Vroom: 2023 Auto loan review

Vroom features

Vroom is known for its convenient delivery process but lacks financing transparency.

Vroom, an online used vehicle selling platform similar to Carvana, is growing in popularity — over 19,400 vehicles sold in quarter one of 2022 — due to its ease of purchase and range of vehicle options. While Vroom does not offer financing itself, it works with over a dozen banks and lending partners to coordinate financing for drivers.

The process is done fully online, up to the vehicle delivery at your doorstep. The financing process should take only five minutes following vehicle choice and most drivers receive an instant financing offer.

Do you qualify? 

Vroom does not disclose requirements for financing because it partners with different credit unions and banks. You’ll generally be eligible for the most competitive financing terms if you have good or excellent credit, but past credit issues (including bankruptcy) won’t necessarily prevent you from securing a loan. Most lenders also want to see a steady stream of income to confirm you can afford the loan payments. 

What we like and what we don’t like

Weigh the benefits and drawbacks of financing with the popular vehicle delivery site prior to signing off.

What we like

• Return period. Vroom gives you seven days (or 250 miles) to decide if your new vehicle is right for you. 
• Prequalification offered. Prequalifying will help you lock in expected rates prior to submitting a full application, and it won’t hurt your credit score
• Registration handled. Vroom will take care of vehicle paperwork on your behalf and simply mail your plates and registration to you. 

What we don't like

• Limited vehicle inventory. Vehicles using financing through Vroom can only be purchased from the Vroom inventory.   
• Potentially steep delivery fee. Although the delivery fee is undisclosed and based on the location, drivers should prepare for a high price tag.  
• Not available in all states. Vehicle financing through Vroom is  not available in Pennsylvania. 

How to contact Vroom 

Assistance can be found by calling 855-524-1300 or via chat during undisclosed hours. While the site does offer extensive FAQs broken down to specific issues it is challenging to navigate through.  

Auto loan types offered 

Vroom offers vehicle financing for used cars as well as options for trade-in from its online inventory.  Financing for Vroom’s used vehicles comes directly from its lending  partners, including Ally, Chase (Vroom Financial Services by Chase), Santander Consumer USA, United Auto Credit and Westlake Financial. Following prequalification Vroom will match you with financing.

For example, if you were to finance a $25,000 vehicle as a good credit driver your APR would be around 8.99 percent as of Dec. 2022. Another lender Vroom partners with, Ally, offers loans as big as $300,000 or as little as $1,000. If you wish to trade in your vehicle, Vroom will match you with a car specialist to get an appraisal.

How to apply for a loan with Vroom 

The fully online vehicle purchase and financing process is outlined simply on its website.