for a full refund. Carvana also offers a limited warranty on most vehicles, which covers certain repairs after purchase.
Do I have to pay for delivery?
Carvana offers free delivery in most areas. Some remote locations may have a delivery fee, which is shown before you complete your purchase. Pickup is always free if you decide to return the vehicle.
Can I take the car to a mechanic during the seven days?
Yes. Many buyers use the seven-day period to have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle. This is a smart move if you want professional verification of the car's condition before the return window closes.
What counts as damage that might reduce my refund?
Normal wear and tear — minor scratches, small dents, interior dirt — does not affect your refund. Significant new damage, such as large dents, broken glass, or mechanical damage you caused, may result in a deduction. Carvana inspects the vehicle when you return it and will show you any damage they plan to deduct for.