Carvana Return Policy
Carvana’s return policy gives you a 7-day money-back guarantee from the day you receive the car: return it for any reason within 7 days and you get a refund, less shipping fees. The limits are tight — 400 miles before a $1 per mile charge kicks in, a notification deadline of 8 p.m. Eastern Time on day 7, and no return at all if the car has been damaged, altered or in an accident.
Every car also carries a 100-day or 4,189-mile limited warranty. This guide covers the week, the mileage maths, and the exchange rules.
Return Period: 7 days from delivery
Mileage Allowance: 400 miles, then $1 per extra mile
Notify By: 8 p.m. ET on day 7
Limited Warranty: 100 days or 4,189 miles
Return Windows at a Glance
| Category | Return window | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| 7-Day Money Back Guarantee | 7 days from the day you receive the vehicle | Return for any reason; notify Carvana before 8 p.m. ET on day 7; refund less shipping fees |
| Mileage allowance | 400 miles during the 7 days | Each mile over 400 costs $1, deducted from the refund |
| Exchanges | Up to 2 exchanges (3 vehicles total) | The third vehicle does not carry the same 7-day protection |
| Limited warranty (Worry Free Guarantee) | 100 days or 4,189 miles, whichever comes first | Covers mechanical assemblies; separate from the return guarantee |
| Refund timing | 10 to 15 business days | After the return is processed; bank posting time may add days |
How to Return a Car to Carvana
- Start the clock on delivery day. The guarantee starts the day you receive the vehicle, and that day counts as day 1.
- Tell Carvana before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on day 7. The physical collection can happen later, but the notification cannot.
- Keep the car inside the mileage and condition limits. Stay under 400 miles, keep the car in its delivered condition.
- Arrange collection with Carvana. Keep all keys, documents and accessories ready to hand over.
- Wait for the refund. Refunds take 10 to 15 business days. Shipping charges are not refunded.
How Long Do You Have to Return a Car to Carvana?
Seven calendar days from the day you receive the vehicle, with the notification deadline at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on day 7. It is not midnight on day 7, and time zones matter: a buyer in California must notify by 5 p.m. local time.
Set a reminder for day 5 to make the keep-or-return decision, so day 7 is never a scramble.
What Is the 400-Mile Limit?
During the 7 days you may drive up to 400 miles. Each mile over 400 costs $1, deducted from your refund. A 500-mile week therefore costs $100.
The limit is a charge, not an automatic disqualification: a car driven 450 miles can still be returned, with $50 deducted. Photograph the odometer on delivery day and track it daily.
What Condition Must the Car Be In?
Carvana will not accept a return if the vehicle has been damaged, altered from the condition it was sold in, or involved in an accident during the test-own period. The car must also not have been given a lien other than Carvanas own financing.
Insure the car from delivery day, and do not lend it to anyone else during the trial.
Can You Exchange a Carvana Car Instead of Returning It?
Yes. You may exchange up to two times, for three vehicles in total. The third vehicle does not carry the same 7-day protection.
Start the exchange on day 2 or 3, not day 7, so there is time to choose and schedule the replacement.
How Are Refunds Issued and How Long Do They Take?
A successful return refunds what you paid, less shipping fees and any mileage charges. Refunds take 10 to 15 business days to process.
| Return route | How the refund timing works |
|---|---|
| Return within 7 days, under 400 miles | Full refund less shipping charges; 10 to 15 business days |
| Return within 7 days, over 400 miles | Same refund, less $1 per mile over 400 |
| Exchange (up to 2 times) | Value moves to the replacement vehicle; third vehicle carries no 7-day protection |
| After day 7 | No money-back guarantee; the 100-day limited warranty covers mechanical faults only |
What Covers the Car After the 7 Days?
The Worry Free Guarantee runs for 100 days or 4,189 miles, whichever comes first. It covers mechanical assemblies and is handled through SilverRock.
Every Carvana Certified car also passes a 150-point inspection. Use the 7 days to verify those claims with an independent inspection.
Does Carvana Extend Returns for the Holidays?
No holiday extension is published. The 7 days apply in December exactly as in June.
Carvana Contact Options
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Customer service phone | 1-800-333-4554 |
| Help Center and chat | carvana.com Help Center |
| Warranty claims | SilverRock |
| In person | Delivery or pickup at a Carvana location |
Carvana on Social Media
Follow Carvana on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gocarvana · Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gocarvana · LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/carvana/ · X at https://x.com/carvana.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 7-Day Money Back Guarantee lets you return the car for any reason within 7 days of delivery, provided you notify Carvana before 8 p.m. ET on day 7, stay within 400 miles, and keep the car in its delivered condition. You get a refund, less shipping fees.
On the day you receive the vehicle, which counts as day 1. The deadline is 8 p.m. Eastern Time on the 7th day.
You are charged $1 for every mile over 400, deducted from your refund. A 500-mile week costs $100.
No. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Delivery fees are refundable.
Yes, up to two times, for three vehicles in total. The third vehicle does not carry the same 7-day protection.
Refunds take 10 to 15 business days to process after the return.
Damage, an accident, modification or a lien beyond Carvanas own financing. Missing the 8 p.m. ET deadline also ends the guarantee.
The 100-day or 4,189-mile limited warranty on mechanical assemblies, handled through SilverRock. It covers mechanical faults, not change of mind, and it excludes wear parts, maintenance and cosmetic flaws.
Related Guides
- Walmart Return Policy
- Target Return Policy
- Costco Return Policy
- Amazon Return Policy
- Best Buy Return Policy
- Home Depot Return Policy
- Lowe’s Return Policy
- Kohl’s Return Policy
- Nike Return Policy
- Apple Return Policy
Conclusion
Carvana’s return policy is a genuine safety net with a tripwire — 7 days and 400 miles are enough to know whether a car fits, only if the 8 p.m. ET deadline on day 7 is respected and the car is kept exactly as delivered. The costs of getting it wrong are non-refundable shipping, $1 per extra mile, and no protection on a third exchanged car. Inspect early, decide by day 5, and notify in writing well before the deadline.
Disclaimer: Policy Return is an independent guide and is not affiliated with Carvana. Return policies can change at any time; always confirm the current policy on Carvana’s official website before making a return.
Checked against Carvana’s published policy on 3 November 2026. Policies change; the retailer’s official page is the final word.
