DriveTime

DriveTime

 4.5/5 (507 reviews)
  • 5 stars
  • 4 stars
  • 3 stars
  • 2 stars
  • 1 stars
Live agent
Saved
DriveTime

About DriveTime

DriveTime Automotive Group Inc., based out of Phoenix, Arizona is one of the nation's largest used car dealership networks focused on providing customers with a great used vehicle.

Overall Satisfaction Rating

  • 5 stars
  • 4 stars
  • 3 stars
  • 2 stars
  • 1 stars

Pros

  • Quick application process
  • 5-day return guarantee
  • Options for poor credit and no credit

Cons

  • Interest rates on the higher end

Bottom Line

DriveTime specializes in used vehicles for people with poor or no credit. Good customer service and a quick application process make up for the fact exact interest rates aren’t available on their website.

Top DriveTime Reviews

How do I know I can trust these reviews about DriveTime?
  • 4,211,805 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
  • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
  • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
  • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our FAQ.

Rated with 5 stars
Verified

Customer service was right on, upbeat, extremely helpful and gave me exactly what I asked for and everything I wanted in and with the car. Went over the car with me and made sure ...

Read full review
Rated with 5 stars
Verified

I had a great experience at DriveTime. They let me pick the car I want and ask me how much I would like to put down and they were so friendly and nice. Had a great time buying one...

Read full review

What is DriveTime?

DriveTime.com is an online car buying site with 138 accompanying physical dealerships nationwide. DriveTime specializes in providing auto financing for people with weak credit or no credit. It just takes two minutes to fill out an online application and see if DriveTime can work with you to get the right car. Unlike some online car buying sites, DriveTime owns all of its dealerships, so it knows the vehicles they are selling.

How does DriveTime work?

The salespeople at DriveTime are salaried employees, relieving pressure on their part to make a sale. Instead, they are focused on providing customers with the most useful information possible. The DriveTime website has a wealth of resources on credit scores, auto financing and personal savings goals. You can search for the nearest DriveTime location on their website to view cars in person.

DriveTime used car inventory

As of this writing, the DriveTime inventory was 13,000 strong. With 13,000 vehicles to choose from at 138 DriveTime locations, you’ll have no shortage of choices. When you’re looking at cars online with DriveTime, you can view their safety ratings, features,  mileage and Kelley Blue Book pricing. DriveTime also accepts trade-ins.

DriveTime payment

All financing for a DriveTime purchase is done in-house, and they are open to accepting any credit score, including no credit at all. DriveTime down payments will vary based on the price of the vehicle and the customer’s financial situation. The 45-day hold on vehicles allows customers time to gather their down payment before officially paying for the car.

DriveTime features

Other features from DriveTime include:

  • Two-minute online approval: All you have to do is enter some basic information, and in a few minutes you’ll know whether or not you’ve been approved for DriveTime financing.
  • Free AutoCheck vehicle history reports: To see the full history of your vehicle and make sure it hasn’t been in any accidents, just view the AutoCheck report that comes with every DriveTime vehicle.
  • Rigorous inspection process: Every DriveTime vehicle undergoes strict inspection to ensure it is in good working condition.
  • 5-day return policy: If you are dissatisfied with your vehicle for whatever reason, you can return it to DriveTime within 5 days.
  • 45-day holds for vehicles: Having trouble scrounging up a down payment? A 45-day hold allows you time to gather up the money you need to make a down payment.
  • Vehicle delivery: If you find a vehicle you like at a DriveTime location that isn’t the one nearest to you, DriveTime can ship it to a closer location.
  • Complimentary 30-day/1,500-mile warranty: This warranty will help keep you covered in case of an unexpected breakdown or another malfunction of the vehicle.
  • Range of options for down payments: Depending on your current financial situation, DriveTime can allow for varying amounts of down payments.

DriveTime FAQ

Is DriveTime a buy here pay here?

Yes. You can apply for financing through a DriveTime location, which makes it a buy here pay here (BHPH) dealership.

What is DriveTime Select?

Also called the DriveTime CHAMP program, DriveTime Select rewards customers for paying off their auto loan balances.

Does DriveTime work with bad credit?

Yes. DriveTime specializes in selling vehicles to people with bad credit.

Does DriveTime take trade-ins?

DriveTime does accept trade-ins. You can have your car appraised in person and decide if you want to trade it in.

Does DriveTime have GPS on their cars?

Yes. DriveTime uses GPS to keep track of a vehicle’s location.

Is DriveTime good?

DriveTime is a good option for people who have either no credit or less than optimal credit. DriveTime has more than just a wide array of used cars at fair prices. Additional features like a five-day vehicle return policy and a 30-day/1,500 limited warranty make it a solid choice for your next vehicle purchase.

DriveTime Reviews

Top reviews
  • Top reviews
  • Recent
  • Oldest
  • Most helpful
Any
  • Any
  • Rated with 5 stars
  • Rated with 4 stars
  • Rated with 3 stars
  • Rated with 2 stars
  • Rated with 1 star

A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit.

2 featured reviews
How do I know I can trust these reviews about DriveTime?
  • 4,211,805 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
  • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
  • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
  • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our FAQ.

Page 1 Reviews 0 - 5
Rated with 5 stars
Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
Original review: March 14, 2023

I just would like to say THANK YOU to both Charles ** and Jovarny ** for everything. From the first day my fiancé and I walked in we instantly felt welcomed, on all three visits. Which is great especially in the auto industry and when it comes to buying a car. Charles was very patient and understanding with us on the day, we had thought we would be leaving in our new car. He explained that it does happen especially with it being a weekend, and it was okay if we had to come back. This also showed that he cared and was not eager to push us off, while he assisted new customers, especially with how busy they were, that day. Charles simply placed our car on hold and made us a new appointment for the following day, being Monday.

Our third and final day was absolutely stress free and exciting. We were instantly welcomed again, by Jovarny. Being everyone else was assisting other customers Jovarny approached us and told us that he would be doing our final walkthrough/checklist. Which personally is something that I was really impressed with. It gives that piece of mind that all the bells and whistles on your "new vehicle" are all working properly. Like for us our Android Auto was not connecting properly, but Jovarny showed us that Apple Car Play was it was just a matter of a simple cord connection.

The process was never rushed or felt rushed, he took his time and went over everything with us and made sure we understood everything. Overall, this whole experience for the both of us was one of the better experiences in car buying. We were never rushed, pressured, or overwhelmed by any of it. Yes, it was stressful getting to where we are now, yet thanks to DriveTime, more importantly thank you to Charles and Jovarny, for making it all possible!!!

Be the first one to find this review helpful

Not sure how to choose?

Get buying tips about Car Dealers delivered to your inbox.

    By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations.

    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer
    Original review: March 14, 2023

    I have had many experiences with salespeople in my life and I hate to say that they were rarely good ones. All of them have had a very plastic fake scripted approach that insults my intelligence, until now. I have never been moved enough to take away any of my time and write a review, but this person just cannot go unnoticed!

    In the past I’ve enjoyed “toying” with a salesman’s best “A-game” sales pitch. I let them think their best “I care about you” fake words are working. And then take great pleasure in letting them know how see through they are and how NOT stupid I am. But this person changed all that. Her name is “Tia ** a sales lady at Drive Time in Chesapeake, Va. This person I speak of here & now, I will personally back up as a real heartfelt, truly care about you, professional guide in finding the perfect fit for anyone. I come with lots of detailed questions backed up with over 40 years of experience as a professional automotive mechanic. This very personal lady somehow knew my questions and answered them without me asking them. Tia ** clearly has a love and passion for what she does. I stand firm with my recommendation of this truly caring, professional woman!

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: July 20, 2022

    Raneta was one of the most thorough and knowledgeable persons I have ever met in life. Honestly I don't know why she isn't a manager of her own dealership. As far as quality control goes Drivetime needs to terminate all of its inspectors and get new ones that have basic mechanical experience. I have noticed a lot of battery issues.

    The Temple Hills location was full of them. Either the batteries that are installed are not the proper batteries. Or batteries are being removed and charged and placed back in vehicles overcharged. My car had a vacuum leak which I could identify that's how loud it was. Transmission fluid was low. Oil definitely should have been changed. Oil filter had not been changed. Fuel filter had not been changed. The air filter had not been changed. I am like omg so Drive time is selling cars as is, with a good clean up. I am keeping the car because it deserves a better owner. Fingers crossed my car passes Maryland inspection.

    5 people found this review helpful
    Rated with 4 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: April 18, 2022

    Went in on Friday with an appointment. Efrain helped me but did not seem that interested really. Saw a car I liked said I would bring my significant other when he got off. Went back about 7 found a couple other cars he wanted to look at. Everything was a process and a waiting game. We found an Equinox but down payment was more then we had. Asked if any wiggle room and was told no. Asked him to reserve it till the next morning.

    We made appt for 12:30. Already knew which car we wanted. A girl proceeded to help us. It was another very slow process. They had all of info and had been verified. She did not introduce herself and when almost done found out her name was Dana. We literally did not leave there until about 3:15. For everything being verified it should never have taken that long. Oh and when I called to make appt and informed Will we were going to put down to hold it. No wiggle room but yet he lowered the down to $1550. Makes no sense. I love the car and so hope it is a reliable car. So just not thrilled with the sales people and the wait.

    11 people found this review helpful
    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: March 25, 2022

    This wasn't my first time buying from DRIVE Time... Now that's all I'll say on that one. BUT, this time The Team at the 2401 South Virginia St. Reno, Nevada, was Awesome!!!! I started the process With Jacob, but my job's worksheet was down for routine maintenance. So I had to wait another day to be able to drive off the lot. I was approved by the finance company they just needed a most recent pay stubs to release the loan. Now my credentials are not the best at all but they was able to get me financed with a not so bad finance app.

    Now when I came in the next day Bo assisted me by helping me however she could even though my new phone was too new and not every app had uploaded yet. So quick thinking that she is she just shared the doc thru her email then she updated it. She worked as fast as she could to have finance approval pushed forward, seeing as I had to be to work that day I was late but I had to get a car.

    My life as well as my disabled and dying mother's health and safety was at risk if I lost my job. Now once Bo asked me all my probing questions on my likes and dislikes in cars what kind I was looking for and if at all what do I not want. Using that with everything and then teaming with GABBY, who is awesomeness incarnate... The best she pulled around a car that we had looked at but just wasn't at the top but definitely nowhere near the bottom. Now I understand I can afford what I can and they still helped get me into a very nice car.. GABBY was WHAT I CALL THE TRIPLE F Rating, now I know but just wait. Fast, Friendly, and took my needs and worries onto herself and Fiercely haggle the Underwriting and get me the assistance that I needed to drive off the lot in a nice clean newer car that checked off 80% of my list I needed the car to fill in my needs of a car.

    All I want to say is this team is great and rocks.... Jacob, you're the man spam... Bo, you was the brightest start to my day and then helped me to go even further in my career by taking my needs as your own and starting me on the great choice that you choose for me. Much love... Now I want to talk about this crazy awesome finisher named Gabby, wow that's the start she is awesome sauce... Lol she made the whole underwriting and contract understandable and informed me of all the great specials that drive time has for any and all... She made me feel like she wants to be my sister and take care of her older brother. I will forever be in debt with the care, Gabby, Bo and Jacob gave to my situation... Thanks again and I will be your man on the streets pushing your dealership.

    Thanks again and for all,

    Bryant **

    Reno, Nevada 89523

    7 people found this review helpful
    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: March 17, 2023

    This was my first time actually shopping with Drivetime, and from the very beginning the customer service was friendly and the front desk personnel were exceptionally helpful but one person in particular that really stood out to me and did her best and went above and beyond to make sure that I left that facility with a vehicle was Denise **. She was awesome from the beginning to the end. She didn't rush anything. She explained everything thoroughly. She helped me get the car that I wanted, the car that I've been looking for and she did her job with the utmost respect, clarity, diligence and sympathy and sincerity in her heart that you could possibly ever find from a person. Denise ** went above and beyond.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: March 17, 2023

    Excellent service. I had an emergency and couldn’t finish the sale and your staff was wonderful and accommodating especially for my situation. This is my second vehicle with you guys and I am pleased as I was the last time. I plan to come back when I want my next one. Aaron is the best! I highly recommend him.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: March 17, 2023

    Salesman was very informed. The availability of the cars was well-defined. Due to weather conditions viewing cars was hindered. I am a returning customer so most of information was repeat. The process was very easy. However, I am now experiencing a problem with electrical system. Radio first stopped working, now air conditioning not working.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 1 star
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: March 16, 2023

    I have purchased a car from Drive Time less than 2 weeks ago and I am very unsatisfied with the car that I purchased. I purchased a 2018 Nissan Altima and never would expected to have the car in the shop for transmission, tires, front brakes and alignment to be replaced. I have never been so frustrated about a car purchase before and will never recommend your service to anyone cause you have sold me a lemon car and this needs to be informed to other people so they know what to expect from your company.

    DriveTime response

    Thank you for leaving your review, Andrea. We understand that mechanical concerns are never ideal. All our vehicles go through our inspection process which is backed by a Limited Warranty for mechanical failures within the first 30 days/1,500 miles. We also offer a 5-day Vehicle Return Policy, that allows our customers the opportunity to inspect and get comfortable with their purchase. If you have additional questions, please call our Customer Relations Department at (888) 290-0148.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Rated with 5 stars
    Verified Reviewer Verified Buyer
    Original review: March 16, 2023

    Mr ** was excellent in explaining everything. The vehicle so far is great. This is my second vehicle with Drivetime. I hope that I don’t have any issues. I don’t know what else to say. It was an awesome experience.

    Be the first one to find this review helpful
    Loading more reviews...

    DriveTime Company Information

    Social media:
    Company Name:
    DriveTime
    Company Type:
    Private
    Year Founded:
    2002
    Address:
    1720 West Rio Salado
    City:
    Tempe
    State/Province:
    AZ
    Postal Code:
    85281
    Country:
    United States
    Website:
    www.drivetime.com

    Media

    VIDEOS & IMAGES