5 Reasons Buyers Are Choosing DriveTime Over Traditional Dealerships
Shopping for a used car should feel exciting. Yet for many buyers, the same questions arise:
Will I be approved? Can I find a car that fits my budget? Will the numbers change at the dealership? And can I trust the vehicle I choose?
These concerns are especially common among shoppers who have previously been denied, judged, or left without clear answers. DriveTime offers a different approach; one designed to give buyers more clarity, control, and confidence throughout the process.
Here are five reasons some used-car shoppers are choosing DriveTime over traditional dealerships.
1. You Can Get Approved Before Visiting
At a traditional dealership, shoppers often choose a vehicle before they know how the financing will work. DriveTime gives buyers access to that information sooner.
DriveTime’s online application takes about 2 minutes. Shoppers can get approved online without a credit hit, giving them a clearer idea of where they stand before spending an afternoon at a dealership. The company also approves 99% of people who apply online, which may reassure those worried about qualifying.
They use a soft credit pull for their online approval process. A hard credit pull is still required in-store to complete the purchase.
2. You Can See the Numbers Before Choosing a Car
DriveTime displays real, personalized terms on individual cars online, including the down payment and monthly payment options a shopper qualifies for based on their application. Buyers can also see the vehicle price upfront before visiting the dealership, so they know what to expect going into the process.
That makes it easier to compare thousands of used cars based on their personalized terms and focus on options that fit the buyer’s budget.
3. Your Credit Score Does Not Define the Experience
Recent consumer research found that almost half of credit-challenged buyers worried about being judged because of their credit. DriveTime takes a more inclusive approach, serving customers across the full credit spectrum, from great credit to bad credit to no established credit history.
Financing terms still depend on each individual application, but DriveTime’s personalized approach considers the shopper’s financial situation instead of treating every buyer the same.
For people who have previously been denied, dismissed, or made to feel uncomfortable while shopping for a car, the experience can feel more approachable.
4. You Can Do More Online – Then Test-Drive Before Committing
DriveTime combines online convenience with the ability to see and test-drive a vehicle in person.
Shoppers can get approved, view their terms, browse available cars, and schedule a visit online. They can then visit one of DriveTime’s 147 dealerships across 30 states to test-drive their chosen vehicle and work with a dealership employee who can answer questions and guide them through the remaining steps.
DriveTime also uses a standardized, no-haggle process across its dealerships, helping create a more straightforward and consistent in-store experience. With many of the initial steps already completed online, buyers can spend less time waiting for answers and more time deciding whether the car is right for them.
5. Every Purchase Comes With Added Protection
Financing and convenience matter, but buyers also want confidence in the vehicle they are taking home. Recent consumer research found that 53% of respondents were concerned about reliability when shopping for a used car.
Every DriveTime purchase includes a free AutoCheck vehicle history report, a five-day return policy, and a 30-day/1,500-mile limited warranty. Buyers can also inspect and test-drive the vehicle before committing.
Final Thoughts
DriveTime gives shoppers more control over the car-buying journey – from understanding their financing options and comparing personalized terms to test-driving a vehicle before committing. Its consistent dealership experience and built-in buyer protections offer additional reassurance at each stage.