Alysha (@alyshasrunningwild) went viral on TikTok after admitting she did something “unconventional” when buying a car: She ordered it from Carvana without ever seeing it in person.
She said she’d read horror stories about Carvana, but her own experience was easy. Carvana picked up her old car as a trade-in and swapped it for another vehicle she found on the site.
Alysha added that she checked local dealerships before making her choice, but Carvana offered everything she wanted at a better price. As of this writing, her video detailing the experience has already drawn more than 26,000 views.
Customer Details Buying Experience
Alysha’s gamble arrived in her driveway in the form of a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited.
“The process to this point has been the easiest car buying process that I have ever dealt with,” she said, pointing out there was no down payment and no shipping fee tacked on.
She filmed the handoff, showing the Jeep rolling off the truck and into her hands. At first glance, it looked solid—no dents, fresh tires, leather seats, and just a few chips in the paint.
“The car came fairly clean,” she noted, “and with half a tank of gas.”
Still, Alysha wasn’t about to take Carvana’s word for it. She posted a follow-up video saying she visited a Jeep dealership a few days later, where a mechanic performed a complete diagnostic check. The verdict: spotless. No leaks; no hidden issues.
“It’s exactly what I wanted,” Alysha said, adding that the technician told her the SUV was in excellent condition.
The best part, she said in her original video, was the price tag. The Carvana Jeep came in nearly $10,000 less than she would’ve paid at a local dealer.
“I can’t say enough good things about our experience with Carvana,” she said. “I’m really happy that everything checked out.”
Should You Buy a Car Without Seeing It First?
Although Alysha had a good car-buying experience, buying a vehicle without seeing it first is a risky bet, as you could end up with a car that has hidden damage, serious mechanical problems, or one that looks nothing like the photos. In the worst cases, sellers can disappear with your money altogether.
Buying a car through Carvana, which has a clear return policy, makes it easier to take the gamble. However, once you receive the vehicle, it’s still best to follow Alysha’s example and have the car inspected by a mechanic before officially taking ownership. After all, photos can hide dents or issues under the hood.
If you have no choice but to buy sight unseen, there are ways to protect yourself. According to CarGurus, some tips for this include requesting detailed photos and videos of the car (both inside and out), running the VIN through history and safety databases, and hiring a trusted inspector or mechanic to inspect it before making a commitment. It is also best to ensure ahead of time that you’re doing business with only reputable sellers.
The safest move, though, is still the most obvious one: See the car yourself.
Carvana Horror Stories
Carvana’s reputation hasn’t been spotless. The company has received complaints for everything from botched paperwork to cars that appear differently in person than they are advertised, as Motor1 has previously reported.
One of the biggest frustrations with Carvana is the lack of communication. Warranty headaches are another sticking point. Sherpa Auto Transport reported that buyers often complain about the expense and drawn-out nature of repair claims.
In some cases, problems have extended far beyond customer service. Carvana has faced lawsuits accusing it of deceptive practices, including manipulating loan accounts, inflating earnings, and misrepresenting vehicles.
The cars themselves have also drawn plenty of criticism. On Reddit, one customer reported that their vehicle arrived with hidden damage, mechanical issues, bald tires, and crooked wheels—despite Carvana’s much-hyped “150-point inspection.”
Even delivery, the company’s supposed selling point, can fall apart. Despite Alysha’s smooth delivery, Motor1 noted that customers have had their cars delayed at the last minute for no apparent reason.
Viewers Share Good Experiences With Carvana
Turns out, Alysha isn’t the only one singing Carvana’s praises. Many commenters reported having used the site and having a smooth experience.
“I purchased my Subaru from Carvana, it went smoothly, and she checked out good too,” one woman wrote. “Good luck with your Jeep!”
“They get a lot of hate, but I also had a good experience with Carvana,” another added. “Refinanced my car after 8 months with my bank and have loved my car.”
“I bought three cars from Carvana. My family has had them for many years now,” said a third. “Loved my experience with them! Highly recommend.”
Not everyone was convinced, though. Some said the horror stories they’d heard made them wary.
“Bold choice,” one commenter said. “You do know those are plagued with problems, right?”
“Anything Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Stelantis is gonna be a problem,” another warned. “Good luck with that. No pre-purchase inspection is insane.”
“I’m glad it worked out for you. I’ve never heard a good story about Carvana,” a third added.
Motor1 has reached out to Alysha via a direct message on TikTok. It reached out to Carvana via email.