Last Updated on March 3, 2024
The automotive market isn’t short of retailers offering all manner of used cars, ranging from secondhand utility vans to used luxury sports cars.
However, finding secondhand car dealerships that check all the boxes can be a painstaking process. Fortunately, there’s one company that promises premium-quality used automobiles at pocket-friendly prices – Vroom.
But is Vroom a trustworthy secondhand auto retailer? Well, let’s find out.
What Is Vroom?
Vroom is an e-commerce company that allows consumers to buy, sell, and finance their automobiles. The company was founded in August 2013 by Kevin Westfall and Marshall Chesrown. It currently has its headquarters in New York City, New York, United States.
Besides dealing in used cars, Vroom also operates an auto refurbishing facility located in Stafford, Texas.
Company Overview
- Company Name: Vroom
- Industry: Automotive
- Sector: Online Retail
- Company Type: For Profit
- Founders: Kevin Westfall and Marshall Chesrown
- Month Founded: August 2013
- Current Headquarters: New York City, New York, United States
- Availability: United States
- Operating Status: Active
- Official Website Link: http://vroom.com/
How Did Vroom Begin?
Vroom traces its roots back to August 2013. The company was established by Kevin Westfall and Marshall Chesrown. It was formerly known as AutoAmerica, before changing its name to Vroom in November 2014.
In 2015, Vroom featured in Forbes’ list of ‘the Hottest E-Commerce Startups.’ The secondhand auto retailer generated a profit of $900 that year, the bulk of which came from its acquisition of the Houston-based company – Texas Direct Auto.
Despite experiencing a chain of financial highs and lows over the years, Vroom has continually maintained its position as one of the most reliable online used car dealers.
Is Vroom Legit?
Vroom is a legitimate and trustworthy online secondhand auto retailer. The company maintains a massive collection of used cars from nearly all globally renowned automakers.
Vroom reconditions all its secondhand vehicles before selling them. The company automates the refurbishment processes using proprietary RFID tracking and prioritization software. This ensures that the automobiles look and perform nearly as great as brand new ones.
All cars purchased from Vroom’s website come with a seven-day money-back guarantee and a 90-day bumper-to-bumper warranty. Besides, the retailer’s shipping and return policies are consumer-friendly.
In addition to providing a vast array of premium-quality secondhand automobiles, Vroom also buys used cars. In other words, you can purchase a used car from Vroom, cruise in it for several months and then trade it back if it’s still in ‘acceptable condition.’
However, while Vroom won’t try to scam you out of your money, it’s still important to conduct your due diligence while shopping for used cars on the retail website.
Read the description of each vehicle carefully before placing your order. Ensure you’re up to speed with crucial information pertaining to the automobile, including its model, mileage, fuel efficiency, and engine type.
Is Vroom Available In My Country?
Presently, Vroom only serves the United States market. So, you can only enjoy the company’s services if residing within the US.
How Do I Get Started On Vroom?
To enjoy Vroom’s secondhand auto services, you’ll need to register for an account on the platform by following the below procedure;
i. Head to Vroom’s official website at https://www.vroom.com/
ii. Proceed to the ‘Login’ tab located at the top right corner of the website and click ‘REGISTER’ from the dropdown menu.
iii. Fill out the following fields – First Name, Last Name, Email Address, Phone, and Password.
iv. Once signed up, you can click on BUY, SELL/TRADE, or FINANCE, depending on the service you’re looking to procure from the website.
How Do I Shop For Used Cars On Vroom?
The process of buying secondhand cars from Vroom generally unfolds as follows;
i. Head to Vroom’s official homepage and click ‘BUY,’ or manually search for this link on your browser – https://www.vroom.com/cars
ii. Sample the featured products and see if you can find what you’re looking for.
Alternatively, you can search for cars directly by entering the vehicle’s name and specifications on the large search function located at the top of Vroom’s homepage, or based on the listed categories.
Vroom lets you search for its used automobiles by brand. Popular automobile brands the company partners with include;
• Acura
• Alfa Romeo
• Audi
• BMW
• Buick
• Cadillac
• Chevrolet
• Chrysler
• Dodge
• FIAT
• Ford
• GMC
• Genesis
• Honda
• Hyundai
• INFINITY
• Jaguar
• Jeep
• Kia
• Land Rover
• Lexus
• Lincoln
• MINI
• Maserati
• Mazda
• Mercedes-Benz
• Mitsubishi
• Nissan
• Polestar
• Porsche
• Ram
• Scion
• Smart
• Subaru
• Tesla
• Toyota
• Volkswagen
• Volvo
You can also filter by other parameters, including;
• Body type – Convertible, coupe, hatchback, minivan, sedan, SUV, truck, and wagon
• Color – White, black, grey, silver, red, orange, brown, gold, yellow, green, blue, and purple
• Year – 2000 to 2022
• Price – $4,000 to $125,000
• Mileage
• Fuel & Efficiency – Gasoline, diesel, gas/electronic hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric, and others
• Engine & Drivetrain (Transmission) – All, automatic only, and manual only
• Engine & Drivetrain (Drive Type) – (4×4) Four-Wheel Drive, (AWD) All Wheel Drive, (FWD) Front Wheel Drive, and (RWD) Rear Wheel Drive
• Engine & Drivetrain (Engine Cylinders) – 4 cylinder, 6 cylinder, 8 cylinder, and others (5, electric, etc.)
• Popular Features – Android auto, Apple CarPlay, heated seats, rearview camera, remote start, sunroof, third-row seating, etc.
iii. After honing in on the car you’re looking for, check to ensure it’s not tagged ‘Available Soon.’
Such vehicles are currently unavailable, hence not ready for purchase.
iv. If all looks great, complete your purchase using your preferred payment getaway.
How Does Vroom’s Payment and Shipping Work?
To pay for cars on Vroom, proceed as follows;
i. Click on ‘Start Purchase’ and then select from any of the following payment options;
• ACH – Most recommended
• Credit and debit cards
• Bank wire transfers
NOTE: If paying by bank transfer, you’ll need to contact Vroom at (855) 534-3755 for the company’s bank information.
ii. Next, Vroom will require you to specify your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
After that, one of its specialists will contact you with a link to which you can submit a clear photo of your driver’s license and insurance documents.
iii. Place the specified non-refundable deposit.
You’ll receive paperwork detailing the purchase terms. Review and sign where indicated, then email back the signed document.
iv. Vroom will inspect your car one more time and prepare it for delivery.
Allow for between 10 and 14 days to receive your car.
v. As soon as the shipment arrives, check your vehicle for temporary tags for an immediate road test.
vi. Check your email for details on titling, registration, and financing (if you financed your car with Vroom).
NOTE: If you’re unpleased with the car, you can return it within 7 days and before covering 250 miles.
How Do I Sell My Car To Vroom?
To sell your car to Vroom,
i. Head to https://www.vroom.com/sell and complete the form by indicating your vehicle’s license plate or VIN, mileage, condition, history, and other features.
Vroom will appraise your vehicle based on the availed information and share a quote that is valid for another seven days or 250 additional miles.
ii. If you’re satisfied with the quote, upload clear pictures of your ID and registration.
Vroom’s specialists will contact you for further discussions on the modalities and then schedule a free pick-up location.
iii. Once Vroom receives the vehicle, the company will send you a check within 2 – 3 business days.
Conclusion
Vroom is a leader in the used car retail market. The company avails secondhand vehicles from globally renowned automotive brands.
The only drawback to Vroom is that the retailer is still limited to the United States market. But if you reside in the US and are searching for a trustworthy secondhand car dealer, you should definitely search in the direction of Vroom.