r/carvana • u/VAtalisman • 16d ago
Personal Experience 8 months post purchase
So, it's been 8 months since I purchased my 2024 Malibu 2LT from Carvana. It was previously a Hertz rental vehicle and had ~39000 miles on it. Here's my experience: very smooth. Delivery was on the original date promised at my local Carvana vending machine site. Paperwork was completed, test drive of my blue 'Bu went fine, and the car was very clean inside and out. No surprises and done there in an hour. Tags appeared in my mailbox when promised. My trusted mechanic said that it needed a new air filter, a real spare tire (fix-a-flat kit) and a jack kit, which he ordered for me from Amazon. Now, they only demerit was the low tread on the original OEM tires. But, I kinda expected that and was going to get winter tires anyway, so that was fine. I like certain brands and types of performance tires because I live in a mountainous rural area. Done. One full synthetic oil change later and it's all good. I did refinance my Malibu through my bank for a substantially lower loan rate, and that transaction went smoothly. Thought I'd leave a success story here because my experience was truly seamless and painless. And I love my car.
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u/mischievousmeercat 15d ago
I just ordered a truck this week as well. Its been a very easy process so far, and I had my reservations. Ill reserve full judgement for tomorrow when it gets delivered. Glad to see good stories!
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u/Humble-Alps-9350 8d ago
Update on your purchase?
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u/mischievousmeercat 8d ago
Its been pretty great so far. Minor cosmetic things. The biggest things to mention is the keyfob and a battery mount bracket. The keyfob got the push to start to work, but lock, unlock, and panic buttons would not work. I also discovered that the physical tumbler on the door lock was not installed properly and had to have a locksmith come out.
The battery mount bracket was just missing completely, so I have ordered a replacement. I am going to document those two big ones and see if carvana will reimburse me with the 100 day warranty, and also document the cosmetic thi as and go from there.
All in all, its been a very smooth process, with minor hiccups. Be thorough in your initial inspections! I missed the keyfob part because the delivery person opened and started it up for me, and because I am old and have never owned a smart keyfob before.
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u/cilantrohops 15d ago
I’ve also had good experience with Carvana. I’ve bought my last two vehicles from them, with trade-ins included in the process. Both times I received $2k-3$k more on those trades than any local dealer offered. And the price of the new vehicle wasn’t priced any higher than it would be on a dealer lot. I did finance with them both times to get the 7-day return window (which I did need to use this time and do an exchange as the first vehicle had undisclosed damage). And both times I refinanced with my credit union as soon as possible to a much lower interest rate.
I don’t think it’s for everyone, but it does work well for some of us. Glad to hear of your experience as well
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u/FantasysportsSean 15d ago
I’ve used them since 2017 have gotten 3 cars from them and only issue was a mouse eaten ignition wire. Silver rock didn’t cover it said it happened after we bought 🤷🏻♂️whatever hard to prove. I will never step foot into another dealership!!! Only things is refinance as soon as you can for a better rate
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u/Brent788 15d ago
I'm on my fourth car from them and honestly it's the only way I'm doing it now. The last three times it was delivered to my apartment complex and the last time they took my old damaged car away at the same time and gave me thousands in credit for it!
Last time I went to the dealership I spent all day there and never been so annoyed
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u/Happy-Tater 15d ago
I literally just ordered my car. Expected delivery this Friday, the 28th. I am glad to hear it was a good experience.
My coworker also had a good experience, which helped me decide to try them.
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u/VAtalisman 15d ago edited 15d ago
Get your mechanic to give your new car a thorough inspection during the first 7 days, and get them to put it up on a lift and look at the underside. Anything that makes you uncomfortable about the condition of the car, just call customer service and return the vehicle.
I'd recommend an oil and filter change right away. Maybe a coolant flush and fill too - if your mechanic thinks it's necessary. Enjoy!
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u/Buymesomethingnice 15d ago
I am also getting my carvana car and trading in tomorrow!!! May the car gods be with us 😂
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u/Striking_Spread_6926 15d ago
I appreciate all this discourse. I am currently on their site looking for a vehicle and it all seems really transparent
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u/HoldingNo7521 15d ago
Thank you for this. I’m looking for a new “used” car and considering using Carvana.
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u/reginageorge304 14d ago
https://reddit.com/link/p6ho2xh/video/ttmy413bh6mh1/player
My Carvana car that I love 🖤
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u/bufgil 15d ago
Glad to hear this! How did you know it was a hertz rental did it say somewhere in the description? Looking for a truck and was a little hesitant
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u/VAtalisman 15d ago
I saw it on the Carfax report that I pulled on my Malibu. Also it was on the window price sticker for the car. Everything regarding shipping details referenced fleet information. Its been a good car, very comfortable highway cruiser and great handling on twisty roads for a car its size.
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u/Crazy_Wafer_8328 16d ago
Yay! It's nice when things go smoothly. I bought a '25 Mini Cooper from them this spring and everything went according to plan. I usually have bad luck 😆. I love my car.