DriveTime Reviews

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About DriveTime

DriveTime Automotive Group Inc., based out of Phoenix, Arizona, operates more than 140 dealerships in the U.S. and is one of the nation's largest used car dealership networks. The company focuses on helping you find a great vehicle, and its approval process lets you know your down payment and monthly payments before you start shopping.

Pros
  • Quick application process
  • Five-day return guarantee
  • Options for all credit backgrounds
Cons
  • Interest rates on the higher end

Featured Reviews

Aransas Pass, TX
Verified purchase
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 ...

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Bakersfield, CA
Verified purchase
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...

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What is DriveTime?

DriveTime.com is an online car-buying site with more than 140 dealerships across the United States. DriveTime has a streamlined process for financing and buying cars for people with different credit histories.

You can complete the application process online and see financing terms for the company’s thousands of used cars for sale without impacting your credit score. Each used car, truck, van or SUV includes a free AutoCheck history report and comes with a five-day return policy and a 30-day/1,500-mile limited warranty.

How does DriveTime work?

DriveTime’s dealership employees, referred to as customer experience guides (CEGs), are salaried employees who do not work on commission, which means you’re less likely to face pushy sales tactics. The company’s CEGs provide customers with the most useful information possible to help you find the right vehicle for your situation.

The DriveTime Advice Center on the company’s website has a wealth of resources on credit scores, auto financing and personal savings goals. You can search for the nearest DriveTime location on the company’s website to view vehicles in person.

DriveTime used car inventory

DriveTime has thousands of vehicles at over 140 locations in the United States, so customers looking for their next car or SUV have no shortage of choices. When browsing cars online on DriveTime’s website, you can view each vehicle’s safety rating, features, mileage and AutoCheck history report. DriveTime also accepts trade-ins.

DriveTime payment

All financing for a DriveTime purchase is done in-house, and the company is 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.

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 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.
  • Five-day return policy: If you are dissatisfied with your vehicle for whatever reason, you can return it to DriveTime within five days.
  • Complimentary 30-day/1,500-mile limited 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” dealership?

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

Does DriveTime work with bad credit?

DriveTime works with people with all credit histories, including car buyers with poor or bad credit.

Does DriveTime take trade-ins?

DriveTime does accept trade-ins. You can start the trade-in process online and complete it at one of the company’s physical dealerships.

Is DriveTime good?

DriveTime is a good option for car buyers of all credit backgrounds who want a streamlined financing and purchasing process. 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-mile limited warranty make it a solid choice for your next vehicle purchase.

DriveTime Reviews

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    2 featured reviews
    How do I know I can trust these reviews about DriveTime?
    • 4,773,849 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
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    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
    Page 1 Reviews 0 - 5
    Verified purchase
    Staff

    Reviewed June 9, 2025

    I finally had the car I've always wanted, it was perfect. All the features I wanted, the size I needed for my family, AND it was a beautiful, bright red. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be. 30 days after my purchase, while on my way to the grocery store, someone hit me. Listen, I don't have a lot of money, I was pushing it with the new car, but I really worked hard and wanted it. I knew this process of totaling out my new baby and getting the loan (of which I have yet to even make my first payment) paid off.

    The dealership where she came from said they could not finance me for another vehicle, even a stripped-down version, until the first one was cleared. DriveTime came to my rescue, not only approving me, but helping me navigate the whole process. My salesman, Chris was kind and knowledgeable. The staff was friendly and attentive. They even drove me back from the car rental place so I didn't have to worry about that! Thank you, DriveTime Chattanooga for going above and beyond for a brokenhearted driver in need.

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      Verified purchase
      Staff

      Reviewed May 21, 2025

      I walked in on Saturday afternoon after going online n getting approved. I was met by Enrique he asked me what I was looking for so I let him know what I saw on the site and what I wanted. He let me n my husband go for a test drive. After getting back we started all the paperwork but unfortunately I left without my new car BC of no fault of the dealership I didn't bring everything I needed.

      I got home and found what they needed I emailed Enrique after 6pm and even though the dealership was closed he still processed everything. So on Monday morning he got to work and called me to let me know I could pick it up I told him let me get dressed and I'll be right over. 15 mins I was there unfortunately Enrique was helping someone else so Larry came out and finished up the paperwork. I was so excited. So I'm gonna say this RUN don't walk to drivetime n get you a car because I know we'll be back to get my husband a new car soon. Thank you so much Enrique and Larry. Y'all were both amazing and super helpful..

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceStaff

      Reviewed April 29, 2025

      I love this place. I filled out my application online and had a call the next hour and was happy that they set me up with an appointment and then I had some questions and the manager called me and answered all my questions and concerns and he told me what my down payment was and my monthly payment would be and he hit it right on the first try and they are up front and honest about anything they tell you and they treat you like family. Only thing was in the car lot for a while but it was a good experience just I drove a long way to get the car I wanted and it was there and got me in my new car when no one else could. They do everything to get you in the car you want and the down payment you want, if not they try so hard and they promised me I would drive off the lot with a car and I did just that. The staff is very nice and respectful and they take care of you. Free coffee, water, cookies while you wait.

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      Verified purchase
      Financing

      Reviewed March 12, 2025

      It was a wonderful buying experience typical of the time it takes to get a car. We were there for about 3 and 1/2 hours. Belinda was wonderful. We went to the one out on McKnight Road in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. The only problem that I would have to say needs to be addressed was I did give her my pay stub and my pay situation which is the most legit job I've ever had LOL. But apparently the pay stub looked phony to them and I put my money on a prepaid card even though I do have a bank account and I do that for personal reasons, but the financing company really gave her a hard time about proving my pay stub and that it was actually going on my card which we had proof of but they wanted her to jump through all these hoops and cut and paste certain parts of the bank statement and I use Bluebird by American Express.

      So maybe look into that and see if for people that don't use bank accounts and use prepaid cards to put their money on make it a little easier for your employees to get because she really had to jump through hoops to show them and it was ridiculous. All they had to do is look my social security number up and they could see that I was working where I was working. Other than that the experience was wonderful and that grip had nothing to do with Belinda, she really fought through with Bridgestone really being a pain in the ** for that pay stub for that proof of pay.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer Service

      Reviewed Jan. 29, 2025

      My recent experience purchasing my vehicle was good overall. The customer service was good and the process was seamless. My only complaint would be the cleanliness of the vehicle. Records show the car arrived on 1/23/25 and I test-drove the car on 1/25 and purchased the vehicle on 1/27 in the evening. Given that timeline, I would have expected the vehicle to be cleaner but it was not. The car was barely vacuumed and still dirty on the inside. Cupholders had caked on dirt which looked like it was not even attempted to be cleaned. A large white stain was still on the seatbelt in the back as well and the trunk was covered in a layer of dirt that we easily vacuumed. We even found a used vape pen which could have easily been removed if the car was cleaned better. The outside was also covered in dirt.

      I understand the vehicle is used but my previous Drive Time vehicle purchase was not like this and care had been taken into cleaning that vehicle. If you have a potential buyer that is returning to look at a car again it might seal the deal if the car was clean and looked appealing. This experience will not stop me from shopping at Drive Time again, as stated, the customer service and the process is very easy and there is little stress involved. But I would encourage the team to ensure a clean car to improve the overall customer experience.

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      Verified purchase
      Sales & MarketingStaff

      Reviewed Nov. 7, 2025

      Tyler & the entire staff was awesome. From the GM, Assistant GM & the entire sales staff was first class. Would highly recommend. They made the experience very easy & with options that best fit one's budget. Very courteous & professional. Very simple & straightforward process.

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      Profile pic of the author.
      Staff

      Reviewed Nov. 6, 2025

      Yes, I will join the ranks of satisfied customers. I have very good impressions from visiting this car dealership. The staff was friendly and helpful, taking the time to answer all my questions. They made sure that I understood all the details and helped me feel comfortable throughout the process. Overall, I am happy with the service and recommend them to others.

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      Customer ServiceMaintenanceRates

      Reviewed Nov. 3, 2025

      No option for 0 stars. I was told about prior wreck damage after the lease was signed. It was spoken of lightly. After closer inspection, prior damage was significant. 8 months after purchase had to get a new engine (warranty only allowed used engine). A few months after that, I had to buy a new battery (1 year after purchase). Currently dealing with possible wiring issues. Vehicle cuts off at any time, rarely starts on 1st attempt. (This is the 2nd attempt to fix this issue) 😡 This company uses predatory practices & needs to be investigated. Can’t get out of this high interest contract. Additions don’t work (i e, vehicle location). Customer service is horrible and deceptive.

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      DriveTime
      Response from DriveTime

      Thank you for leaving your review, Jen. 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.

      Resolution In Progress
      CoverageTechPunctuality & SpeedMaintenance

      Reviewed Oct. 31, 2025

      I bought a car in March and had to return it because the window stopped working and wouldn’t go all the way up. They told me it wasn’t covered under warranty. Now, 7 months later, the brand new battery they installed before the test drive is dead, and they’re saying it’s not covered under anything.

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      DriveTime
      Response from DriveTime

      Thank you for leaving your review, Ruben. 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 send us a DM or call our Customer Relations Department at (888) 290-0148.

      Verified purchase
      Sales & MarketingPriceStaffBilling

      Reviewed Oct. 26, 2025

      In all my years of buying cars, this was indeed my best experience. Purchasing a car should be a fun experience, but many dealerships take away the excitement leaving you wondering if you will even be able to afford the car you want to drive. With DriveTime I received a large amount of keys, and was told to go pick your vehicle. No salesperson following you, you are given the opportunity to really enjoy the experience. I found a car, and to my surprise within an hour or two I was on my way home with my new vehicle. Very pleasant staff, very affordable prices and when they say to “Pick your down payment “ that’s what they mean. I have found a dealership that I will be dealing with from now on, thank you!!

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      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

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