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Vroom Review: How It Works, Pros and Cons

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Vroom

Overall Rating

2.4

543 Customer Reviews

Summary

Vroom is a car-buying website that helps you to buy a used or like-new car entirely online and avoid dealing with a pushy salesman. Our review will help you understand if this service is worth using.

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Our Full Review

By Zina Kumok

Updated on: Mar 26, 2020

No one loves the car dealership experience. It’s tedious, stressful and leaves you feeling taken advantage of. When you really think about it, why should anyone have to haggle with a stranger just to buy a vehicle?

Like many online retailers looking to simplify traditionally complicated buying experiences, Vroom offers an alternative. You can search, inspect and buy a car in the comfort of your own home.

Instead of negotiating for the best deal and feeling pressured to make a decision on the spot, you can compare their fixed prices at your own leisure.

But is Vroom truly a step forward in the evolution of car buying, or a gimmicky way to avoid the transparency that comes with seeing a car in person? What do Vroom customers have to say about the experience?

How Vroom Works

Vroom is an online car-buying site where you can buy used and like-new cars. Instead of visiting a dealership, talking to a pushy salesman and haggling over cost and features, you can handle the transaction almost entirely online.

The process is simple. You visit the Vroom website, choose a car, pay a $500 deposit and then pay in full or wait for financing. After everything is completed, the car will be delivered to you. Sometimes you can arrange to pick it up yourself if you live nearby. There’s a $599 delivery fee that’s non-refundable.

While you won’t have to visit a dealership, there may be some phone calls required. You also may have to sign and mail documents to the company.

Vroom’s online reviews leave something to be desired. They have a 2.1-star rating here on HighYa, based on 200 reviews. The Better Business Bureau gave them an A+ rating, but the average customer review is also two stars with 63 reviews.

Warranty

Each car comes with a seven-day return policy, up to 250 miles. If you don’t like the car, you can return it during that time. You’ll owe a $599 restocking fee unless you can prove the car didn’t match the description or had some serious problems.

Some Vroom cars have a free 90-day, 6,000-mile limited warranty. If your car needs a repair within that time, you can take it to a dealership or ASE certified mechanic. The 90-day warranty has a $50 deductible per instance.

Every vehicle comes with one year of free roadside assistance if you get a flat tire, the battery dies or you lock yourself out of the vehicle. The Vroom website says they may offer other extended warranty packages and gap insurance, depending on the car

Selling Your Car

Vroom accepts trade-ins and can add the value of your current car to your new purchase. You can also sell a car to Vroom even if you’re not buying a vehicle from them.

You’ll go to the Vroom website and type in the car’s information, like its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and mileage. You will then receive an offer within 30 minutes if done during Vroom’s business hours.

The offer is valid for 10 business days, up to 250 miles. If you agree to the price, the car will be picked by Vroom at a mutually-agreed-upon time. Payment is issued at pickup via cashier’s check.

If you buy a car from Vroom, trade-in your own and then return the new car, you can’t get your original car back. But you’ll still be paid for the value of your trade-in.

Car Selection

Vroom’s selection includes a variety of cars including gas-powered, hybrid and luxury vehicles. You can buy a Maserati or a standard Ford F-150 truck. All the cars have low miles, with the upper limit around 50,000 miles.

The selection isn’t as robust as Carvana’s, a similar online car-buying service. In a search for Toyota Camry models, Vroom had 42 options available while Carvana had 387. Vroom had 12 Teslas while Carvana had 79.

Carvana also tends to offer cars with higher mileage counts, capping at around 100,000, meaning they also offer lower price points.

Financing

Like Carvana and most car dealerships, you can finance a purchase through Vroom or use your own lender. Vroom works with major banks like Chase, Ally, and Capital One.

To see possible rates, you have to select a particular car and scroll down to the payment calculator. Type in the trade-in amount, down payment, estimated credit score and term length. Vroom will then estimate your payment and APR.

It’s still better to get pre-approved through a third-party lender – that way you can see what rates they offer before applying with Vroom.

Vroom vs. Dealership

If you’re buying a car and need to finance it, going to a dealership used to be your only option. Now sites like Vroom make it possible to buy a car without leaving your house.

The Vroom process claims to take around 11–15 days, which will vary if any issues arise with financing. One anonymous reviewer said his car was delivered a day earlier than promised.

One of the downsides to online car-buying services like Vroom and Carvana is that you can’t test drive the vehicle before you buy it. You’re also not able to have it inspected by an objective third-party mechanic.

Some customers report problems after buying the car and having a mechanic look at it. These include both minor cosmetic and major mechanical problems.

If you buy a car from a traditional dealership, they’ll usually let you take it to a mechanic for their own inspection. If the mechanic finds something, you can use that information to walk away from the car or negotiate for a better price.

This is where buying a car with Vroom can be difficult. If the car has no issues, you’re golden.

If the car starts having problems shortly after delivery, you have to negotiate with Vroom for a post-purchase discount or reimbursement. Unfortunately, you may have to call several times and provide solid proof for Vroom to refund you any money.

If you chose Vroom because you hate talking on the phone and dealing with salesmen, then initiating a dispute with them over a faulty car will probably be a nightmare.

Pros

Vroom is ideal for someone who wants to buy a car without taking the time to visit a dealership, go for a test drive and haggle with a salesman.

Pricing is fixed with Vroom, so the number you see on the site is the number you’ll pay, excluding taxes and registration fees. However, their website says they sometimes match competing offers, so you may get lucky if you can find the same car for a lower price.

Vroom will deliver your car within 10–14 days after all paperwork has been completed and finalized. This is longer than it would take from a dealership, so buyers should be prepared to wait.

The Vroom free roadside assistance program includes towing, battery service, lock-out assistance, and gas if you run out. This lasts for a year and covers anyone driving the car.

Cons

Some reviewers claim that Vroom delayed sending their car registration information. If you drive a car without proper registration, you risk getting a ticket and late fees. This can be stressful and costly – especially if Vroom declines to cover the late fees.

One Reddit user who bought a 2018 truck through Vroom returned it because of a dent that wasn’t in the description or photos, as well as rust on the bottom of the truck. While many people are happy with their purchase through Vroom, undisclosed cosmetic issues are fairly common.

Even though Vroom offers a seven-day return policy, they can decline to refund the delivery fee. If you can’t prove that the description or photos don’t match the car, you may have to eat that $599 delivery charge.

The Bottom Line

Though Vroom has competitive prices on their vehicles, their poor customer reviews indicate some serious problems.

Unless you don’t have a dealership nearby or you truly hate talking to salespeople, you should consider looking elsewhere for your next car. If buying a car online appeals to you, Carvana has better customer reviews.

If you still want to use Vroom, look at the pictures and description carefully. Vroom offers a free Carfax report which will show if the car has ever been in an accident, used for commercial purposes or on the receiving end of flood damage.

Read through the report carefully for any red flags. A little extra due diligence may prevent some of the major headaches other Vroom customers have reported.

Customer Reviews

2.4 Stars out of 543 Reviews
5 Star:27% 4 Star:4% 3 Star:4% 2 Star:9% 1 Star:54%
35% Recommend This Service
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Posted on Feb 7, 2024

Started purchasing a newer vehicle…

By WALTER E. , Clifton NJ

I started to purchase a used vehicle, a 2021 Hyundai Tucson. The contact I was working with was very knowledgeable and honest. So I will keep it to the end. And I hope that everything will be okay.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Posted on Aug 22, 2023

Buying a car online

By Bashar A., Houston, TX, Verified Reviewer

Overall it was a great experience and the process did not last that long.

Everything was done online!

It was my first time buying a car online and it will not be the last.

Length of Use: 2+ years

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Everything was done online

No “cons” were specified in this review

Posted on Jun 25, 2023

Horrible

By Ilasha G., Savannah, GA, Verified Reviewer

Horrible experience! I was approved for a vehicle. There was a lot back and forth communication, paying a reserve fee, sending in all documents, having the documents that needed to get notarized, putting insurance on the vehicle, and sending a down payment. Well, after everything was finalized, I received an email that I had to once again submit proof of income. Like huh? I just signed a contract and sent a down payment! So after I once again sent in more documents, I was told to wait for a shipment date. Well, another week went by and now the bank is contacting me for proof of income! I was so over it. I asked for a refund, just to get a response in an email saying “Yes, ma’am.” I’m still waiting for my refund confirmation for the deposit. I got one for the reserve fee.

I wouldn’t suggest this company if it was the last place on earth! I went to CarMax and was approved, next day went and finalized everything. The vehicle is in my yard now!

Worst experience ever with Vroom. Stay away!

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

Poor communication

Horrible customer service

Horrible customer support

Posted on Apr 30, 2023

Be wary of the vehicles you purchase from Vroom

By Andrew L., Atlanta, GA, Verified Reviewer

I purchased a 2016 Jeep Wrangler from Vroom. The buying process is smooth and I sold my old car to them. That is also pretty smooth. My issue is the vehicle wasn’t road-worthy when I received it. The delivery driver warned me that the parking brake won’t hold so I should get that fixed. I drove it to work the next day and the check engine light came on. I called Vroom and told them to open a claim so I can get it repaired. Shortly after that, I get the traction control and ABS warning lights and my front driver side brake started to smoke.

It took about a week to get my vehicle into the shop. Once it was in they did a full inspection and the list of issues they discovered were pretty major. The least of the issues was the check engine light. There was severe rust on the wheel bearings so that caused the ABS and traction control issues, the brake caliper doesn’t release all the way so the front driver side brakes rub and smoke, damaging both pad and rotor, the flange that connects the Catalytic converter to the exhaust pipe was rusted and broke free so I had an exhaust leak making it sound awful and run rough.

If they did any sort of maintenance before they sold the vehicle it would have never left the lot. These aren’t issues that just pop up all of a sudden these were there when they got the vehicle and they were there when they sold it. Now the warranty service is only wanting to cover the check engine light issue which was a coolant thermostat. There’s $5000 worth of work that needs to be done and should have been done before it was sold and they don’t want to cover. They sold a vehicle that wouldn’t pass emissions and has major braking issues. The customer service is difficult to get a hold of and I’ve been waiting for answers for about a month. Now they have told me they won’t cover anything but the coolant thermostat.

Length of Use: 1–2 years

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Easy to buy and sell

Slow customer service

Shady sales practice

Terrible maintenance prior to sale

Posted on Apr 12, 2023

It’s a different kid of buying experience

By Dee Y., Delaware, Verified Reviewer

First off, Vroom is a good online dealership with a lot of nice vehicles to choose from. Secondly, they have banks that work with less-than-perfect credit.

So once I was approved for the vehicle I wanted I was excited. I had to submit a lot of paperwork online, proof of residency and income, and I had to get insurance even before the vehicle arrived to show proof that the vehicle was covered (extra expense) covering a vehicle for 2 weeks without having it. The rest of the process when smoothly as far as my trade, I had to get some paperwork notarized for the title. Then when I got the car I was happy and the registration and title paperwork went smoothly also. I took the vehicle through inspection in my state with no problems and I had my permanent plates within 10 days.

Now for the car and the maintenance, I would say it was a 10 BUT the AC was not working when I tried to use it. I called Vroom and they gave me the number to Safe Guard Warranty and I was told to have a diagnostic test run, so I took it to Honda and the Compressor failed. I’m so thankful the Compressor was covered under “Honda warranty,” so I didn’t have to file a claim with Safe Guard. I have always purchased vehicles “certified used” by Honda, so had this car been certified, I wouldn’t have had a failed AC. However, I’m glad it was covered. Overall I love the car, and it’s everything I wanted.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Fast title and registration process

Availability of vehicles

Nice salesperson

You don’t really know what you're getting until you get it

They only post the pictures that they want you to see

Not really sure what condition the vehicles are in

Posted on Mar 31, 2023

They had me at: The convenience of buying my vehicle from the comfort of my home.

By Kathy T., Trumbull, CT, Verified Reviewer

Fantastic experience from day 1, first speaking to Jaime, who was excellent, then being assigned to my very own personal representative, Mohsin Aziz, the best! Throughout my extensive communication with Mohsin, he was extremely courteous, timely with his responses to me, and kept me updated every step of the way. The entire process was quick and convenient...began the process on 2/8, car was delivered on 2/25 with 90-day temp plates and registration, and permanent plates and registration arrived on 3/21 (way less than 90 days). We had one issue with our vehicle upon inspection by our mechanic, front rotor replacement, and although it was past the 7-day grace period, Vroom reimbursed us $300 of our $438 bill. I've been telling all my friends and family about my awesome Vroom experience and my beautiful 2020 Chevy Equinox!

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

The convenience of purchasing from home.

Having the direct extension & email address to one personally-assigned rep throughout the entire process.

From start to finish the process was extremely expeditious.

Make it clearer that if something goes wrong with the car, take a pic and send to Vroom for their mechanics, don't pay your personal mechanic to get the work done.

Posted on Mar 24, 2023

Second time buying from Vroom

By Tracey J., Lancaster, CA, Verified Reviewer

Great experience. This is the second car I’ve brought from Vroom and the quality of vehicles is why I came back to buy again.

Length of Use: 2+ years

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Buying process

The convenience

Delivery

Waiting timeframe

Too many representative handling the account

Asking for paperwork multiple times when already sent

Posted on Jan 26, 2023

8 months and still incorrect paperwork

By Paul B., Los Angeles, CA, Verified Reviewer

My advice, do not buy a car from Vroom. After over 100 messages and 100 emails, 8 months later, I finally received the correct paperwork to register my car in California. A one-star review is way to good for Vroom.

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

No “pros” were specified in this review

Can’t speak to a real person

Told they would replay within 72 hours, never did

Took over 8 months to get correct paperwork

Posted on Nov 17, 2022

Vroom is amazing!

By Trinny L. , Atlanta, GA

Vroom was amazing to utilize! Received a great offer. The process was easy to understand and so quick to process. From the paperwork to the pick-up process, there was constant communication to always be in the know of the next steps. I opted for a mailed-in check as payment and it was received within a week! So convenient, stress, and hassle-free. Would highly recommend!

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Service

Easy to understand

Fast process

No “cons” were specified in this review

Posted on Nov 17, 2022

Vroom over delivers

By Ruy A., Baltimore, MD, Verified Reviewer

Vroom was fantastic. The process was explained well, easy, and the staff was knowledgeable and willing to help. I sold my Tesla Model 3 to them. I checked other car-buying solutions, but Vroom was by far the best price and most convenient.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Everything was online.

It was very fast.

They offered a fair price.

No “cons” were specified in this review

Posted on Oct 1, 2022

Not what I expected

By Annette M., Steelton, PA, Verified Reviewer

I purchased a vehicle on 9/20 and while the purchase and delivery process went smoothly, I was sold a lemon car! Six days into owning my car and already transmission issues! Can’t trade it for a better vehicle until I get the title, email states 4-week wait, but when I called to inquire, I was told 6–8 week wait, and I am back where I started with a vehicle that is unsafe for use.

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Pros and Cons

Online shopping

Car was given with transmission issues

Not told car would need work on so soon after purchase

Wait time for title

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