Carvana vs CarMax vs CarGurus: 2025 Review for Buyers & Sellers
If you’re trying to figure out whether Carvana, CarMax, or CarGurus is the better platform for buying or selling a car in 2025, you’re not alone. With so many options promising the best offer for used cars, fast online quotes, and nationwide listings, choosing the right service can feel overwhelming. This in-depth review compares Carvana vs CarMax vs CarGurus side-by-side—covering everything from fees and trust to delivery options, mobile experience, and seller payouts. Whether you’re listing your vehicle, shopping for your next ride, or just wondering which car-selling site pays the most, we’ll help you confidently choose the platform that matches your needs.
Why These Platforms Dominate the Online Car Space
Selling or buying a car online has never been easier—or more competitive. Platforms like Carvana, CarMax, and CarGurus have completely changed how people shop for vehicles in 2025. Whether you’re trying to sell a car online for the best price or searching for a great deal on a used car, these names dominate search results and mobile apps alike.
But which one is actually the best?
Each platform offers something different. Carvana promises convenience, CarMax is known for trust, and CarGurus puts you in control. This guide breaks down Carvana vs CarMax vs CarGurus from both the buyer’s and seller’s perspective—so you can make the right choice based on value, speed, and experience.
Overview Table: Seller & Buyer Features Compared
Before diving into each platform, it helps to see how Carvana, CarMax, and CarGurus stack up side by side. Whether you’re hoping to sell your car online fast or searching for a low-mileage deal, this quick comparison shows what you can expect from each site. Think of it as your shortcut to understanding which service fits your needs best—whether you care about instant offers, test drive options, or how quickly you’ll get paid.
Key Features Comparison (Seller + Buyer View)
| Feature | Carvana | CarMax | CarGurus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Platform | Direct Buyer/Seller Marketplace | Dealer-Based Retailer | Listing Marketplace |
| Instant Offers for Sellers | ✅ Yes (online quote) | ✅ Yes (in-store or online) | ❌ No (you list manually) |
| Pickup/Dropoff for Sellers | ✅ Yes (but may charge fees) | ❌ No pickup – seller drives in | ❌ No – buyer arranges pickup |
| Buyer Test Drive Option | ✅ 7-day return (like a test drive) | ✅ In-store test drive available | ❌ Depends on private seller |
| Return Policy (Buyers) | ✅ 7-day return | ✅ 10-day return | ❌ Not guaranteed |
| Warranties | ✅ Limited (100-day) | ✅ 90-day with purchase | ❌ Depends on listing/dealer |
| Delivery Options | ✅ Home delivery | ✅ Limited (pickup from store) | ❌ Typically none |
| Mobile App Experience | ⭐ Very user-friendly | ⭐ Polished but store-focused | ⭐ Functional but basic |
| Trust & BBB Rating | ⚠️ Mixed (title issues reported) | ✅ Strong brand reputation | ⚠️ Varies per dealer/seller |
Selling a Car on Carvana
Selling your car to Carvana is designed to be quick and mostly hands-off. You start by entering your vehicle details on their website or app. Within minutes, you’ll get an instant car offer that’s valid for seven days. If you accept, Carvana may even pick up your vehicle from your home—though be aware, many sellers report a pickup fee that can range from reasonable to surprisingly high.
The process is straightforward, but not without issues. Some users complain about title delays, while others mention long wait times for pick-up scheduling. Still, for anyone looking to sell a car online fast, Carvana remains one of the most convenient platforms, especially if you want to avoid dealership visits altogether.
Buying a Car on Carvana
For buyers, Carvana offers a fully digital experience—from browsing to delivery. You can scroll through thousands of used cars, all with 360° virtual tours, detailed inspection reports, and upfront pricing. Once you pick a vehicle, Carvana arranges delivery right to your door, often within a few days.
What makes it popular is the 7-day return policy, which acts like a test drive. If you’re not satisfied, you can send the car back—no pressure, no questions asked. Each car also comes with a 100-day limited warranty, adding peace of mind.
If you’re wondering is Carvana legit for buying a car, the short answer is yes—but do your research. Their app and website make it easy to shop, compare, and buy without ever stepping foot in a dealership.
Selling a Car on CarMax
CarMax has earned a strong reputation among people who want a fast, fair, and reliable car-selling process. You can get an instant offer online by entering your vehicle details, but for the final quote, you’ll need to bring your car to a local CarMax location for a quick in-person inspection. This usually takes less than 30 minutes.
One of the biggest perks? If you accept the offer, CarMax pays you the same day via bank draft. No waiting. Plus, your offer is locked in for seven days, giving you time to compare with Carvana or CarGurus if you want to shop around.
For sellers who value trust and speed, CarMax often ranks as the best car-selling site with a balance of price and professionalism.
Buying a Car on CarMax
Shopping for a used car at CarMax offers a more traditional experience with modern convenience. You can browse a large inventory online, filter by price, mileage, and features, then reserve your favorite car at a nearby store. Most locations allow you to test drive the car in person, giving it a clear edge for hands-on buyers.
CarMax also includes a 10-day return policy and a 90-day limited warranty, which builds confidence for first-time buyers. While they don’t deliver to your door like Carvana, the in-store service and customer support make up for it.
For anyone who prefers seeing the car before committing, CarMax is one of the most trusted car-buying platforms in 2025, offering flexibility and peace of mind.
Selling a Car on CarGurus
Selling through CarGurus works a bit differently than Carvana or CarMax. Instead of receiving an instant quote, you list your car yourself—similar to selling on a marketplace like Craigslist, but with more trust and tools. CarGurus helps by suggesting a competitive price using their Instant Market Value (IMV) algorithm, which compares similar vehicles in your area.
This method gives you full control over the listing, price, and negotiation. However, it also means handling communication, scheduling, and paperwork yourself. There’s no same-day offer or guaranteed sale.
If you’re not in a hurry and want to try getting top dollar, CarGurus can be a strong option for private sellers—especially those comfortable navigating the selling process without assistance.
Buying a Car on CarGurus
CarGurus is a powerful tool for buyers who want options and don’t mind doing a little digging. The site aggregates listings from dealerships and private sellers, giving you access to thousands of used cars. What sets it apart is its price rating system. You’ll see labels like Great Deal, Fair Deal, or Overpriced, based on real market data. Read our full guide on Buying a car on cargurus
Search filters make it easy to narrow your results by location, mileage, features, and more. But since CarGurus is a listing platform, the experience can vary widely depending on who you’re buying from. Some dealers offer warranties or financing; private sellers usually don’t.
If you want full control over your car purchase and prefer comparing deals across sellers, CarGurus gives you the freedom to shop smart.
Pros & Cons of Each Platform
Choosing between Carvana, CarMax, and CarGurus depends on your priorities—speed, price, convenience, or control. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons for each platform, whether you’re buying or selling.
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Carvana | – Instant offers for sellers – 7-day return for buyers – 100-day warranty – Home delivery & pickup |
– Pickup fees can be high – Title delays reported – No in-person test drive |
| CarMax | – Fast in-person offers – 10-day return policy – Same-day payment for sellers – High trust factor |
– No pickup for sellers – Inventory may vary by location |
| CarGurus | – Pricing transparency (IMV) – Broad inventory – Buyer & seller control – Filter-rich shopping experience |
– No instant offers – No platform-wide warranty – Private seller risk varies |
User Trust: Title Scandals, Reviews & BBB Ratings
Trust plays a huge role when you’re buying or selling a car online. Here’s how Carvana, CarMax, and CarGurus compare when it comes to reputation, transparency, and user confidence.
Carvana has faced criticism in recent years for title transfer delays, with some customers reporting long waits to receive proper registration documents. In fact, regulatory actions in a few U.S. states temporarily suspended their license to sell due to paperwork issues. Despite that, many users still appreciate Carvana’s convenience and fast offers.
CarMax, on the other hand, consistently earns strong reviews for reliability, in-store service, and professionalism. Their BBB rating remains high, with far fewer complaints compared to other platforms.
CarGurus operates as a listing site, so the trust level depends on individual sellers or dealerships. Always check dealer reviews, warranty offers, and documentation policies before making a deal.
Who Should Use Which Platform?
Still wondering if Carvana, CarMax, or CarGurus is right for you? The answer depends on what matters most—speed, control, price, or convenience. Here’s how to match each platform to your unique situation:
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Use Carvana if you want to sell your car online fast or buy with zero in-person interaction. It’s great for people who value simplicity and door-to-door service, even if that means paying a little extra in pickup fees or dealing with longer title transfers.
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Use CarMax if you want a fast offer and same-day payment with in-person support. It’s ideal for those who prefer seeing a real person and trust a brand with decades in the industry.
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Use CarGurus if you want full control over your listing or want to compare used car deals from multiple sellers. It’s best for buyers or sellers who don’t mind doing a bit of work to maximize value.
Market Insights: What 2025 Buyers/Sellers Really Want
In 2025, the way people buy and sell cars online continues to evolve fast. Most car shoppers start their journey on their phones, and platforms that offer mobile-friendly experiences, fast quotes, and transparent pricing are winning the race.
Today’s sellers want:
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Instant car offers they can compare without driving anywhere
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Fair pricing with no hidden pickup or service fees
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Same-day payment or at least a fast, predictable timeline
Buyers, on the other hand, look for:
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Return policies and warranties to reduce risk
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Price ratings like CarGurus’ Great Deal tags
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A smooth checkout process—whether that’s online or in-store
Platforms like CarMax, Carvana, and CarGurus are adapting quickly, but only those who prioritize trust, speed, and mobile usability will keep dominating the market.
Real Testimonials: Buyers & Sellers Speak
Sometimes, the best way to decide where to buy or sell your car is to hear from people who’ve already done it. Real users have shared their experiences across forums, Reddit, and review platforms—here’s what they say.
One CarMax seller said:
“They gave me $2,400 more than Carvana for my Jeep and paid me the same day. Super smooth.”
Meanwhile, a Carvana user shared:
“The offer was fast, but they charged me $485 for pickup, and I didn’t get my title until almost three weeks later.”
A seller on CarGurus noted:
“It took more effort, but I got $1,000 over what CarMax offered—worth it if you’re not in a rush.”
These reviews show there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you’re prioritizing speed, maximum price, or hands-off convenience, these platforms offer very different experiences.
Alternatives You Should Also Consider
While Carvana, CarMax, and CarGurus dominate much of the online car market, they’re not your only options. If none of these platforms feel like the right fit, here are a few solid alternatives to explore:
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Vroom – Similar to Carvana, Vroom offers online car buying and selling with home delivery. It’s known for sleek service but sometimes faces complaints about customer support and title delays.
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Shift – A good option for people on the West Coast. Shift provides in-home evaluations, which is a plus if you want an expert to inspect your car before listing or buying.
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Cars.com – A listing site like CarGurus, but with more integrations for dealerships. Great if you want to cast a wider net or trade in your vehicle with financing options.
Exploring these platforms can give you more pricing insights, more flexibility, and sometimes better service—depending on your location and needs. Read our Blog Is Edmunds Legit? What You Need to Know Before You Buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which car-selling site gives the highest offer?
It varies based on your vehicle’s make, model, condition, and where you live. CarMax often provides consistent, fair in-person offers. CarGurus can help you earn more if you list privately and wait for the right buyer. Carvana is fast but may offer less in some cases—especially after factoring in pickup fees.
Is it safe to sell a car online through these platforms?
Yes. CarMax and Carvana offer structured, corporate-backed processes. CarGurus acts as a marketplace, so you’ll want to take standard precautions (meet in public, verify payments) when dealing with private buyers.
How fast do I get paid when selling a car?
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CarMax: Same-day payment via bank draft.
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Carvana: Typically within 1–3 days after pickup.
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CarGurus: Depends on buyer communication—can vary widely.
Can I return a car I bought online?
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Carvana: Yes, within 7 days.
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CarMax: Yes, within 10 days.
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CarGurus: Not guaranteed—it depends on the individual seller or dealership.
Does Carvana really charge for pickup?
Sometimes. Reports from users show pickup fees as high as $485, especially for longer distances or remote areas. Check this cost before confirming your sale.
Which is better: Carvana or CarMax?
It depends on your priorities. Carvana is better for those who want everything done online—quote, paperwork, pickup, and delivery. CarMax is ideal if you prefer face-to-face service, faster payment, and a trusted reputation backed by physical locations.
Why is Carvana better?
Carvana is better if you value convenience and speed. You can get a quote within minutes, avoid visiting a dealership, and even have your car picked up or delivered. It’s a top choice for tech-savvy users who prefer a hands-off experience—especially when time matters more than squeezing every last dollar.
Final Summary: Which Platform Wins in 2025?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer in the battle of Carvana vs CarMax vs CarGurus—each platform shines for different reasons.
Choose Carvana if you value speed, simplicity, and remote convenience. It’s ideal when you want to sell your car online fast or buy a car without ever leaving home, even if that means dealing with pickup fees or longer title processing.
Go with CarMax if you want a trusted in-person experience, same-day payment, and strong support on both the buying and selling side. It’s the go-to for reliability and customer service.
Pick CarGurus if you’re comfortable doing the work yourself in exchange for a potentially better deal especially when listing your car privately or comparing multiple buying options.
Trusted Auto Transport Partner: Shine Auto Movers LLC
No matter which platform you choose Carvana, CarMax, or CarGurus you’ll eventually need a reliable way to move your vehicle. That’s where Shine Auto Movers LLC comes in. As a trusted auto transport company, we specialize in safe, insured, and timely car shipping services across the U.S. Whether you’re buying a car online or selling it to someone out of state, we’ll handle the logistics so you don’t have to. Get peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in expert hands door-to-door, coast-to-coast.
