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CarPresto

National online car retailer

CarPresto vs Carvana

Carvana buys cars online nationwide and completes the sale at a drop-off or paid pickup appointment. CarPresto is operated by a local dealer group: franchised dealerships compete for your car, the appraisal happens at a store near you with no fee, and your firm offer stands for 7 days.

Carvana facts below are paraphrased from its published pages, checked on September 15, 2026. Each row links to the page we read. CarPresto facts come from our Offer Terms and are the same on every page of this site.

Side by side

  • Fees to sell

    CarPresto
    None. No appraisal fee, no admin or processing fee.
    Carvana
    No charge to drop off at a Carvana location. Pickup carries a service charge that varies by location.
    Source
    Carvana page for fees to sellChecked September 15, 2026

  • How long the offer stands

    CarPresto
    7 days, with the exact date and time on the offer.
    Carvana
    7 days. Carvana says the offer will not change if the information you provide is accurate.
    Source
    Carvana page for how long the offer standsChecked September 15, 2026

  • How the car is checked

    CarPresto
    A free in-person appraisal, about 30 minutes, at a CarPresto location you book online. If anything differs from what you told us, we show you why and you can decline.
    Carvana
    Visual inspection and diagnostic check at the pickup or drop-off appointment. A mismatch leads to an updated offer.
    Source
    Carvana page for how the car is checkedChecked September 15, 2026

  • Who buys your car

    CarPresto
    One of the franchised VIP Auto Group dealerships. They line up their best offer and you get one firm offer.
    Carvana
    Carvana, a national online retailer.
    Source
    Carvana page for who buys your carChecked September 15, 2026

  • When and how you are paid

    CarPresto
    Paid by check at handoff, after the appraisal is complete and the paperwork is signed.
    Carvana
    Check handed to you at the appointment, or ACH direct deposit that normally takes 2 to 5 business days.
    Source
    Carvana page for when and how you are paidChecked September 15, 2026

  • Local presence

    CarPresto
    Participating dealerships across NY, NJ, CT, serving sellers within about 75 miles. You book your appraisal at the one that suits you.
    Carvana
    Drop-off at Carvana hubs and vending machines. Pickup offered in specific locations for a charge.
    Source
    Carvana page for local presenceChecked September 15, 2026

Who each one fits

CarPresto
CarPresto fits sellers within about 75 miles of a participating dealership in NY, NJ, CT, with a car 10 years old or newer that runs and drives. You see a market estimate first, then a firm offer at a free in-person appraisal, good for 7 days.
Carvana
Carvana may suit you if you plan to buy your next car from Carvana and want the trade-in handled in the same order. Source, checked September 15, 2026.

How CarPresto works

  1. Step 1: Get your estimate

  2. Step 2: Book your appraisal

  3. Step 3: Get your firm offer

  4. Step 4: Sign and get paid

  5. Step 5: We handle the payoff

Every step in full is on the how it works section. The first number you see is an estimate, not an offer.

Questions sellers ask

Are there any fees?

None. No appraisal fee, no admin or processing fee and no listing fee. You never pay CarPresto anything.

What you receive is the offer amount plus your $500 bonus, less any loan or lease payoff we handle for you. Everything is itemized before you sign.

Read this answer on the FAQ page

How long is my offer good for?

Your firm offer stands for 7 days. The exact expiration date and time are printed on the offer and in your portal. There is no countdown and no pressure to decide on the spot.

If it expires, you can request a refreshed offer from your portal. Market prices move, so the refreshed amount can be higher or lower.

Read this answer on the FAQ page

What if the appraisal finds something different?

We show you exactly what we found and how it changes the number. You can accept the firm offer or decline it. Declining costs nothing and you keep your car.

Differences are usually condition items that did not come up online, such as a warning light, tire wear or a repair that was not mentioned. Honest answers in the condition step are the best way to keep your firm offer close to your estimate.

Read this answer on the FAQ page

Can I change my mind?

Yes, at any point before you sign the purchase agreement, with no penalty and nothing owed. You can skip the appraisal, decline your firm offer, or simply stop.

After you sign, the sale is a completed contract. We explain every document before you sign it, and you can ask a question first.

Read this answer on the FAQ page

See what local dealerships would pay

Market estimate in about two minutes. Firm offer at a free appraisal. No fees.

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