Carvana Co. is an online-only retailer of used vehicles that operates a consumer-facing e-commerce platform for buying and selling cars. The company markets and sells inspected, reconditioned pre-owned vehicles through its website, where shoppers can browse inventory, view detailed 360-degree photos and vehicle history reports, finance purchases, and arrange delivery or pickup. Carvana’s model is built around a digital end-to-end car buying experience that aims to simplify vehicle transactions compared with traditional dealerships.
Its products and services include direct retail sales of used cars, trade-in and purchase offers for consumer vehicles, vehicle financing and related protection products, and a seven-day return policy that allows customers to test a vehicle in everyday use. Carvana operates reconditioning centers, inspection facilities and a logistics network to manage vehicle preparation and delivery. In several markets the company also provides a distinctive “car vending machine” pickup experience in addition to home delivery and contact-free handovers.
Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, Carvana grew rapidly by combining online retail technology with a vertically integrated supply chain for sourcing, refurbishing and distributing used vehicles. The company completed a public offering in 2017 and expanded its geographic footprint across numerous U.S. metropolitan areas through investments in reconditioning hubs, last-mile delivery capacity and digital marketing to reach online buyers nationwide.
Carvana positions itself as a technology-driven alternative to the traditional dealership model, emphasizing convenience, transparency and a highly digitized customer journey. Its business strategy centers on scaling inventory and logistics while refining pricing and reconditioning processes to improve margins and customer satisfaction. The company serves consumers across the United States and continues to adapt its operations and product offerings to changing market conditions and shopper preferences.