What is Carvana's secret operation?

Carvana operates 56 physical auction sites across the US, selling 1,000 cars weekly, which is separate from their online buying experience.

Where does Carvana get its cars for auction?

Cars for Carvana's auctions come from expiring leases, dealership trade-ins, and retired rental fleets.

What types of cars does Carvana auction?

Carvana auctions include a range of vehicles, from newer models like a 2024 Tesla fetching around $30,000 to older vehicles sold 'as is' like a 2006 Isuzu Ascender.

Home / Business and Economy / Carvana Auctions: The Secret Used-Car Engine

Carvana Auctions: The Secret Used-Car Engine

2 Feb

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Summary

Carvana operates 56 auction sites nationwide selling 1,000 cars weekly.
These auction sites are separate from the company's online buying experience.
Vehicles sold at auction range from nearly new Teslas to older 'as is' models.

Carvana Auctions: The Secret Used-Car Engine

Carvana, known for its online used-car sales, also operates a significant network of physical auction sites across the United States. These 56 locations are not part of the company's public-facing marketing, which emphasizes a seamless online purchasing experience.

Instead, these auction facilities are hubs where 1,000 vehicles are sold each week. Cars are sourced from various channels, including expiring leases, trade-ins, and retired rental fleets. Carvana utilizes these auctions to dispose of models it doesn't intend to list on its own platform, while also acquiring vehicles for its own inventory.