Carvana or Dealership: Which is Better for You?

The sight of a Carvana automotive “vending machine” is sure to catch your attention and have you scratching your head, asking: “What the heck is that?” Sure, they are kind of cool to look at, but chances are you're not that close to one, and you'll be relying on Carvana's delivery service instead. Is purchasing a pre-owned vehicle from Carvana really better than buying a car from a brick-and-mortar car dealer near you Take your seats and let the Great Carvana vs Car Dealership Debate begin! Here’s why you shouldn’t overlook the dealership experience when it comes time to buy your next vehicle.

6 Reasons Why Car Dealers Beat Carvana

1. Personal Service Beats Impersonal Service.

Carvana may have its unique automotive vending machine to entice buyers, but is their online buying experience really that special? For one thing, you really aren’t establishing a personal relationship like you can with a McCarthy Subaru salesperson who always go the extra mile to give you the best possible deal on the car you want.

2. Who Do You Trust?

Everything about buying a Carvana car is done online. And that’s great if you feel you can trust their impersonal, online process for signing important financing and contract documents. Let’s face it: Buying a car is a big decision. At our Lawrence Subaru dealership, we’ll personally walk you through all the steps and make sure you understand everything that goes into your purchase decision so you can buy with confidence.

3. Limited Options vs More Choices

Sure, the idea of a watching your car being delivered from a gigantic vending machine may sound like fun, but at the end of the day, isn’t it a bit gimmicky? And if you happen to be in the market for a new new Subaru Outback in Kansas City, then you’re out of luck with Carvana. They only have pre-owned vehicles for sale. The fact is, McCarthy Subaru offers many of the same convenient online buying options as Carvana. You can browse our large inventory of new and used Subarus for sale near Kansas City from the comfort of your home.

Additionally, Carvana offers a “no-haggle” price which limits your financial options. At McCarthy Subaru, you can take advantage of money-saving used car specials in Kansas City, financing offers, and Subaru lease deals. While there are some buyers who prefer not to haggle over the price, the process of negotiating gives you the opportunity to get the best deal on the car you want.

4. Not Quite What You Bargained For

Forrest Gump once said: “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Imagine Carvana delivering your newly purchased used car, hopefully as advertised. But Carvana sometimes delivers used vehicles that are dirty, have scratches or dents, mechanical problems, or fall short of buyer’s expectations. Plus, you’ll have to pay a delivery fee if you don’t live in one of Carvana’s delivery zones. And you may have to wait a week or more to get your vehicle. So much for instant gratification.

5. Can’t Get No (Auto) Satisfaction

Not satisfied with your Carvana purchase? Well, they do offer a 7-day return policy. But they’ll have to come back to pick up the car and there’s a lengthy and involved process for getting reimbursed. And be careful not to drive the vehicle more than 400 miles, otherwise you’re basically out of luck.

The same goes for their “100-day warranty.” If you need the car repaired, you can’t take it to a dealership; you’ll have to settle for one of Carvana’s third-party repair shops.

Buying from a car dealer simply gives you more options. You can test drive and inspect a variety of vehicles to find the one that’s right for you. You can also choose from a selection of Certified Pre-Owned vehiclesthat pass a thorough multi-point inspection and offer the balance of the manufacturer’s warranty. You can also have your vehicle serviced at the dealership by highly trained mechanics.

6. Online Shopping & Free Delivery Now Available

The COVID pandemicis transforming how America’s car dealers do business. As a result, the few advantages Carvana has over buying directly from a dealership are evaporating. For example, McCarthy Subaru now offers online car shopping options, allowing you to complete your entire purchase transaction online with a truly customized buying experience. You also have the option of coming down to McCarthy Subaru to pick up your vehicle in a safe, contactless setting.

Best of all, McCarthy Subaru now offers FREE delivery of your new or used vehicle within 100 miles of the dealership. That means you’ll pay nothing extra to have your new car show up in your driveway in no time.

Dealerships Beat Carvana, Hands Down

After hearing the pros and cons of both sides, it’s clear that buying a new or used vehicle from a car dealership is the better choice compared to buying from Carvana. Whether it’s a higher trade-in value, personalized service, financial incentives, a better warranty, or more car-buying options, you’ll get the best deals on new or pre-owned vehicles from your conveniently located McCarthy Subaru dealership at 2233 W. 29th Terrace, Lawrence, KS. Call us today at (855) 8944306 or visit us online. No vending machine required.