How to Buy a Car on Carvana in 2025

Introduction

If you’re looking to buy a car on Carvana in 2025, you’re in for a seamless, tech-savvy experience. With just a few clicks, Carvana allows you to browse, finance, and even have a car delivered right to your door.

But while the convenience is unmatched, there are important logistics to consider, especially when it comes to getting your new vehicle home if it’s located out of state. That’s where Move Cars comes in, providing a flawless connection to trusted car shipping companies to simplify delivery and keep costs down.

What is Carvana?

Carvana is a leading online car-buying platform that allows users to browse a massive inventory of used vehicles, get financing, and purchase a car entirely online from the comfort of their home.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly compact or a luxury SUV, Carvana offers detailed listings with 360-degree photos, vehicle history reports, and real-time availability.

While Carvana’s delivery options are convenient, they can sometimes be limited or come with added fees, especially for long-distance purchases. That’s why many buyers turn to Move Cars to handle the logistics of shipping their new vehicle home safely and affordably.

If you’re planning to buy a car on Carvana, it’s important to factor in how your vehicle will get to you after purchase. Services like Move Cars complement the Carvana buying process by offering fast, insured delivery options.

So whether you’re planning to buy a car on Carvana or compare Carvana online car buying with other platforms, don’t overlook the transportation side of the buying experience.

How to Buy a Car on Carvana: Step-by-Step

Buying a car on Carvana is designed to be straightforward, but knowing exactly what to expect can help you save time and money. Whether you’re looking to buy a car from Carvana for the first time or you’re already familiar with Carvana online car buying, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process.

Understanding the full Carvana buying process also ensures you’re prepared for any transportation logistics that may follow your purchase.

Step 1: Assess your needs and budget

Determine what kind of car fits your lifestyle, and how much you’re willing to spend. Consider ongoing costs like insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Think about whether you’ll need a commuter car, family SUV, or something more specialized.

Step 2: Visit Carvana’s website

Navigate to Carvana.com and create an account. Use filters to narrow down your search by make, model, price, mileage, and more. Setting up alerts can also help you act quickly when the right car becomes available.

Step 3: Explore vehicle details and photos

Each listing includes high-resolution 360-degree photos and details like fuel economy, accident history, and service records. Carefully review all specs and visual cues to ensure the car meets your expectations before proceeding.

Step 4: Get a vehicle history report

Carvana provides a free Carfax report for each vehicle, giving you peace of mind about past ownership, repairs, and title status. Check for red flags like salvage titles or repeated service issues.

Step 5: Get Financing Options

You can apply for financing directly through Carvana or use your own lender. Carvana will show you loan terms, interest rates, and monthly payments. Comparing both Carvana and external loan offers can help you secure the best deal.

Step 6: Trade-In Evaluation (Optional)

If you have a car to trade in, Carvana offers a quick online appraisal. You can apply the value toward your new purchase. Be sure to accurately describe your vehicle’s condition to get the most realistic offer.

Step 7: Schedule a Test Drive (Optional)

Some locations allow you to schedule a touchless test drive before committing. This is especially helpful if you’re deciding between two similar vehicles.

Step 8: Finalize the purchase

Once you’re ready, digitally sign your documents and complete your purchase securely online. You’ll receive confirmation of your purchase along with the next steps for delivery or pickup.

Step 9: Delivery or Pickup

Choose between home delivery or pickup from a Carvana vending machine. If your preferred delivery option is unavailable or too expensive, consider shipping your car using a third-party transporter via Move Cars. It’s a great way to get your new vehicle faster and often at a lower cost.

Cost to Ship a Car to Another State

Once you buy a car from Carvana listings online, you might find your dream vehicle located across the country. Whether you’re moving it 200 miles or 2,000, understanding the shipping process is crucial to planning your purchase smartly and saving money along the way. Here’s what you can expect when arranging transport:

• Average Cost (2025): Shipping a vehicle within the U.S. typically ranges from $600 to $1,500. Factors like distance, vehicle size, and transport type all influence the final price.
• Distance Matters: The farther the vehicle needs to travel, the more you’ll pay. Short hauls under 500 miles tend to be cheaper per mile than cross-country moves.
• Transport Type Choices: Open transport is the most common and affordable option, but if you’re moving a luxury, exotic, or classic vehicle, enclosed transport offers better protection from weather and road debris.
• Vehicle Size & Condition: Larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks, or non-operational cars that require special loading equipment, will increase shipping costs.
• Seasonal Demand: Car shipping prices can spike during peak seasons like summer and the end of the year. Booking early can help lock in lower rates.

Another key factor many buyers overlook is the difference between wholesale vs. retail shipping rates. Retail rates—what a customer pays when booking directly—are often 20–30% higher than wholesale rates, which car dealers and bulk shippers negotiate through networks of transporters.

By using a marketplace like Move Cars , you can access competitive quotes closer to wholesale pricing, saving you hundreds compared to booking directly with a single company.

For cost-effective and reliable delivery, smart buyers compare quotes from multiple car shipping companies through Move Cars, ensuring they get the best deal without compromising on service quality.

When to Sell Your Current Vehicle Before Buying

Selling your current car at the right time can significantly boost your resale value and make your next purchase even smoother. Whether you’re upgrading to a newer model or simply trading in for something different, timing your sale strategically ensures you get the best return.

By understanding key factors like warranty coverage, mileage, and seasonal trends, you can maximize your profit and minimize the stress of rushed decisions. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Before Warranty Expiration: Vehicles typically retain higher value if they’re still under the manufacturer’s or certified warranty. Buyers are more confident knowing repairs are covered.
• Optimal Mileage: Aim to sell before your car hits 100,000 miles. Higher mileage can trigger steeper depreciation and deter buyers looking for reliability.
• Avoid Emergency Sales: Planning ahead gives you more negotiation power. Waiting until you desperately need cash often means accepting lower offers.
• Best Time of Year: Timing your sale around seasonal demand can boost your final sale price. See the chart below for peak selling periods:

Tip: Listing your car between March and June typically nets the highest resale prices!

Economic and Personal Considerations

Deciding when to upgrade your car isn’t always about mechanical failures or high mileage—it’s often influenced by lifestyle changes, emotional factors, and market conditions.

Understanding these drivers can help you make a confident decision about when it’s the right time to move on from your current vehicle and invest in something better suited for your needs. Here’s a deeper look at why many people choose to upgrade:

• Expensive parts: As your car ages, parts can become rare, harder to source, and increasingly expensive to replace. If repairs are stacking up and maintenance costs are unpredictable, upgrading to a newer, more reliable model can save you money (and headaches) in the long run.
• Lifestyle shifts: Life changes fast. Whether you’re commuting longer distances, welcoming a new family member, or pursuing new hobbies that require more cargo space, your current car might not fit your lifestyle anymore. Choosing a vehicle that better matches your day-to-day needs can drastically improve your comfort and convenience.
• Emotional reasons: Trust in your vehicle is crucial. If repeated breakdowns, unexpected repairs, or stressful trips have worn down your confidence in your car, it might be time for a fresh start. Buying a newer, more dependable vehicle can restore your peace of mind on the road.
• Market trends: Timing the market can work to your advantage. If used car values are rising or interest rates are dropping, it can be a financially savvy moment to buy a car from Carvana listings and lock in a great deal. Keeping an eye on industry trends can help you buy or sell at just the right time.

How Move Cars Makes the Process Hassle-Free

After you buy a car from Carvana, don’t let delivery logistics slow you down. Shipping your newly purchased vehicle doesn’t have to be complicated or even risky.

Move Cars provides a streamlined, trustworthy way to get your car home safely and affordably, whether you’re relocating across the state or across the country. Here’s how Move Cars simplifies the shipping experience:

• Compare transporters: Instantly access quotes from a nationwide network of licensed, vetted auto transporters. Instead of chasing down individual companies, you can compare prices, services, and customer reviews all in one place, helping you find the best option for your budget and timeline.
• Track shipments: Stay informed every step of the way. Move Cars offers real-time tracking so you can monitor your vehicle’s journey from pickup to delivery. You’ll always know where your car is and when to expect its arrival.
• Save time: Skip the endless emails and phone calls. With Move Cars, you can get quotes, choose a transporter, and book your shipment completely online. It’s quick, efficient, and designed to fit into your busy schedule.
• Avoid scams: Protect your investment by working only with trusted, insured companies. Move Cars screens every transporter for licensing, insurance coverage, and customer satisfaction, so you don’t have to worry about hidden risks or unreliable transporters.

Whether you’re moving across state lines or across the country, Move Cars makes it easy to get your new Carvana vehicle delivered without stress. Ready to get started? Looking to move my car ? Start here today and enjoy a smoother, safer shipping experience.

Conclusion

Buying from Carvana in 2025 is a fast, modern way to get a great used car. But don’t overlook the final piece of the puzzle: transport. From browsing to budgeting to shipping, smart planning ensures you get the best deal and the least stress. With Move Cars, you can confidently buy Carvana vehicles knowing professional help is just a click away.

FAQs