CarBravo Vs. Carvana

North Charleston consumers can research, search for, and purchase used vehicles more conveniently than ever before, thanks to online car-buying platforms. Two notable players in this area are CarBravo, a hybrid platform backed by General Motors (GM), and Carvana, which offers an entirely digital, online purchase experience. Compare the GM CarBravo used-car marketplace to Carvana here and see which you prefer.

What Is CarBravo & How Does It Work?

CarBravo is a certified used-vehicle platform created by GM. It is a hybrid platform that enables Mount Pleasant buyers to search for used inventory, apply for financing, and learn the trade-in value of your current vehicle online. The test drive and actual transaction must be conducted at a participating dealership. In some cases, a vehicle may be delivered to you, but the availability of this option varies by dealer. And while CarBravo mainly deals with GM brands (e.g., Chevrolet, Buick, GMC), it is nonetheless authorized to certify and sell non-GM-branded used vehicles as well.

What Is Carvana & How Does It Work?

Unlike CarBravo, Carvana is an entirely online platform where searching for inventory, getting a trade-in, sourcing financing, and purchasing are conducted online. Carvana also delivers your vehicle directly to you, eliminating the need to visit a dealership, though you can opt to pick it up at one of their famous glass vending machines instead.

CarBravo Vs. Carvana: Which Is Right For You?

Although Carvana offers a great deal of convenience and is an attractive option for time-strapped buyers, CarBravo offers James Island consumers more benefits than Carvana. For example:

• Because CarBravo works through participating dealerships, you can always visit and test-drive the vehicle prior to purchasing it. Carvana offers a 7-day money-back guarantee that lets you drive the vehicle and return it within that period, but test drives aren’t available unless you live near one of its very few test-drive centers.
• Both Carvana and CarBravo perform inspections according to internal standards: Carvana uses a 150-point inspection, while CarBravo uses a 126-point inspection for newer vehicles and a 62-point inspection for older vehicles. However, CarBravo inspections are conducted by GM factory-trained technicians, and all safety recalls are addressed prior to sale. Carvana does not address safety recalls.
• CarBravo is much more likely to use OEM-standard parts for necessary replacements, whereas Carvana often uses aftermarket or generic parts to reduce costs.
• Carvana offers a relatively short 100-day/4,189-mile limited warranty that covers basic and powertrain components for all vehicles. CarBravo offers different tiers of warranty depending on how old the purchased car is, with newer cars (Bravo Tier, or <10 model years and 100,000 miles) receiving a generous 12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty with no deductible, and older cars (Budget Tier, or greater than 10, but less than 15 model years and less than 150,000 miles) receiving a 30-day/1,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty coverage.
• Buyers can negotiate with CarBravo, especially on discounts, add-ons, financing, and more. Carvana operates on a very strict no-negotiation policy, and its prices are fixed.

Carvana offers a more varied inventory, whereas CarBravo is heavily (though not exclusively) GM-focused. Cadillac also does not participate in CarBravo, since GM positions Cadillac as its premier luxury brand, but you may be able to find used Cadillac vehicles through Carvana.

Trust CarBravo & Rick Hendrick Chevrolet For Your Next Car

While Cavana offers a more varied inventory and some conveniences, CarBravo is backed by a major manufacturer and offers Charleston buyers the security and reliability that comes with such backing. As a participating dealership, Rick Hendrick Chevrolet will gladly address any questions or concerns you may have about using CarBravo. Contact us today and let us help you get the process started.