Carvana doesn’t operate in Australia - but Carma does

If you’ve been researching how to buy a used car online, you’ve likely come across Carvana. Famous for its futuristic “car vending machines” and fully digital processes, Carvana has revolutionised the used car market in the United States and reshaped expectations around used car sales in Australia.

By enabling customers to bypass the often stressful and time-consuming traditional dealership experience, this U.S.-based online car retailer became a household name. So it’s no surprise many Australians are finding themselves searching for Carvana in Australia, hoping for the same seamless, tech-forward experience.

So, is Carvana available in Australia?

The short answer is no. Carvana doesn’t operate in Australia. But the good news is you don’t have to miss out. Carma (that’s us!) offers the same digital-first experience, complete with fixed prices and home delivery, tailored specifically for Aussie drivers. Here’s everything you need to know about the "Carvana of Australia" and why you can finally say goodbye to the old-school car yard.

Why Carvana doesn’t operate in Australia

While Carvana has expanded rapidly across North America, it remains focused on the U.S. market. Operating and managing a large physical fleet requires significant local infrastructure, and Australia’s unique geography and regulatory standards mean a U.S. company can’t simply “plug and play” its model here. Shoppers in Australia also have specific preferences and expectations that a foreign Australian version of Carvana would need to address from the ground up.

Who are Carvana and why is everyone Googling them?

Carvana made headlines in the US by removing the most painful aspects of buying a used car: haggling, hidden fees, and high-pressure sales tactics. Replacing the dusty dealership yard with a user-friendly website that allows you to buy a car in your PJs and have it delivered to your driveway like a pizza.

Their most viral feature is their Car Vending Machine, a multi-story glass tower where customers pick up their vehicle using a giant commemorative coin. While these towers are social media gold, the reality is that most Carvana customers opt for home delivery purely out of convenience. This digital-first ease is exactly what Carma sought to bring to the Australian market.

Carvana’s U.S. growth – why Australian shoppers are taking notice

So, why talk about a company 15,000km away? Because Carvana proved the "old way" of buying cars was broken. By becoming the third-fastest company to reach the Fortune 500 (behind only Google and Amazon), they demonstrated a global truth: people are tired of the traditional dealership runaround. Australians are taking notice because they want a process that respects their time and acknowledges how stressful purchasing a used car can be. Plus, why wouldn’t the average person want to buy a car the same way we buy everything else in the 21st century: online, with total confidence? So it’s no surprise used car websites in Australia are top of mind for Australian shoppers.

Carvana vs Carma: same experience, built for Australian drivers

At Carma, we’ve taken the best parts of the online buying model: speed, transparency, and ease, and refined them for the Australian market. If you’re looking for services like Carvana, here’s how the Carma experience shapes up to be the Carvana alternative Australia has been waiting for.

1. The home delivery experience

While Carvana is famous for its glass towers, the true magic lies in buying a quality used car from the comfort of your own home. It’s this model that Carma brings to Australia, with free delivery within Greater Sydney offered for every vehicle. So forget wasting your weekends running around dealerships. Just browse online, buy with confidence, and we’ll take care of the rest.

2. Fixed prices = no haggling

One of the biggest stressors at a traditional dealership is the negotiation. When it comes to the 2nd hand cars Australia has to offer, you’re never quite sure if you’re getting a fair deal. At Carma, the price you see is the price you pay.

• No hidden fees: Carma prioritises fixed and fair pricing so you won’t find any undisclosed "documentation" fees or last minute “market adjustments”.
• No awkward haggling: Everybody deserves a fair deal, regardless of whether or not you’re a master negotiator.
• Market-led pricing: Every vehicle is competitively priced, based on real-time market data that considers factors such as similar used auto sales in Australia, as well age and condition.

This transparency is a core part of the digital-first model that we are proud to uphold.

3. The 7-day money-back guarantee

An online car buying and selling experience for Australians doesn’t need to feel risky, that’s why Carma gives you 7 days to drive and decide if the car’s right for you. Let’s be honest, what does a 10-minute test drive around the block with a salesperson really tell you about a car? By offering you a whole week instead, Carma helps to take the pressure off. Drive it to work, load up the groceries, and see how the baby seat fits, all without being locked in. And if you do decide that the car isn’t right, simply return it for a full, no questions asked refund.

4. Quality verified by the NRMA

Carma’s commitment to quality raises the bar for used car dealerships everywhere and cements us as more than just an alternative to Carvana. Trust is everything when it comes to buying used cars, which is why we’re proud to say that Carma is the preferred used car dealership of the NRMA.

• NRMA verified processes: Our rigorous inspection and reconditioning processes are independently verified by the NRMA.
• Warranty protection: We provide a 3-month warranty on used cars as standard for additional peace of mind.

How Carma works: buying or selling pre-owned cars online

Whether you are upgrading or selling your current ride, Carma’s got you covered.

Step 1: browse quality used cars

Every car in our digital showroom goes through Carma’s state-of-the-art inspection and reconditioning centre. You can inspect every detail online with high-resolution 360° imagery, viewing the exact car you’ll receive, with any imperfections clearly shown for complete transparency.

Step 2: complete your online purchase

Once you’ve found “the one,” secure it with a fully refundable $500 deposit. To make life easier, we also offer competitive, personalised finance options with fast approvals. We’ll even handle all the paperwork. Plus, if you have a car you’re looking to sell or trade-in, we’ve got that covered too.

Step 3: enjoy free home delivery across Greater Sydney

Regardless of whether you opt for free delivery or click and collect, a member of our friendly team will be there to provide a full handover, answer any questions, and ensure everything is set up before you hit the road.

The bottom line: an Australian alternative is already here

You might not be able to use a Carvana vending machine, but with Carma, you get something better. A high-quality, NRMA backed online used car dealer in Australia, that delivers straight to your door.

The Carvana model proved that buying a used car doesn’t have to be something you dread. Don’t settle for the old way. Browse Carma’s quality used cars today and experience a new standard in car buying and selling.