The bottom line: In our latest test, Carvana‘s firm offer matched the top of ALGO‘s estimate range for one of the three cars we quoted at both and came $100 and $1,200 under it for the other two, so once ALGO’s fee comes off, its offer could have beaten Carvana’s only on the 2022 F-150, and only from near the top of its range.
ALGO gives an estimate range online, then sets its offer once it has checked the car’s condition with you over the phone, and you have only that day to accept it. Carvana’s offer is set online and lasts seven days, so get it first.
Each checks the car at the handover: ALGO’s offer stays subject to its driver’s check, and Carvana re-prices a car that doesn’t match your answers.
ALGO is run by Auto Lenders, a group of used-car dealerships, and some of its sellers have come back to sell it a second or third car.
Before you accept either, compare offers from several more buyers on Sell Car Advisor.
Key Takeaways
- What our tests found: Carvana offered $14,200 for a 2018 Tesla Model 3, $22,000 for a 2022 Ford F-150 and $24,600 for a 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, before any pickup fee, against ALGO estimates of $12,100 to $14,200, $19,200 to $23,200 and $22,000 to $24,700.
- What they buy: Carvana prefers cars under 10 years old in good condition and ALGO buys almost any car, so an older car goes to ALGO.
- Still owe money on it: Each pays your lender from the sale and gives you anything left over; with Carvana, keep up your loan payments until the lender confirms it has the money, since some sellers’ payoffs were late.
- Watch out for: ALGO’s $125 fee ($150 with a loan) makes a $20,000 offer $19,875, and Carvana’s pickup may cost a fee depending on where you live, but dropping the car off at a Carvana hub or one of its car vending machines is always free.
- Ratings: BBB grades Carvana A+ and hasn’t graded Auto Lenders; on Trustpilot, Carvana rates 4.1 from 16,239 reviews and ALGO 4.3 from 1,940, and on Google ALGO rates 4.8 from 2,881.
- What Carvana sellers report: File your state’s release of liability the day Carvana takes the car, since some sellers found it still registered to them months later.
- What ALGO sellers report: ALGO’s phone offer isn’t always its last: some sellers got more by asking, so tell ALGO if Carvana’s offer is higher before you accept.
- How you’re paid: ALGO’s driver hands you a check when the car is collected, while Carvana lets you choose a check at the handover or a bank deposit, which can take up to five business days to arrive.
- How fast you can sell: ALGO typically takes 3 to 5 business days after you accept, and a Carvana sale about 3 to 10 days on average from your offer, or the same day in some locations.
Compare Instant Offers
Where to Sell Your Car?
Better option when you- Have a newer car in good shapeFirm offers that beat ALGO’s lower estimates in our tests
- Need more time to decideCarvana offers last 7 days; ALGO holds its offer only for the day it’s made
- Want the fastest saleCarvana averages about 3 to 10 days, same day in some areas; ALGO takes 3 to 5 business days
- Want a direct deposit optionCarvana offers ACH bank transfers; ALGO only pays by check
- Want to avoid pickup feesALGO picks up free but keeps a $125 admin fee; Carvana’s pickup, where offered, may cost a fee depending on location, and drop-off is free
Neither, if you’re selling a junk or non-running car. Both focus on newer running vehicles; try junk car buyers instead.
Carvana buys newer running cars, with pickup in some areas
- Accepts cars with active loans
- Trade-in can save on sales tax
- License plate starts the quote
- Direct deposit option available
-
Offer amount 35% 5/5
-
Process ease 20% 5/5
-
Offer validity 15% 4/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 4/5
-
Payment speed 15% 4/5
Algo checks your car by phone or chat and collects it from your home
- Condition check by phone call or chat
- Picks up from your home within days
- Handles loan payoff paperwork
- A $125 admin fee comes off the offer, $150 with a loan
-
Offer amount 35% 4/5
-
Process ease 20% 4/5
-
Offer validity 15% 3/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 4/5
-
Payment speed 15% 3/5
Automated assistant: general info, not legal advice
Answers come from our state paperwork data and published guides. Confirm anything binding with your state DMV.
Carvana vs. ALGO: Detailed Comparison
| Category |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Newer cars (under 10 years old) with lower mileage | Sellers who want a fully remote process with free pickup |
| Quote Speed | Instant firm offer in about 2 minutes | Online estimate in minutes, then a phone call or chat |
| Offer Validity | 7 days | The day it’s made |
| Time to Complete | Same day in some locations, about 3 to 10 days on average | 3 to 5 business days |
| Payment Method | Check or ACH bank transfer (2 to 5 business days) | Company check from PNC Bank |
| Pickup Fee | Set by location where pickup is offered (free at vending machines) | Free; $125 admin fee from payment |
| Inspection Type | In-person at pickup (about 15 minutes) | Phone call or chat before pickup (a few minutes) |
| Cars with Loans | Yes, handles payoff directly | Yes ($25 processing fee) |
| Won’t Buy | Non-running vehicles; very low offers on accident history | May not quote on all vehicles; check directly |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.1/5 stars (16,239 reviews) | 4.3/5 stars (1,940 reviews) |
| Google Rating | Varies by location | 4.8/5 stars (2,881 reviews) |
| BBB Rating | A+ | Not rated |
| Main Drawback | Pickup isn’t offered everywhere and can cost extra in some locations; may change offer at inspection | Must mail title first; offer guaranteed only on the day it’s made |
Carvana vs. ALGO Offers
We requested quotes from both companies for several vehicles. Here’s what each one offered:
2026
2025
2018 Tesla Model 3 with 73k miles and clean title Tie at ALGO’s top
$14,200
See both offer screenshots
2022 Ford F-150 XL with 72.5k miles and clean title ALGO (up to +$1,200)
$22,000
See both offer screenshots
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE with 61.5k miles and clean title ALGO (up to +$100)
$24,600
See both offer screenshots
2023 Ford F-150 with 37k miles and clean title ALGO (up to +$4,900)
$38,800
See both offer screenshots
2022 Chevrolet Bolt with 36k miles and clean title ALGO (up to +$2,300)
$19,200
See both offer screenshots
How each offer can change
- Carvana: it sends someone to inspect your car in person when they pick it up, so you find out on the spot.
- ALGO: it gives estimated ranges that can go up or down after verification. It checks the car’s condition on a short phone call or chat before scheduling pickup, but its offers stay subject to a final inspection when the driver arrives.
Alternatives to Sell a Car
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Offer amount 30% 5/5
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Quote speed 20% 5/5
-
Pickup speed 20% 4/5
-
Vehicle acceptance 15% 5/5
-
Process ease 15% 5/5
- Its sweet spot is cars over ten years old
- Buys any car in any condition, running or not
- Free towing, with no fees taken off the offer
- Pays by check on the spot at pickup
-
Offer amount 30% 4.5/5
-
Quote speed 20% 5/5
-
Pickup speed 20% 4/5
-
Vehicle acceptance 15% 4/5
-
Process ease 15% 2/5
- Owned by Copart, the salvage auction company
- Buys almost any vehicle with a motor, running or not
- Free towing, and it handles the title transfer
- Hands you a check at pickup, or mails it
-
Buyer reach 25% 5/5
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Safety features 25% 3/5
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Listing cost 20% 5/5
-
Time to sell 15% 4/5
-
Ease of listing 15% 5/5
- Free to list, with no fee on a local sale paid in person
- Sell directly to buyers near you
- Post to a local buy and sell group at the same time
- Buyers see your profile and seller ratings
- You handle the payment and paperwork yourself
To see what different buyers offer for your car, get quotes from several at once:
Compare instant offers before you accept one
Compare instant offers before you accept one
Frequently Asked Questions
Which offers more, Carvana or ALGO?
It depends on your car. In our 2026 tests, Carvana offered firm amounts while ALGO provided estimated ranges. Carvana’s fixed prices landed near the top of ALGO’s ranges on all three shared vehicles.
For example, Carvana offered $14,200 for the Tesla Model 3 while ALGO estimated $12,100 to $14,200.
Our 2025 tests told a different story. ALGO’s estimated ceiling was $4,900 above Carvana on a Ford F-150 and $2,300 above on a Chevrolet Bolt. The only way to know for sure is to get quotes from both.
How long do Carvana and ALGO quotes last?
Carvana gives you 7 days to accept. ALGO’s offer lasts only through the day you get it. If you want to compare quotes from several buyers, get your ALGO quote last since it expires the fastest.
Which has better reviews, Carvana or ALGO?
Both have strong ratings. Carvana has 4.1 stars from 16,239 reviews on Trustpilot.
ALGO has 4.3 stars from 1,940 reviews on Trustpilot and 4.8 stars from 2,881 reviews on Google.
Common Carvana complaints include pickup delays and offer changes at inspection. ALGO sellers sometimes mention a gap between the online estimate and the final offer after verification.
Do Carvana and ALGO change their offers at pickup?
Both may adjust their offers after checking your car. Carvana inspects in person when they arrive, so you find out on the spot.
ALGO checks the car by phone or chat before scheduling pickup, and its driver looks the car over again on arrival, so the price can still move then.
Which is faster, Carvana or ALGO?
Carvana averages about 3 to 10 days from start to finish. The actual pickup takes about 15 minutes. In some cities like San Diego and Seattle, same-day pickup is available.
ALGO takes 3 to 5 business days because you have to mail your title first and wait for them to receive it before they schedule a driver.
How do Carvana and ALGO pay you?
Carvana offers either a printed check or ACH bank transfer. Checks are handed to you at pickup, and you deposit them with a bank teller. Bank transfers take 2 to 5 business days.
ALGO pays by company check from PNC Bank only. You get the check at pickup, but it may take 1 to 5 business days to clear at your bank.
Can I sell a financed car to Carvana or ALGO?
Yes, both handle loan payoffs. Carvana pays your lender directly and gives you the difference. ALGO does the same but charges a $25 processing fee.
If you owe more than the car is worth, you’ll need to cover the gap with either company.
If you’re selling a car with an active loan, read our guide on how to sell a financed car for tips on getting the best deal.
Article Update History
New quotes from Carvana and ALGO, and Carvana's same-day pickup in some cities added.
Originally posted and shared with our readers.
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