The bottom line: In our latest test, Carvana offered more than CarMax for each of three newer cars, by $2,200 to $3,600 before any Carvana pickup fee. TrueCar made an offer for only one of them, a 2018 Tesla Model 3, and Carvana’s was $5,850 higher.
CarMax offered $3,050 more than TrueCar for the Tesla. For the other two cars, TrueCar’s estimates came in above CarMax’s offers, but an estimate isn’t an offer to buy.
CarMax doesn’t negotiate, so it won’t raise an offer to match Carvana’s. Carvana is best suited to a car under 10 years old in good condition.
TrueCar no longer buys cars itself. A local dealer in TrueCar’s program inspects the car and buys it, so if none takes part near you, TrueCar makes no offer.
Get Carvana’s and CarMax’s offers first, since each lasts seven days, and ask TrueCar last, since its dealer wants the car within 72 hours of the offer.
Key Takeaways
- What our tests found: Carvana offered $14,200, CarMax $11,400 and TrueCar $8,350 for a 2018 Tesla Model 3; for a 2022 Ford F-150 XL, Carvana offered $22,000 and CarMax $18,400 to a TrueCar estimate of $19,300; and for a 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, $24,600 and $22,400 to an estimate of $23,425.
- Still owe money on it: Carvana and CarMax pay off your loan out of the offer, and a TrueCar dealer does the same once you bring it your lender’s contact details and payoff amount.
- Owe more than the offer: You pay the difference at the sale: Carvana wants a certified check, a TrueCar dealer a certified check or other payment it agrees to, and a CarMax store takes a cashier’s or certified check, cash or a debit card.
- Watch out for: Home pickup from Carvana or CarMax may cost a fee depending on where you live, and CarMax’s isn’t offered everywhere, so to pay nothing, drive the car to a CarMax store or drop it at a Carvana hub or one of its car vending machines, which is always free.
- Ratings: BBB grades all three A+; on Trustpilot, Carvana rates 4.1 from 16,239 reviews, most by sellers it invited, CarMax 4.5 from 3,519, mostly by people who bought a car there, and TrueCar 1.3 from 1,816, its recent reviews almost all complaints posted without an invitation; TrueCar’s Google rating is 2.3 from 44, its recent ones from car buyers.
- What Carvana sellers report: If Carvana is paying off your loan, keep making payments until the lender shows zero, since some sellers’ payoffs stayed open more than a month.
- What CarMax sellers report: Enter the VIN and only the options your car has on CarMax’s form, since a wrong trim or missing feature cut some sellers’ offers at the store.
- How you’re paid: CarMax pays with a bank draft you deposit, a TrueCar dealer by check or bank transfer as it chooses, and Carvana with a check at the sale or a direct deposit that can take up to five business days.
- How fast you can sell: A sale can close the same day at a CarMax store and, in some locations, at Carvana, and a TrueCar dealer pays when you drop the car off.
- Which car goes where: Take a car more than 17 model years old to CarMax, which is interested in buying pretty much any car, since TrueCar’s program excludes one that age.
Compare Instant Offers
Where to Sell Your Car?
Better option when you- Newer car, want a fully online processCarvana offered the most on all 3 test vehicles and handles everything online with a 15-minute pickup
- Want transparent, reliable offersCarvana’s online quote holds if the car matches your answers and you finish within 7 days. CarMax’s offer can change after inspection, and a TrueCar dealer can revise its offer then too
- Still owe money on the carCarvana and CarMax both handle financed cars, but Carvana’s loan payoff is typically faster. CarMax payoffs took 3 to 7 weeks for some sellers
- Need same-day payment in personCarMax hands you a bank draft the same day, and your bank decides when it clears
- Prefer in-person with a store nearbyCarMax has 250+ stores nationwide. Walk in, get inspected, and leave with a bank draft the same day
- Good negotiator with time to shop aroundTrueCar connects you with multiple dealers where you can negotiate. Carvana and CarMax offers are mostly take-it-or-leave-it
Neither, for a salvage title, non-running, or major damage. Carvana needs the car to run. CarMax won’t buy salvage titles and offers less for frame damage. Try junk car buyers like Peddle or Wheelzy 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
CarMax inspects and buys your car at 250+ stores
- Buys your car even if you don't buy one there
- Offer holds seven days and is not negotiable
- At-home pickup, though not everywhere and a fee may apply
- Quote in about 2 minutes online
-
Offer amount 35% 3/5
-
Process ease 20% 3/5
-
Offer validity 15% 4/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 4/5
-
Payment speed 15% 2/5
With TrueCar you get an instant offer and drop off at a local location
- See an estimated value in minutes
- Price tools show recent comps
- Walk away with a check in hand
- Offer is good for three days
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Offer amount 35% 3/5
-
Process ease 20% 2/5
-
Offer validity 15% 3/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 1/5
-
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. CarMax vs. TrueCar: Detailed Comparison
| Category |
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Newer cars under 10 years old, sellers who want home pickup | Newer cars in good condition, sellers who prefer in-person | Strong negotiators who want multiple dealer offers |
| Quote Speed | About 2 minutes online | About 2 minutes online (final offer after in-person inspection) | Minutes for a TRUECash Offer, which the dealer can revise at its inspection |
| Offer Validity | 7 days | 7 days | 3 days |
| Time to Complete | About 3 to 10 days on average, or the same day in some locations (pickup takes about 15 minutes) | Same day (30 minutes to 4 hours depending on wait) | TrueCar says same day, after a dealer drop-off within 3 days |
| Payment Method | Printed check or ACH transfer (2 to 5 business days) | Bank draft, paid same day, deposit only | Varies by dealer |
| Inspection Type | At pickup or vending machine drop-off | In-person at store or at-home pickup (30 to 45 minutes) | At the TrueCar dealer where you drop off the car |
| Pickup Service | Home pickup in some areas, sometimes for a fee, or free drop-off at a Carvana location or vending machine | At-home pickup available (fee may apply), free Lyft ride home after in-store sale | Drive to dealerships yourself |
| Seller Fees | A possible pickup fee set by location, shown at booking ($0 to $600 in our test offers); none for drop-off | None for in-store, fee may apply for at-home pickup | None (free to use) |
| Cars with Loans | Yes, works with lender to pay off loan | Yes, pays lender directly (3 to 7 weeks for some sellers) | Yes, the dealer pays the lender (equity check in about 10 to 14 days) |
| Won’t Buy | Cars that don’t run | Salvage titles; frame or flood damage means a smaller offer | Salvage titles, cars older than 17 model years, flood or major mechanical damage |
| Can You Negotiate? | No, take it or leave it | No, CarMax’s offers are firm | Yes, expected to negotiate with dealers |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.1/5 stars (16,239 reviews) | 4.5/5 stars (3,519 reviews) | 1.3/5 stars (1,816 reviews) |
| Google Rating | Varies by location | Varies by location, usually 4+ stars | 2.3/5 stars (44 reviews) |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A+ | A+ |
| Main Drawback | Pickup can carry a fee in some locations, drivers sometimes late, hard to reach support | In-store offer can drop from the online quote; paid by bank draft | Dealer calls and emails for weeks; older seller reviews put offers 10% to 20% under the estimate |
Carvana vs. CarMax vs. TrueCar Offers
We requested quotes from all three companies for several vehicles. Here’s what each one offered:
2018 Tesla Model 3 with 73k miles and a clean title Carvana +$2,800
$14,200
See all three offer screenshots
2022 Ford F-150 XL with 72.5k miles and a clean title Carvana +$3,600
$22,000
See all three screenshots
2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE with 61.5k miles and a clean title Carvana +$2,200
$24,600
See all three screenshots
How each offer can change
- Carvana: the check happens at pickup. Carvana checks the VIN against CarFax and AutoCheck and may adjust the offer if the car’s condition doesn’t match what you described online.
- CarMax: the inspection takes 30 to 45 minutes at its store or during at-home pickup, and it sometimes asks for photos before your visit. It checks mechanical issues, body damage, and tire condition, and some sellers say the in-store offer dropped after it.
- TrueCar: the dealer that made the offer runs its own inspection when you drop off the car. If it finds the car isn’t as you described, it can lower the offer or refuse to buy.
Alternatives to Sell a Car
-
Offer amount 30% 5/5
-
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
-
Buyer reach 25% 5/5
-
Safety features 25% 3/5
-
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
-
Offer amount 35% 5/5
-
Process ease 20% 3/5
-
Offer validity 15% 4/5
-
Pickup / drop-off 15% 5/5
-
Payment speed 15% 5/5
- Instant offer online, valid for 7 days
- Photo inspection on your phone, no download
- Free pickup from anywhere in the U.S.
- Pays by bank transfer after pickup, or by check
- Buys cars with a loan or lease, in most cases
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
Does Carvana, CarMax, or TrueCar offer the most money?
In our 2026 tests, Carvana offered the most on all 3 vehicles. They offered $14,200 for the Tesla Model 3 versus $11,400 from CarMax and $8,350 from TrueCar.
For the Ford F-150, Carvana offered $22,000 and CarMax $18,400. TrueCar showed an estimated value of $19,300, which isn’t an offer.
The RAV4 was the closest, with Carvana at $24,600 and CarMax at $22,400, and a TrueCar estimate of $23,425. Results can vary by vehicle, so get quotes from all three.
How long do Carvana, CarMax, and TrueCar quotes last?
Carvana and CarMax quotes are both valid for 7 days. TrueCar estimates last 3 days before you need to refresh them. Get all your quotes within the same week so you’re comparing current numbers.
Which service has better customer reviews?
Carvana has 4.1 stars on Trustpilot from 16,239 reviews.
CarMax has 4.5 stars from 3,519 reviews. TrueCar has 1.3 stars from 1,816 reviews.
Common Carvana complaints mention late pickup drivers and hard to reach customer service. Some CarMax sellers report in-store offers dropping from the online quote.
TrueCar users mention dealer offers coming in lower than the website estimate and receiving contacts for weeks.
Do Carvana, CarMax, or TrueCar change their offers at pickup?
Carvana may adjust the offer if they find issues you didn’t mention during the online quote. They check the car against CarFax and AutoCheck at pickup.
Sellers who described the car accurately report being paid what was quoted; the bigger risk is the 7-day offer running out before your appointment.
CarMax’s in-store offer can come in lower than the online estimate after its 30 to 45 minute inspection.
TrueCar dealers set their own prices after inspecting the car, and older seller reviews describe offers under the initial estimate on TrueCar’s website.
Which service is the fastest?
CarMax is the fastest if you visit a store. You can walk out with a bank draft the same day, though your bank decides when the money is free to use. Carvana pays you at the appointment, by check or a bank transfer of 2 to 5 business days, after a sale that can close the same day in some locations and takes about 3 to 10 days on average.
TrueCar can finish the same day too. You get the car to its dealer within 3 days of the offer, and TrueCar says the sale can happen on the day you drop it off. If the dealer lowers the offer at its inspection, you’ll need to sell somewhere else.
How does each service pay you?
Carvana pays by printed check at pickup, which you deposit with a bank teller, or ACH bank transfer that takes 2 to 5 business days.
CarMax pays by bank draft the same day, a check its issuing bank guarantees, which you deposit before you can use the money.
TrueCar payment depends on which dealer buys your car. Each dealer has their own payment method and timeline.
Can I sell to Carvana, CarMax, or TrueCar if I still owe money?
Yes with Carvana and CarMax. Both work directly with your lender to pay off the loan. Carvana is typically faster. CarMax’s payoff reached some sellers’ lenders three to seven weeks after the sale, so keep making payments until it clears.
With TrueCar, the dealer clears the loan from your offer and sends any money left over by check, in about 10 to 14 days.
What paperwork do I need to sell my car?
All three require your car title (or loan info if financed), valid driver’s license, and all keys including key fobs, and Carvana asks for current registration only in California or if you’re moving your plates. If multiple people are on the title, everyone needs to sign, and Carvana needs every owner at the appointment.
Some situations like inherited vehicles or estates need extra paperwork. Carvana won’t accept a will, estate papers or a non-military power of attorney, so the title must be in your name first, and CarMax has experienced teams for complex documentation.
Can I negotiate the offer from Carvana, CarMax, or TrueCar?
Carvana offers are take-it-or-leave-it with no room to negotiate. CarMax doesn’t negotiate either, and no seller in our read of its complaints and reviews got more by showing a competing quote.
TrueCar’s terms let you try to negotiate a better price with the dealer, and you’re free to sell elsewhere. If you’re comfortable haggling, you might get a better price by playing dealers against each other.
What if none of these services works for my car?
If your car has a salvage title, doesn’t run, or has major damage, these three services probably won’t help. Carvana needs the car to run. CarMax won’t buy salvage titles, and frame damage drags its offer down.
For problem vehicles, try companies that handle junk and damaged cars like Peddle or Wheelzy. They buy cars in any condition and offer free towing.
Article Update History
New quotes from all three, ratings from Trustpilot and Google, and CarMax's at-home pickup added.
Originally posted and shared with our readers.
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